Q re Ruger New Model Blackhawk

[Infrequent Shooter]

I am referring to the Blackhawks made after the three screw 'old models' were discontinued.
trying to find out if frame is aluminium or steel. I am talking about the blackhawks that had fully adjustable sights.

I know I could find this out if I spent a few hours digging on internet, but I know one of you guys knows for sure and can answer me easily. Thank you in advance. Infrequent Shooter.

 

[Blackthorn]

If you are referring to the grip frame, yes they are aluminum. Along with the ejector housing.

 

[Keith Kilby]

Steel grip frames were used on some models and are sometimes available. Ones I have used are Ruger parts and have never been installed. They require work to mate up and if installed correctly you’ll likely need to refinish “receiver” as well. Likewise steel ejector rod housings are available as new part. Other than Bisley variant all Ruger frames fit all their SA revolvers. The current generation frames are a bit different. Photo is early 80’s Single Six 22 I swapped aluminum for steel, installed Lilja barrel, made African Blackwood grips, blued and case colored plus made holster.

 

[Blackthorn]

The Super Blackhawk did come with a steel frame in the dragoon configuration. I know you can buy a replacement frame but they do take a bit of fitting for both the frame and whatever grips you put on it. I put a brass grip frame on two of mine. Learned a lot about patience. Sorry for the grainy pic.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Thank you guys!

Steel grip frames were used on some models and are sometimes available. Ones I have used are Ruger parts and have never been installed. They require work to mate up and if installed correctly you’ll likely need to refinish “receiver” as well. Likewise steel ejector rod housings are available as new part. Other than Bisley variant all Ruger frames fit all their SA revolvers. The current generation frames are a bit different. Photo is early 80’s Single Six 22 I swapped aluminum for steel, installed Lilja barrel, made African Blackwood grips, blued and case colored plus made holster.

I didn't know Lilja made barrels for Rugers. very nice work.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

any opinion on steel or alum?

 

[tmwinds]

The frame is steel. The grip frame could be aluminum.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

some more pics. As stated above, steel grip frames were/are available for sale. I will know in a few days, when I get it in my hands. I should have been more clear, grip frame vs. frame.

 

[Keith Kilby]

I had a customer that wanted his rifle barrel short enough that the “leftover” end from the blank turned into a pistol barrel. I did all the work.
The frame in photo looks like aluminum but a check with magnet will tell. If you don’t want the aluminum color there’s always cerakote. Graphite black is really close to blued steel. We’ve done several at my work.
Keith

 

[mattri]

Grab a magnet off the fridge

 

[SSL]

If you replace the grip frame with steel, you might also consider replacing the ejector rod housing with a steel one and also replace the cylinder pin with an oversized one. The steel ejector housing and grip frame changes the balance a little (in a way I liked) and the new pin helps cut down on alignment issues. I did all that as well as repolish and reblue and cutting the barrel of a badly neglected Ruger 7 1/2" .45 Colt that I salvaged/restored. Worth doing and make a good gun better.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Thank you for the input guys! I will report when the Ruger arrives.

 

[danny]

Thank you guys!

I didn't know Lilja made barrels for Rugers. very nice work.

Likely they do not. I would say that it is a Keith Kilby barrel based upon a Lilja blank.

Danny

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

thks!

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I had a customer that wanted his rifle barrel short enough that the “leftover” end from the blank turned into a pistol barrel. I did all the work.
The frame in photo looks like aluminum but a check with magnet will tell. If you don’t want the aluminum color there’s always cerakote. Graphite black is really close to blued steel. We’ve done several at my work.
Keith

http://www.wyomingarmory.com/new.html. great website shows your work. thank you.

 

[danny]

http://www.wyomingarmory.com/new.html. great website shows your work. thank you.

Thanks for that link. There is some really excellent work shown there.

Danny

 

[6.5 forever]

any opinion on steel or alum?

Magnet?

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I don't have the Ruger yet.

 

[coford]

FWIW - I recently bought a Ruger Blackhawk with a Bisley grip in Stainless Steel - It was all Stainless - no aluminum grip frame.

 

[Eagle1899]

Rule of thumb on Ruger Blackhawks. Stainless are all steel. Super Blackhawks are all steel. Bisleys are all steel. All other Blackhawks and Vaqueros are aluminum.