Will it weaken the top strap?

AL45 · April 20, 2024, 10:28 AM

I purchased a Weigand rail to mount to my Ruger Super Blackhawk .454 Casull. One hole uses the rear sight hole, but two more holes must be drilled which are about 1/4" apart. I called Ruger and they didn't recommend doing it because they have never tested such a set up and said it could weaken the top strap. The guy at Weigand said that is the only rail they offer that would work on a .454 Casull because of the recoil. Do any of you have any experience with whetherit would indeed weaken the top starp? Thanks.

jaguarxk120 · April 20, 2024, 11:49 AM

If you remove any metal from the top strap, yes it will weaken it.
You are not dealing with a normal handgun cartridge, the 454
operates well into high performance rifle area's as far as operating
pressures go!

**Aguila Blanca** · April 20, 2024, 03:07 PM

While recognizing that Ruger would create a huge liability issue for themselves if they recommended doing it without having tested it fairly extensively, I think it should also be recognized that probably nobody knows Ruger products better than Ruger. If they don't recommend it, I would be reluctant to risk it.

Nathan · April 20, 2024, 04:38 PM

I’ll bet it is simply untested. No engineer or engineering firm would commit to something not fully simulated and tested to extreme levels.

Saying anything without that data and evaluation is reckless. Why would they evaluate something not in their own interest?

April 20, 2024, 10:28 AM	#1
AL45 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2012 Posts: 766	Will it weaken the top strap? I purchased a Weigand rail to mount to my Ruger Super Blackhawk .454 Casull. One hole uses the rear sight hole, but two more holes must be drilled which are about 1/4" apart. I called Ruger and they didn't recommend doing it because they have never tested such a set up and said it could weaken the top strap. The guy at Weigand said that is the only rail they offer that would work on a .454 Casull because of the recoil. Do any of you have any experience with whetherit would indeed weaken the top starp? Thanks.

April 20, 2024, 03:07 PM	#3
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,512	While recognizing that Ruger would create a huge liability issue for themselves if they recommended doing it without having tested it fairly extensively, I think it should also be recognized that probably nobody knows Ruger products better than Ruger. If they don't recommend it, I would be reluctant to risk it. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

April 20, 2024, 04:38 PM	#4
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,352	I’ll bet it is simply untested. No engineer or engineering firm would commit to something not fully simulated and tested to extreme levels. Saying anything without that data and evaluation is reckless. Why would they evaluate something not in their own interest? Last edited by Nathan; April 20, 2024 at 10:05 PM.

April 20, 2024, 11:49 AM	#2
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	If you remove any metal from the top strap, yes it will weaken it. You are not dealing with a normal handgun cartridge, the 454 operates well into high performance rifle area's as far as operating pressures go!