List of which Ruger revolvers DO and DON'T have internal locks!

[MCMXI]

I don't want to start a huge debate as to the pros and cons of internal locks but my recent experience (and a PM from another member) got me thinking that a list indicating which Ruger revolvers (current production) have or might have an internal lock would be useful.

Based on the user manuals on Ruger's web site HERE, this is what I've come up with so far.

No internal lock
(No mention of an internal lock in the owner's manual)

Redhawk
Super Redhawk, Alaskan
SP101
GP100
New Bearcat


Internal lock
(Internal lock mentioned in the current owner's manual therefore an internal lock is a possibility depending on when the revolver was manufactured)

New Vaquero
Bisley New Vaquero
New Model Blackhawk
Super Blackhawk, Hunter and Bisley
50th Anniversary New Model Blackhawk
LCR
New Model Single Six, Hunter and Bisley (Confirmed by member SGW42)

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Where does the LCR stand? Magazine reviews have not mentioned an IL, to my knowledge.

 

[Old Fuff]

According to a write-up in the current American Rifleman, the LCR does have an internal lock inside the stocks. Doesn't show however.

 

[SGW42]

Recent production Single Sixes have them.

 

[MCgunner]

All my Ruger revolvers are at least 20 years old. They still shoot just fine without locks.

 

[paochow]

No internal lock in my brand new Super Blackhawk hunter (made 5/2009), I had the whole thing apart for polishing and springs last week and it's not there.

 

[MCMXI]

No internal lock in my brand new Super Blackhawk hunter (made 5/2009), I had the whole thing apart for polishing and springs last week and it's not there.

That's why I stated "have or might have" an internal lock. The revolvers under the no internal lock heading don't have locks for sure, but anything under the internal lock heading may or may not have a lock depending on a number of factors ... and I don't know what they are. By the way, how do you know that your revolver was made 5/09?

Where does the LCR stand?

According to the owner's manual on Ruger's web site, it has an internal lock.

Ruger is being deliberately vague and it may well be that it's too hard for them to say which models do or don't have an internal lock. Ruger admits that they don't manufacture or ship revolvers in any logical (i.e. numeric ascending) sequence so the serial number alone isn't of much help in determining whether or not a revolver has an internal lock.

 

[MCMXI]

Recent production Single Sixes have them.

Not according to the current owner's manual on Ruger's web site ... but this is where it's confusing to someone looking for a non-internal lock version. It's hard to figure out what version some of these revolvers are. If you're in a store and looking at the revolver and original box, there'll be a key for the internal lock if the model has one. :banghead: It's not so easy buying off gunbroker, gunsamerica or an online outlet. I've been looking online for a stainless Blackhawk, and so far, every single new one has an internal lock.

 

[paochow]

Ok, not necessary made on 5/2009, but that is the date on the box and the test fired cases envelope.... Not sure how long they sit in a pile before being fired and shipped out.


It is kind of funny reading about the internal lock in the manual as you need to remove the grips to use it. Ruger also advises that you can drill a hole in the grip to make it easier to access....:banghead:

 

[Glockman17366]

Frankly, why does anyone care about Ruger's internal lock?
There doesn't appear to be anyway it can accidently lock up the firearm.

I've read about the S&W's occasionally locking up...never heard of a Taurus lock screwing up.
But the Ruger design appears to prevent any accidental lockup.

Am I missing something here, gentlemen?

 

[DammitBoy]

No internal lock on my .454 Ruger Alaskan.

 

[MCMXI]

Frankly, why does anyone care about Ruger's internal lock? Am I missing something here, gentlemen?

Yeah ... the first line in the thread ... "I don't want to start a huge debate as to the pros and cons of internal locks". I wanted to put a fact-based list together so that members here can make a decision that's right for them without having to justify their choice to others. Got it?!

No internal lock on my .454 Ruger Alaskan.

The Alaskan is a Super Redhawk so it won't have a lock, as shown on the list, but thanks for the confirmation ... and that revolver is on my MUST HAVE list for sure.

Interestingly, the LCR is the only double action revolver with an internal lock, but most if not all of the single action revolvers are now (possibly) being shipped with internal locks. Maybe Ruger intends to put internal locks on more DA models in the future.

 

[SGW42]

The instruction manual that came with my Single Six includes instructions/diagrams on how to operate the lock, as well as drill the grip for an access hole. Picked the gun up up December of last year.

My manual is marked "R10" on the bottom right corner of the cover, as opposed to "R8" which is on the manual that is posted on Ruger's website. I can only assume these are revision numbers.

This is all interesting to me, since I am a technical writer that writes instruction manuals. If Ruger's technical writer is anything like me, he is likely frustrated with attempting to communicate between the engineering, sales, and marketing departments and tearing his hair out. Bet you dollars to donuts Ruger is outsourcing control of their website too, which makes it difficult to upload up-to-date documents on the fly.

 

[MCMXI]

The instruction manual that came with my Single Six includes instructions/diagrams on how to operate the lock, as well as drill the grip for an access hole. Picked the gun up up December of last year.

My manual is marked "R10" on the bottom right corner of the cover, as opposed to "R8" which is on the manual that is posted on Ruger's website. I can only assume these are revision numbers.

Brilliant!! This is the kind of information I was looking for. I had noticed the Rev. #s on the manuals. A good friend has a Blackhawk in .45 Colt that he bought last year and it doesn't have the internal lock. His revolver came with an earlier revision owner's manual too.

Thanks.

 

[Avenger29]

nevermind

 

[Old Fuff]

To install the lock Ruger had to modify the grip frame. When they started to introduce the lock they probably still had a stock of older parts. I suspect they will use up that inventory even while they are going forward with production of the "new" grip frame. So for a time we may see a mix of both with-the-lock and without-the-lock revolvers in certain lines.

I believe that eventually as various models are re-tooled all of the Ruger handguns will have an internal lock, and new introductions, such as the LCR will come with locks from the beginning.

Don't blame the company. They are simply protecting themselves against lawsuits. At least they had the good sense to put it where it can't be seen, and there is no history of one ever unintentionally locking uo a gun.

 

[DammitBoy]

The Alaskan is a Super Redhawk so it won't have a lock, as shown on the list, but thanks for the confirmation ... and that revolver is on my MUST HAVE list for sure.

Yup, it's a great revolver and fun to shoot - don't believe the hype about it being an uncontrollable handcannon.

 

[pinkymingeo]

If there's an internal lock, I'm sure it can malfunction. Most everything mechanical can, and will break at some time or other. I lost interest in Ruger when they started printing the owner's manual on the barrel. If I bought one with a lock, however, I would disable or remove it, whichever is easier.

 

[Virginian]

You will see internal locks on all of them before they are thru if I am correct. It is not for protection from lawsuits as much as so they can sell them period in some high population jurisdictions where they have enacted a lock law. At least they figured out a way to make them innocuous looking, and far, far less likely to malfunction than another maker's example.
I think the cheesegrater black plastic grip panels are a pretty good "lock" indicator, too, on new single actions. They have the recess and the internal marking for where to drill them. You will likely see a 'signature' grip on DAs that goes with locks too, down the road.