View Full Version : Old Rugers -- Convert or Not??
ChiefWPD
11-26-2005, 12:45
Among my handguns I have three of the "older" style (three screw) Rugers; a Super BlackHawk in .44 mag (bought while in service for $87.50 in Berlin Germany, around 1967), a BearCat (bought in 60s, forget exactly when) and a Single-Six convertible (.22 lr/.22 mag) -- my second gun as close as I can recall, an early 1960s purchase -- I'm old...). Anyway, I've got the Ruger boxes to send them all back to the factory for the safety conversion (transfer bar thingy). Do I want to do this??
Thanks for your input,
^8
I would say if you're going to carry any of the guns in a holster, and want to carry six rounds, yes. Otherwise if they're just range guns, or you don't mind carrying with 5 in the cylinder, no.
I suspect there is a premium selling price if you keep them original.
Originally posted by 4eyes
I suspect there is a premium selling price if you keep them original.
+1
From what I read, Ruger will do the conversion for free, but will also return the gun with the original parts to keep its collectability. I would have to agree with Aces on this one.
Ruger does the conversion and does return the original parts. I just purchased a three-screw Super Blackhawk that was converted and had all the original parts included. If nothing else it is nice to have "both sets of parts" and as long as the parts are there it can be returned to its original condition.
If it could be returned to original condition, then it's a no brainer. I would double check with Ruger to make sure there are no permanent modifications.
Originally posted by .30
From what I read, Ruger will do the conversion for free, but will also return the gun with the original parts to keep its collectability. I would have to agree with Aces on this one.
Well in that case
+1 to Aces
I lke mine as 5-shooters ans original.
I have a 3-screw .41 mag blackhawk and a 3-screw Single-Six Convertible. I load one, skip one, load 4 and then rest the hammer on an empty chamber.
I guess it's just a nostalgia thing with me. If'n it ain't broke don't fix it.
DJ Niner
12-23-2005, 04:03
I have a 3-screw Super Single-Six Convertible. I have not had it modded...yet. I am the only one who shoots it, and as long as that is true then I'm in no hurry to get the upgrade done.
If I was going to let anyone else use/carry it regularly for any reason, then I'd get it modified. Nowadays, many (most?) handgunners, even a lot of revolver-savvy folks, don't know how to safely load/carry an old-style single action (as WFR touched on, above).
magsnubby
12-23-2005, 18:57
Originally posted by .30
From what I read, Ruger will do the conversion for free, but will also return the gun with the original parts to keep its collectability.
That's my understanding also. Personally i would have the conversion done.
CanyonMan
12-23-2005, 23:33
Looks a split decision so far..... For me, i like to keep them orignal. Folks been placing that hammer down on an empty chamber for a lot of years and getting by with five just fine. Keep them like they were built man. You got some very fine guns there. ;)
Good Shooting!
CanyonMan
Russ in PA
12-25-2005, 06:02
I own an Old Model, and I personally would NOT get the conversion done.
The gun will lose value when the conversion is done, even though the original parts are returned with the gun. The factory puts a stamp on the gun (on the grip frame, I think) once it's been converted. The gun will ALWAYS be a "converted" gun to a collector, whether you've got the old parts or not.
DJ Niner
12-26-2005, 03:54
I had not heard that before.
Interesting...
Glockdude1
12-26-2005, 04:12
Originally posted by 4eyes
I suspect there is a premium selling price if you keep them original.
+2 With so many great carry pistols today, I would not have the conversion done.
;N
BillK@tcmhmrs.o
12-27-2005, 21:39
DON'T convert it Chief. Those old 3 screw Rugers are appreciating in value and if you keep 5 in the cylinder you'll be safe...
I see mention of carrying on an empty cylinder and wonder if folks are thinking of old Colts. My 3 screw has a sear/hammer stop with the hammer about a quarter inch off the firing pin. Major parts would have to break to get it to fire from this position if the trigger is not pulled. I have never tried to get it to fire by pulling the trigger with one hand and hitting the hammer with a heavily gloved opposite hand.
Anyone been successful with this method.
I saw Venturino light off an old Colt with about a 3 inch diameter tree branch (magazine pics).
CanyonMan
12-28-2005, 22:39
see mention of carrying on an empty cylinder and wonder if folks are thinking of old Colts. My 3 screw has a sear/hammer stop with the hammer about a quarter inch off the firing pin. Major parts would have to break to get it to fire from this position if the trigger is not pulled. I have never tried to get it to fire by pulling the trigger with one hand and hitting the hammer with a heavily gloved opposite hand.
Although you are really pretty correct, 'in principal,' and it is hard to get one of these 3 screws to go off, 'they still can!'
Common occurence? NO, but it can happen. Not at all as easy as a colt, but it can happen... That is ONE reason, Ruger offers the upgrade, the other is to 'cover behinds.'
BUT, as i said earlier, and several others have said as well....
"Man i like mine "original," and carry them with an empty chamber under the hammer." You 'don't have to' carry that chamber empty, IMHO, BUT, if your bouncing around on horse back, or slipin and sliding around in the rocks, and canyons, or ruff country, it is a good idea.
Actually, the gun going off is the least of my concerns, BUT, yes, it can, Thus the empty chamber, just for good measure. ;)
Again, I'd keep it original, and go on and enjoy the heck out of it Hoss.
CanyonMan
I have a chance to purchase 'cheap' a blackhawk manufactured in 1978.
I understand that there is a safety conversion that may or maynot have to be done.
Queation: How do I identify if it needs to have the safety conversion?
DJ Niner
01-03-2006, 03:49
All Blackhawks made after 1973 have the upgrades incorporated into the design. If the name on the side of the gun is "New Model" Blackhawk, you're all set. Another method is to look at the side of the frame; if you see two pins, then you have a New Model, and no mods are needed.
If you see three screws on the side of the frame instead of the two pins, then you'll have to check for a stepped hammerface and/or a transfer bar. Make sure the gun is completely unloaded, then bring the hammer all the way back to full-cock. If the face of the hammer is smooth, with no "steps", it needs the conversion. If the face of the hammer has at least one distinct "step", and you can see a little L-shaped bar in the frame slot in front of the hammer (over the rear of the firing pin), then the gun has been converted already.
More details here:
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/PDF/safety_offer_ad.pdf
And other Ruger safety-related announcements here:
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/S-Announcements.html
D J Niner: Thanks for the reply. There are two pins on the side of the frame but do not remember seeing 'New Model' on it.
I also remember seeing a bar that came up in the frame slot and blocked or partially blocked the firing pin when I cocked the hammer bak. I feel confident the Blackhawk is safe enough to shoot but will have a gunsmith check it out, 'just because'.
Again thank you for your reply and happy shooting.
All mine are are original, and will stay that way! SHEESE! The conversion is more of a CYA by Ruger's legal dept. than anything else. I guess if you want to stress over it though, by all means do convert!!!
DJ Niner
01-04-2006, 01:34
Hazmat, glad I could help.
Redondo,
I agree with you about converting my own gun, but I do think it's a good idea for the "less dedicated" general users.
IIRC, the conversions were an outgrowth of a lawsuit brought against Ruger by a person that was shot when an Old Model single-action was dropped and it landed on the hammer, discharging it. Fact of the matter is, almost no other modern-made revolver would have fired under these circumstances, so I don't think bringing the Ruger SAs up-to-date by adding drop-resistant parts/mods is a bad idea for most folks' guns.
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