Ruger Blackhawk Instruction Manual

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...

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.
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The mechanism of theRUGER®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...

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AMMUNITION
The table below shows the correct type of ammunition for use in each of the
revolvers listed.
Model Caliber Ammunition
50th Anniversary Blackhawk .357 Magnum .357 Mag and .38 SPL
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...

Any time the revolver is loaded, the hammer is
cocked and the trigger is pulled and held to the
rear, it will fire. Cocking the gun or pulling the
trigger should only be done when you are ready
to fire immediately.
NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER –
COCKED OR UNCOCKED. CARRY AND HANDLE
THE REVOLVER IN SUCH A MANNER THAT
THE HAMMER WILL NOT BE STRUCK.
NEVER CARRY ANY REVOLVER
WITH THE HAMMER COCKED.
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WARNING – HANDLING
HANDLING
CARRYING:Unlike “old model” single action revolvers, which should always...

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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.
When cocking the hammer, have a firm hold on the grip with the shooting
hand, and DO...

Never carry revolvers cocked!
The safe carrying position for the
New Model Blackhawk Revolver is
with the hammer fully down and
the trigger forward. In this
position the hammer does not
contact the firing pin. See page
11. In older (1953-1972) single
action revolvers, the hammer,
when in the full forward position,
does rest against the firing pin.
Accordingly, never car
ry an “oldmodel” revolver with the hammerfully forward and the cartridge inline with the firing pin because alight blow to the hammer...

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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 cer
tain that the revolver is pointing in a safe direction (see Rule 2, Page 34).
2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,...

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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. Unless this procedure is followed in any single-action revolver, the
cylinder is...

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DISASSEMBLY
(Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!)
The user of a RUGER®50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL
BLACKHAWK®revolver should carefully read all disassembly directions and
study all the illustrations and the Parts List in this manual before attempting to
take the gun apart. Know the names and location of the parts before removing
any of them. Although the Ruger New Model single action revolver mechanism is
composed of only a few parts, it is essential that the disassembly and reassembly
operations be carried...

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.
UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING
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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. Press in fully on the left side of the base pin latch, and while holding...