Ruger Blackhawk Instruction Manual

							21
7. Remove cylinder latch, gate detent spring, and gate.
8. Remove hammer pivot. Then remove the hammer/pawl assembly and the
trigger/transfer bar assembly. (Note that the hammer is attached to the pawl
and the transfer bar is attached to the trigger. See Figure 6).
The revolver is, at this stage, disassembled as far as it needs to be for major
cleaning and maintenance. However, if it is necessary to go beyond the above
steps, the following cautions and suggestions should be useful:
CAUTION:  The preload on the cylinder rotation stop is factory set. do not alter
the position of the cylinder rotation stop screw (part no. KMVQ04501).
Figure 5
Figure 6
ALTHOUGH THE FOREGOING OUTLINES THE CORRECT
PROCEDURE, WE WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT SUCH DETAILED
DISMANTLING IS SELDOM IF EVER NECESSARY.
CAUTION: Press the screwdriver blade tip against the spring
carefully and be certain the blade does not slip off the spring
and damage the frame or injure the person holding the gun.
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 r
emove
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.
Do not ‘lose’ the pawl spring and plunger (located in a hole in the
rear of the left side of the cylinder frame, just above the grip frame
screw hole) or the cylinder latch spring and plunger (located in
the hole above front of the trigger guard bow in the grip frame).
6. Remove the trigger pivot (pin) as follows: using a screwdriver as shown in
Figure 5, below, depress the gate detent spring so that the end of the spring
which rests in one groove of the trigger pivot is free of the groove. Then, use
a drift and hammer to push the pivot completely out of the frame.       
						

							22
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).
REASSEMBLY
(Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!)
1. Assemble pawl to hammer and transfer bar to trigger as shown in Figure 5,
p. 21. Partially insert hammer/pawl assembly in its recess in the frame. Insert
trigger/transfer bar assembly in its slot in the frame. Then simultaneously
complete insertion of the two assemblies into the frame.
2. (Refer to Figure 5, p. 21.) Align hammer in frame and insert hammer pivot
with the grooved end of the pivot opposite the gate side of the frame. The
long screw, XR01901, when also inserted opposite the gate side, will intersect
the groove and lock the pivot in place. (See step number 11, p. 23.)
3. Replace cylinder latch and gate detent spring as shown in Figure 7. Note that
the lug on the cylinder latch fits between the arms of the gate detent spring
and that the end of one of the arms of the spring is formed at a 90 degree
angle. The projection thus formed, is designed to fit through the square hole
in the bottom of the frame and to ride on the cam surface of the gate pivot.
Note also that this projection holds the loading gate back and in place.
4. (Refer to Figure 5, p. 21.) Depress the upper arm of the gate detent spring
with tip of screwdriver blade and install trigger pivot. Pivot should be
inserted from the gate side of the frame. The non-grooved end of the pivot
should be inserted first. (It may be necessary to manipulate the trigger, the
gate detent spring, and the cylinder latch to align them to receive the trigger
pivot.)
Figure 7   
						

							23
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. Insert pawl spring and plunger (plunger goes in the hole first) in the hole in
the left side of the cylinder frame just above the left rear grip screw hole.
9. Install mainspring assembly and internal lock assembly which should be
visible when viewing the right side of the grip frame. Be certain the strut is
positioned properly. See the Parts Drawing for correct strut positioning.
10. (Refer to Figure 8, below). Draw hammer to the rear slightly and place the
grip frame loosely on the cylinder frame. Before pushing the grip frame
forward to mate with the cylinder frame, be certain that:
(a) the cylinder latch spring plunger (XR07700) is positioned so that is will
contact the bottom of the cylinder latch (rather than either side of the
latch),
(b) the pawl spring is aligned to contact the left ‘ear’ of the grip frame (and
not be bent as the ear contacts it).
11. See Figure 8, and note the end of the
trigger spring (the arrow marked “A”).
This end of the spring must be
depressed so that it slides under the
rear portion of the trigger when the
grip frame is forward. With all the
above springs and plungers aligned,
fully mate the grip frame and cylinder
frame and install the five grip frame
screws. Note that the long screw
(XR01901) should go in the grip frame
hole opposite the gate side (Figure 8-B)
of the revolver.
12. Hook the two ends of the trigger spring over the trigger spring retaining pin
(KMVQ06300) as shown in Figure 8-C.
13. Be certain the internal lock is correctly positioned on its step in the grip
frame. Then, draw the hammer back to the full cock position and remove the
small pin from the mainspring strut. Pull trigger and allow hammer to fall.
14. Open the gate, withdraw base pin and install the cylinder. Reinsert the base
pin and be certain it is fully seated and locked in position.
15. Before loading cartridges into the chamber, cycle the revolver several times.
Check to be sure that cylinder rotates and locks correctly, that trigger returns
in a positive manner when released, and that loading gate opens and closes
normally.
Figure 8   
						

							Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any
other material even partially obstructing the
bore may result in damage to the revolver
and serious injury to the shooter and those
nearby.
Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on
ammunition. If the powder charge of a
cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may
not be ignited, but the energy from the
primer may be sufficient to push the bullet
into the bore where it may become lodged.
Firing a subsequent bullet onto the
obstructed bore may damage the revolver
and cause serious injury or death to the
shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants
properly. You are responsible for the proper
care and maintenance of your firearms.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS
24
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. A bronze wire brush, of a size
appropriate to the bore size, attached to the cleaning rod should then be
pushed the full length of the bore several times.
3. Again swab the bore with a solvent coated patch. Then wipe the rod clean
and, using a dry patch, swab the bore until it is clean.
4. Repeat the above procedure for each of the six chambers.
5. Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore and each chamber.
Some cartridges with lead bullets deposit metal fouling in the chamber throats,
in the forcing cone of the barrel, and in the bore. If ‘leading’ is noted in your
revolver, clean it out before it builds up and interferes with reliable functioning
and accuracy. A special ‘lead removing’ cleaning tool (for bore and chambers) is
available from gun stores.
The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without disassembly. A few
drops of light oil recommended as suitable for firearms, applied periodically
about the various frame openings, will work its way into the mechanism parts.
The exterior of the revolver should be cleaned with a solvent and then wiped with
an oily cloth.
WARNING – LUBRICATION     
						

							25
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
Do notkeep 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.
TO RENDER THE REVOLVER INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, open the loading gate and check all
chambers of the cylinder to be sur
e the revolver is completely unloaded! Depress
the basepin latch on the side of the frame and remove the basepin by pulling it
toward the muzzle and out of the frame. Next, remove the cylinder from the
frame.
Store the cylinder and frame in different locations. When disassembled in this
manner, this revolver is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the revolver until the
cylinder and basepin have been correctly replaced.To reassemble the revolver for
firing, open the loading gate and reinsert the cylinder. Next, press the basepin
latch on the frame and fully reinsert the basepin. Check to be sure the cylinder
rotates freely in a clockwise direction. With the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction, close the loading gate. The revolver is now reassembled and can be
loaded and fired.
While the revolver is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when
disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with
the supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun
safe or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults.
Guns should always be stored securely, unloaded
and separate from their
ammunition.
Never place or store any firearm in such a
manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms
should always be stored securely and
unloaded, away from children and careless
adults. Use the locking device originally
supplied with this firearm for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety lock is
only one aspect of responsible firearms
storage. For increased safety, firearms
should be stored unloaded and locked in a
location that is both separate from their
ammunition and inaccessible to children
and any other unauthorized person.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
WARNING – STORAGE
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE REVOLVER FOR STORAGE.(SEEPAGE5)  LOADED   
						

							26
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER®
50th ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®revolver, please
write or call (603-865-2442) our Newport, New Hampshire Product Service
Department, fully describing all circumstances. If you should return your
revolver to the factory for repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the
following suggestions for prompt service:
ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS
ADJUSTMENT –Each click of the sight adjustment screw (either windage or
elevation) will move the point of impact of the bullet appr
oximately3/4” 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.
To raisepoint of impact: turn screw
counterclockwise.
To lower
point of impact: turn screw
clockwise.
To move the point of impact to the right:
turn screw counterclockwise.
To move the point of impact to the left
:
turn screw clockwise.
SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE
Top of front sight even with top of
rear sight blade. 
Front sight centered in notch of rear
sight blade. Target bullseye centered
on top of front sight.
ELEVATION WINDAGE
RIGHT
LEFT
UPDOWN       
						

