You’ll find the Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk to be a robust single-action magnum revolver, purpose-built for maximum .44 Magnum loads. Its cold hammer-forged 7.5″ barrel delivers sub-MOA accuracy, while the transfer bar safety mechanism prevents accidental discharge. The stainless or blued steel construction weighs 48 ounces, featuring adjustable sights and a crisp 3.5-4.5 pound trigger pull. Examining its enhanced Dragoon-style grip frame and scope-mounting capabilities reveals why it’s dominated the market since 1973.
Key Takeaways
- Single-action magnum revolver featuring stainless or blued steel construction with various barrel lengths from 4.62″ to 10.5″.
- Chambered in powerful calibers including .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .41 Magnum with a 6-round cylinder capacity.
- Incorporates transfer bar safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge when hammer strikes firing pin.
- Equipped with adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight, and factory-drilled/tapped frame for scope mounting.
- Prices range from $829 to $1,099 depending on model, with options including blued, stainless, Hunter, and Bisley variants.
Description
The New Model Super Blackhawk represents Ruger’s enhanced version of their single-action magnum revolver, featuring a robust stainless steel or blued steel construction with a 7.5-inch barrel length.
You’ll find impressive performance characteristics with its adjustable rear sight and ramp front sight for enhanced accuracy. The revolver’s ergonomic features include a wide spur hammer, traditional Dragoon-style grip frame, and transfer bar safety mechanism.
Price Range
Modern market prices for a New Model Super Blackhawk typically range from $829 to $1,099 MSRP, depending on finish options and barrel configurations. You’ll find additional value through Ruger’s lifetime warranty and customer service support.
| Model Variant | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Blued 7.5″ | $829 |
| Stainless 7.5″ | $899 |
| Hunter 6.5″ | $999 |
| Bisley 7.5″ | $1,099 |
These prices reflect new-production models from authorized dealers, excluding taxes and transfer fees.
Specifications
The New Model Super Blackhawk’s robust stainless steel or blued steel construction delivers exceptional durability while maintaining a manageable weight of 48 ounces. You’ll find this single-action revolver chambered in .44 Magnum with a 6-round cylinder capacity, offering substantial firepower in a classic package. The standard 7.5-inch barrel length provides optimal sight radius and velocity potential, though other barrel lengths are available.
| Specification | Standard Model | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 48 oz | 45-52 oz |
| Barrel Length | 7.5″ | 4.62″, 10.5″ |
| Frame Material | Stainless/Blue | Case Hardened |
Weight
Standard unloaded weight of Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk measures 48 ounces (1,361 grams), putting it among the heavier single-action revolvers in its class.
You’ll find the weight distribution concentrated in the barrel and frame assembly, which aids in recoil management. The overall weight, while substantial, provides a stable shooting platform essential for the revolver’s .44 Magnum chambering.
Barrel Length
Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk comes with multiple barrel length options, ranging from 4.625 inches to 10.5 inches, with the most popular configuration being the 7.5-inch variant.
You’ll find each barrel configuration features a cold hammer-forged design with precise rifling. The barrel finishing includes a polished blued exterior that’s resistant to wear.
The longer barrels enhance your muzzle velocity and sight radius, while shorter options offer improved maneuverability.
Material Made Out Of
Built around a high-strength stainless steel frame, this revolver’s construction integrates forged alloy steel components throughout its design.
You’ll find the cylinder, barrel, and internal mechanisms crafted from heat-treated carbon steel components, ensuring optimal durability and performance. The stainless steel construction provides superior corrosion resistance while maintaining the structural integrity needed for handling high-pressure magnum loads.
Chambered In
The New Model Super Blackhawk comes chambered primarily in .44 Magnum, delivering impressive ballistic performance with 240-grain bullets reaching velocities up to 1,450 fps from its 7.5-inch barrel.
You’ll find additional caliber options including the .45 Colt and .41 Magnum variants, each paired with optimized grip style choices. These chamberings offer you distinct ballistic profiles, with the .44 Magnum remaining the flagship configuration for maximum terminal performance.
