I have a redhawk, and a super redhawk, and a blackhawk, and an old army (and several security sixes). I do like Rugers !
I like the redhawk over the super redhawk... nicer action.
The blackhawk as a single action is dream... i've smothed it out quite a bit, and it is really fun to shoot.
You can do the same with an old army btw.
However, used blackhawks seem to be fairly readily available, and usually around the same price as an old army... saving you money for conversion costs.
I am from Massachusetts, so I can't help you much with what is in California