Ruger Blackhawk

Lore & Background

In the early 1950s, Westerns were popular in movies and television. Colt had discontinued the Single Action Army before World War II, and few single-action revolvers were available to meet demand. In 1953, Sturm, Ruger & Company introduced the Single-Six, a .22 LR rimfire single-action revolver. Its success led Ruger to develop a centerfire revolver similar to the Single Action Army: the Ruger Blackhawk. Introduced in 1955 for the .357 Magnum, it was a simple and strong design. In 1956, as Smith & Wesson introduced the .44 Magnum, Ruger quickly developed a Blackhawk variant in that cartridge. According to popular legend, Ruger was able to field a .44 Magnum revolver at nearly the same time as Smith & Wesson because a Ruger employee found expended .44 Magnum cartridge cases at a scrapyard and deduced the new cartridge was coming.

The 1955–1962 Blackhawks are known as "Flattop" models because their adjustable rear sights lacked protective "ears" that later became standard. From 1962 through 1972, Ruger made the "Three Screw" Blackhawk, named for the visible screws on the side. These early models operated like the Colt: the hammer was half-cocked to load and unload, and the firearm was not safe to carry with all six chambers loaded. In 1973, Ruger introduced the New Model Blackhawk, which eliminated the need to half-cock the hammer and employed a transfer bar mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Ruger offered a free retrofit program for earlier variants.

The Super Blackhawk, built on the same frame but with a larger grip and unfluted cylinder, is capable of handling much higher pressure handloads than factory .44 Magnum ammunition. It is one of the most accurate big bore pistols for target shooting, often returning five-shot groups that are one ragged hole from a rest at 25 yards.

Reader's Guide

The Ruger Blackhawk's significance lies in its role as a modernized single-action revolver that filled a market gap left by the discontinued Colt Single Action Army. By combining adjustable sights and durable coil springs with a strong frame, Ruger created a firearm that appealed to both cowboy enthusiasts and practical shooters. The Blackhawk was cheaper and more readily available than the Smith & Wesson Model 29, contributing to its wide popularity. The introduction of the New Model in 1973 with a transfer bar safety addressed liability concerns and reduced accidents, setting a new standard for single-action safety. The Super Blackhawk variant, in particular, became a top choice for handgun hunting, capable of taking large game such as deer, elk, moose, and even cape buffalo with appropriate loads. Its accuracy and ability to handle powerful handloads made it a favorite among target shooters and custom gunsmiths. The Blackhawk platform also spawned variants like the Vaquero for cowboy action shooting and the Bisley with a specialized grip, as well as the Old Army percussion revolver. Its legacy includes appearances in popular culture, such as in the James Bond novel Licence Renewed and the video game Goldeneye 007.

Did You Know?

• The early 1955–1962 Blackhawks are called 'Flattop' models because their rear sights lacked protective ears.
• Ruger introduced the New Model Blackhawk in 1973 with a transfer bar safety to prevent accidental discharge.
• The Super Blackhawk can handle handloads exceeding 1200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, more powerful than any .44 Magnum lever-action rifle.
• According to legend, Ruger learned of the .44 Magnum cartridge by finding expended cases at a scrapyard.