ruger blackhawk 50 User Guide

For Product Service on this Model Please Call:

(603) 865-2442 (See p. 26)

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.

Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.

THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE

TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR

PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.

MVQ & KMVQ-50/11-04 C

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

BLUED

CALIBER

.357 Magnum

50th Anniversary

New Model Blackhawk

SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

FOR

State-By-State Warnings

Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following:

California:

Connecticut:

“UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAY RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.”

Florida:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL, AND PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT AND FINE, FOR ANY ADULT TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE OR TO KNOWINGLY SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR A PERSON OF UNSOUND MIND.”

WARNING

“Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison.”

ADVERTENCIA

“A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar. Ellos pueden causarses lesions graves y la muerte. Evite que los niños tengan accesso a las armas de fuego guardándolas siempre con llave y descargadas cuando no las esté utilizando. Si usted tiene un arma de fuego cargada en un lugar en que un niño tiene acceso a ella y la usa indebidamente, le pueden dar una multa o enviarlo a la carcel.”

Maine:

“ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.”

Maryland:

“WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury. It is a crime to store or leave a loaded firearm in any location where an individual knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor would gain access to the firearm. Store your firearm responsibly!”

Massachusetts:

“WARNING FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL: This handgun is not equipped with a device that fully blocks use by unauthorized users. More than 200,000 firearms like this one are stolen from their owners every year in the United States. In addition, there are more than a thousand suicides each year by younger children and teenagers who get access to firearms. Hundreds more die from accidental discharge. It is likely that many more children sustain serious wounds, or inflict such wounds accidentally on others. In order to limit the chance of such misuse, it is imperative that you keep this weapon locked in a secure place and take other steps necessary to limit the possibility of theft or accident. Failure to take reasonable preventive steps may result in innocent lives being lost, and in some circumstances may result in your liability for these deaths.”

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEP A FIREARM, RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACE UNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH A TAMPER-RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STORED OR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.”

New Jersey:

“IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.”

New York City:

“THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS STORAGE. FIREARMS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.”

North Carolina:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A MANNER THAT A REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS ACCESSIBLE TO A MINOR.”

Texas:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR ABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.”

Wisconsin:

“IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITS THE FIREARM.”

****************** ***** Please check with your licensed retailer or state police for additional warnings which may be required by local law or regulation. Such regulations change constantly, and local authorities are in the best position to advise you on such legal matters.

WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE

WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER?

Certain states and jurisdictions now require that all newly manufactured pistols and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.

At the time of retail sale in those jurisdictions, firearms dealers must forward such test cartridge to a designated destination such as their State Police Laboratory. As independent Ruger Distributors have nationwide markets without territorial restrictions, we have decided to include a fired cartridge case with all new Ruger pistols and revolvers, to minimize the possibility of inadvertent noncompliance with these laws.

Retail customers located in other states, where laws or regulations do not require the dealer to so act, may be assured that the fired cartridge case they receive with the firearm at the time of retail purchase is proof that your new Ruger firearm has undergone our normal test firing procedures during manufacture.

• Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, including when you are installing or removing your locking device.

• Always verify that your firearm is completely unloaded before installing your locking device.

• Do not

install locking devices in the trigger guard; always keep your fingers and locking device outside the trigger guard during device installation and removal.

• Store firearms, ammunition and keys separately and securely, away from children and careless adults; do not store your firearm with the keys in the locking device.

• Do not attempt to work the action of your firearm with the locking device in place; this may damage your firearm.

• While locking devices are an important aid to security measures, they are not a substitute for safe firearm handling and proper storage. Remember that any mechanical device can be bypassed with enough time, knowledge, determination and equipment.

LOCKING DEVICES MUST BE USED

SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY

EXTERNAL LOCKING DEVICE

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – USE OF LOCKING DEVICES

Correct Installation of Lock For

Ruger

New Model Blackhawk Revolvers

Use the Correct Lock: While the basic locking device is substantially similar for all Ruger

firearms, due to the different shapes of the many Ruger®firearms,

some firearms utilize different locking devices. 50th ANNIVERSARY

NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

revolvers utilize a 2 1/2” lock. It is very

important to use the correct locking device!

