Ruger · Revolver
Ruger Blackhawk
Revolving · .357 Magnum · introduced 1955
Also known as Blackhawk, New Model Blackhawk
About the Ruger Blackhawk
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.
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.
Ruger Blackhawk specifications
General
- Type
- Revolver
- Action
- Revolving
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single action
- Calibres
- .357 Magnum
- Magazine capacity
- 6 rounds
- Magazine
- Revolving cylinder
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 117 mm (4.6 in)
- Overall length
- 305 mm (12.0 in)
- Height
- 135 mm (5.3 in)
- Width
- 41 mm (1.6 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 1.19 kg (2.63 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:16 in (406 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Hardwood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 440 m/s (1444 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 784 J (578 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 50 m
History
- Introduced
- 1955
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- William B. Ruger
Features
- Single action only
- Fixed grip frame
- Adjustable rear sight
- Ramp front sight
- Loading gate
- Ejector rod
- Cold hammer forged barrel
Safety
- Transfer bar
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).
