Hey everybody,

First post, and hoping to buy my first handgun for hunting tomorrow. I really like the Ruger Super Blackhawks in a .44 magnum, but all the versions I have seen available used around me are not the Hunter version. My question: is there a way to mount a scope (nothing crazy) to these if they don't have the factory place for the rings?

Thanks for your help, love the website!
Dave

B-square makes a clamp on that will mar the frame and is questionably solid.
Weiand makes a very nice mount, but it requires drilling and tapping. I'd go for that one and take it to a smith.

There are probably others that require drilling and tapping like the SSK, but I'm not familiar with them.

Lighter optics, like red dots, are easier on mounts. I have had some big fights getting heavy scopes to stay put and hold zero on handguns. Some that didn't kick that hard.

Definitely choose rings that have 2 good screws on each side. I've had good luck with Leupold PRW rings. I'm about to try some Warne steel rings that are vertically split.

Welcome Dave!
The BHs & SBHs are great pistols & a good cjhoice. The Hunter model is great because you can switch back & forth betwen sights & scope.
I agree with subsonic on Weigand mounts being the best.
http://www.jackweigand.com/raswms.html
Had one on my S&W mod 29 for years shooting heavy 320gr bullets with no problems.
On revolvers I REALLY prefer red dots my self, & the 30mm Ultradot is my favorite.
By the way, if you find a nice hunter in 45 Colt don't pass it up! It will do everything the 44 mag will.

You will love handgun hunting. It is a wonderful addiction, & this is the best informed & most friendly place on the net to feed it!

Are there any safety/reliability issues with a gun that has been tapped? I'm guessing it gets tapped right above the cylinders, where there is more meat than on the barrel.

Thanks for the welcome, can't wait to get more involved in this adventure!

Yup right above the cylinder & no I never seen a properly done one be a problem.

What part of the country are you in Dave?

BigDav782, it's perfectly safe. Most any blackhawk you see with a scope, has been drilled and tapped; minus a couple no drill model mounts, which, as stated above, are questionable. If you're interested in the hunter model; there was a few on gun broker and a couple on the classifieds here.

My Super Blackhawk has worn a Weaver mount for over twenty years. There is no drilling required. It has never shifted. Midway has them for $64.95

Thanks for the help, I'll expand my search now that I know that they can just be tapped to accept a scope!

I'm in Minnesota, and will be staying in the state for whitetail with this new handgun.

Hey BD, I am in MN as well. I D&T'd my Bisley myself for the Weigand base, simple process and no worries about shaking loose. If you decide to do the same I would be happy to loan you the bit and tap. It is so simple that a .......

You know as soon as you say that your going to break a tap or drill off center don't you?

If you take your time it's not too bad and it's even easier if you have a drill press. The Main thing is don't get in a rush marking the holes, make sure they are centered and I strongly suggest drilling a pilot hole or using a centering bit to start the hole.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself most any competent gunsmith can do it for you. I get 30.00 for the first three holes and 5.00 for each additional. I prefer the Weigand bases to the Leupold because they allow you more scope position adjustment and the use of more than one ring. I've also found that the cheapest rings on the market work as well as anything I've tried. The rings I'm talking about are the Leupold Rifleman vertical split, I generally use 3 or 4 and they sell at wal mart for about 12.00 a pair. On the 44 your safe to stay with the 6-48 screws but if you ever step up to 454 or larger I always go oversized to 8-40.

A D&T scope mount certainly will not hurt the revolver or impinge on the strength of the frame HOWEVER as soon as you put a hole in the top strap, your lifetime warranty is over.

Ruger will not service the gun at all with a D&T frame.

To that end, if you are looking for a super blackhawk, I would strongly suggest the hunter version.

Now, if you happen to be pretty handy or would feel comfortable doing any repair work yourself then go right ahead.

I am competent with tools, but not sure if I'd have the patience to do something with this level of detail. $30 sounds pretty reasonable to let an experienced person handle this. Thanks!

s4s4: where in northern MN are you? I'm heading to Park Rapids for hunting in november.

I have 3 BH's with D&T Leupold base and rings--I had a hunter in 44Mag-- I just did not like the balance-- I prefer the scope mounted back on the frame and the lighter barrel.

I have never had an issue with the Leupold mount-- If you go #8 screws like Rod stated--you will do damage to the gun before the scope mount comes off

As for warranty--there have been so many parts changed in those guns they would not warranty them anyway.

Just a note the one I have with scopes shoot very well--the 45 Colt being the best.

I have to add if you are new to handgunning you might try a scope before drilling and tapping the SBH.Them crosshairs sure do shake when mounted on a pistol! I personally dont like scopes on revolvers. I shoot irons just fine and they have some advantages over glass, especially on close quick shots and when the sun is just right to shine off the lense and make it totally useless. This cost me a shot at a trophy animal. Not bashing scopes at all, just another take to think about. My Contender wears glass, the revolvers stay clean. If you gotta have a scope get a hunter model.

Here is a pic of my personal 454 I built with the Weigand base and 4 rings. H20 is right the Leupold will work fine on a 44 and I've seen them on the big bores but fact is scopes will flex under firing so I opt for the most rings possible although the 44 is not likely to kill a good quality scope. I also prefer my scopes further forward so it's a matter of taste. I'm sure if you go through the bragging board photos you'll come across a pic of a Leupold base or maybe H20 has one so you can compare.



Here is a pic of a Hunter model I just put a brake on, it uses a Weaver adapter which again allows for more rings and adjustment of scope position.

That is a Weigand Base on the Hunter Above, With a Leupold Red Dot on it.
http://www.jackweigand.com/Redhawk_Blackhawk_Bisley_Hunter.html

I cant wait for that gun to come home !

Mike

Here are a couple of views
http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3180

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=850

Here is one on a 28 S&W

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3179