My new Blackhawk!

ontarget

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Nov 30, 2009
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Michigan (Gods country)
A few weeks ago I asked the opinion of you fine folks between a Vaquero 44 mag and a Blackhawk 41 mag.
After much consideration, and realizing that I love all things 45 caliber, I decided to go with a Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt/45 ACP.
This was a great choice for me because I am already loading for both, and have many examples in both cartridges.
I also seem to have accumulated a pile of Ruger SAs along the way.
Anyway, I finally got to shoot the new acquisition, and I couldn't be happier!
Accuracy from both cylinders was acceptable for the factory ammo I used, and POI was closer than I expected since the 45 Colt ammo was 200 gn lrnfp cowboy loads at 750fps, and the 45 ACP loads were 230 gn FMJ.
Both groups on the left are the ACP, and both on the right are 45 Colt. All 6 shot groups.
20231004_162433.jpg
The gun doesn't show much of any wear, and the ACP cylinder doesn't even have a turn line on it. That will change soon.
I did not get a screaming deal on this one after paying the fees, shipping, transfer and all the stuff associated with a GB purchase, but I feel pretty good about it since it is exactly what I wanted.
 
Great on your 45 caliber Blackhawk.

I have a 4-5/8" and a 7-3/8" 45 Colt Blackhawks. Great revolvers even though single actions and I do not get along. I do like the 45 Colt cartridge though.

Nothing wrong with convertibles, but I tend not to use the alternate cylinder. I have a convertible 22 Single Six and a convertible 357/9x19 Blackhawk.
 
A few weeks ago I asked the opinion of you fine folks between a Vaquero 44 mag and a Blackhawk 41 mag.
After much consideration, and realizing that I love all things 45 caliber, I decided to go with a Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt/45 ACP.
This was a great choice for me because I am already loading for both, and have many examples in both cartridges.
I also seem to have accumulated a pile of Ruger SAs along the way.
Anyway, I finally got to shoot the new acquisition, and I couldn't be happier!
Accuracy from both cylinders was acceptable for the factory ammo I used, and POI was closer than I expected since the 45 Colt ammo was 200 gn lrnfp cowboy loads at 750fps, and the 45 ACP loads were 230 gn FMJ.
Both groups on the left are the ACP, and both on the right are 45 Colt. All 6 shot groups.
View attachment 1174422
The gun doesn't show much of any wear, and the ACP cylinder doesn't even have a turn line on it. That will change soon.
I did not get a screaming deal on this one after paying the fees, shipping, transfer and all the stuff associated with a GB purchase, but I feel pretty good about it since it is exactly what I wanted.

Very good pick up! I’d say that convertible looks like it’s a good shooter in your hands with both cylinders, well done! :thumbup:

My .45 Colt Rugers are both the 4 5/8” versions like yours. The old Vaquero is a bit tough to shoot with bright light because the shiny sights wash out, the Blackhawk is a solid shooter, sunny or not. :)

IMG_2527.jpeg

Congratulations on finding an excellent revolver. After a lifetime of shooting it, you will be handing down to your heirs so they can do the same. :D

Stay safe.
 
Last edited:
A few weeks ago I asked the opinion of you fine folks between a Vaquero 44 mag and a Blackhawk 41 mag.
After much consideration, and realizing that I love all things 45 caliber, I decided to go with a Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt/45 ACP.
This was a great choice for me because I am already loading for both, and have many examples in both cartridges.
I also seem to have accumulated a pile of Ruger SAs along the way.
Anyway, I finally got to shoot the new acquisition, and I couldn't be happier!
Accuracy from both cylinders was acceptable for the factory ammo I used, and POI was closer than I expected since the 45 Colt ammo was 200 gn lrnfp cowboy loads at 750fps, and the 45 ACP loads were 230 gn FMJ.
Both groups on the left are the ACP, and both on the right are 45 Colt. All 6 shot groups.
View attachment 1174422
The gun doesn't show much of any wear, and the ACP cylinder doesn't even have a turn line on it. That will change soon.
I did not get a screaming deal on this one after paying the fees, shipping, transfer and all the stuff associated with a GB purchase, but I feel pretty good about it since it is exactly what I wanted.
It is a great choice.

I went with a Blackhawk convertible in .357/.38/9mm.
 
I do have a 357 Blackhawk. My next gun related purchase might be a 9mm cylinder for it.
The ultimate "survivalist" handgun because of the usual availability of .357/.38/9mm
ammunition. With the dominance nowadays of the 9mm, that extra cylinder is
really a well-desired item. And with the .45ACP/.45 Colt acquisition, you have all
the bases covered.
 
I have a Pietta in .45 Colt and extra .45 acp cylinder. I was pretty surprised how accurate the .45 acp cylinder shot. Those two different rounds cover a lot of ground.
Good find on your part OP.
 
Congratulations @ontarget that looks like a perfect combination. :thumbup:

I had a .45 ACP cylinder made for my .45 New Vaquero. The gun shoots a little more accurately with .45 ACP than .45 Colt. It’s fun with both.
The one thing that bugged me a little was Ruger didn’t mark the .45 ACP cylinder in any way so both cylinders appear identical.
1696520735761.jpeg
I did go to the range once with .45 Colt ammo and the .45 ACP cylinder installed. 🤪 Once!

I have been considering a Blackhawk.357/9mm convertible. I want the 4 5/8” barrel if I get one.
 
Finally found a couple of hours to spend in the armory. Loaded up a couple hundred 250gn Rnfp, over 8.2 gn of Unique. That should get me started.

And on a side note, since I've just realized what an excellent revolver cartridge the 45 ACP is, I got to searching around for a 9mm cylinder for my 357 Blackhawk.
No luck at Numrich, GB, or on ebay. Anyone have any ideas for a source?
And maybe a reasonable cost to expect?
 
Anyone have any ideas for a source?
And maybe a reasonable cost to expect?
Ruger will make you one for around $150, but you have to send the gun to them. I do believe shipping is included in the price.
Mine was $130 because the gun was in their possession for warranty work. No shipping needed for the cylinder.
Have your serial number handy and call this number for Ruger Customer Service:
(336) 949-5200
 
Ruger will make you one for around $150, but you have to send the gun to them. I do believe shipping is included in the price.
Mine was $130 because the gun was in their possession for warranty work. No shipping needed for the cylinder.
Have your serial number handy and call this number for Ruger Customer Service:
(336) 949-5200

Thanks, will do!
 
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