To Install the Factory-Supplied External Locking Device:

1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your fingers outside the trigger

guard at all times!

2. Be sure the firearm and its cylinder are completely unloaded and contain no

cartridges or cartridge casings!

3. Completely remove the cylinder by opening the loading gate, pressing the basepin latch, pulling the basepin fully forward, and rotating the cylinder out of the frame.

4. Loop the shackle through the cylinder window in the frame. Next slip the cylinder onto the shackle of the lock as shown in Figure 1.

5. Close the lock by pressing the shackle into the body of the lock (the part that receives the key) as tightly together as possible. The lock has bumpers and the shackle is coated with a non-marring material that will not harm the metal finish of your firearm; be careful not to dent the frame or grip panels of the revolver.

6. Once the lock is securely closed, remove the key and pull firmly on the lock to test the connection and be sure it is locked. Do not leave or store your firearm

with the key in the lock! Store your locked, unloaded firearm and the key in

secure, separate locations, away from ammunition, children, or unauthorized adults.

Figure 1

OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK

Never rely upon any safety mechanism or mechanical device to justify unsafe or careless handling of a firearm. When securing your revolver or to prevent unauthorized access, you should rely first and foremost on the key-operated locking device supplied with your pistol. (See Page 6.) However, for added security, and to comply with certain state and local laws, your RUGER

50th ANNIVERSARY

NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

revolver also is equipped with a manually operated internal lock. When actuated, this internal lock will secure the hammer in the uncocked or “full down” position.

Before activating the internal lock on your revolver, first visually inspect the chambers to verify that they are empty and do not contain any cartridges.

To activate the internal lock, make sure that the revolver is pointed in a safe direction and that the hammer is in the full down position. Using a small scewdriver, remove the screw securing the grip panels and remove the right grip panel to expose the internal lock. (See p.12.) Inser

t the key into the keyway and rotate the key fully clockwise (about 180º from the fully unlocked position) until it stops. NOTE: The key will not rotate the full 180º if the hammer is not in contact with the cylinder frame. Make sure the hammer is in the “full down” position before turning the key. (See Figure 2.) After you have fully rotated the key 180º clockwise until it stops, remove the key and verify that the internal lock is engaged by attempting to cock the hammer. If the internal lock is engaged, you will not

be able to cock the hammer.

OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK

REMOVE KEY AFTER LOCKING OR UNLOCKING

Place Hammer in “Full Down” Position

Lock “On”

Lock “Off”

180º

Always Rotate the Key Fully Until it Stops!

Figure 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING

INTERNAL LOCK THROUGH RIGHT GRIP PANEL

If you would like to access the internal lock on your 50th ANNIVERSARY

NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

without removing the grips, you can drill a

small hole through the right grip panel as follows:

1. Remove the right grip panel by unscrewing the grip panel screw.

2. On the inside of the right grip panel is a drill point (see Figure 3, below). On

the inside

of the grip panel, drill a 1/8” hole starting at the drill point.

3. Turn the grip panel over and, using the 1/8” hole you just drilled as a guide

hole, enlarge the hole using a 3/16” bit, this time drilling from the outside of the panel inward.

4. Reattach the right grip panel and tighten the grip panel screw. The 3/16” hole

will allow key access to the internal lock without removing the grip panel.

Figure 3

DRILL POINT AS STARTING POINT FOR KEY HOLE

INSIDE OF RIGHT GRIP PANEL SHOWN

To deactivate the internal lock, place the internal lock key into the internal lock keyway (see p. 12) and rotate the key counter-clockwise (about 180º from the fully locked position) until it stops. (See Figure 2, p7.)

Reinstall right grip panel and reinstall and retighten grip panel screw to conceal the internal lock.

Be sure to store the internal lock key in a secure location, away from children and careless adults. Do not

store your firearm with the key in the internal lock

keyway. Never lock a loaded gun – always unload the gun before locking.

FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION

OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND

AMMUNITION.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for

your RUGER

50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

revolver properly. Please contact us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry

out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live ammunition. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction.

Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. They will assist you.

The person with a gun in their possession has a full-time job. You cannot guess; you cannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do not use any firearm

without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and safe use.

Remember: There is no such thing as a foolproof gun.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

External Locking Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 - 6

Operation of Internal Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 8

General Information and Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

To Uncock (Decock) The Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

To Unload or Eject Cartridge Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

To Remove or Replace Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Adjustable Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Shipping Firearms for Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 - 32

Parts Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 - 37

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

“Ruger” and “Blackhawk” are registered U.S. trademarks.

Locking Devices 5 Disassembly 20 Alterations 10 Lubrication 24 Lead Exposure 13 Storage 25 Ammunition 13 Shipping Firearms 27 Handling 14 Parts Purchasers 28 Firing 15 Malfunctioning Parts 29 Safe Carrying Position 16

OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR

THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.

WARNING–ALTERATIONS

This product was designed to function properly in its original condition. Alterations can make it unsafe. Do not alter any part or add or substitute parts or accessories not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.

DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN

FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS–

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The mechanism of the RUGER®50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

, like the other Ruger New Model single action revolvers, differs significantly from that of any other single action revolver. The information and instructions which follow apply only

to the 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW

MODEL BLACKHAWK

revolver.

The 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

has an adjustable micro rear sight, a blued finish, and incorporates an additional new “reverse indexing cylinder mechanism” for ease of loading and unloading.

WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

Your 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®is equipped with the patented Ruger New Model single action revolver mechanism including a transfer bar. The transfer bar – which is raised into firing position as the trigger is pulled to the rear – transmits the energy of the hammer blow to the firing pin. This transfer bar mechanism makes a “safety” notch unnecessary.

The gate (loading gate) can be opened only when the hammer and trigger are fully forward. Opening the gate immobilizes the trigger, hammer, and transfer bar. When the gate is opened the cylinder is unlatched and can be turned for loading or ejection. When the gate is closed, the cylinder latch functions in the normal manner. The loading notch is therefore unnecessary in the New Model design.

Unlike the earlier single action revolvers which have four hammer positions – “cocked,” “loading,” “safety” and “all the way forward” – the New Model has only two hammer positions – “cocked” and “all the way forward.”

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE

OWNERS OF ALL “OLD MODEL” (PRE-1973) RUGER SINGLE ACTION

REVOLVERS, INCLUDING BEARCATS WITH SERIAL NUMBERS BELOW

93-00000, SHOULD WRITE FOR DETAILS CONCERNING OUR FREE

SAFETY CONVERSION, WHICH CAN HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS

CAUSED BY A BLOW TO THE HAMMER IF THE USER HAS FAILED TO

TAKE THE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTION OF KEEPING AN EMPTY

CHAMBER UNDER THE HAMMER. See Page 29.

NOMENCLATURE

50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

Frame

Hammer

Barrel

Basepin Latch

Grip Panel

Screw

Hammer Pivot

Trigger Pivot

Trigger

Ejector

Basepin

Cylinder Frame

Gate (Loading Gate)

Adjustable Rear Sight

Grip Frame

Parts referred to frequently are indicated by arrows.

Mechanism shown at rest. Transfer bar is not in line between hammer and firing pin. This is the carrying position.

Mechanism shown with trigger pulled and hammer beginning to fall. Transfer bar is in firing position, between hammer and firing pin.

The mechanism of the RUGER®50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK

provides maximum security against accidental discharge. As with any other firearm, however, the New Model must be used with strict attention to correct safety practices. In addition, the revolver should be inspected frequently to assure that it is working properly.

The Ruger New Model revolver mechanism is illustrated below. The same basic mechanism is found in the entire line of Ruger New Model single action revolvers – Single-Six, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley, Vaquero, Bisley Vaquero, and New Vaquero Models.

Internal Lock

Internal Lock Keyway

Transfer Bar

Hammer Pivot

Mainspring Strut

Trigger

Cylinder Latch

Trigger & Cylinder Latch Pivot

Ejector Housing

Firing Pin

Trigger Spring

Gate Detent Spring

Basepin

Cylinder Latch Spring & Plunger

+ 27 hidden pages