Ruger 3-screw 44's: Flat-top vs Super Blackhawk

I'm interested in buying an old 3-screw 44 in either the earlier flat-top or super Blackhawk version for deer/hog hunting. I'm wondering which model was typically "more accurate"? I've been told the super Blackhawk was a "stronger" frame which could handle "hotter" loads than the flat-top. My Dad use to have a 3-screw 44 SBH which I loved. It had a very smooth action but unfortunately it was stolen. I prefer the look of the flat-top but haven't had any experience with them.

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Other than caliber its almost an apples and oranges comparison. The SBH is heavier with its steel grip frame vs. the FT's aluminum frame. Neither gun is stronger but there is a big difference in the feel of each gun. The SBH has the larger dragoon grip frame and the FT has the smaller XR3 which is near identical to a Colt SAA grip. Many feel the the SBH handles recoil better.

The SBH came with a 7.5" or 10.5" barrel. Most of the FT's had a 6.5" with the 7.5" and 10" being rare.

I have both models in 7.5" and prefer the flat top but its just a matter of preference. There is no difference in accuracy and both guns shoot quite well.

Dan

Thanks for the good info Dan.

I like them both but love the flat top. This is my 1961 44 mag. It is a great shooter. I can offhand 5 shots under an inch at 25 yards. Good enough. Much more trim and handy than the super.

Reflex264, that's impressive shooting. Thanks for the response and nice pistol.

I should have said when I practice! lol
The gun will shoot. That load that does that is a Magnus Keith bullet over 20.0grs 2400 with a 150 Primer.
It also shoots 240gr XTPs about that good with 21.0grs H110 and a 155 primer.

That 2400 load is the same that my FT likes.

Just to emphasize that it's a "personal preference", Elmer Keith wrote in Sixguns that he thought the SBH was the finest single action ever built. Skeeter Skelton had a different view saying it was no improvement over his favorite, a 7 1/2" FT.

Dan

reflex...a fine lookin OM Ruger....

Thanks James!

Thanks. It's my favorite.

Reflex264, what's the bullet weight of the Magnus keith-style bullet? Also, what's the velocity?

250 grs. 1278fps

Sounds perfect. Thanks again.

As was stated, there is no strength difference. A lot of people assume there is but all the important dimensions are the same. Cylinder diameter, frame dimensions, etc.. The only significant difference is the grip frame and the weight it brings and that has a drastic effect on feel and how it handles recoil. For me, the Colt SAA/Navy/XR3 grip frame is good up to 250/1200fps and then only sparingly. The SBH works well with heavy loads as long as it's fitted with custom grips. I shoot this one with the Buffalo Bore 340gr load no problem.

I was told, by Buffalo Bore, not to use their 44mag 340gr.. load in a 3-screw flattop due to its weaker frame. He said the SBH it was safe.

Craig44, very nice pistol and great stag grips.

In the early days, Linebaugh built .475's on the .44 flat-top frame.

People commonly believe the flat-top is a smaller, weaker frame than the Super Blackhawk but it simply isn't true. Just like many believe the Super Redhawk is more massive than the Redhawk. Not true either.

Craig44, great info. I'm guessing the only difference between the 3-screw flattop and SBH cylinders is one's fluted and the other isn't with no strength differences?

Correct.