Reeder Custom Guns - 3-Screw 45 Colt Question...

Many times I've read through the years that the Old Model Blackhawk 45 Colt wasn't "Considered" or "Believed to be" as strong as the New Model.

Is this based on fact, opinion, conjecture or something else? If fact, then what characteristics make it weaker than a New Model?

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There is no difference in cylinder size. I have interchanged them. Frames are basically the same. I prefer the Old Model over the New Model ... not for any reason other than "because I prefer it".

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"Old Model". I still prefer the sound, feel and look of it. Strength was never an issue, handloads or factory.

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Same physical size gun and only difference is internal.

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that the 3 screw 45 was built on the smaller blackhawk (357 magnum) frame and that the New model Blackhawks were the Super Blackhawk (44 magnum) frame.

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SBH was...

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BEGINNING WITH THE .45 RUGER WHICH ALLOWED US TO USE 300 GRAIN BULLETS AT 1200 FPS.

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One of our oldest revolver cartridges and more popular than ever. The 44 Magnum definitely cut into it's usage, but it still holds it's own.

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BUT MOST CUSTOM SMITHS PREFER THE NM. PERHAPS ONLY FOR LIABILITY. THE OM WAS ONLY MADE FOR THREE YEARS SO IT IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LEAVING AS IS.

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Throats were 4-.450" 2-.449", so opened them all six to .452". Slicked up the action and installed Wolf Springs, #5 Keith Style Base Pin and some beautiful Walnut Grips.

Barrel gap was so tight that the cylinder would lock up with new base pin. Used Emory Boards to take a little off barrel protrusion inside the window. Left gap .001" with Belt Mountain Base Pin installed.

I cannot imagine using as a base gun..
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I really don't think the old model itself is weaker but I do believe the internals are a bit more fragile than the new model. We have built a few of the larger caliber guns on the old model, but I just prefer the new model.

I think the buying public think the old model is weaker mainly because Ruger dropped it and went to the new model, so if Ruger dropped it then it must not be as strong as the new model.

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We have almost two generations that have grown up with a transfer bar system and are not that familiar with the old model. A couple of years ago I would sit at our shooting bench and my guys would load a gun, hand it to me and I would test fire it and shoot 5 rounds for a group, then hand it to another of my guys and test fire another and this would go on for an hour or two. On two different occasions I had one of my guys let off a live round while getting ready to give it to me and each time it was an old model with no transfer bar. Both times my guy was putting it on half cock to give it to me and let the hammer slip and the round went down range. And this was 2 different guys, both in their late 20s. I figure if guys that handle guns all day let one fire accidentally then what is a customer who has never handled an old model going to do. I just can't take that chance.

Freedom Arms had that same situation a while back when a fellow had a model 83, I think in 454 with no transfer bar go off and pretty much destroyed his leg. It was a big law suit and I am not sure how it went and didn't ask Bob Baker as it was none of my business but they could have easily lost everything over that situation. So that is the main reason I don't like working on old model guns with no transfer bar safety.

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Than a NM for warm 45 Colt loads...

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3-Screw 45 Colt Question...

I never found that to be true.

I agree wholeheartedly. My first SA in high school was an

That was the same conclusion I came to...

I was under the impression

No sir. Same size frame.

Jim is right. Gun is on the same frame as 44 Magnum...

JIM AND I GO BACK TO THE

Interesting that 75% of today's threads are 45 Colt based...

DON'T KNOW WHAT THE REALITY IS

This one is NIB, so won't be altered in my lifetime...

for larger calibers I prefer the new model

If it's a Ruger SA I love'm.

like John said I also prefer the new model due to liability

I can see that. Just couldn't see where it was weaker..