RUGER THAT NEVER WAS BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN - IS HERE NOW!

[gunsmoke]

http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=RUNVB44SPCL&mfg=Ruger&family=Blackhawk+Series&model=Blackhawk+Flattop&type=Revolver&caliber=44+Special

[K. Funk]

Lots of buzz over on the Ruger Forums. This one will be hot for sure.

krf

[MAINER]

WAY overdue! These oughta be nice!

What I think is funny is, way back when, 44 fans (The .44 Associates) were boring out pre-73 .357 Mags to 44 spec. and screwing .44 mag barrels on 'em. Old Bill got all pissy about it and wouldn't sell .44 barrels or spare .357 cylinders anymore.


Thanks for the info.

[W.E.G.]

Did they let the lawyers deface the barrel on this one too?

I see guns like this as nostalgic art-object sorts of things. - and I don't mean that in any negative sense.

But, it really pisses me off at the idea that I would pay high-markup $600 for a fanciful revolver that still insults my intelligence as a gun owner every time I pick it up.

On the 10/22 I just don't pay it much mind.
On a gun like this, I just couldn't stand it.

[vmtz]

Sorry, but I fail to see what the big deal is?

Fr. Vince

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by vmtz
Sorry, but I fail to see what the big deal is?

Fr. Vince

I'm not quite sure what you mean?

But for a fan of the Ruger Single Action Revolvers and a fan of the big bores, for me it hits the spot as a nostalgia piece in that if Ruger had done this on its own, like in 1957 or so whenever they introduced the Super Blackhawk, and would have brought out the .45 LC at the same time there would be tons and tons of 3 and 4 didgit flat top 44's and 45's to drewl and fight over (I got onre and you don't, as in my alraedy chosen wording of my headstone which will read, "I have a pair of SMITH & WESSON Model of 1950 Targets in .45 Colt and you don't . So I win!")

There is no envy like gun envy.

Look at what has happened to the run of BlackHawks from a few years back with the .38-40 cylinder and the spare cylinder in 10mm. The price has gone through the roof, all out of proportion to what it should be. The same thing is going to happen with these. My dealer has not yet had their app approved so they don't have the price for me yet, they charge me a flat $10 per gun but I'll also have to pay sales tax because I am in the same state as the distributer who ordered the run.

I guess whatever floats your boat.......

[ByronF]

I'm just ignernt enough to wonder why this is something I'd want more than a 44 LC (which I also don't want). Splain to me. Need to be ready to justify my want'n before she starts axin, knowhatimsayin? But I'm just joshin cause I ain't spendin on no wheelgun that won't be banned. What's the fun in that? I get a wheelgun and the only person pissed off is my wife. Fineswine shrugs, Pelosi pretends to be interested because she's hot for me, Obama shrugs because he knows his citizen police will be much better armed than some crazy fool with an angry wife and old-timey wheelgun.

[vmtz]

I just wonder why not just buy a 44 mag Ruger like the case hardened Bisley I got last week or my stainless steel 44 mag?

Fr. Vince

[bykerhd]

That would make a dandy little belt gun.
With a 5 1/2" barrel it would handle better, shoot better and be better all around though.

[bykerhd]

OOPs. Guess I should have checked page two.:biggrin:

[BUFF]

I got a Colt New Frontier 4-3/4 inch in .44 Special and .44-40. The Ruger will look crude next to it.

Got more than a dozen Smith & Wessons in .44 Special, from a Triple Lock to a Model 24 Classic with a color case hardened frame.

Don't generally get excited over Ruger handguns Usually strong but roughly finished and bulky for what they are.

Dammit, I'll probably have to get one anyway...

Why do Blackhawks look so much better polished and blued in factory photos than they do at the dealer's? I waited for a good while for my dealer to get the 50th Anniversary .44 and .357 Magnums. I picked through the dozen or more for the nicest two and they were still sorta lackluster-looking.

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by BUFF
I got a Colt New Frontier 4-3/4 inch in .44 Special and .44-40. The Ruger will look crude next to it.

