I was around when the Ruger Blackhawk was replaced by the “improved” New Model Blackhawk. The change was to ensure that those who hadn’t gotten the memo about traditional single action cartridge guns didn’t die from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The pattern of the accident, only known since the 1870s, was dropping a fully-loaded single action revolver, it (seemingly invariably) landed on the hammer spur firing the cartridge under the hammer while the muzzle was directed skyward toward the hapless user who’d been carrying the gun.
There was an accident with what came to be known as a “three-screw” Ruger leading to a wrongful death claim (“I didn’t know what was literally so well-known for the past 80-90 years that other gun companies had “safety hammerless” – etc. revolvers in major sales campaigns.)
The death was tragic, it was due to a lack of competence on part of the users and it led to a fundamental change.
“No one wants these transfer bar Rugers! We don’t get the “clicks” we want when cocking the hammer.” – I remember the rap, had a pair of used 3-screw Blackhawks myself.
It seems that now Ruger is “ended” because of a pause in production of the New Model Blackhawk … the SP101, the LCR, the SR1911 … and “everyone” knows why.
It’s Beretta. Or it’s “they make more money on RXMs and LCPs.” Or something.
Note that “everyone” doesn’t include people at Ruger.
Now people are talking about buying revolvers – but only after an announced production pause.
I have some lamented items in the product line. I was at SHOT when the LCR was announced, shot some of the first LCRs at Gunsite – including on the Scrambler. (Even then, it was more the “Ambler” for me.)
The GP100? I liked the concept well enough that I have mine. A favorite is the seven-shot snub I’ve used on the revolver portion of the annual LEOSA retiree qualification.
I find myself using Blackhawks less than the DA guns; that’s a function of my background. But the Blackhawk is as fine a single action gun as you’ll find.
My first auto pistol was the Ruger Standard Auto. Before the day of the “Mark” autos, it was misery to reassemble after cleaning. I had a Mark II Target, got a Mark III to check out. The added “safety” features were problematic.
The Mark IV arrived and I never looked back. But my favorite Ruger 22 is the GP100-22, this one a Davidson’s Exclusive with a shorter than normal barrel. The LCR22 and LCRx22 are also favorites. I shoot bullseye – on my own – with the Mark IV and it’s been helpful in relearning old, lost skills.
The 10/22 is still out there and, while late to the game, I like them too. They have improved versions now, still developing a great old line.
When Ruger announced the SR-556, some complained. When the SR1911 was introduced – that was during a Gunsite trip I attended – there was some grousing. The SR1911 and variations of the Ruger AR have been very popular.
Counting Ruger out is unwise. They’ve been making great guns for decades.
I’m glad to have been along for the ride.
– Rich Grassi