[lostdog]

Has anybody in here ever shot/owned a Mag-Na-Port predator conversion? if so how was it? I am thinking of getting one and would like some info.-Thanx

[4thHorseman]

Can you tell us some more about this conversion? Maybe provide us a link or other info? You got me interested now.

[jjmorgan64]

From Magnaports web site http://www.magnaport.com/conv.html

The Predator
One of Mag-Na-Port's most popular conversions, "The Predator", a Ruger Super Blackhawk. The conversion includes shortening the barrel to 4 5/8"; Inverted Muzzle Crown; the famous Mag-Na-Port Process; C-More Sights; Action Job; Velvet Hone Finish, Omega White-Outline Rear Sight; Polished Hammer, Trigger, Ejector Rod and Center Pin.

Conversion Only, on your gun . . $565.00
Above price based on Stainless Steel Firearm.

Additional for Blued firearms, SS Mag-Na-Life, and C-More Conversion . . $115.00

Additional for reworking ejector rod and housing (on 10 ½" with 5 ½" ejector rod housing) . . $47.50

[farscott]

I bought a Mag-Na-Port Predator in 1992 when I was still living in Michigan. It is a very good back-up hunting pistol, and it can be used as a primary hunting pistol even though the barrel length is a bit short. Mine is carried in a cross-draw holster when hunting.

Mine has a few features I really like, including numbered charge holes and the inverted muzzle crown. The numbered charge holes allow tracking the accuracy of each individual cylinder or using a certain charge hole for a particular load.

The porting process on mine is the standard two-port process, and it does reduce the muzzle flip of the .44 Magnum.

If you like the cosmetics and need the porting, the Predator is a nice -- and pricey -- package. I bought mine used and got a great deal. I do not believe there is $565 worth of custom work in the package; much of the work is cosmetic. The functional work is the 4-5/8" barrel length (which is now a stock Ruger choice), the muzzle crown, the colored front sight, the action job, and the porting.

When the costs of the Predator package are added to the cost of the stock Blackhawk (figure $865 to $900 when the base gun and shipping are added), one is getting close in costs to some other choices, including used Freedom Arms Field Grade Model 83's. GunsAmerica has Model 83's as low as $1095 and $1125. There is one 4.75" Model 83 on GunsAmerica that comes with Micarta grips, holster, dies, and brass for $1250. I have no relationship to the sellers, just using the postings to put the cost of the Predator package in perspective. The Freedom Arms guns exhibit amazing craftsmanship compared to the Predator.

If you can get a good deal on a used Predator, it might be worth it, but it would not be my first choice.

[Gordon]

I sent my brand new fluted .44mag Ruger Bisley to magnaport for a (modified) predator job when they first came out in late 80's. I got a gold bead front sight and an english wide V rear blade other wise it is a predator package. They took gun apart down to last piece, polished everything to perfection with trapper springs and the high polish blue finish is to die for. What a great carry around .44 and a top of the line 'modern' cowboy competition gun.I think when you see the whole gun is rubbed out you will see why the price, which is the same as 15 years ago!

[Standing Wolf]

Magnaport's barrel crowing is of very high quality, and I'm partial to its bead blasting, too.