Why do Blackhawks look so much better polished and blued in factory photos than they do at the dealer's? I waited for a good while for my dealer to get the 50th Anniversary .44 and .357 Magnums. I picked through the dozen or more for the nicest two and they were still sorta lackluster-looking.

As I said, there is no envy like gun envy, I very jealous of the New Frontier in .44 Special, do you wnat to sell it or trade for somethig?

I agrre with you wholeheartedly I've got three 4 5/8" Blackhawks for belt gun duty on casual walksmin the woods. One .357 w/9mm cyl., .41 mag, and .45 Colt w.ACP cylinder. All have considerable customizing. "No. 5" grip, bisley hammer and trigger, 11 degree forcing conesBelt mountain #5 base pin, free spin pawl, color cased frams, fire blued bbl, cyl, and grip frame, all wear custom made exotic wood grips.

I think Ruger should do a custom shop thing and offer these options.

I'm gpoing to look for a consecutive number pair and will no doubt modify these .44s to match the others.

They are all well-balanced and sweet xhooters!

[bykerhd]

I hope the workmanship is better on these "Flat tops" than other recent Ruger offerings I've seen.
The basic guns are ok and rugged as ever I think.
But, the level of workmanship in the fitting and finishing has gone way downhill in the recent versions I've looked at. Poorly fitted grips, rough and even unfinished areas where the owners are less likely to notice.
Rugers were never been fitted and finished like Smiths or Colts, but, they weren't crude and rough either.

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by bykerhd
I hope the workmanship is better on these "Flat tops" than other recent Ruger offerings I've seen.
The basic guns are ok and rugged as ever I think.
But, the level of workmanship in the fitting and finishing has gone way downhill in the recent versions I've looked at. Poorly fitted grips, rough and even unfinished areas where the owners are less likely to notice.
Rugers were never been fitted and finished like Smiths or Colts, but, they weren't crude and rough either.

I agree, I have quite a few Ruger "investment pieces" low serial numbers 3 and 4 digit and the earlier guns do have a level of refinement not present in the current guns. My favorite concentration id early post war Smith & Wessons 5 and 4 screw frames fro I to N.

Very much the same situation although /smith & Wesson under current ownership and management is making really good progress, doing an oustanding job of balancing quality vs. price point. ruger has positioned itself as a working mans gun maker and they do excellent with overall quality but the definitely lean towards price point over refinement.

[BUFF]

Originally posted by gunsmoke:

"As I said, there is no envy like gun envy, I very jealous of the New Frontier in .44 Special, do you wnat to sell it or trade for somethig?"

No, not really. It's the only short .44 NF I have seen for sale. Lostsa 7-1/2 inchers around, but I like the 4-3/4 incher best.

I have a 7-1/2 inch SAA .44 Special for when I feel like toting a club around.

Now,your 1950 Targets in .45 Colt make me envious! One of the 200?

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by BUFF
Originally posted by gunsmoke:

"As I said, there is no envy like gun envy, I very jealous of the New Frontier in .44 Special, do you wnat to sell it or trade for somethig?"

No, not really. It's the only short .44 NF I have seen for sale. Lostsa 7-1/2 inchers around, but I like the 4-3/4 incher best.

I have a 7-1/2 inch SAA .44 Special for when I feel like toting a club around.

Now,your 1950 Targets in .45 Colt make me envious! One of the 200?

According to my Jinks letter 117 and 118 of the 118 that can be documented. They know that some got out of the factory without being documented. Jinks told me in a telephone conversation in 2002 that HE, personally beleives that less than 140 total were made, and he KNOWS that S & W can only document making 118, thats how many will letter.

My pair is an unusual freak because they were ordered by the same gun shop in New York for two different people at the same time and it was pure accident that two consecutively numbered ones got out because there were all made as special orders of the 1950nTarget in .45 ACP with left-over 1926 45 Colt Cylinders fitted. The two were owned by seperate people until both came to auction #118 first in FEB 2002 and 117 in January 2003 at a different auction of an estate in another part of the country, I accidently bought both and ended with the pair.

