Ruger NMBH Convertible 5.5' or 6.5' accuracy?

[Icebear]

Good day

I have several pistols and Revolvers, also a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible, .45 – 4.62 inches. Now I intend to buy another Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible, 357M/38S and 9mm. I certainly want a 5.5' or a 6.5' barrel.
Who has concrete experiences with both of them? In this case I only care for accuracy and not for the look or a comfort in carrying and/or handling. I could imagine, that it doesn't make a big difference up to 25/30 yards but what about 50 yards or more? And if there was a difference, would it be a big resp. a relevant one?

 

[IlikeSA]

I didn't understand your last sentence question.

I have a 4.75 357/9 convertible and a 5.5 flat top in 45 colt/acp. The 45 colt/acp is far more accurate with whatever I put in it. The 357 should be accurate, as I measured the cylinder throats, timing, and cylinder gap before buying, but it just does not shoot my accurate in other revolver wadcutters loads as well. Granted it is accurate enough, but I have higher standards.

Why do you want to go with the 5.5 or 6.5 for the 357?

 

[Icebear]

Because I assume and also heard from other Ruger owners, that the 5.5 or 6.5 versions are more accurate.

 

[paul105]

Inherent accuracy will depend on the individual gun not barrel length. Longer sight radius may help some folks shoot more accurately.

 

[IlikeSA]

Guns are individuals. As I mentioned in my previous post, my 357 should be accurate based on the specs I measured. Some guns like a particular powder, bullet, or velocity. I havent found that for my convertible 357.

In your case, get the Blackhawk in the barrel length you want. The longer barrels are not more inherently accurate because of the barrel length, but because of the gun, ammo combination, and the shooter.

As Paul mentioned above, the longer barrel will help you in terms of lining up the shot in a more precise manner, particularly at the longer distances you want to shoot.

Good sights make a difference as well. I would suggest getting the stainless Blackhawk as they have the option for switching out the front sight with a roll pin.

 

[fxvr5]

it just does not shoot my accurate in other revolver wadcutters loads as well. Granted it is accurate enough, but I have higher standards.

My Blackhawk does not shoot factory 148 HBWC well either.

My Blackhawk convertible (6.5") shoots 38 Special, 357 Magnum and 9mm factory ammo about the same. It has preferences, like all guns. My handloaded 9mm loads shot best, and made some nice small groups at 25 yards.

 

[Tallball]

"As Paul mentioned above, the longer barrel will help you in terms of lining up the shot in a more precise manner, particularly at the longer distances you want to shoot."

What he said. The 5.5" and 6.5" revolvers should have roughly the same accuracy if you put them in a vice or something. However, the one with the longer sight radius will be easier to aim. Basically, the closer together the sights are, the harder a firearm is to aim correctly. When they're farther apart, it's easier. Even my 2" and 6" Model 10 38 special revolvers might have roughly the same "mechanical accuracy". However, at 25 yards I would be doing pretty well to keep shots from the 2" on the paper, while with the 6" I might (on a good day) have a halfway decent group.

That's why I chose the 6.5" 357 Blackhawk convertible.

Ruger Blackhawk 357 Magnum

• Tallball
• Jul 30, 2018