The main issue with the "Old Model" 3 screw BH is that you CANNOT(!) safely carry it with 6 rounds loaded. You have to keep an empty chamber under the hammer.

You have a great Ruger and a collectors item...so please don't let some gunsmith "butch" it for you...just use it as is and only load 5.

The loading procedure is done by coming to half cock, Load 1, skip 1, then load 4, and then cycle the hammer to full cock, and lower it all the way. This will bring the hammer to rest on your empty chamber. This is the only way to safely load your old model!

I have a friend that shot himself in the leg in the cab of a pickup by not following this loading procedure! His thumb slipped, and BOOM(!).. 44magnum right in the calf!

The safety notch is easily broken if the gun is dropped or the hammer is hit. (like the butt of your rifle or a stirrup falling from a saddle seat)

The safety notch is also something to think about even when you load it properly with only 5...You do NOT want to use/leave the hammer in it's safety notch position. This will keep your nice collectors item ready for action..without risk to you, your friends, or your revolver.