Ruger Convertable Black Hawk

[DAD]

I'm likeing the idea of the convertable BlackHawk in 357, 38special and 9mm. Does anyone own one? If, so what are your experiances both pro and con. I don't re-load thats why I'm considering this. Thank you

[Prof. Fuller Bullspit]

I've got one. In fact, this was the fist centerfire handgun I ever bought. The 9mm cylinder works fine, I shot it a few cylinder fulls and found that accuracy was good enough for target plinking etc. I reloaded though so it wasn't long before the 9mm cylinder got forgotten  and is never used now.

If you don't reload, it's a good deal because you can often buy very cheap 9mm ammo.

[jason280]

Prof,

If you ever decide to get rid of the 9mm cylinder, please let me know.

[WingMaster]

I have one.  A blued 6.5 inch.  I flat out love this handgun.  It's the first handgun I bought for myself.  Great trigger on mine - beats my 44 SBH.

I take it to the range every trip and it always gets more of a workout than I had ever planned.  It is also along every trip out to my In-Laws farm and my parents place in 100 wooded acres - racoon and deer-running dog problems you know.

I shoot it mainly with 357 and 38 loads.  Being a Ruger, I know it can handle about any handload around.  My 9 year old has shot it with 38s and says it isn't a problem.  To tell the truth, I've never had the 9mm cylinder in it.  When I bought it, there was the convertible that I bought and a regular one side by side for me - I asked my store to have a couple handy.  The price difference was $20.00.  That, and the much nicer stocks on the convertible sealed the deal for me.  9mm ammo is everywghere and dirt cheap so that's a nice perk too, though I find 38 special to be a real pussycat and could shoot that all day long.

Also, someone else wrote this, maybe on another forum.  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin', but we live in a world gone mad right now and the fact that this handgun can fire three of the most readily available round in the world around is pretty nice.

Get it.  You won't regret having it.  I know I don't - it was only an extra $20.00 and you don't have to use that 9mm cylinder - but you can if you want to.

[Flash]

I reload cast bullets in my 9mm and the accuracy is on par with the 38's and 357's. I love mine but it has too many brothers to be fired often.

[JMD]

I’ve owned three Ruger Black Hawk Convertibles and still have two of them. I wish that I hadn’t parted with my original 357/9mm, it was one of the smaller frame models with the handier 4 5/8-in barrel.

The 45 Colt / 45 ACP version has been used more with the larger cartridge, but has fired its fair share of 45 ACP.

My 357/ 9mm Blackhawk has a third cylinder, which I had re-chambered for the 357 / 44 Bain & Davis. I have shot it more with the 9mm cylinder and the Bain & Davis (An interesting experiment) than the 357 Magnum.

The convertible models add versatility for a small difference in cost.

[257 roberts]

I have one, its more of a tool than a gun, its goes where I go when I'm in the woods.

[Tom C.]

My Ruger Convertables are stainless .45 Colt/ .45 ACP. I used them for a number of years in cowboy shooting, but finally switched to .357s. For anything but cowboy shooting, I prefer the .45s. I found a cowboy shooter who is a gunsmith who had modified .45 ACP cylinders to use .45 Auto Rim brass. Same size as .45 ACP, but headspaces on the rim. I have a couple of S&W .45 ACP/AR revolvers, so I had him modify my .45 ACP cylinders. Now most of my range work with mild loads is with .45 AR brass.

[Old Griz]

I have two of the Convertibles, one in each barrel length. Both of mine are great shooters. Most accurate using .357s, but the 9mm is great for plinking and CAS practice. Can't beat the price of the cheap Russian 9mm ammo.

[DAD]

Well ordered my Blackhawk convertable in 357mag with the 9mm cylinder. I will pay 430.00 plus tax. Seams how I don't reload I feel this is the way to go.

[2 dogs]

DAD,  with respect, you dont know what you are missing good sir. Reloading is very relaxing. And Casting is alot of fun. I suggest you get started. Many here would be happy to help you.

[RNettles]

Congrats on a fine selection...

[pastorp]

2dogs, with respect, I've reloaded for over 40 years and have never found it relaxing or fun. Just what I must do to shoot a lot.  Byron

[wilded]

I have a new in the felt bag and box Ruger New model Blackhawk/old model vaquero 45 ACP cylinder I would sell or consider trades.  This should be fitted by a competent gunsmith.  It has never been fired.  Ed (wilded@austin.rr.com)