Recessed chambers on Old Model Blackhawks

[bagdadjoe]

I just picked up an old model Flattop 357 and it does not have recessed chambers for the cartridge rim like the .41 mag old model I had. Which ones are recessed? Is this common just on certain calibers? I know the "new models" don't have them.
thanks!

 

[BlackEagle]

The .357 magnum caliber Old Models don't have recessed cylinders. I'm not sure exactly why. The bigger calibers and at least some .22's are recessed, but for different reasons I think.

 

[Dorsey Rhoads]

As far as I know all old model calibers cylinders are recessed except the 357.

 

[bagdadjoe]

Thanks! I appreciate the information.

 

[chet15]

Being the earliest centerfire Blackhawk, Ruger originally designed it that way for whatever reason. Does the Colt SAA have recessed chambers? If not, that could be the reason actually.
Maybe when the .44 Blackhawk came out, he decided to recess the case heads in order to keep the cylinder frame as short as possible?
Chet15

 

[bagdadjoe]

I never did love the recessed chambers because of getting crud under the cartridge rims, like unburned powder grains and keeping the cartridge from seating all the way and binding up the action. Usually more of an aggravation than a problem. My paper targets rarely attack during a clean out, but I always carry a toothbrush on my watch fob for such an event.

 

[lfpiii]

Recessed cylinders were also used as a safety feature in the event of case failure. Once it was proven that the fear was unfounded they did away with this feature.