Blackhawk Convertible 357/9mm

[Gambit]

Hi. New to this forum.
I am considering a Ruger Blackhawk convertable in 357/9mm. I once owned a very accurate Blackhawk in 357 (until I sold it to help buy a Winchester 94/22m) and was very happy with it but, I have heard that 9mm rounds, due to their .355 diameter, don't shoot very accuratly in this handgun. I would be buying this revolver to shoot primarily 9mm ammo due the low cost but don't want to sacrifice accuracy.
Does anyone have any experience with this Blackhawk?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Ringtail]

Several years ago a friend of mine and I shot a bunch of 9mm through a convertable Blackhawk. It was noticabley less accurate with 9mm than it was with .357 or .38s. But it was still accurate enough for shooting jackrabbits. We were pretty unimpressed with the terminal effects of 9mm ball.

 

[actionflies]

I own 2 (4 5/8" and 6.5" model) 357 is more accurate but the 9mm will shoot a 6" group all day at 25 yard freehand. It's more accurate than some of my polymer semi auto.

 

[MMCSRET]

I own one with 6.5" barrel. I played with different dia. bullets in 9mm and finally settled on hand cast .358 of several different styles, mostly I use an obsolete Ideal 110 gr. SWC sized .358 in 9mm. Works well but not as effective as 158 gr. 38 specials on pests.

 

[HB]

but the 9mm will shoot a 6" group all day at 25 yard freehand. It's more accurate than some of my polymer semi auto.

While that is expected of "combat" style guns, that is a pretty poor group for a Ruger,

HB

 

[76shuvlinoff]

I just last week obtained a previously owned Blackhawk .357 convertible, 4 5/8 barrel. I can't quote accuracy facts and figures with any legitmacy as I have had little time to shoot and when I do it's off hand. I will comment that even with 9mm in it I can hit my 2" bulleye easily at defensive ranges and I was still able to hit an 8" paper plate repeatedly 90 ft. I need to sit down with a table and bags to see how repeatable it really is but I gotta say I am definately in like with this wheelgun. (My first.)

 

[Gambit]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm going to have to think about this purchase a little longer as I was hoping for under 3" at 25 yds with 9mm ammo. My previous Blackhawk in 357 would keep groups at 2" (some under, some over, depending on ammo) with open sites and with 357 loads.
If I did not already have a 357 I would not hesitate to buy this one now but, using 9mm is is still my aim at this point.
Thanks again. I still love those Blackhawks.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Please don't let my shooting influence you, I am far far from a good shot with a sidearm regardless of the brand or caliber. Although I will say I borrowed a .357 Smith (686?) and it made me look a whole lot better for a while.

 

[Catherine]

There are a couple of people on here who own these guns.

I am still 'debating' about getting one.

I love my Blackhawk in 45Colt and I have shot some Blackhawks in straight/only 357Magnum. I don't own a Blackhawk in 357Magnum or in this convertible. The ones that I shot in 357Magnums were SWEET shooters using 357Magnum and in 38Special Plus P ammunition.

9MM ammunition is cheaper to buy. If you reload in all calibers - you will save some money. I do not reload but my husband does. We buy new factory ammo too.

Sweet guns = BLACKHAWKS!

Best wishes.

Catherine

 

[unspellable]

The alternative would be to buy a revolver specifically made for 9 mm. How ever all the ones I know of are snubbies so you still don't exactly have a target revolver.

 

[greener]

I've been disappointed with the accuracy of 9mm in my convertible. I've fired mostly .38/.357 and the revolver is darned good. I may need more time with the 9mm, but since I reload, there isn't much difference in ammo prices and the .38's are nice and sweet.

 

[MMCSRET]

If you hand load, then load your 9MM with a larger dia. cast bullet. Accuracy will improve.

 

[mgregg85]

Does the .45 colt/.45 ACP suffer from the same accuracy problem?

 

[MMCSRET]

No!!!!!!!!! 45/45 use the same bullet dia. .451/.452. My 45/45 slugged at .4515