first model black hawk?
 

my father in-law has a 44mag 10 inch barrel first model black hawk that he bought new in ' 60 or ' 61 which has less than 100 rounds through it and i was wondering if it is strong enough to handle some stout hand laods. i assume that it will be but i just wanted to check with others to see if my assumption was right. i don' t want to put a bunch of rounds through it because i don' t want it lose any value but i would like to sight it in and harvest a deer with it for nostalgia factor of using a handgun like that.
thanks.
chuck.

RE: first model black hawk?
 

It' s as strong as about anything currently on the market and actually built stronger than some. Use accepted reloading manuels along with common sense and check your fired cases for pressure signs and you should be fine.

RE: first model black hawk?
 

I agree. The Rugers are well built guns and can withstand stout loads!! Fire away!!;)

RE: first model black hawk?
 

I have 2 blackhawk flat top 44' s they will hold up well.If it is a older modle has it been sent back to the factory for the safty recall?I did not do this with mine for the resale value.I don' t recomend carring a round under the hammer,leave it on a empty chamber,so when you cock it it will fall on a live round.

RE: first model black hawk?
 

Good point BBJ!!!

RE: first model black hawk?
 

thanks guys. diyj98, i always use a loading manual and load up with caution, i don' t want to hurt the gun or myself. i probably won' t use heavy loads, i just wanted to see if people beleive that this gun will hold up well. BareBack Jack it hasn' t been touched. although i am already aware of the safety issue of carrying it on an empty chamber i appreciate you pointing that out again. there are no plans on selling this gun now or after i inherit it, but i was wondering how much of an effect will it have on the resale value if it is used a little each year?
thanks.

RE: first model black hawk?
 

Your resale value will hold up as long as the gun is cared for.The 2 I have are a set,they came in a case with scrolled cylenders and frames and are matching with 7 1/2 in barrles I bought them used.I use them all the time,it don' t matter if they have 1 shot or a 1000 shots through them they are still used and hold the resale as long as they are still in excellent condition.