Ruger Buckeye 38-40 \ 10mm

[Hastings]

I have an opportunity to pick up one of these tomorrow. What is a reasonable price for one in excellent condition with less than two boxes of ammo thru the 38-40 cylinder and less than one box thru the 10mm cylinder? The guy doesn't have the original box anymore, but he is the original owner and the gun looks new.

I guess I'm asking what the value is, and what are people's opinion of this revolver. I reload 10mm, but have zero experience with 38-40. Can you really hot-rod the 10mm in a Blackhawk? Another question I had was whether a 40s&w cylinder from a Vaquero or Blackhawk fit into the Buckeye as well, or are the projection of the forcing cone and the ratchet face different?

Thanks
Hastings.

 

[Hondo44]

Probable value about $600 w/no box and having been fired. New in box are usually offered for about $800. Any large frame or original large frame Vaq cyl will fit with the usual manufacturing overall length variation as compared to yours being the main consideration; don't get one that's too short.

Assuming the 40 S&W cylinder came from a 38-40/40 S&W convertibel, the cylinder length body should be the same length as the Buckeye and not be a problem with barrel forcing cone protrusion from the frame.

The gun will take any loading in either caliber with no limitations other than common sense. The 38-40 is a wonderful cartridge that has tremendous potential in that large frame Blackhawk and can be safely loaded to magnum specs if wanted.

38-40 Magnums and the guns for them by LEE MARTIN
http://www.singleactions.com/files/3840WinchesterArticle.pdf

 

[chris_]

They are super guns and you will be very surprised at shooting 10mm through it if you have only ever shot it in something like a Glock. I have loaded 10mm to failure in this gun.

 

[Rainman]

The 38-40 can be loaded close to 41 mag ballistics in that particular guns. See the referenced Taffin article. They are awesome shooters. I agree it's a good snag at $600.

Dan

 

[CraigC]

I'm gonna say closer to $500 or less for a used sample with no box.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Don't be surprised to discover that the cylinder throats are undersized. This is quite common with these guns, on both the 10mm cylinder and the .38-40 cylinder.

On the one I recently purchased, neither cylinder will accept a .400" jacketed bullet . . . by quite a bit. Personally, I won't fire this gun until I have this matter attended to. The solution is a relatively simple reaming operation.

This condition bothers some folks, others not at all. It is not conducive to the best accuracy and has the potential to result in higher-than-expected chamber pressures as well as a certain amount of barrel leading.

All that said, these are very interesting guns and I am not the least bit dismayed by this development . . . it's just something to be aware of and consider when determining a "real" price for the gun.

All JMHO of course.

 

[chris_]

My Buckeye is ridiculously accurate with the the 10mm cylinder.

 

[5of7]

Don't be surprised to discover that the cylinder throats are undersized. This is quite common with these guns, on both the 10mm cylinder and the .38-40 cylinder.

Mine exhibited the same undersized throats as you describe. It did shoot lead bullets well though in spite of the undersized throats. I reamed the throats to .401 and it continued to handle lead bullets well, but with no discernible improvement in accuracy.

I suspect that the bore in probably a little undersized too, so in that case, no problem.

I left the 10MM cylinder alone because I shoot nothing but jacketed bullets in that cylinder.

As noted above, the 38/40 runs real close to a .41 Mg. in power.....although the usual 180 grain bullets for the 38/40 are a little light. I solved that problem with 200 gr. 10MM bullets and getting them up to 1200 fps was no problem. 8)

 

[Lee Martin]

Great guns and as mentioned you can push them a little harder.

 

[sgtb]

I just picked one up in as new condition. The original owner fired 12 rounds through the 10mm cylinder and put it away. I plan to use it for our upcoming deer season.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Here's another . . .

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=163561&p=1642556&hilit=buckeye#p1642556

;-)