Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

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oldman45

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Hello
Was considering purchasing a Ruger Blackhawk and I see they make a "convertible" model with an extra cylinder - eg. 45 colt/45 acp.
Wondering if they are worth the extra cost?
Does anyone have one and what are your thoughts?
Do both cylinders shoot to point of aim and is accuracy good with both?
Thanks
 
I had one in 357/9mm. POA was different. If I bought another I would buy a dedicated handgun in both calibers rather than the convertible. Just my 2 cents.
 
I have had both 357/38/9mm convertibles and 45 convertibles. Still have a 7.5 inch 45, with cylinders in 45 Colt, 45 acp, and 45 Win Mag (last is not a factory option). Good revolvers, and with relatively cheap ammo availability, a good choice. I bought mine because I had a ton of 9mm and 45 ACP brass. - dan
 
I have a 9mm / 357 convertible and just about exclusively shoot 9mm because its cheap and convenient. Both have close enough point of impact in terms of knocking over a plate on a rack at 15 yards, but not the same on paper. I almost exclusively shoot 9mm through it, and the 9mm accuracy is good on paper. Brass ammo extracts very easily, steel cased ammo, not so much.
 
dan belisle said:
I have had both 357/38/9mm convertibles and 45 convertibles. Still have a 7.5 inch 45, with cylinders in 45 Colt, 45 acp, and 45 Win Mag (last is not a factory option). Good revolvers, and with relatively cheap ammo availability, a good choice. I bought mine because I had a ton of 9mm and 45 ACP brass. - dan
Click to expand...

I also have a lot of 45acp brass - figured on practicing/plinking with it and using the 45 colt for more serious shooting.

‘
 
oldman45 said:
Sounds like POA likely will be different-but likely close enough for plinking/practice.
Click to expand...

I was able to switch between 38 spl and 9mm and hit a 6" steel plate at 15 m; however, I found the front sight had to be aimed a bit higher when using 115 gr 9mm as the POA was a bit lower on paper.
 
I like mine, most of my shooting is at steel with 158gn lead RFN in 38spl.

6.5" Ruger Blackhawk Convertible 357Mag/39Spl or 9mm
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6.5" Ruger Blackhawk 357Mag/38Spl
 
I have not shot one in yrs, never had the 9mm, I would think if you hand load, you could get close with powder and bullet weights, a express sight would be neat .
 
dan belisle said:
I have had both 357/38/9mm convertibles and 45 convertibles. Still have a 7.5 inch 45, with cylinders in 45 Colt, 45 acp, and 45 Win Mag (last is not a factory option). Good revolvers, and with relatively cheap ammo availability, a good choice. I bought mine because I had a ton of 9mm and 45 ACP brass. - dan
Click to expand...

I picked up a convertible at a gun show in Naniamo a few years back.;) A 4 5/8" stainless in 45LC/45ACP. A keeper:d.
 
I do reload so hopefully with a little load development and some "sight adjustment" both cylinders would shoot ok.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts & advice.
Think I'll likely go ahead and get one at some point in the near future.
 
I've had 2 convertible .45 rugers, both 4 5/8" barreled versions. I like the idea a lot, but couldn't get into them and they are both gone now. Both were resold unfired.

I've realized I prefer the Smith M1917 pattern revolver, if I need to shoot .45 colt I hammer a few with my reamed out .455 hand ejector.

That being said, I'll probably end up with another ruger convertible at some point.
 
I have the 45acp/45LC convertible. I have a load for both 45acp and 45 Colt that shoots to the same POA using the same lead cast 200 gr bullets. Lots of fun. I probably shoot more 45acp then I do 45LC. I do keep my 45acp brass separate from brass for the 1911 and CZ97. Once the rims get beat on a bit they are useless for the revolvers.

Take Care

Bob
 
I would think the 45 ACP/45 Colt version would be better than the 9mm/357 version. 45 ACP and 45 Colt use the same diameter bullet, but the 9mm and 357 don't; therefore when you fire 9mm in a barrel big enough for 357 you are going to lose some accuracy.
 
AllAboutTheBenjamins said:
I would think the 45 ACP/45 Colt version would be better than the 9mm/357 version. 45 ACP and 45 Colt use the same diameter bullet, but the 9mm and 357 don't; therefore when you fire 9mm in a barrel big enough for 357 you are going to lose some accuracy.
Click to expand...

45ACP - .451 Diameter
45 Colt - .452 Diameter

9MM - .355 Diameter
38 Spl/.357 Diameter

I size my lead cast bullets for the .45ACP & 45 Colt .452. My cast 9MM bullets get sized .357 due to the variances in barrels while my 39spl/.357 lead cast bullets are sized .358.

From my readings the 45 Colt diameter was changed after WW11 to .452 from .454.

I don't have the 9MM/357 combination Ruger but my 45acp/45Colt shoot as accurately as I can hold off a bench the same. While I do have loads using the same 200 gr bullet that allow for the same sight settings I also know the sight change I have to make when using heavier 255 gr lead bullets in the Colt using my favourite load. I only shoot lead in my 45Colt cylinder. Folks with the 9MM/.357 will have to comment on their results.

Take Care

Bob
 
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