Blackhawk Convertible 357/9mm

[D_Gunner]

I just got a Blackhawk Convertible in 357/ 9mm

How can you tell the 9mm from 357-38spc cylinder?

 

[ditto1958]

A .357 or a .38 special round will not chamber in the 9mm cylinder. That's the easiest way.

 

[HPD72]

I had the same confusion when I got mine. I assumed that there would be some indication on one or the other but that's not the case. You can't really do it wrong though as ditto1958 indicated.

 

[D_Gunner]

I have noticed that one cylinder has a bigger diameter at the barrel end of the cylinder

 

[GaryA]

There is a ledge or "step" inside the chambers. The 9mm cartridge head spaces on the case mouth. The cylinder with the shallower step is the 9mm cylinder because of the shorter case. And ditto1958 is right; the 38/357 will not chamber in the 9mm cylinder. And the 9mm cartridge will slip in too deep in the 38/357 cylinder.

Ruger convertibles are buckets of fun. Enjoy!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Perhaps a drop of paint or a mark with a silver 'sharpie' on the ratchet end of the cylinder could ID it for you.

 

[BPGuy]

A .357 or a .38 special round will not chamber in the 9mm cylinder. That's the easiest way.

A 9mm won't chamber in the .357 cylinder, either. They are actually tapered, and will only go about halfway in. Too damn bad, too. I was going to shoot them in moon clips in my S&W 627.

 

[GaryA]

A 9mm won't chamber in the .357 cylinder, either.

I'm wiping a spot of egg off my chin. Without thinking or checking I said it would drop too far in like a .45 acp in a .45 Colt cylinder. You, of course, are absolutely correct. The tapered 9mm case will only go in about 1/2 way in a 38/357 cylinder. Thanks for the correct information. I'm not bright, but I'm steady.

 

[BPGuy]

No worries Gary! You are certainly right about one thing - Ruger convertibles are buckets of fun.! I've got one in .45 LC/.45 ACP.

 

[dakota1911]

I put some fake ivory grips on my 357/9mm so I could quickly tell the difference from my 45Colt/45ACP. Massive amounts of fun with the convertibles.

 

[gramps]

Yep, I enjoy my NMBH. I bought it from a pawn shop as a .357. Bought a correct 9 mm cylinder from our classifieds. It dropped right in, and shoots good.
gramps

 

[D_Gunner]

What is the trick to lining up the base pin in the cylinder? yes I read the Owners Manual.

 

[jimbo1096]

I see you got your answer to the alignment question here: http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=257569

On the ID, it's easy to see the head spacing step in the cylinder for 9mm is much different and higher up in the chamber.

 

[Hondo44]

Keep an empty case in each cyl, it's full proof.

It'll also keep anyone handling your guns on their toes.

 

[D_Gunner]

Do that with a 357 case and tell us what happens