Capacity
All Super Blackhawk models feature a 6-round cylinder capacity, utilizing a single-action mechanism that indexes precisely with each hammer cock. You’ll find the overall cylinder capacity remains consistent across all variants, with no optional magazine capacity modifications available.
The six-chamber configuration optimizes the cylinder’s strength-to-size ratio while maintaining the revolver’s classic profile and reliable feeding characteristics.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a crisp single-action mechanism, Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk delivers a factory trigger pull weight ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds. You’ll find the trigger pressure consistent throughout the break, with minimal overtravel and a clean reset.
The trigger weight can be adjusted by a qualified gunsmith to your preferred specifications while maintaining the revolver’s inherent safety features and reliability.
Safety?
Modern safety improvements on Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk build upon its predecessor’s design while maintaining the single-action simplicity.
You’ll find the transfer bar safety mechanism prevents accidental discharge if dropped, unlike older designs. The loading gate interlock ensures safe handling during cartridge insertion.
For proper storage, you’ll need a secure gun safe and should always keep the hammer down on an empty chamber.
Action
The single-action mechanism of Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk delivers a crisp 3.5-pound trigger pull after full hammer rotation. You’ll find the transfer bar safety system enables secure hammer-down carry while maintaining optimal trigger control.
The revolver’s action geometry and balanced weight distribution contribute to superior recoil management, especially when firing heavy magnum loads through the 7.5-inch barrel.
Optic Ready?
Standard Ruger Super Blackhawk models come factory-drilled and tapped for scope mounting directly on the revolver’s flat top strap. You’ll find pre-machined mounting points that accept Ruger’s proprietary scope rings or compatible aftermarket bases.
The optic compatibility extends to both traditional scopes and modern red dot sights, though you’ll need appropriate mounting adapters. The factory rear sight remains removable for unobstructed optic installation.
Review
The New Model Super Blackhawk’s reliability stems from its robust transfer bar safety system and precision-machined internal components, making it nearly impossible to discharge without deliberate trigger pull. You’ll find the revolver’s high-polish bluing and adjustable sights among its strongest attributes, though the considerable 44 oz weight and substantial muzzle flip when firing .44 Magnum loads may challenge some shooters.
The single-action mechanism provides exceptional trigger control and accuracy, but the traditional loading gate design requires more time to reload compared to swing-out cylinder revolvers.
Pros
Many enthusiasts consider Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk a pinnacle of single-action revolver engineering, offering exceptional durability and accuracy with magnum loads. You’ll appreciate the adjustable target sights and transfer bar safety mechanism, ensuring precise shot placement and safe carry.
| Feature | Benefit | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-forged barrel | Sub-MOA accuracy | 2″ groups at 25yds |
| Interchangeable grips | Custom ergonomics | Multiple options |
| Adjustable sights | Fine-tuned targeting | 1/4 MOA clicks |
Cons
Despite its impressive build quality, Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk presents several notable drawbacks you’ll need to consider. The increased recoil from its .44 Magnum chambering can affect follow-up shot placement, while the subjective grip comfort may challenge shooters with smaller hands.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Recoil | High muzzle flip |
| Weight | 48 oz unloaded |
| Length | 10.5″ overall |
| Grip | Limited adjustment |
The single-action-only operation restricts rapid-fire capability, and you’ll find the fixed sights limit windage adjustments.
Reliability
While modern revolvers often compromise durability for weight reduction, Ruger’s New Model Super Blackhawk maintains its reputation for exceptional reliability through robust engineering.
You’ll find the transfer bar safety mechanism prevents accidental discharges while enhancing durability. The revolver’s simplified internals and ease of cleaning contribute to sustained performance.
The cold-hammer-forged barrel and robust cylinder lockup ensure consistent function even with maximum loads.
Similar Models
Several Ruger single-action revolvers share design elements with the New Model Super Blackhawk, including the standard Blackhawk and the Vaquero series.