The SMITH & WESSON FAIRY visited me and guided me and one of these days I'm going to have to kill something with those 1950s and burn it as an offering to the S & W Fairy, maube I'll get a serial number match for my 4 screw K-32! I'd love to make a brace although the one I have now is NIB, unfired.

[tracyballard]

is this a smaller frame than the anniversary model flattop 44 mag? if not, why wouldn't you just buy the 44 mag, it seems to sell for less $$ too...

[patrick kelly]

Originally posted by tracyballard
is this a smaller frame than the anniversary model flattop 44 mag? if not, why wouldn't you just buy the 44 mag, it seems to sell for less $$ too...

For mystique and nostalgia. The .44 special was a favorite of many of the old time gunwriters and there was a time when you weren't considered a real sixgunner if you didn't have at least one, in certain bombastic circles.

The .44 special is a fine old cartridge, but no better than many of the other big bores in spite of the mystique. It's like owning a Harley Davidson: it's no better than any other motorcycle of similar type, but there's a certain cache to saying you own one, in similar bombastic circles.

This handgun is nothing special to anyone who needs an accurate and functional revolver of the type, but it is marketing genius by Ruger. I'm sure quite a few baby boomers will buy one just to feel a kinship with the likes of Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton.

[W.E.G.]

I wouldn't go so far as to call it "marketing genius."

A smart decision for sure. Much will be written about it. Few will be sold.
But, at the cost of advertising these days, it will get a lot of "free" publicity for the Ruger name.

Now, all Ruger needs to do is come up with a popular mid-to-high-end box-fed centerfire rifle. I'm surprised they haven't cut a deal with one of the popular, but under-capitalized, johnny-come-lately outfits to take up selling the latest and greatest adjustable cheese-grater. People are paying STUPID money for those things, and the supply can't keep up!

There is no shame in selling AR-15's.
Just look at Smith and Wesson!

[bykerhd]

from W.E.G.There is no shame in selling AR-15's.
Just look at Smith and Wesson!
And now Smith & Wesson is marketing Thompson Center Icon bolt actions with the Smith & Wesson label. Proving, they hope, that there really IS something in a name.:wink:

Ruger, other than the LCP pistol, is mostly just offering more variations on the guns they already make.
The Flattop is built on the smaller .357 frame. Nothing new except for the combination of the .44 parts on the smaller frame. ZERO development costs and all the calls by the gunpress over the years for that combination has already done a lot of their advance advertising for them.

Ruger really could use a revamp of some of their rifles.
The 77 series bolt actions are decent but haven't seen anything other than restyling for about 40 years. They're a bit dated compared to some of their competition I think.
The 10/22s have been cheapened. Restyled stocks are fine, but plastic trigger assemblies suck. Lots of room for fixing and improving.
The Number 1 is a modern classic. I hope they DON'T fool much with those.

[BUFF]

Most .44 Special revolvers are traditionally lighter and 'handier' than the equivalent gun from the same maker in .44 Magnum. This new .44 Special Blackhawk will be a lot lighter and quicker handling than the .44 Mag Super Blackhawk, which is built on the bigger frame.

You can load the Special from mild to wild, good for everything from mouse to moose. The base factory load is a 246 grain lead round nose slug at a leisurely 730 fps. It is no great shakes to load a 250 grain cast SWC up to 1,200 fps in a post-WWII S&W or Colt or this new Ruger. Its a very versatile cartridge if you are a handloader.

[gunsmoke]

HERE IS THE FIRST REVEIW!

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-44Flattop.htm

[tracyballard]

Good info. But, I still haven't figured out if this is built on the same size frame as the 50th anniversary 44 mag flattop.

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by tracyballard
Good info. But, I still haven't figured out if this is built on the same size frame as the 50th anniversary 44 mag flattop.

