I heard the guy from buffalo bore ammo say there were newer model Rugers that couldn’t handle the heavier or hotter loads due to lighter/weaker frame. Is that a thing I need to pay attention to when it comes to purchasing a Ruger?
This is true. The New Model Blackhawks are among the strongest that Ruger makes and will handle Tier III loads. They have a hump on either side of the rear sight that gives them this stepped appearance like you can see here:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/945364070 The Flat Top does not have those humps. It's somewhat weaker, but will handle the Tier II loads that I mentioned:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/943251950 The Vaquero is a fixed-sight version of the Blackhawk and is safe with Tier III Loads. It's stamped "Vaquero" on the frame. The New Vaquero is a fixed-sight version of the Flat Top and is safe with Tier II loads. It's stamped "New Vaquero."
I got about halfway through the Linebaugh article and I’m going to go through the rest of it and then make sure I understand if he’s addressing the specific question or not.
Mr. Linebaugh wrote that article before the Flat Top and New Vaquero were introduced.
Okie John
