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 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.”
11
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
ScrewHammer Pivot
Trigger
Pivot
Trigger EjectorBasepin
Cylinder FrameGate (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.
12
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 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
Transfer Bar
Hammer
Pivot
Mainspring
Strut
TriggerCylinder Latch
Trigger & Cylinder
Latch PivotEjector Housing Firing Pin
Firing PinTrigger Spring
Trigger SpringGate Detent SpringBasepin
Cylinder Latch Spring
& Plunger     
						

							13
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 times.
Wash hands thoroughly after
exposure.
SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS
MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD
Notes on Cartridges listed in the table above:.357 Mag is 357 Magnum. .38 SPL
is .38 Special.
WARNING – AMMUNITION
Death, serious injury, and damage
can result from the use of wrong
ammunition, bore obstructions,
powder overloads, or incorrect
cartridge components. Always
wear
shooting glasses and hearing
protectors.
IMPROPER AMMUNITION
DESTROYS GUNS      ?     
						

							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.
14
WARNING – HANDLING
HANDLING
CARRYING:Unlike “old model” single action revolvers, which should always be
carried with the hammer down on an empty
chamber to prevent accidental
discharges caused by a blow to the hammer, the Ruger 50th Anniversary New
Model Blackhawk may be carried with all chambers loaded. When the hammer
and trigger are fully forward at the same time, the transfer bar is lowered out of
firing position and the hammer rests directly on the frame, not on the firing pin.
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.
TO LOAD AND FIRE
1. Do not load the revolver until you are ready to use it.
2. Note – The loading gate cannot be opened unless the hammer and trigger are
fully forward, and the hammer cannot be cocked once the gate is opened.
3. Open the gate. This permits the cylinder to rotate.
4. Turn cylinder clockwise, by hand, and insert cartridges in chambers. In the
50th Anniversary New Model Blackhawk, the cylinder can be rotated counter-
clockwise and will stop when a chamber is aligned with the loading gate
cutout in the frame.
5. Align a chamber with the barrel and close the gate. The revolver is now in its
normal carrying condition – hammer and trigger fully forward and transfer
bar lowered out of firing position.     
						

							15
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 NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER WHILE COCKING THE HAMMER.
TOUCH THE TRIGGER ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FIRE. With the fore
portion of your thumb firmly on the hammer spur, draw the hammer fully to
the rear until it stops. Then permit the hammer to move forward (it will only
move slightly) until the trigger engages in the hammer at full cock.
8. Firing – Once the hammer has been cocked, a light pressure on the trigger
will disengage the trigger from the hammer. The hammer will fall forward
striking the transfer bar and the revolver will fire.
9. After firing, the hammer will remain down. To fire subsequent shots, fully
release the trigger and repeat steps 7 & 8 above for each shot.
CAUTION:The recoil of any centerfire caliber causes the
muzzle of the gun to flip upward with substantial force. The
shooter need not be apprehensive, but be prepared. Keep a firm grip
on the revolver and hold it away from your face when firing.
WARNING – FIRING
When firing any revolver, be sure all persons are
a safe distance to the rear of the shooter. When
fired, all revolvers discharge gas and particles
through the clearance gap between the cylinder
and the rear of the barrel. These particles of
lead, powder grains or lubricant are projected
broadly sideways at high speed and thus can
injure a person who is standing too close to the
revolver. When firing any revolver, always be
certain that nothing – including either of your
hands – is in the path of the hot gas and
particles which are discharged from the front
and sides of the cylinder. When shooting,
adequate eye protection is essential. Shooters
and bystanders must wear shooting glasses.
Hearing protection must also be worn. Exposure
to shooting noise can damage hearing.
HOT GASES EXIT
BARREL/CYLINDER GAP         
						

							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 canreadily cause discharge.It is
always safest to carry the hammer
down over an empty
chamber
regardless of the revolver type. See
page 29 for details about our free
safety conversion offer for “old
model” Ruger Single Action
Revolvers.
16
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. Fanning is an unsafe way to fire a gun and
it is abusive to the revolver mechanism.
ALWAYSCARRY
NEW MODEL SINGLE ACTIONS
WITH HAMMER DOWN.
WARNING – SAFE CARRYING POSITION     
						

