.357 Blackhawk

I should have been more specific. I have a 1982 BH and was wondering if I can simply buy a Ruger 9mm cylinder and have it fit the gun.
Thank you

Size matters.
Look for one the same length or a tad longer than your current Cylinder.

I should have been more specific. I have a 1982 BH and was wondering if I can simply buy a Ruger 9mm cylinder and have it fit the gun.
Thank you

Yes,

hittman makes a good point to save you some $$ when buying a cylinder on the open market place,, BUT if measurement is not close or preferably a bit long, you will spend a lot of money making it work, but it can be done.

Now if you want to buy a 9mm cylinder from Ruger, thier policy has been the gun needed to be a convertible originally (357/9) a call to them with your SN# will answer that question. While your on the phone "ASK" the worst they can say is no. You will have the cost of shipping the gun to them to have it fitted, on top of the cylinder.

Now the big question is why? when 38 special can virtually match 9mm velocities. Yes 9mm can be found a little cheaper, but one has to shoot a whole bunch to have it make financial sense.

I have never been lucky enough to have one drop in. I measure the entire length from the ratchet to the end of the gas ring and look for one that is either the same or a tiny bit longer. most folks will be happy to measure theirs for you because they want to sell it. If it's a tad long then I simply take it down very slowly with file or crocus cloth until it just barely fits and then a little more. I've done it about 6 times now on various .357 and .45 Blackhawks.

The reason to add a 9mm cylinder? Fun, something to do, versatility. lot's of people are reporting they can't find .357 or .38 ammo and if they can it is way overpriced.

I've only bought 3 to add to guns but have never had one not drop in and work perfectly.

Thank you for the info. Was just exploring the possibility. Sounds like a pain

It's really not a problem.
1. Call Ruger to see if they'll do it and send it in if they will.

~ or ~

2. Measure your cylinder and put a WTB ad in the Classifieds.

Or find a friend with a lathe. I turned my first on a little tool room lathe from harbor freight. PITA to set perfect, but it works.

I've never had a Blackhawk cylinder drop in. I have very bad luck on gun parts fitting. I've never had a Single-Six cylinder not drop right in though so I have had my victories.

......as noted above, measure the cylinder that is now in the gun, and get the overall measurement ,from end to end, and go from there........
here is an example, it is a 22 cal cylinder, so just do the same to yours.......




and the cylinder you are looking for is like the one on the RIGHT here, note the stub ( gas seal) on the front end ,short on an OLD MODEL and LONGER on a NEW model....

^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^

The answer is yes, since I've done it a few years ago. I have an OM 357 Blackhawk purchased back in 1962. Always wanted a 9 mm cylinder ever since Ruger came out with their convertible Ruger Blackhawks. Happened to find a new 9mm Blackhawk cylinder on eBay about ten years ago and bought it. Had to file down the front bearing surface a few thousands of an inch to fit it in my Blackhawk's frame and it was a perfect fit. Still have the the combo and the fitted 9mm cylinder is an excellent shooter. Go for it!

I have bought a 9mm cylinder for my NM Blackhawk on this forum. The seller listed the overall length and it dropped right in. Be advised that the 9mm isn't going to hit to the same point of aim as the 38 and 357 loads so you're going to have to sight in every time you change cylinders.

I have bought several cylinders for my Ruger Old Army's and all have been drop in fits. Just bought a 45 Colt Bisley cylinder for my Ruger Bisley build and it was a drop in. Then I bought a fluted .44 mag cylinder for my Blackhawk stainless, it fit the frame but somewhere in time Ruger had changed the cylinder ratchet teeth on the back of cylinder and the pawl would index it.
Good Luck

texjam said:

I should have been more specific. I have a 1982 BH and was wondering if I can simply buy a Ruger 9mm cylinder and have it fit the gun.
Thank you

Click to expand...

Take the gun with you and only buy on the condition you can try it in your gun and it fits.