What is the lifespan of a Ruger Blackhawk in 357?

The worst part about a Blackhawk is that it won't go off when you pull the trigger.
A Smith will.
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Since no smilies were used, it is difficult to say if this comment was made in jest, sarcasm, or is simply missing the word "only", or "just" and is a comment on the fact that the Blackhawk is a single action and S&Ws are DA revolvers.

It is true that a Blackhawk won't go off from only pulling the trigger. Or from "just pulling the trigger". You have to cock the hammer, FIRST.

With a S&W, and its DA action, you don't. Just pulling the trigger cocks and fires the gun.

I don't consider that the worst part about the Blackhawk. The worst part is the rear sight windage screw!! :rolleyes:
 
I shoulda put in a smiley, hate to have a joke explained.

Since my main application for a revolver calls for double action shooting, I do not have an application for a single action since I got out of CAS. Haven't fired mine in some time.
 
There are people who can ruin a ball bearing with no tools. If one of those folks got ahold of a Ruger Blackhawk or any other kind of gun he could ruin it in an afternoon easily.

Buy the gun, not the story.
 
My dad has one from the 60's that's seen more than it's share of 'hot' rounds, and it finally went out of time and started spitting a few years ago. He's been meaning to send it to Ruger, but hasn't gotten around to it yet.
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Bear in mind that if you send a Three Screw Ruger back to the factory, they will convert it to a Transfer Bar action. It does not matter what you send it back for, they will convert it.
 
It does not matter what you send it back for, they will convert it.
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As I understand it, Ruger is required to do this as part of the legal settlement of a lawsuit they lost. Whether you want them to, or not, they will do it.
 
At first they would return your conventional parts but I have heard that they went to stealing them so you could not reconvert the gun to conventional "dangerous" style.
 
Ruger fixed that problem with the Blackhawk rear sight.... and called it Vaquero.
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Nice one! :D

However, in reality, trading one problem for another isn't fixing the problem.

At first they would return your conventional parts but I have heard that they went to stealing them so you could not reconvert the gun to conventional "dangerous" style.
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Ruger brought out the "NEW MODEL" lockwork about 1973. They have been converting "old model" (three screw) guns at least since then. If by "at first" you mean the SEVERAL DECADES since then, ok... Ruger always returned the parts along with the upgraded gun.

I heard a rumor that Ruger stopped doing that a few years ago, but have never found anyone that actually had that happen to them. From what I hear, IF Ruger actually did that, they have gone back to returning the parts today. I don't know from personal experience; I've never sent them a gun.

In the nearly 50 years this has been going on, your post is the first time I have ever heard anyone claim Ruger was "stealing them so you could not reconvert the gun to conventional "dangerous" style."

Clearly I'm not listening to the same people you are, but to me the phrasing sounds like an angry bitter person with an axe to grind against Ruger, or perhaps gun makers/ owners in general, or more likely, just someone who just wants to stir ...stuff.. to make a stink.
 
Stealing the parts? That's a stretch. Ruger warranty service is quite good. Theft implies you received nothing for the parts they did not return.
 
Intentionally phrased to criticize company policy of not returning the owner's property.
I understand that is likely what their lawyers said to do, but it should have been made clear that your parts were to be EXCHANGED for their parts, especially after a long period of returning those internal parts.

And what of the Cowboy here who got in the unfortunate position of needing to return a "tuned" Vaquero for factory repair to something not covered in the "tuning" and finding stock parts back on his gun when returned?
Liability worries taken out on the customer again.
 
I'm with them

I have been a manufacturer's rep for a good many years. I do tend to take the position of the manufacturer in these situations.

My gig is in health care, loads of "rules and regulations" govern the gear I sell and work with.
In fact similarities exist. The gear I sell can kill ya too, just takes a hell of a lot longer.
Factory repair means just that, the product will be brought up to their current product standards.

There are plenty of companies around the USA that will repair a tuned Ruger revolver.
They will not do so "free" or at low cost. Manufacturer's often have the deepest pockets, thus the Attys focus their cross hairs where the money is.
 
You'd be hard pressed to wear one out. You have my respect if you manage it.

I've heard plenty of reports of OM Rugers getting returned without the old parts. Which is why I suggest you remove them beforehand.


As I understand it, Ruger is required to do this as part of the legal settlement of a lawsuit they lost. Whether you want them to, or not, they will do it.
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It is totally voluntary.
 
mine broke

Broke the transfer bar on mine. No cowboy shooting or mega round count, but considerable dry firing. Gun was bought used , over 30 yrs ago. Ruger sent TWO replacements, free of charge. An interesting thread ran here resultant my.

Jim.......I got the joke.....:)
 
Thread

my........:confused: What intended to state was...... that I started an interesting thread here on this forum, that had numerous intelligent replies.

My laptop has crashed, and I am working with a tiny tablet. Because of my beefy hands, am forced to use a stylus, positing is a chore and mistake prone.:mad:

A search should yield that thread from a few years back, good insight regards broke Ruger transfer bars.
 
Sure

Glad to do it....I should have corrected the post when I saw that error. Better, I should have proof read before I posted. All this B-hawk chat has prompted me to drag mine out and check my zero. I bounce back and forth w/ what load I'm enchanted w/ at the current moment.

Mid range 158 LSWC or full house 158 JHP? Can't recall which load and POI is different enough to matter.
 
depends on how much you shoot it, and how hot your loads are. For most people probably a lifetime or more before it needs maintenance.
 
Gwpercle, great write-up...and your's mirrors my experience with the venerable BH .357. I'm on my 3rd now; two old models with 4-5/8" & 6-1/2" bbls., and most currently, a 50th Anniversary with 4/5/8" bbl., of course. All were/are good; the oldest purchased new in '67 has probably had 40,000 rounds through it, & virtually all were cast wadcutters and LSWC's.

I never went beyond Lyman's published data for any of them, preferring instead mid-level loads at ~ 1000 fps. And all three would produce 2" or better groups at 25 yds on demand if I paid attention to bullet selection after casting.

While I've owned two Colt SAA's in .44 Special, & .45 Colt, I much prefer the Rugers for their adjustable sights and superior strength. Both of my Colts, BTW, shot to the sights...a rarity to be sure.

If strength is your issue...I doubt you could go wrong with a new, or used Ruger BH...and if there is a problem...they'll fix it pronto. Best Regards, Rod
 
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