RUGER SUPER BLACKHAWK
Posted May 26, 2023
The Ruger Super Blackhawk has long been one of the most popular revolvers on the market. With its sleek, intimidating appearance and impressive capacity for firepower, it’s easily one of the most iconic handguns in history. As such, it's been the choice of many gun owners over the years, whether they’re looking for a revolver to hunt with, shoot competitively, or simply keep close by in case of a potential predator. The Ruger Super Blackhawk certainly appears to be an attractive choice for anyone in search of a reliable, powerful handgun.
To start off, the design of the Ruger Super Blackhawk is undeniably attractive. The pistol features a stainless steel frame, a full-firing hammer, a comfortable grip, and a low profile barrel. It also sports a classic western-style top strap cutout, which is a nod to the revolver’s roots as a wild west sidearm. Design-wise, the Ruger Super Blackhawk is an eye-catching piece of hardware that evokes a sense of power and confidence.
Moving onto the performance, the Ruger Super Blackhawk packs a serious punch. This revolver was originally designed for the .44 Magnun chambers, but in recent years the company has added additional calibers to its lineup, such as .44 Special and .45 Long Colt. This increased versatility makes the revolver an excellent choice for a variety of shooting applications. For those looking to hunt with a revolver, the .44 Magnum chamber should be able to handle most varmints with ease.
Though the revolver is primarily intended for hunting and sport shooting, it’s also a great choice for home defense. With its six-round (.44 Magnum) or five-round (.44 Special or .45 Long Colt) capacity, it can quickly put a predator on their heels. The recoil of the Ruger Super Blackhawk does tend to be a bit harsh, but with proper technique, it can be managed. And with its low-profile barrel, it should be able to clear most doorways without any problem.
The Ruger Super Blackhawk also has a few nice extras that make it even more appealing. It comes with adjustable sights, which makes it easy to zero in on targets quickly. The adjustable sights can also help compensate for bullet drop, which is an especially useful feature when shooting at longer distances. Additionally, the revolver’s grip is contoured for a comfortable hold, allowing it to stay firmly in the hand even as shots are being fired.
The Ruger Super Blackhawk also offers a few customization options. Its trigger can be adjusted for easier use, and the grip can be upgraded to an aftermarket design that could offer additional comfort and grip. For those who want to really personalize their revolver, the company also offers a wide range of custom colors and finishes for the frame and barrel.
Overall, the Ruger Super Blackhawk is an impressive firearm that offers a lot of features and performance in a sleek, attractive package. Its versatile chambering and adjustable sights make it a great choice for hunting and sport shooting applications, while its hard-hitting chamber and relatively low recoil make it an ideal choice for home defense. Customization options also allow users to truly make the Super Blackhawk their own. In short, the Ruger Super Blackhawk is an excellent revolver that offers power and peace of mind.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Very durable build, with excellent quality control
• Ergonomic grip
• Low adjustable recoil
• Excellent trigger
• Easy to use and maintain
• High velocity and accuracy
• Versatile caliber options
• Low cost
Cons:
• Heavy weight and size can make it uncomfortable to carry
• Limited cartridge capacity with some models
• Long loading process compared to smaller revolvers
• High cost of HEAVY loads and magnum rounds
• Lack of external safety features
Who Should Buy
Anyone who wants to buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk handgun should consider the extent and type of their gun ownership experience. This gun is generally marketed as a large caliber hunting handgun, but also makes for an excellent home defense weapon if properly maintained and safely stored. It is a heavy gun, more powerful than most handguns, and has a longer than average barrel length. As such, it takes some expertise to properly handle the gun safely and accurately. Generally speaking, those inexperienced or novice gun owners should seek instruction before buying and handling a Ruger Super Blackhawk.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGER SUPER BLACKHAWK | .44 Magnum | 6 rounds | 10.5" | $869.99 |
| COLT ANACONDA | .44 Magnum | 6 rounds | 8" | $1,795.00 |
| NAA MINI MAG | .22 Magnum | 5 rounds | 2.5" | $262.00 |
| RUGER SUPER REDHAWK | .44 Magnum | 7 rounds | 9.5" | $919.99 |
| TAURUS RAGING HUNTER | .44 Magnum | 6 rounds | 8.37" | $879.00 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber Options: .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .44 Special, .45 Colt or .357 Magnum
• Barrel Length: 4.62 inches or 7.5 inches
• Overall Length: 10.5 inches (4.6 inch barrel), 13.5 inches (7.5 inch barrel)
• Weight: 45 oz (4.62 barrels) or 51 oz (7.5 inch barrel)
• Action Type: Single action, revolver
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Sights: Fully adjustable rear sight, brass bead front sight
• Finish: Stainless Steel or blued
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for Ruger Super Blackhawk guns are holsters, base pins, recoil springs, grip frames, triggers, firing pins, cylinders, stocks, sights, barrels, and scopes.
Accuracy
The Ruger Super Blackhawk is a reliable and accurate handgun. Its accuracy is enhanced by the adjustable rear sight. Generally, it is possible to shoot tight groupings, and shooters can expect between 1.5-3” groups at 25 yards. The design itself is very sound and rugged. Its cylinder and frame can handle some abuse and the trigger is comfortable and crisp. All this makes the Ruger Super Blackhawk a great choice for target shooting and hunting. It can handle both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds, giving it versatility. As long as it is maintained and cleaned regularly, it should continue to deliver reliable accuracy.
