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Ruger Blackhawk (again)

Rocklobster
Will an old-model Super Blackhawk cylinder fit an old-model Blackhawk ("XR3")? I really like the non-fluted design. Thanks!
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • Ambrose
    I take it that you're wanting to fit a .44 Super cylinder to a origional "flat-top" .44 Blackhawk? I will check mine tomorrow and see if they will swap. My experience has been that it's not the timing but the length of the cylinder and the amount of protusion through the frame of the barrel that causes the interchange problem. There has to be a barrel/cylinder gap but it must be only a few thousandths.

    EDIT: OK, you got me curious so I had to check. As I suspected, the 3-screw Super cylinder will go into the flat-top frame but with the front of the cyl. rubbing against the barrel, there is a gap between the fixed bushing of the cyl. and the frame, ie., the OAL of the cylinder is too short. The flat-top cyl. will not go into the Super frame; it's too long. The next pair of guns might be the reverse, the same, or they might interchange. That's why Ruger requires fitting a cyl. to a gun. I would think the point would be moot anyway since finding a 3-screw Super cyl. would be almost impossible. Also, the Super frame and the flat-top frame are identical in size since the .44 cartridge pretty much dictates the size.
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  • EVILDR235
    I don't think they will interchange because the Super Blackhawk has a larger frame / cylinder.

    EvilDr235
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  • tsr1965
    No sir, the Super frame is bigger than the Blackhawk, or Ruger would not have bothered to create it.

    Best

    EDIT 1

    Ambrose,

    I do understand what you are saying, but I do believe the SBH frame and cylinder are longer than the BH. This was done to accomodate the heavier bullets, and of course the SBH lengthened frame for the 357 Maximum.

    I have an original 3 screw 357 flattop, and an original 44 flattop. I can tell you they are not the same.

    Lastly, the timing should be checked closely before firing, by a qualified pistolsmith, when replacing a cylinder. Contrary to a lot of thinking, these are just not plug and play. If the timing is off by a fraction of a degree, it could lead to a catastrophic failure.

    Best
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  • Rocklobster
    Thanks again, I figured that might be the case. Most cylinder replacements require some fitting, but I suppose this is a major design change.

    I'm new to the world of single-action revolver tinkering, having spent most of my time with semi-autos (that's where the money is)!
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  • Ambrose
    tsr1965: I would agree with you that the Super sure LOOKS bigger and is bigger in a lot of ways. But Ruger had to design a frame that was larger than the one used on the .357 for the origional .44--the one we now call the flat-top. I have a 1958 flat-top and a 1971 3-screw Super and have done the measurements and can assure you that the frame SIZE and the cylinder SIZE are the same. As I mentioned, the Super cylinder drops into the flat-top frame which, of course, it could not do in a smaller frame. I have a 3-screw .357 and one of the newer .44 Specials and they are built on the smaller frame and with smaller (length & diameter) cylinders. However, my 3-screw .30 carbine and all of my new model Blackhawks (with the exception of the .44 Special) are built on the .44 Magnum frame. As for the reason for the Super Blackhawk, I believe it was to create a more deluxe and easier to shoot version of the .44 Magnum. The longer barrel, the huge steel square backed trigger guard/grip frame, and sight protector ears added weight and helped to temper the recoil. Also the Super's finish is much finer: In comparing the two guns side by side, the flat-top looks almost crude!

    EDIT: While I do not intend to try it, I think that if a spacer were devised to properly position that Super cylinder to create the appropriate barrel/cylinder gap, it would work just fine in the flat-top.

    EDIT II--tsr1965: It appears I am not going to able to convice you but I feel I must try. Again, I've measured the lengths and diameters of the respective cylinders as well as the frames of the flat-top .44 and the 3-screw Super and they are the same! I mentioned that I have a 3-screw .357 (not a flat-top) and you are correct that it is a smaller frame than the .44's. Ruger apparently stayed with the small frame for the .357 for awhile. I don't know when they changed to the .44 size frame for the .357 but my new model .357 has the large frame. I should have mentioned the .357 Maximum. I have one of those, too, and it has a still longer frame than the .44. I don't know why it's so important to me but I must repeat: The Super Blackhawk is a much bigger gun than the flat-top but the cylinder and frame SIZE are the SAME!
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  • deluxe86
    Ambrose is 100% correct. There were even a few of the very last of the Old Model Blackhawk .44 "Flattops" fitted from the factory with non-fluted Super cylinders.
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by deluxe86
    Ambrose is 100% correct. There were even a few of the very last of the Old Model Blackhawk .44 "Flattops" fitted from the factory with non-fluted Super cylinders.


    You might be correct there, but they were fitted at the FACTORY, by PROFESSIONALS who had experience in handfitting every day. They surely were not pieced together by someone who aspired to ge a gunsmith. The 44 Magnum generates significant amounts of pressure. The result of poor timing, and a misaligned cylinder mouth, to forcing cone, is not something anyone wants to experience. This is a task for someone who knows how to do it, not a plug and play.

    Best
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