							17
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, bandages,
cold, etc.
3. Grasp the revolver (if right-handed) so that the thumb and forefinger of your left
hand are firmly holding the frame, forward of the trigger guard. Thus, your left
hand is in full control of the revolver (See Figure a, below).
4. Place your right thumb firmly on the hammer spur and, with your thumb
securely in control of the hammer, squeeze the trigger only enough to permit the
hammer to ‘break free’ of the trigger. At that instant, IMMEDIATELY RELEASE
THE TRIGGER and then slowly permit the hammer, STILL SECURE UNDER
YOUR THUMB, to move fully forward to its resting position against the frame.
NOTE: It is imperative that finger pressure be removed from the trigger just as
soon as it is free of the hammer. Then, properly, the trigger and hammer will
move towards their fully forward rest positions together (See Figure b, below).
Practice this important gun handling skill with an unloaded revolver until you have
developed the proper control and ‘touch’ to decock your revolver safely. The key to
safe decocking is having the weight of the revolver controlled with one hand, while
the thumb and forefinger of the ‘shooting hand’ control the hammer and trigger.
a.
b.
a.With the thumb controlling the hammer as shown above (1), squeeze trigger
to permit hammer to ‘break free’ (2).
b.When hammer is free, IMMEDIATELY release trigger (3). Then lower hammer
slowly to its resting position completely down against frame (4).
DECOCKING (UNCOCKING) THE REVOLVER4
3 1
2   
						

							18
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 apt to be out of index when fired.
TO UNLOAD OR EJECT CARTRIDGE CASES
Keep revolver pointed in a safe direction!
Do not attempt to unload when the hammer is cocked.
If the hammer is cocked, it must first be decocked. (See “To Uncock The Revolver”,
p. 17.)
Then: 
1. Open the gate. This permits the cylinder to rotate.
2. Turn cylinder clockwise, by hand, to align a chamber with the ejector rod. Your
RUGER
®50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®is
equipped with a specially designed reverse indexing cylinder mechanism (patent
pending). This unique device will ease and hasten unloading by allowing you to
reverse rotation of the cylinder (counter-clockwise until it stops) and
automatically align a chamber with the ejector rod and loading gate cutout in
the frame. See “Correct Unloading Sequence,” below.
3. Push the ejector rod rearward, by means of the thumb-piece on its forward end,
so that it slides through the chamber to push out the cartridge or fired case.
Release the spring-loaded ejector rod. Repeat until all chambers are empty.
4.Check to be certain that all
cartridges have been removed, then close the gate. 
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
Do not eject unfired cartridges onto any surface where the cartridge primer might
strike a solid object and discharge the cartridge.  1   
 2 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
    
						

							19
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 out with knowledge and care.
Only a few tools are required: A screwdriver or two to remove the grip panel and
grip frame screws, and a drift punch to remove the hammer and trigger pivots
(pins). A small plastic-faced hammer can be useful in drifting the trigger pivot
out and in.
The tip of the screwdriver blade should perfectly fit the grip frame screw slots. A
tip too large will scrape away metal, while too small a tip will damage the screw
slots.
Before taking the gun apart, set up to do it properly. Cover the work surface with
a soft cloth so that the gun finish (and sights) will not be damaged, and provide a
tray into which the parts can be put as they are removed from the gun
.
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. Before replacing base
pin, holding the gun with the barrel pointed away from you and in a safe
direction, rotate the cylinder 1/4 turns in a clockwise direction to ensure that
pawl is correctly positioned on cylinder ratchet. Finally, close the gate.   
						

							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
20
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 it in
that position, withdraw the base pin. Remove the cylinder and close the gate.
This is as far as you need to go for routine cleaning.
DETAILED DISASSEMBLY:
1. Remove grip panel screw and remove grip panels. Unlock the internal lock.
(See page 7 & 8 for instructions regarding internal lock usage.)
2. Draw the hammer rearward to full cock position. Insert a short length (about
1”) of nail or pin into the small hole at the lower end of the hammer strut.
the hole is visible between the mainspring and the top of the internal lock
assembly. (See Figure 4, below.) The purpose of inserting the pin or nail is to
confine the mainspring when the hammer is released.
3. While maintaining thumb pressure on the hammer spur, squeeze the trigger
and ease hammer down to full forward position.
4. Remove the five (5) screws that fasten the grip frame to the cylinder frame.
Figure 4
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
Insert Pin or
Nail Here1    2 
  4 
  3 
  5