Ruger Blackhawk
Sturm, Ruger & Company · Revolver · In Production · 1955
Also known as: Blackhawk, New Model Blackhawk
Overview
The Ruger Blackhawk is an American single-action revolver introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Company in 1955. Designed to fill the gap left when Colt discontinued the Single Action Army before World War II, it pairs traditional Old West styling with a modern, heavy-duty coil-spring lockwork. The original .357 Magnum chambering proved a strong, accurate and affordable centerfire revolver, and the line later expanded into larger magnum and convertible cartridges. The New Model versions introduced in 1973 added a transfer-bar ignition system, allowing the revolver to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1191 g (42.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Barrel Length | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 41 mm (1.61") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hardwood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Six Round Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar
- Features: Single Action Only, Fixed Grip Frame, Adjustable Rear Sight, Ramp Front Sight, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
Variants
- Ruger Super Blackhawk — Magnum
- Ruger New Model Blackhawk — Transfer Bar Safety
- Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley — Bisley Grip
- Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible — Convertible
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market · adopted 1955
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,000,000 · Production years: 1955-present
Approximately 2 million Blackhawk revolvers of all calibers and configurations produced since 1955.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William B. Ruger
Notes
Original three-screw 'Old Model' Blackhawks (1955-1972) lack the transfer bar and should be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. New Model Blackhawks from 1973 onward use a transfer-bar safety. Spec values reflect a representative 4.62-inch .357 Magnum New Model; weight and length vary with barrel length (4.62 to 7.5 in).
Background
The Blackhawk's launch in 1955 rode the wave of 1950s Western films and television; with Colt's Single Action Army out of production, Ruger's affordable, robust six-gun became the cowboy revolver of choice for a new generation of shooters.