S INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR CALIBER .357 Magnum BLUED 50th Anniversary New Model Blackhawk® SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on this Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 26) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
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: WARNING ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Lead Exposure Ammunition Handling Firing Safe Carrying Position 5 10 13 13 14 15 16 Disassembly Lubrication Storage Shipping Firearms Parts Purchasers Malfunctioning Parts 20 24 25 27 28 29 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
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.
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.
WARNING - LEAD EXPOSURE Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure. SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD AMMUNITION The table below shows the correct type of ammunition for use in each of the revolvers listed.
AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER REVOLVERS OF FAULTY, OR NONSTANDARD, OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HANDLOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.
6. NOTE – To help prevent scoring of the cylinder, when closing the loading gate be sure that a chamber is directly aligned with the barrel. This can be achieved by rotating the cylinder so that a cylinder flute is equally spaced on either side of the topstrap, closing the loading gate, and then verifying that the cylinder is locked in place. 7. Cocking – To fire the revolver, the hammer must first be manually cocked.
DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded gun is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the gun is pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The Ruger New Model revolvers can be dry-fired without damage to the firing pin or other components. “FANNING”: NEVER fan any revolver.
TO ‘UNCOCK’ (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to its forward position (against the frame), proceed as follows: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB SLIPPING DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR. 1. Make certain that the revolver is pointing in a safe direction (see Rule 2, Page 34). 2.
The revolver is now in its normal carrying condition -- hammer and trigger fully forward and transfer bar lowered out of firing position. CAUTION: The hammer must be carefully eased fully forward before the hammer is drawn back to the full-cock position for the first shot. The hammer should be drawn with a firm positive motion to the full-cock position for each shot, thus actuating the working parts for complete indexing.
WARNING: Never remove, replace or carry a loaded cylinder. The cartridges can fire if their primers are struck. TO REMOVE OR REPLACE CYLINDER 1. Open the gate. This lowers the cylinder latch into the frame. 2. Press base pin latch (on left side) and withdraw base pin fully forward. 3. Remove cylinder from loading gate side of frame. To replace cylinder, simply reverse the above procedure.
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver while it is loaded. Never install or remove a loaded cylinder. A loaded cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck. Read instructions before disassembling gun. 5 1 3 2 4 UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING 1. With the revolver pointed in a safe direction, open the gate and rotate the cylinder. Examine every chamber in the cylinder to be certain the revolver is unloaded. Leave the gate open. 2.
5. Pull the grip frame rearward and downward to separate it from the cylinder frame. (If the grip frame does not readily separate from the cylinder frame, draw the hammer rearward a short distance.) Remove the mainspring assembly and internal lock assembly from the grip frame, but do not remove the small pin that is confining the mainspring. (The mainspring assembly will later be reassembled into the frame as it is.) The internal lock assembly is removed from the grip frame by lifting it up and then out.
Ejector/Ejector Housing: Wrap one hand firmly around barrel and housing when loosening the screw. Remove screw, then carefully lift housing (which contains compressed spring and ejector rod) away from the barrel. Base Pin Latch/Nut and Spring: The nut must be held firmly (with jaw-protected pliers) while the latch is being unscrewed. Don’t lose the spring. When reassembling, be certain the nut and spring are on the left side of the frame. (See Parts Drawing, p. 33).
5. Insert the base pin. The base pin must be fully inserted and locked in position by the base pin latch. If the base pin is not fully inserted and locked, the transfer bar may catch under the firing pin when the hammer is being cocked. 6. (Refer to Figure 8, below.) Unhook the ends of the trigger spring (KMVQ03700) from the grooved retaining pin on both sides of the grip frame. 7. Insert cylinder latch spring and plunger in hole in grip frame. (The spring goes in first so that the plunger is on top.) 8.
CARE AND CLEANING MAKE SURE GUN IS UNLOADED! Always be certain the revolver is completely unloaded before cleaning. At regular intervals or when the revolver has been exposed to sand, water or other adverse conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. To clean the revolver after firing: 1. Remove the cylinder as described on p. 19. 2. Clean the barrel from the muzzle by running a cleaning rod with a solvent coated patch through the bore several times.
STORAGE GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED! USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE REVOLVER FOR STORAGE. (SEE PAGE 5) Do not keep the revolver in a leather, fabric or canvas holster when it is stored. These materials attract moisture, even though the holster may appear to be perfectly dry.
ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS ADJUSTMENT – Each click of the sight adjustment screw (either windage or elevation) will move the point of impact of the bullet approximately 3/4” at a range of 25 yards. The height of the front sight has been set to take advantage of the elevation adjustment in the rear sight, considering the various ranges at which the gun is most likely to be used. Barrel length and load used affects trajectory. Therefore the shooter should determine sight settings by firing trials.
WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT AND ITS CYLINDER OR MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM. SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR RUGER® 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK® revolvers returned to the factory for repair should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773. Telephone (603) 865-2442. The complete revolver should be shipped.
WARNING –PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchaser and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the revolver after such installation.
CYLINDER NOTE: Cylinders are only available for installation in the model in which they were manufactured and fitted. BARREL NOTE: All barrels are marked with a safety message, (“Before using gun, read warnings in Instruction Manual available free from Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc., Southport, CT, USA”). CAUTION: A gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning, or badly worn parts should not be fired.
RUGER® 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK® PARTS LIST Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded Views on Page 34) 30 Key No. * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 * 17 18 Part Name Barrel – 4 5/8”, .357 cal. Grip Frame Cylinder Frame Front Sight – .357 cal.
Key No. 31 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Part Name Hammer Assembly (Includes Key Nos.
Key No. 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 32 Part Name Ejector Housing Screw Ejector Housing Spring Rear Sight Assembly with Springs Rear Sight Pivot Pin Grip Panel Ferrule, right Grip Panel Ferrule, left, Not Illustrated Medallion Grip Panels, with Medallion, Sold in Pairs Only Grip Panel Screw Grip Panel Dowel Internal Lock Key Also Available, but Not Illustrated Case Only – 4 5/8” barrel * PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FITTED Part No.
RUGER® 50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK® EXPLODED VIEW 33
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot! 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should by used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M.
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
