normal??

[mike56]

Picked up a new (2013 manufacture) New Model Blackhawk convertible, 4 5/8 barrel.

Shot a variety of ammo at 25 yards and was kinda disappointed at the groups.
Shot from a rest to regulate sights. Had 38 158swc reloads, 158 factory 357 and 115 grain factory 9mm.

Was only getting 4 inch groups at best. POI varied a little caliber to caliber.
Is this the best it can do? A little disappointed in the finish as well. Kinda blotchy and alot of tool marks.

 

[contender]

Well, all of your questions are a bit "loaded" ! :D
Without pictures, we can't determine the true nature of the finish. I have seen folks here expect perfect fit & finish & complain about normal production marks on a gun. It's a mass produced item, not a custom, so tool marks or blotchy finish is "subjective." Pics tell a lot more. It could be normal, or very wrong.
As for groups in shooting. As noted, POI will vary due to different calibers & power levels. In general, due to bullet diameters a 9mm will not be quite as accurate as 38's or 357's. But I have seen some convertibles where the 9mm cylinder was very accurate.
I would suggest this.
Have a couple of good, knowledgable shooters who know HOW to shoot a SA revolver to try your gun. If they get 4" groups or larger, THEN maybe it's the gun, OR the ammo. Quite often, it can be a combination of things that result in poor performance.

 

[s4s4u]

Picked up a new (2013 manufacture) New Model Blackhawk convertible, 4 5/8 barrel.

Is this your first SA shortie?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

A single-action Ruger should be as accurate as any other gun and probably more so. Sometimes a barrel needs to be broken-in by shooting or lapping. Check accuracy again after about 500 jacketed rounds of 357mag. :D

 

[mike56]

My third ruger SA. A talo stainless 44spc flat top and a lipsey's flat top in 45colt/45acp. Both the 4 inch barrels. Both are very accurate with my reloads.
I'm thinking this might be my first ruger to go back to the factory.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I had a similar problem. It got better after I got the load that worked, and I learned to shoot a SA. I get 2 1/2" groups now. I now shoot handloads, and life is good. I think your situation will improve with some experimenting.