You’ll find that the standard Blackhawk offers similar grip options but with less recoil in .357 Magnum. The Vaquero, while mechanically related, features a shorter barrel and traditional fixed sights, though it maintains comparable customization potential through aftermarket parts.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Other manufacturers produce single-action revolvers that compete directly with the New Model Super Blackhawk. You’ll find alternative brands like the Magnum Research BFR and Freedom Arms Model 83, both offering .44 Magnum chambering and similar barrel lengths.
The competitive models include Dan Wesson’s large-frame revolvers and the Uberti 1858 New Army, though they feature different cylinder lockup mechanisms and front sight configurations.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the New Model Super Blackhawk ensures optimal performance and longevity. You’ll need to establish a consistent cleaning regimen, focusing on the cylinder, forcing cone, and barrel bore.
After each range session, disassemble and clean all components using appropriate solvents. For storage considerations, maintain your revolver in a climate-controlled environment with silica gel packets to prevent rust formation.
History
The New Model Super Blackhawk’s history began in 1973 as Sturm, Ruger & Company’s enhanced version of their original Blackhawk single-action revolver. You’ll find its historical significance in the transfer bar safety mechanism, which prevents accidental discharge when the hammer strikes the firing pin.
The design evolution included strengthened frame dimensions to handle maximum .44 Magnum loads and enhanced grip ergonomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Break-In Period for a New Super Blackhawk?
You’ll want to put 200-300 rounds through your revolver during the initial break-in period. During this phase, incorporate a thorough cleaning process after every 50 rounds to remove metal fragments and ensure proper function.
You’ll notice the trigger smoothness improving gradually as internal components wear in. Focus on consistent, deliberate shooting rather than rapid fire to allow proper settling of the action components and lockwork mechanism.
Is the Super Blackhawk Suitable for Left-Handed Shooters?
You’ll find most single-action revolvers accommodate both right and left-handed shooters due to their ergonomic grip design. The grip frame allows ambidextrous manipulation, though you’ll need to adjust your reloading technique.
User customization options include aftermarket grips specifically designed for left-handed comfort. While ejection and loading are traditionally right-hand oriented, you can develop efficient left-handed techniques with practice. The cylinder release and hammer are accessible from either side.
Can You Shoot .44 Special Ammunition in This Revolver?
Yes, you can safely fire .44 Special ammunition in any .44 Magnum revolver. The lower-powered .44 Special generates less recoil, making it ideal for developing recoil management techniques.
With various barrel length variations available (4.6″ to 7.5″), you’ll find the .44 Special particularly manageable in longer-barreled models. The reduced pressure and velocity of .44 Special rounds (around 800 fps) compared to .44 Magnum creates a more comfortable shooting experience.
What Holster Styles Work Best With the Super Blackhawk’s Longer Barrel?
For longer barrel revolvers, you’ll find optimal carry options with both shoulder holster styles and drop leg holster designs. Your best fit depends on barrel length and intended use.
Shoulder rigs distribute weight effectively across your torso while offering quick cross-draw capabilities. Drop leg configurations provide enhanced stability during movement and prevent barrel interference with seated positions.
For maximum retention, look for holsters with adjustable tension straps and reinforced thumb breaks.
How Does Recoil Compare Between Standard and Heavy Loads?
You’ll notice significant differences in felt recoil impulse between standard and heavy loads. Standard .44 Magnum loads typically generate manageable recoil, while heavy loads can produce up to 50% more energy.
To mitigate increased recoil, focus on proper grip technique, stance adjustment, and potentially using aftermarket grips. Consider recoil mitigation techniques like the “push-pull” method and maintaining a high grip position to better control muzzle flip with heavier loads.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk stands among the most powerful production revolvers, generating up to 48,000 PSI of chamber pressure when firing .44 Magnum loads. The transfer bar safety mechanism, introduced in 1973, sets this model apart from its predecessor. With proper maintenance, including periodic timing checks and cylinder gap measurements, you’re looking at a service life exceeding 50,000 rounds through the chrome-moly steel frame.
0 Comments