I'm not sure but I doubt it. I am not familier with that anniversery .44 mag.

I believe this is the same frame as a NEW MODEL BLACJHAWK in .30 Crbinr, .357 Mag, .41 Mag., and .45 LC, the only difference being the additional machine cuts on the top strap of that frame to make it a NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK frame and achieve the "FLATOP" configuration.

[jugrunner]

That's the old small frame ... too small, IMHO ... even for average size hands ...

[gunsmoke]

Originally posted by gunsmoke


I'm not sure but I doubt it. I am not familier with that anniversery .44 mag.

I believe this is the same frame as a NEW MODEL BLACJHAWK in .30 Crbinr, .357 Mag, .41 Mag., and .45 LC, the only difference being the additional machine cuts on the top strap of that frame to make it a NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK frame and achieve the "FLATOP" configuration.


I AM WRONG ON THIS ISSUE! ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW AT

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-44Flattop.htm



"Now, a couple of factors have developed that have finally brought us the .44 Special that we want. First of all, for the .50th Anniversary of the Blackhawk, Ruger produced a special model that used a modern version of the original .357 Blackhawk frame. While having New Model internals with the transfer bar safety system, the Anniversary Blackhawk used a smaller frame, sized like the original .357 frame, and also wore the original style Micro rear sight without the protective ears of the later Old Model Ruger Blackhawk frames. This original frame style has become known as the Flattop, to distinguish it from the frames with the raised protection for the rear sight. "

I am still not familiar with the anniversery model you speak of so I don't know if it is the same one they are speaking of in the review at GUNBLAST?

They are nice folks though and if you really need to know I would suggest that you email them and ask.

[SmokeEater2]

Damn! I thought I was through buying guns but I've always wanted a short bbbl'd .44 spc. And no,I don't know why.

[MAINER]

Because it IS a "short bbbl'd .44 spc." :biggrin:



And, a SA as well. :bow:

[gunsmoke]

My short barreled .44 Spls include

Two Charter Target Bulldogs (The original old ones)

two S & W AIRLIGHTS

AND NOW TWO OF THE SHORT BARRELED BLACKHAWKS.

I just saw Charter reintroduced the Targrt Bulldog in Stainless, I gues I'm going to end up getting a pair of those too.

[aleph]

lipsey's comes up with the best ruger special editions.

i have never regretted buying one of their "exclusive" offerings.

while that price seems a bit high, we'll see how the market does.

this could be one of the finest hunting pieces available.(to the walking man)

like that 4 inch bull barrel mkII they came out with a while back.(get 'em while they're hot!)

this IS what we wanted for about 40 or 50 years. let's call to mind Elmer Keith
and his writings. i have a tall stack of magazines with his articles in there about making the .44 special real accurate and hard hitting.

and that load of 22grains of 2400 under a 240grain Keith style is one of my best light loads for my 44 magnum. with a Heavy crimp and standard primer.

let's get together and report some cylinder chamber throat dimensions and bore slug dimensions and check out wether or not Ruger got this one right.

[raexcct2]

Too bad it's a Ruger. The write up shows that it is a quality revolver.

I decided back during the first Assault Weapons ban to never buy a Ruger product due to Bill Ruger's support of the 10 round magazine limit and his refusal to supply 20 or 30 round magazines with his Mini 14's to us mere civilians.

[tracyballard]

Bill was a jerk, but I'm not going to deprive myself of a good gun on his behalf...

[BUFF]

Anyone seen one of these yet?

[BUFF]

I guess they are shipping. Seen some on other forums.

[bobotech]

Originally posted by tracyballard
Bill was a jerk, but I'm not going to deprive myself of a good gun on his behalf...

Ya know, I felt the same way however good ole Bill is dead and won't be coming back to life. Ruger has been having specials with their mini-14 20 round mags in recent months.

They have been selling hicap mags for quite a while as well.

I think its time you can say goodbye to that old mantra.

I love my Ruger revolvers and my 10/22s.

