The Enduring Legacy and Performance of the Ruger New Model Blackhawk .357 Magnum Revolver with Birdseye Maple Grips

For enthusiasts, collectors, and practical shooters alike, the Ruger New Model Blackhawk stands as a testament to classic American firearm design, blending robust reliability with timeless aesthetics. Specifically, the configuration featuring a 5.5-inch barrel, a deep blue finish, and distinctive Birdseye Maple grips, identified by UPC 736676003334 (SKU 0333), represents a highly sought-after variant that excels in a variety of applications. This iconic six-shot, single-action revolver is more than just a firearm; it's a piece of shooting heritage, meticulously crafted to deliver precision and enduring performance.

Discovering the Ruger New Model Blackhawk: Who is This Revolver For?

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk is an ideal choice for a diverse range of individuals, from seasoned revolver aficionados to those seeking a versatile and dependable sidearm. Are you looking for a handgun that offers exceptional accuracy for target shooting and plinking? Do you need a reliable companion for hunting small to medium-sized game? Perhaps you're a firearms collector with an appreciation for classic designs and American manufacturing quality. This revolver also serves as an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts who require a durable and powerful sidearm for protection in the wilderness, or for anyone who simply enjoys the satisfying experience of shooting a well-made single-action revolver.

This classic firearm appeals to those who:

• Appreciate traditional craftsmanship: With its rich blued finish and genuine Birdseye Maple grips, this Blackhawk variant harks back to an era of detailed gun-making.
• Seek versatility in ammunition: The .357 Magnum chambering offers the flexibility to also fire less powerful, more economical .38 Special ammunition, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting activities without excessive recoil or cost.
• Demand rugged reliability: Ruger firearms are renowned for their strength and durability, built to withstand generations of use.
• Value precise shooting: The adjustable rear sight paired with a ramp front sight, combined with the inherently accurate single-action mechanism, allows for meticulous zeroing and consistent shot placement.
• Are passionate about American firearm history: The Blackhawk lineage is deeply intertwined with the resurgence of single-action revolvers in the mid-20th century.

Unpacking the Distinctive Features and Performance Benefits

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk is not just a firearm; it's a meticulously engineered system designed for optimal performance. Let's explore the key attributes that make the UPC 736676003334 model a standout choice:

The Heart of the Beast: .357 Magnum Caliber and 6-Shot Capacity

One of the Blackhawk's most compelling features is its chambering in .357 Magnum. This powerful cartridge is celebrated for its flat trajectory, excellent penetration, and significant stopping power, making it a formidable choice for hunting, personal defense, and long-range target shooting. Yet, its inherent versatility is truly revolutionary: the ability to also safely and accurately fire the milder .38 Special cartridge. This dual-caliber capability provides:

• Cost-effective practice: Train extensively with more affordable and less recoiling .38 Special rounds.
• Reduced recoil for new shooters: Introduce newcomers to the single-action experience without the intimidation of full-power .357 Magnum loads.
• Broad application: Easily switch between hunting loads, target loads, or personal defense loads simply by changing ammunition, without needing a different firearm.

The six-round capacity is standard for this class of revolver, offering a practical balance between compactness and firepower for its intended uses.

Precision Engineering: 5.5-inch Barrel and Adjustable Sights

The 5.5-inch barrel length strikes an optimal balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. A longer barrel generally contributes to:

• Increased muzzle velocity: Allowing the .357 Magnum cartridge to achieve its full ballistic potential, which is crucial for ethical hunting and extended-range accuracy.
• Enhanced sight radius: The greater distance between the front and rear sights inherently improves aiming precision, making it easier for shooters to achieve tighter groups on target.
• Reduced felt recoil: The added weight of the longer barrel helps to absorb some of the recoil energy, making the powerful .357 Magnum more manageable.

Complementing this barrel are the adjustable rear sights and a fixed ramp front sight. This combination is critical for precision shooting:

• Tailored Accuracy: Adjustable sights allow the shooter to fine-tune the point of impact for different ammunition types, distances, and shooting styles. This level of customization is invaluable for competitive shooting, hunting, or simply achieving the best possible accuracy from the firearm.
• Versatility in Application: Whether you're plinking at soda cans, engaging targets at 50 yards, or preparing for a hunting trip, the ability to adjust your sights ensures your shots land exactly where you intend.

Aesthetics Meets Function: Birdseye Maple Grips and Blued Finish

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk UPC 736676003334 is distinguished by its stunning Birdseye Maple grips. These aren't just for show; they offer both practical and aesthetic advantages:

• Exceptional Feel and Control: The natural wood grain provides a comfortable, secure grip, even in varying weather conditions, promoting better recoil absorption and overall handling.
• Durability and Longevity: Maple is a robust hardwood, capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use while retaining its beauty.
• Unique Visual Appeal: The distinctive "Birdseye" pattern, characterized by small, swirling knots resembling a bird's eye, makes each set of grips unique, elevating the revolver's visual appeal and contributing to its collector's value.

The classic blue finish applied to this revolver is a hallmark of traditional firearm manufacturing. This deep, lustrous finish is achieved through a controlled oxidation process that not only provides an elegant aesthetic but also offers a layer of corrosion resistance, protecting the steel components from rust and wear. A blued firearm requires proper care and oiling, and in return, it develops a beautiful patina over time, telling the story of its use and adventures.

