Other than the ability to change the cylinder to a different caliber, the New Model Blackhawk Convertible identical to the 'New Model' Blackhawk. Multiple Barrel lengths are offered.Ī version of the Blackhawk with changeable cylinders. 327 Federal Magnum (from an eight-shot cylinder). 45 Colt or manufactured in Stainless steel, shooting the. Produced in either Blued steel, shooting the. Produced from 1973 onwards the 'New Model' Blackhawk was the first Ruger to feature the Transfer-bar to prevent accidental firing. The latter of these improvements, the transfer-bar, was offered as a retrofit by Ruger for older models.Īdaptations 'New Model' Blackhawk However the Blackhawk still required the hammer to be half-cocked to reload, the same as the Colt Single Action Army. Having adjustable sights (both the Flat-top - Adjustable rear sights not protected by 'ears', and the 'Three Screw' - Three visible screws on the side of the revolver), a coil spring rather than leaf spring and, from the release of the 'New Model Blackhawk' in 1973, a transfer-bar to prevent the hammer striking a cartridge without the trigger being pulled, the Blackhawk and its various off-shoots became popular in the Western Filming market. In comparison to the Colt Single Action Army, the Blackhawk's main rival, the Blackhawk is very modern. 44 Magnum, released by Smith & Wesson in 1956. 357 Magnum cartridge, the Ruger Blackhawk was quickly adapted to use the. The Blackhawk is a centre-fire revolver, as was the Single Six. 2.2 'New Model' Blackhawk 'Convertible'īy using single action the Ruger Blackhawk filled a gap in the market left by the Colt Single Action Army (production discontinued before the Second World War) and built upon the success of the Ruger Single Six (a.