What are the major differences in the Ruger New Model Blackhawk vs. the Ruger Flattop? It looks like the Flattop is lighter on the spec sheet. I just wondered about the flattop's ability to handle full power loads in .45 Colt. Thanks for any information.
Ruger Flattop vs. Ruger New Model Blackhawk
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Charger442
Member
as far as i know, the Ruger flat-top was only unable to really handle the up-loaded 44 mag loads which is why Ruger created the Super Blackhawk to beef up the frame.
i was not aware of any issues with 45 Colt in any of the Ruger revolvers. only difference really is the Flat top wont have the transfer bar, unless its been sent back to Ruger and been converted.
i was not aware of any issues with 45 Colt in any of the Ruger revolvers. only difference really is the Flat top wont have the transfer bar, unless its been sent back to Ruger and been converted.
transfer bar question
I guess that I am confused by the so called "flat tops" being offered by Lipseys. The Ruger website says that they are new model blackhawks with the transfer bar system. However, some of the online dealers call them flattops. Does anyone know anything about this revolver? Specifically, the .45LC/.45 ACP?
I guess that I am confused by the so called "flat tops" being offered by Lipseys. The Ruger website says that they are new model blackhawks with the transfer bar system. However, some of the online dealers call them flattops. Does anyone know anything about this revolver? Specifically, the .45LC/.45 ACP?
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The original Ruger Blackhawk, also known as the flat-top, was produced from 1955 - 1962. The .357 was built on a medium, Colt SAA-sized frame. The .44Mag flat-top was built on a larger frame. Both used the same XR3 grip frame, which is a one-piece dead-ringer for the Colt SAA/Navy pattern. Both had steel ejector housings and both had the all steel Micro rear sight. In response to Charger, there are ZERO strength issues with the original .44 flat-top. The Super Blackhawk was introduced in 1959 and with it came the protective ears around the new proprietary aluminum rear sight, unfluted cylinder and longer steel Dragoon-style grip frame. The receiver is basically the same. These guns were phased out in 1962 when the .357 sized frame also received the protective sight ears, the aluminum rear sight and "improved" XR3-RED grip frame and aluminum ejector housing. The .44 flat-top was simply discontinued and the Super remained as its replacement. Again the .44 flat-top and Super Blackhawk receivers are the same size and strength.
Due to consumer pressure, Ruger brought back the Colt-sized medium flat-top frame in the form of the 50th anniversary .357 Blackhawk and New Vaquero in 2005. Except now the XR3 grip frame is steel, as is everything else. In 2006 they introduced a new 50th anniversary .44Mag flat-top built on the same large frame as before, with the new steel XR3 grip frame.
The 50th anniversary .357 platform was eventually re-utilized for the .44Spl and .45 convertibles. These began as Lipsey's exclusives and the standard Blackhawk configuration became a regular catalog item. Now there are stainless Blackhawks and Bisley versions as well. A group known as The Shootists, had Ruger build a set of 7½" Bisley flat-top .44Spl's with a bright polished blued finish and special serial numbers. The Lipsey's exclusive .45 convertibles are the very first Ruger .45Colt built on the mid-frame Blackhawk. They are not safe for "Ruger only" loads but may be loaded to 22,000psi.
There was also a run of .41Mag flat-tops identical to the 50th anniversary .44's.
Due to consumer pressure, Ruger brought back the Colt-sized medium flat-top frame in the form of the 50th anniversary .357 Blackhawk and New Vaquero in 2005. Except now the XR3 grip frame is steel, as is everything else. In 2006 they introduced a new 50th anniversary .44Mag flat-top built on the same large frame as before, with the new steel XR3 grip frame.
The 50th anniversary .357 platform was eventually re-utilized for the .44Spl and .45 convertibles. These began as Lipsey's exclusives and the standard Blackhawk configuration became a regular catalog item. Now there are stainless Blackhawks and Bisley versions as well. A group known as The Shootists, had Ruger build a set of 7½" Bisley flat-top .44Spl's with a bright polished blued finish and special serial numbers. The Lipsey's exclusive .45 convertibles are the very first Ruger .45Colt built on the mid-frame Blackhawk. They are not safe for "Ruger only" loads but may be loaded to 22,000psi.
There was also a run of .41Mag flat-tops identical to the 50th anniversary .44's.
Red Cent
Member
Rom828
Member
The Lipseys flat-tops have vaquero lock-work, meaning that when the cylinder clicks, the cartridge is lined up in the gate. They have "new model blackhawk" on the side of the frame but as stated, no "ruger only" 45 colt loads. I have one that I'm trying to fall in love with. I like shooting 45acp in this one, but for 45 colt I prefer my original vaquero with the large frame.
DM~
Member
I still have an origional flattop 44,
It's not much fun to shoot with full power loads...
DM
It's not much fun to shoot with full power loads...
DM
greyling22
Member
Craig, I'm a little confused now. I knew all about the frames up until the 50th anniversary guns. Are you saying that current blackhawks are built on the new vaquero colt sized frame or on the larger frame?
Crunchy Frog
Member
Most of the current New Model Blackhawks are built on the larger frame, the one used for the Vaquero.
Only the Flattops are built on the smaller New Vaquero frame. I wish they'd put the Anniversary Model .357 back in the line.
If I am not mistaken the .45 is the only chambering currently available in both the large and medium frame.
Only the Flattops are built on the smaller New Vaquero frame. I wish they'd put the Anniversary Model .357 back in the line.
If I am not mistaken the .45 is the only chambering currently available in both the large and medium frame.
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