30 carbine blackhawk question

[Ben Shepherd]

Due to certain internet restrictions I face, going over to rugerforums to ask this is impossible. So here goes:


I recently picked up an old model blackhawk in 30 carbine. It's for my bro-in-law, to go with his rifle. IIRC 1971 was the first year the blackhawk was chambered in 30 carbine. So this means this gun is fairly scarce correct? Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks.


Edited to make post #5 meaningless. Pbbbtt..

 

[SaxonPig]

I had two of them over the years (both early 3 screw models) so I don't think they are terribly rare. But all 3 screw Rugers are hard to find, anymore.

BTW- I was very disappointed with the performance of these revolvers. Military 110 grain ball ammo produced a little over 1300 FPS making this big, heavy, and very loud (VERY loud) gun sort of a pipsqueak in power.

 

[jjohnson]

Uncommon Firearm

I haven't seen one for years, not even at gun shows. I don't think they made all that many of them. Shot one once, though, and yeah, since that carbine load was made for carbine length barrels, I don't think the handgun has enough length to efficiently use whatever the mil-spec powder was, so they sure do generate flash and bang... kinda like a CZ52, if memory serves.

That being said, hey, if a guy likes his M1, it'd sure be cool just to have one.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I know they are not powerhouses, I am fairly familiar with this rounds balistics and limitations. You are right, they are loud! And an inefficient caliber in a pistol. But on a rabbit hunt or similar- 1 kind of ammo to pack around. Tickles my bro-in-laws fancy.

My real question is: Being ruger went to the new model in '72, I wonder how rare an old model in 30 carbine is with only 1 year of production on the old model platform.

Should have been a little more clear.

 

[BlkHawk73]

IIRC 1971 was the first year the 30 carbine was chambered in 30 carbine. So this means this gun is fairly scarce correct?

What would be more scarce would be a .30 carbine NOT chambered in .30 carbine.

Sorry just the way it was worded begged for that.

 

[Old Fuff]

Old Model Blackhawks were first produced in 1968. Because of the convoluted serial numbering system they used I have no idea how many were made before all Old Model Blackhawks were discontinued in or around 1972

For one year (1968) they were numbered from 1 up, but serial numbers were assigned in blocks, so a high number doesn't necessarily equal total production. In 1969 they started using a "50" prefix to the number, and went to "51" with the new model.

I don't think a Old Model/.30 Carbine is rare, but I would call it scarce - along with some other words that we can't say on the High Road...

 

[Magnumite]

This round in a revolver is on par with any of the bigger magnums. Its case length is 1.280" I believe (or very close to it), straight walled and works in the same pressure range as the other magnums. Its velocity is similar to the other magnums in comparable barrel lengths. So essentually, it is the "30 Magnum" in handgun jargon.

I hear they are noisy in the revolvers, though.


As a matter of fact, H110 powder was developed for this round.

 

[BluesBear]

Factory loaded .30 Carbine ammo was designed for, well, carbine use.
With proper handloads the .30 Carbine revolver will come into it's own.
For many years the .32-20 was condisered a fine handgun round. In a revolver, anything you can do with a .32-20 you can do with a .30 Carbine.

And yes, a three screw .30 Carbine Blackhawk is a scare item

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Thanks for all the input guys. That's what I thought. He has seen several new models to go with his carbine, but always wanted the 3-screw. So we found him one.

As for the ballistics, I am an experienced handloader who is well aware a 357 will whip the 30 carbine any day, but it's the "cool" factor my bro-in-law was after.

Again thanks for the input.

 

[Magnum Wheel Man]

I agree the 30 Carbine 3 screw would be rare ( for sale )... I think they made quite a few for the limited time they made them, but, I don't think most are selling their screws... I have only ever seen one at all the gun shows I've been to...

I do have a new model in 30 Carbine, to go along with my rifle... I have a 4 X scope on it, & it's very acurate, I can often shoot very well at 75 yards, with cheap UMC ammo, or milsurp... but these guy's are correct, that it is VERY LOUD... & does throw large amounts of flame at dawn & dusk shooting... I don't honestly know what its "really" good for, but I still love mine, & it barks like a 50 AE, but is quite comfortable to shoot, so I enjoy punching paper with it...

 

[Hollowdweller]

Mine shoots great with the Wolf ammo but no flash. The S and B ammo and surplus has a nice flash though.

Yeah real accurate I think.

While we are on the subject if you were gonna hunt something with one would you be better off to use the 110 grain hollow point that I think Sierra makes? Or would it be better to use the Hornady 90 grain HP for extra velocity?

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I use the 90 gr XTP. Tougher slug.

Niether will hit "blow-up" speed in a short revlover barrel though.

Going to try vit N110 powder to try reducing flash here shortly.

IIRC from my loading notes about 1300 is as fast as I have gone with either slug.

 

[Diomed]

Mine shoots great with the Wolf ammo but no flash.

Interesting. Given the problems with Wolf in carbines, I was thinking maybe the Ruger is the best platform for that brand.

I admit, I was thinking of picking one up. Just for the neato factor, really.

 

[Magnumite]

there was a three screw 30 carbine on gunbroker about a year ago, four digit sn. It went for something like $600

 

[KINGMAX]

I would love to have one to add to my RUGER collection

I would love to add a .30 cal to my collection of RUGER Revolvers I have started. My Dad had one years ago, I don't know what happened to it.

I have a (1) Super REDHAWK in .44 mg , (2) BalckHawk in .45 LC 7.5 in barrel SS finish , (3) BlackHawk Bisley in .45 LC in SS & Super Sweet 5.5 in barrel, (4) BlackHawk .375 w/ 4.75 in barrell in basic Ruger Black finish.

 

[Harley Quinn]

30 cal. carbine revolver

I believe you have a winner there. I have had one or two of these over my life. Powder is the biggie, now that they have the new ones (powder).

I believe the 3 screw 30 cal is pretty scarce. I would be very careful with it, that is why they are scarce, they went to a safer hammer mechanism.
I had a friend that droped his 3 screw and survived. I know of a couple of stories where they did not survive.

Go with the old cowboy way and keep a $50.00 bill in the chamber(under the hammer) so you wont be broke.

I believe they are one of the guns that are good for bear, up close and in the face, you will set them on fire Blind them also. With a fmj it will go through the skull, IMHO.

I think the 30 is a good revolver to have myself. Your Bro-in-law is fortunate.
Hope you always stay friends

HQ

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I hear they are noisy in the revolvers, though.

What? Did somebody say something?

They have a tremendous fireball at the muzzle end, too... Someone said, "I can feel the blast on my face when I shoot it...".

 

[Hollowdweller]

I can feel stuff hit my arms and cheeks when I shoot even the Wolf that has no or very little flash.

I have been really happy with shooting mine with the Wolf that you can get for what 160/1000?. The Wolf steel cases are sticky in the chamber but not THAT hard to get out.