Old /new model cylinders

[ThomTender]

I guess the question has been asked before but here goes anyway. Are the old and new model cylinders interchangeable on the blackhawks. I would like to get a 45acp cylinder for my old model (3 screw) Blackhawk. Would like to be sure if their is a difference

 

[contender]

In the 45 Colt/45 acp,, there is a difference in the cylinders. When you find an OM cylinder for your gun,, expect to pay a premium. The OM's were only made for 3 years,, and the convertibles account for about 3-4 thousand of the total production of about 23,000 guns.

 

[eric conrad]

Put a want to buy here in the classifieds. They are out there.
Eric

 

[Get Wood]

I Think There's A Diff. In O. A. L. And Not Just In $$$$$.... Correct Me If I'm Wrong.....

 

[contender]

Yes, there is a dimensional difference.

 

[ThomTender]

So the way I read this the bottom line is I must watch/look for one specifically made for an Old (3 screw) Blackhawk. Eyes wide open and looking . Thanks Guys I saw on EB but it did not specify exactly which model. The beat goes on

 

[rugerguy]

thom, if you can see a picture, of them side by side, the front lug ( gas seal) is longer on the New model and shorter on the the old models.............

here is an example of the OM and NM with the 9mm cyls.......

 

[45Colt_Man]

Well I'm going to play devils advocate.

I just measured four .45acp cylinders two old model and two new model.
The gas lugs were all within .006" from each other.
I then took an old model cylinder and installed in one of the new models, function was just fine. The new model cylinders were a little long to install in the old model guns.
Of course the old models have the firing pin groove in them and the cylinder has a lip to hide the case head.

The old model convertible only had the .45acp cylinder when I purchased it. Sent it to Ruger and had them install the .45Colt cylinder, which was a new model cylinder of course. Later I was lucky enough to buy an old model cylinder from Sam Johnson that was a drop in fit.

I was also lucky enough to find an old model cylinder for my four digit old model and it too was a drop in fit so both old models are now convertible.

Of note on Dan's picture you are seeing the difference in medium frame cylinder and large frame cylinder.

An old model would be your best option but trying to find one for sale that matches the length of your current cylinder may be hard to do. On the other hand if your gun was sold by Ruger as a convertible they can install a new model cylinder in it.

Good luck in your search.

Dana