[BUFF]

HANDLOADER magazine's new June 2009 issue has a write-up of the new Ruger .44 Special by Brian Pearce. He got both barrel lengths and shot them a bit. Good clear photos, and one shows one with an original .357 Blackhawk made in 1955, serial number 210!

Of course, he says they are wonderful, but I guess every article in every gun magazine pretty well says the test gun is wonderful!

My initial enthusiasm has cooled somewhat. I have more .44 Specials now than I can shoot, including a lovely Colt New Frontier that would be competing for holster time with a Ruger, so I may pass.

Pearce writes that Lipsey's has contracted for 1,000 4-3/4 inchers and 1,000 5-1/2 inchers, to be made and delivered throughout the year. A suggested retail price of $579, so compared to pretty well any new S&W or Colt .44 Special, they are a pretty good deal.

The .44 Special is my favorite handgun cartridge.

[SmokeEater2]

Buff,What bbl. length do You have in the New Frontier? I've been eying a couple of those myself.

[BUFF]

My New Frontier is a 4-3/4 incher. I like it a lot.

[SmokeEater2]

Originally posted by BUFF
My New Frontier is a 4-3/4 incher. I like it a lot.





Sweet! that length is few and far between. Nice choice! :beer:

[gunsmoke]

I always had a kinda sick thing for those short barreled New Frontiers myself. They are really nice classy sturdy work horses, plenty strong too. Don't forget what Elmer did with his .44 SAAs!

[Hebrew Battle Rifle]

If it don't click 4 times before that hammer locks, it ain't worth havin'.

[Survey Punk]

Originally posted by Hebrew Battle Rifle
If it don't click 4 times before that hammer locks, it ain't worth havin'.

"C O L T" :tongue:

JB

[cycle_rcr]

W.E.G.

I think Ruger is selling EBRs.

http://www.ruger.com/SR556/index.html

They also have an opportunity for the right person to design pistols.

Chief Design Engineer - Pistols - (Hide Details)

Description: Ruger is a highly successful, high-end manufacturer of sporting rifles, shotguns and handguns.

Scope of the Position: Reporting to residing Vice President of Operations. This position has product design responsibility for the firm's new pistol products, from concept to production, including new product design failure analysis.

Principal Accountabilities: Creates new designs based upon new model concepts or modifies existing gun designs using CAD (Solid Works) drafting tools. This includes the design of components as well as the selection of materials. Also uses computer modeling to complete product failure analysis.

Supports and coordinates activities with the manufacturing engineering staff as required.

Tests and evaluates functions of product prototypes.

Develops and executes project plans/schedules to satisfy design project requirements.

Provides technical support to internal and external customers.

Background/Experience: Requires a minimum of seven to ten years of product design and development engineering experience preferably in a pistol and/or handgun manufacturing environment.

Must have demonstrated skills in 3D/Solid Modeling using SolidWorks, Pro E or a compatible CAD system.

Knowledge of GD&T necessary. Should be familiar with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Mechanism software as required in firearms design environment.

Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or the equivalent is necessary. An advanced degree is a plus.

Personal Qualifications: The successful candidate must be a high energy, creative, resourceful and organized engineering design professional. The ability to multi-task and to manage several projects simultaneously is a must.

The new incumbent must bring strong analytical tools. Well-developed communications skills, both verbal and written, are key.

Compensation: The cash compensation for this position includes a base salary that is commensurate with background and experience and a bonus program that is based on company financial results.

Ruger offers a comprehensive and competitive fringe benefit program.

Qualified applicants should send a resume to:

Human Resource Director
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Attn: Human Resource Department
411 Sunapee Street
Newport, NH 03773

or via email to Mike Butler at mbutler@ruger.com

[bykerhd]

Oh look here is my Ruger ".44 that Never Was" !

[bykerhd]

OOPS !!!
Here is the truth. It's actually a Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum.
A smidge longer frame and cylinder and an ounce or so more weight ?
I kind of like the Magnum's versatility. For the Ruger anyway.