Blackhawk Combo question

[pzlehr]

I was wondering if one could buy say a 45lc in a Blackhawk, and then buy a 45acp cylinder for it and have it work with no gunsmithing? Or do I just need to buy the combo pack as it comes from Ruger?

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[jimbo1096]

Some get lucky, others not so much. I've done it with a Single Six and it was a drop in fit with tighter tolerances. So yes it does happen. Best thing is to measure the cylinder you have and buy one as close to the same specs, or slightly larger. Have the measurements fron the front boss to the back of the ratchet. If slightly long, it can be fitted. If too small, bushings will be needed and are a pita.

 

[JWhitmore44]

If I was buying new I would just buy convertible and be done with it. Some times it can be difficult locating the acp cylinder. Ruger will fit an acp cylinder to your blackhawk assuming it was offered in that configuration from the factory.

With that in mind, I added an acp cylinder to my birdshead Vaquero. Ruger never offered this option and therefore would not fit a cylinder to my gun. I measured my 45 colt cylinder to find the dimensions so that I could find one close or possibly a little longer. I purchased the cylinder from someone on this board. I had to take very little off the front bushing and from the ratchet on the rear. I made sure the timing was good and that the barrel and cylinder lined up. If you don't feel comfortable with making those checks then get a gunsmith involved.

It makes a neat combination. I have a lot of 45 acp brass that I had been collecting over the years. I stopped shooting my Commander as I was tired of looking in the grass for my empties

 

[pzlehr]

I can relate to looking for brass! I have a couple herniated discs and I use this extended gripper thing so I don't have to stoop or just put up with it and bend over. Anyway, Thanks for the info! I am in the process of getting rid of all but a couple semi-autos and have or will have a few Blackhawks and have a Ruger Redhawk 44mag 4" on the way. I have been reading posts about the combo's, or having a cylinder machined to accept 2 different bullet types. I wasn't sure about the tolerances of Ruger cylinders from one gun to another. Thanks for helping me out...much appreciated!

Chuck

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Very common question. Generally speaking, most cylinders are fit to a particular gun at the factory. You may get lucky and find a cylinder that drops right in without any fitting, but it is dumb luck if you do. I have a pair of identical Vaqueros. Made about the same time. Their cylinders will not interchange. If you want to be sure, just buy the gun that comes from the factory with two cylinders.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

all the above is good advice. I have 3 rugers that are convertable and also have the same in the non convertable. The only one I have ever used the extra cylinder in is a 357 that the other cylinder converts it to 9mm. But it's nice to have the option. My 45 colt has never had the other cylinder installed in it neither has my single six ever had the magnum cylinder put in it.

 

[contender]

If you want to try out a few "convertables," come on down to my range sometime. I have some shooters you can try!

 

[Vulcan Bob]

For what it's worth, I have a Black Hawk .45 convertible that really surprised me with how well it shoot's with 45 ACP. I thought that after that 45 ACP slug ratteled it's way down that long cylinder accuracy would not be all that good. Boy was I wrong. I sorta fall into the find a factory gun crowd here, go find one, your gonna like it!

 

[GaryA]

I agree with the other posters. I think it's easier and probably cheaper just to buy a convertible in the first place.

 

[Gelder]

pzlehr

If you have or can get a good deal on a Blackhawk .45 Colt, then having Ruger install an ACP cylinder is a reasonable option. There are some real advantages to loading the acp over the .45 Colt. That cartridge was designed for black powder so it is way over volume. The .45acp was designed as a smokeless powder load and is considerably more efficient. The Blackhawks shoot the ACP round very well. The only difficulty I have ever encountered with the ACP cylinder is that auto brass has to be the correct length to insure proper ignition. A lot of .45 brass, particularly stuff that has been reloaded a number of times is too short.

There are some pretty impressive loads for the ACP in the Blackhawk, you can use .45 Auto Rim data. Some of those loads are a significant increase over the standard .45 Colt loading.