							27
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. Please do not send your holster, custom grip panels or other accessories
with any revolver being shipped to us. Guns should be sent prepaid;. W
e will not
accept collect shipments.
The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most States and localities, do
not prohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or
possessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for
repair. However, before shipping your firearm to us, be certain that your State or
locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving
it from us after it has been repaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then please
have a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer ship the gun to us. If your gun is sent
to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a handgun
(pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a Federal
Firearms License, it must
be shipped for overnight delivery via U.P.S., Federal
Express, or other similar private overnight service. NOTE: Firearms may not be
shipped via U.S. Mail. Persons who do not hold a Federal Firearms License are
prohibited by Federal law from shipping a handgun by mail. Handguns mailed in
violation of the law are impounded by the Post Office.
Please do not include revolver case, sling, telescopic sights or custom accessories
with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN
BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS
– THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT.Always
insure your shipment. 
Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial
number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have
experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Merely stating
that the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $20.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the RUGER
®50th
ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®revolvers is $50.00
plus a $20.00 shipping and handling charge. W
e cannot apply the “color case
finish” of the Ruger Vaquero to any other single action revolver.Custom
gunsmithing service or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger
Service Departments.
WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY
FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT
AND ITS CYLINDER OR MAGAZINE ARE
UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP CARTRIDGES
WITH A FIREARM.   
						

							28
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.
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY
ORDERING PARTS
Please contact the New Hampshire Product Service Department for parts
availability and current prices. All parts orders for the RUGER®50th
ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®revolvers should be
sent to : Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee
Street, Newport, New Hampshire, 03773, 603-865-2442. 
We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. orders. Payment in the form of a
check, money order, Visa or Mastercard must accompany your order. Credit Card
orders must include the account number, expiration date and whether it is a Visa
or Mastercard account. Minimum parts order is $1.00 plus $3.50 shipping and
handling charge. Order parts by Part Name and Part Number and include the
entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are being ordered.There is
a minimum net labor charge of $20.00 plus $20.00 shipping and handling charge
if the parts are factory fitted. All factory fitted parts are fit on an exchange basis
only. We will not return the replaced parts.
Barrels, cylinders and a number of other component parts must be fitted at the
factory. Company policy is to proof-test and/or function fire all barrels after
fitting to the receivers in which they are to be used. This procedure ensures
maximum protection to our customers. The special proof-test ammunition used
in this testing is sold only to bonafide firearms manufacturers and is not
available to gun shops, gunsmiths, or individuals.
Because it is a serial numbered part, the cylinder frame of RUGER
®50th
ANNIVERSARY NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK®revolvers is defined as
a ‘firearm’ by Federal Law and is not offered for sale as a component part.
Parts designated by an (*) must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on an
exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return
any part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See
“Warning – Parts Purchasers” above.     
						

							29
CAUTION: A gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning,
or badly worn parts should not be fired.
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”).
SHIPPING REVOLVERS FOR
INSTALLATION OF A SAFETY CONVERSION KIT:
If you would like to have any “old model” (pre-1973) Bearcat, Single-Six,
Blackhawk, or Super Blackhawk revolver factory fitted with a free Conversion Kit
(to help prevent accidents caused by a blow to the hammer if the user has failed
to keep an empty
chamber under the hammer)please write to Sturm, Ruger &
Co., Dept. KC, 1 Lacey Place, Southport, CT 06890 for a box and shipping
instructions. Be sure to include information as to model, caliber, and serial
number. Please do not send your old model single action revolver until you
receive shipping instructions and a box from us.Please note that the Kit will be
fitted at our Newport, New Hampshire facility. All other servicing of “old model”
single actions will also be performed at our Newport facility, but only after a
Conversion Kit is first installed.
This safety conversion does not apply if the revolver is marked “Vaquero,” “New
Vaquero,” “Bisley,” or “New Bearcat” on the frame.   
						

							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)
Key No. Part Name Part No. Model
* 1 Barrel – 4 5/8”, .357 cal. MVQ00603 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
2 Grip Frame MVQ00301 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
3 Cylinder Frame MVQ00206 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
4 Front Sight  – .357 cal. MR-36-30 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
5 Loading Gate MVQ02401 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
6 Recoil Plate KMR02000 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
7 Firing Pin KMR02100 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
8 Firing Pin Rebound Spring KE-48 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
9 Recoil Plate Cross Pin XR04900 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
10 Base Pin Assembly TBMR02901 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
11 Base Pin Latch Nut XR02800 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
12 Base Pin Latch Body XR02700 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
13 Trigger Spring Retaining Pin KMVQ06300 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
14 Trigger Spring Pivot Pin KMVQ02800 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
15 Base Pin Latch Spring XR04700 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
16 Trigger Spring KXR03700 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
* 17 Cylinder – .357 cal. MVQ00105 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
18 Internal Lock Assembly MVQ20900 50th Anniversary Blackhawk
30