WTK: Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

[Muncus Agruncus]

I handled a Blackhawk Convertible (.357/9mm) today and have since wanted to know more about from the owners here. How does the accuracy compare between the .357mag and 9mm cylinder? What barrel length do you have, and which one would you suggest for use as a hunting companion / plinker/ SHTF multi role piece? And for my last question, what is a fair price for a NIB Blackhawk Convertible?

 

[tantrix]

I don't own one so I can't help you on the accuracy question...but around here they range from $390 to $440

Just look for one as close to $400 as possible and you're doing good.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Accuracy:

Some do well some don't. Depends on the individual gun. You're talking a 357 bore with a 355 slug when you go with a 9mm round. I have a 3 screw convertible with a 5.5" barrel. I like it, it's found a home, and it's not leaving.

The thing I've found that works best is the heavy(147 grain) 9mm loads. They're more accurate than the lighter stuff, IME. I think it's because of the longer bearing surface. The riflings have a little bit more slug to work on than with the lighter stuff. With a good 357 load, mine has done an inch at 25 yards, and will routinely do 2" if I do my part. 9mm does about 3-4" at the same distance.

Recoil with 9mm in that heavy gun is on par with standard 38 special. Now if you step up to 9mm +p+ stuff, it'll buck a little, but still not like full horse 357 stuff.

 

[461]

A great gun that I think most people would enjoy. I cobbled up my own with a stainless blackhawk and someone elses blued 9mm cylinder and I have a lot of fun with it. Accuracy in 9mm is still generally better than most people can shoot but not quite the "one ragged hole" I get with the .357 cylinder. I regularly hit a 12" steel gong at a hundred yards with the 9mm and that's good enough for me.

Mine is a 4 5/8" model and I personally prefer that to all other Blackhawk lengths for portability. I don't think you can go wrong with the purchase. around $400.00 seems to be the prevailing price with used going around $300.00.

Good luck.

 

[Muncus Agruncus]

The responses are encouraging. Are there any aftermarket sights available for this model?

 

[LAH]

The responses are encouraging. Are there any aftermarket sights available for this model?


Plenty........Creeker

 

[Steelcore]

The 9x19 chambers are SAMMI spec.I found that a lot of furrin made 9x19 wouldn't fit.

 

[HighVelocity]

I've got one and it's a great shooter. I've shot a bunch of 38 and 357 ammo of varying weight and power level and it's been very accurate. With the 9mm cylinder all I've shot is WWB 147 and 115 fmj and Speer 124gr +P Gold Dot. No problems and very accurate with the 147 and 124. Not as accurate with the 115gr stuff. I haven't experienced any resistance to loading or unloading due to tight chambers as mentioned in a post above.

 

[crebralfix]

How do the convertible cylinders work for the automatic cartridges? Are moonclips required? If not, how does the cylinder hold the cartridge?

 

[Jackal]

I wish I could have seen this post earlier. In last weeks classifieds here, there was a Blackhawk convertible in like new condition, with gun belt/holster for $250.

 

[Wedge]

I have a .45 Colt/ .45 ACP conevrtible. I got the cylinder throats reamed out on both cylinders. In the .45's case I had the throats reamed to 0.4525 and that made a big difference in accuracy. I haven't shot the .45 ACP cylinder since I started reloading for .45 Colt. I got a great deal on mine and ended up getting it for about $330 NIB.

Good luck!