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Ruger Serial Numbers

41K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  rclark 
#1 ·
Anyone have a source to research serial numbers on a couple of Blackhawks and a Vaquero? I have a couple of them that I would like to know when they were made. Any help is appreciated.
 
#4 ·
Not sure what your 'tier" levels signify. Any SAAMI spec loads would be fine. If yours is a large frame model than it's one that the "Ruger only" loads are designed for. Being a 2004 man. date, you're would be if my memory serves me right.
Personally not a fan of these levels of loads as in my opinion, if you need that amount of power, you use a more powerful cartridge from the beginning not a lesser cartridge pushed above it's standard specs.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for all the help. I am planning on taking my Blackhawk in 45 as a sidearm on a bear hunt this spring. I've only loaded it to standard specs in the past, but since all my powder manufactures list Ruger only loads for it, I thought I would stiffen up some 300 grain cast bullet loads for my hunt. I will still be way below max loads though. Just wanted a little "extra" for this one occasion. I'm not a "hot rod" load kind of guy myself, don't enjoy the recoil.
 
#6 ·
Your gun is good for tier 1, 2, and 3 loads as it is a Large Frame BH. Lipsey only recently came out with the medium frame flattops in .45 Colt which are Tier 1 and 2 only. Of course all New Vaquero .45 Colt revolvers are on the medium frame. Enjoy!

Not sure what your 'tier" levels signify
Those shooters not familiar with the Tier levels check out the Brian Pearce PDF

Basically, Tier 1 is standard SAAMI .45 Colt loads, Tier 2 is up to around 20,000psi, and Tier 3 is 30,000psi. Most modern .45 Colt revolvers are good for Tier 2 which is as warm of loads that I want to shoot in general.

Here is some reading for those that enjoy the 'hotter loads with .45 Colt" Dissolving the Myth .45 Colt Linebaugh
 
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