New Model Blackhawk cylinder 45LC compatability

[tedm]

New to the forum.
I gave my Ruger 45 New Model Blackhawk to my son that I bought years ago with only the 45acp cylinder. I traded for it since I am primarily a semiauto pistol shooter 45acp and 22LR. He also wants to shoot 45LC.
Will a cylinder from a 45 "regular" Blackhawk fit and function on the New Model or must the 45LC cylinder be specifically for the New Model Blackhawk.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
In general, the best thing to look for is a cylinder from a NM Blackhawk. The Om's,, are a little different. And,, there are some mid-framed 45's as well.
Place a WTB ad,,, by measuring the OAL of the current 45 acp cylinder. Look for a NM Blackhawk the same OAL,, or even a few thousands over. If a little over,,, the cylinder boss can be honed down to fit.

 

[tedm]

Thanks

 

[5of7]

The height of the boss can be important too. I once bought a cylinder that was the correct OAL, but that wouldn't fit into the frame because it would not clear the barrel.

I had to face about .005 off the face of the cylinder to make it work. 8)

 

[Hondo44]

The height of the boss can be important too. I once bought a cylinder that was the correct OAL, but that wouldn't fit into the frame because it would not clear the barrel.

I had to face about .005 off the face of the cylinder to make it work. 8)

Excellent example of how OM cyls may not fit NM guns and NM cyls may not fit OM guns.

 

[Bob Wright]

I have two New Model .45 Blackhawks and their ACP cylinders will not interchange. However, one ACP cylinder fits not only the Blackhawk for which it was made, but another Blackhawk and a Vaquero.

And also a Uberti Flat Top Target Model!

Bob Wright

As I say "fit" I do not imply having shot it in any other than the gun for which it was made.

 

[J Miller]

I have an Old Model BH .45 Colt that has early NM cylinders in it. Apparently they were made soon enough after the old models to fit fine. But I think it was just a fluke or I got real lucky way back then.

Measure the ACP cylinder and look for a Colt cylinder as close to that measurement as you can.

Joe

 

[tedm]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[eveled]

Is it the small size, (like the Lypsey's flattop) or the large size frame (like a .44magnum)?? I ask because if it's the smaller one then it can't handle heavy LC loads anyway. And .45acp +p is the limit anyway. So he wouldn't be gaining anything. A used large frame .45LC Blackhawk is usually easy to find. And if he doesn't reload a .44 magnum might be a better choice anyway.

I have the Lypsey's flattop convertible, and have never even put the LC cylinder in it. .45 acp is so much fun in a single action.

 

[Hondo44]

I have an Old Model BH .45 Colt that has early NM cylinders in it. Apparently they were made soon enough after the old models to fit fine. But I think it was just a fluke or I got real lucky way back then.

Measure the ACP cylinder and look for a Colt cylinder as close to that measurement as you can.

Joe

Joe,

Th Colt cylinders are way too small for Old or New Model blackhawks. They're even .020" smaller in diameter than Ruger mid size cyls for the New Vaq and NM FLAT TOP Blackhawks, and the Uberti cyls.

Uberti cyls are a good match for Ruger mid size frames even though the cyl lock notches are wider, they work fine.

EMF cyls are Colt size and therefore won't work.

 

[J Miller]

Jim,
I obviously missed something when I read the OP. Went back and reread it and still must be missing something. I thought the New Model Blackhawks were the same size as the Old Model Blackhawks.

When I said measure the Colt cylinder I was referring to the .45 Colt cylinder, not a cylinder from a Colt revolver.
Perhaps I should have been a bit more clear with my wording.

Joe

 

[Hondo44]

Joe,

You're correct, the OM 45 BH and the NM 45 regular BH both use the large frame size 45 Cyls.

Overall cyl length is always a variable even of cyls for the same frame size.