Super Blackhawk ???

[1prcntr]

Ok guys I have a few questions about Ruger Super Blackhawks.
1. What is the difference between converted and unconverted? Safety feature I assume?

2. What are the differences between the 3 screw and New Model?

3. Which would you prefer and why?

4. Going rate for a decent 3 screw?

Thank's for your help and feedback- Steve

 

[dmazur]

I'm a relatively new Super Blackhawk owner, and not a Ruger collector, so I can't answer #4.

However,

1. Converted and unconverted refers to the New Model transfer bar, and lockwork changes to the hammer and trigger I assume. If you had a single action revolver and sent it in for the free rework, it became "converted". If you left it as originally manufactured, it is "unconverted". This is very similar to question 2.

2. The New Model has the "transfer bar", which permits loading all 6 chambers with perfect safety. The 3-screw model had the hammer resting on a cartridge, (as per original Colt designs), so it was prudent to load only 5 with that model, leaving an empty chamber under the hammer. There are some variations, but most New Models don't index the chambers on the "clicks", so unloading/loading requires paying attention rather than listening. The hammer doesn't have the intermediate positions, as they aren't necessary. Just all the way back (cocked) and all the way down (fired).

3. As I'm not a collector, I prefer the transfer bar model. I believe it is simpler, as well as safer. Purists will disagree.

 

[loose cannon]

ive dabbled with super blacks for awhile but im not up on the 3 screw vs new mod deal.

unconverted= a old model which doesnt have the transfer bar saftey if you know the old school colt saa saftey drill and carry empty chamber under hammer you're ok with this.

if you just"gotta"have 6 loaded chambers get a new model or convert you old model to the transfer bar this will save you if you drop or rap the hammer on your gun

unconverted=less safe for the ignorent but a wonderfull trigger for accurate shooting.i will never convert mine but i always load by"load one skip one load four cock hammer and uncock hammer.make sure hammer is down completely that tells you ur fireing pin rests on air instead of primer

love the old superblack!

 

[Slamfire]

I have the pictured three screw. The frame is much smaller than the Super Blackhawk. Unfortunately the previous owner had the thing converted and the parts were not in his estate sale. The factory installed new parts created an awful creepy trigger pull. The transfer bar is far less substantial than the transfer bar in the Super Blackhawk. Still, it is safe to carry with six rounds, something which was not safe to do before the conversion.

The Super Blackhawk, that transfer bar broke after 20 + years of shooting and tens of thousands of dry fire cycles.

I bought a new transfer bar from Ruger and the revolver still goes bang.

I don't know the going rate for a three screw. I think the transfer bar models are safer, putting a hammer on half cock to load one of these things is an accidental discharge "waiting to happen".

Any praise of the three screw models you read in gun magazines is just shill gunwriters pumping up the value of their collections.

They do this all the time. Look for terms like "legendary", “classic”.

Like buy a “legendary” 60’s car, and find out that the drum brakes in those rust buckets will get you killed.

Three Screw



Super Blackhawk

 

[BlkHawk73]

#4 Value depends and varies depending on which variation it is. Could be $350 could be $1000+

 

[loose cannon]

guns only as safe or dangerous as the one who uses it.

my pre transfer bar is safe as it gets because i take great pains to be safe,
when i half cock the hammer i thumb it to make sure its not a false halfcock.

treat it like a colts peacemaker of the old school and you'll be fine plus you get to be surgical with that awesome trigger.

otherwise you can be"safe"and enjoy a trigger that feels like dragging a stick down a gravel road.

we all have our flavor

p.s;slamfire1,you may want to see to that corrosion or dirt on that frame screw of the ss superblack in you bottom pic.