The New Model Advantage: Enhanced Safety and Reliability

The "New Model" designation in the Blackhawk line signifies the incorporation of Ruger's patented transfer bar safety system. This innovation revolutionized single-action revolver design by making them inherently safer to carry with all six chambers loaded. Unlike older single-action designs, where the hammer rested directly on the firing pin, the transfer bar prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. This greatly reduces the risk of accidental discharge if the revolver is dropped or receives an impact on the hammer, making the Blackhawk a highly trusted choice for carry and field use. This safety feature is a key differentiator and a significant reason why many choose a modern Ruger Blackhawk.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the Blackhawk Shine?

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .357 Magnum (UPC 736676003334) is a true workhorse, excelling in a variety of real-world scenarios:

• Target Shooting and Recreational Plinking: For shooters who love the precise, deliberate action of a single-action revolver, the Blackhawk offers unparalleled satisfaction. Its adjustable sights and comfortable grip make it easy to achieve impressive accuracy on paper targets or reactive steel. The ability to switch between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition allows for varied shooting experiences, from leisurely plinking to serious accuracy work.
• Hunting Small to Medium Game: With appropriate ammunition, the .357 Magnum Blackhawk is a highly effective handgun for hunting species such as deer, wild hogs, coyotes, and various small game. Its power and accuracy, particularly with the 5.5-inch barrel, ensure clean and ethical takedowns within responsible handgun hunting ranges.
• Backpacking and Outdoor Protection: For adventurers venturing into the backcountry, a reliable and robust sidearm is a must. The Blackhawk's simple, rugged design and powerful .357 Magnum chambering provide effective protection against dangerous animals and potential threats. Its solid construction means it can endure harsh environmental conditions.
• Collector's Item and Investment: Beyond its utility, the Ruger New Model Blackhawk, especially with premium features like Birdseye Maple grips, holds significant appeal for collectors. Its classic design, robust build, and the Ruger legacy ensure it retains value and is often passed down through generations. It represents a tangible piece of American firearm innovation.
• Cowboy Action Shooting: While not a direct replica of a specific historical model, the Blackhawk’s single-action operation and classic lines make it a popular choice for participants in Cowboy Action Shooting, who appreciate its reliability and ease of use in timed competition scenarios.

Maintenance and Care for Your Ruger Blackhawk

To ensure your Ruger New Model Blackhawk (UPC 736676003334) remains in peak condition for generations, proper maintenance is crucial.

• Cleaning: After each shooting session, a thorough cleaning is recommended. Pay attention to the bore, cylinder chambers, and the areas around the forcing cone and cylinder face where powder residue accumulates. Use appropriate solvents, brushes, and patches.
• Lubrication: Lightly oil all moving parts, including the action, cylinder pin, and the exterior metal surfaces, especially the blued finish, to prevent rust. Avoid excessive lubrication, which can attract dirt and grime.
• Grip Care: The Birdseye Maple grips benefit from occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and drying thoroughly. If the wood ever appears dry, a small amount of wood-friendly oil can be applied to nourish and protect them. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish or the wood itself.
• Storage: Store your Blackhawk in a cool, dry place, ideally in a padded case or a gun safe, to protect it from moisture and accidental damage. For long-term storage, a light coat of rust preventative oil is advisable on all metal surfaces.

Following these simple care routines will preserve the beauty and functionality of your Blackhawk, ensuring it performs flawlessly for years to come.

Why Choose a Ruger New Model Blackhawk? Authority and Trust

Ruger has built an unparalleled reputation for producing firearms that are not only innovative but also incredibly strong and dependable. The New Model Blackhawk embodies this philosophy, standing as one of the most successful and enduring single-action revolvers ever made. When you invest in a Ruger Blackhawk, you are choosing:

• Unrivaled Durability: Ruger revolvers are famously overbuilt, designed with robust frames and components that can handle powerful loads and withstand rigorous use without compromise.
• Innovative Safety: The patented transfer bar mechanism sets Ruger single-actions apart, offering a level of safety not found in traditional designs, allowing the firearm to be safely carried with a full cylinder.
• American Craftsmanship: Each Ruger firearm is a product of dedicated American engineering and manufacturing, contributing to a legacy of quality that shooters worldwide trust.
• Exceptional Value: Despite their premium features and performance, Ruger firearms consistently offer outstanding value, providing a high-quality shooting experience that stands the test of time.

This specific Ruger New Model Blackhawk, with its 5.5-inch barrel, rich blue finish, and unique Birdseye Maple grips (UPC 736676003334), is more than a firearm; it is a legacy tool, a reliable companion, and a rewarding piece of American engineering. Whether for the range, the field, or the collection, it continues to define excellence in single-action revolver design.

All Ruger products, including the New Model Blackhawk (UPC 736676003334), are available at DEGuns.

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Model	New Model Blackhawk	Classic, Rugged Single-Action Design
Caliber	.357 Magnum	Versatile, also fires .38 Special
Capacity	6 Rounds	Standard, Reliable Revolver Capacity
Barrel Length	5.5"	Balance of Accuracy and Maneuverability
Overall Length	11.38"	Comfortable Handling and Carry
Finish	Blue	Traditional, Durable, and Elegant
Grips	Birdseye Maple	Unique Aesthetics, Secure Feel
Front Sight	Ramp	Quick Target Acquisition
Rear Sight	Adjustable	Precision for Various Ammunition/Distances
Safety System	Transfer Bar	Enhanced Safety for Carrying Loaded
UPC	736676003334	Unique Product Identifier