Old model Blackhawk question

EODJoe · Jun 29, 2019

I just picked a very good condition Ruger old model Blackhawk in .357 Mag. I’ve only fired a few rounds through it before I bought it. Now that I’ve got it home I think I may have a problem. According to the Ruger owners manual the hammer should have four positions:

1. Fully forward
2. Safety notch
3. Loading notch
4. Fully cocked

Mine doesn’t go to the safety notch. It’ll go to the loading notch and fully cocked with no problem. Also, I don’t think this gun ever had the factory safety conversion done. Based on the serial number it was made sometime in 1972. Any help is greatly appreciated since single action revolvers are way outside my knowledge base. Thanks.

dist1646 · Jun 29, 2019

Do you hear 4 clicks when you cock the hammer?
My advise is to avoid the so called safety conversion, It absolutely destroys the value!
If need be, I can look at it for you. Feel free to PM me.
Getting ready to go pick up another old model Blackhawk in a little while since I just got my "not disapproved" notification from MSP.

ken792 · Jun 29, 2019

Is that notch broken on the hammer? Is the trigger sear surface deformed in some way to prevent the safety notch from engaging?

BossmanPJ · Jun 29, 2019

dist1646 said:
Do you hear 4 clicks when you cock the hammer?
My advise is to avoid the so called safety conversion, It absolutely destroys the value!
If need be, I can look at it for you. Feel free to PM me.
Getting ready to go pick up another old model Blackhawk in a little while since I just got my "not disapproved" notification from MSP.

Good advice. Do not convert it. Learn to carry on an open cylinder if you are going to carry it in a holster. They are very nice guns.

dist1646 · Jun 29, 2019

ken792 said:
Is that notch broken on the hammer? Is the trigger sear surface deformed in some way to prevent the safety notch from engaging?

Possible but, the OP says he is not familiar with single actions and the gun would have to be disassembled to determine if that were the case. Since the Op and I are both in Carroll County, I offered to look at it for him. I am very familiar with these.

EODJoe · Jun 29, 2019

dist1646 I sent you a PM.

dist1646 · Jun 29, 2019

Replied.

rob b · Jun 29, 2019

does the loading gate open all the time despite what position the hammer is in ?
also look in the area that the hammer falls is there a bar looking piece of metal just below the firing pin

dist1646 · Jun 29, 2019

rob b said:
does the loading gate open all the time despite what position the hammer is in ?
also look in the area that the hammer falls is there a bar looking piece of metal just below the firing pin

That would be a new model.

rob b · Jun 29, 2019

dist1646 said:
That would be a new model.

I may be wrong but when one is converted I think this is the same

Magnumite · Jun 29, 2019

A converted OM Blackhawk will operate like a New Model. Ensure empty cylinder. Cock the hammer and look at the firing pin. If the conversion has been done you will see a transfer bar behind and maybe a little low on the firing pin.

I bought a November 1956 built flat gate Single Six - my birth year. Never fired but converted. I looked all over for lockwork. Found a set but the increase in value was approximate to the cost of the lockwork.

dist1646 · Jun 30, 2019

We'll know when I look at it later today.

Magnumite, too bad someone converted that 1956 flat gate. I have a single six in mint condition that was made in my birth year, 1958. I still have not shot it.

dist1646 · Jun 30, 2019

I stayed an hour past the agreed meeting time and didn't see the OP. Hope everything is OK.

Magnumite · Jul 1, 2019

1958...very nice. A few subtle variations in those early years.

Except for the conversion, mine was unfired. Too collectible unfired so I let it go. I don’t tolerate guns I shouldn't shoot very well. Unconverted I may have kept it. Made money on it. One thing to consider...folks are holding onto the old lockwork tighter.

Rambler · Jul 1, 2019

If a safety converted revolver has its original removed parts with it, can it be restored to old style as if nothing were done?
In other words, other than parts removal and replacement, were any permanent modifications or machining operations performed to do the factory safety conversion?

Magnumite · Jul 1, 2019

The frame is machined to accept the modification. Removing the conversion parts and replacing with the original lockwork restores it to original operation.

dist1646 · Jul 5, 2019

Looked at it this morning. Late production 3 screw with desirable 4 5/8 barrel. Has the transfer bar conversion. The gun is good to go.

OP, it was nice to meet you and your son this morning. He seems like a pretty intelligent young lad! Enjoy your Ruger!

EODJoe · Jul 7, 2019

Thanks dist1646. I truly appreciate your help.

Old model Blackhawk question

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