Shooting .40 S&W in .38-40 Blackhawk ?
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No. The cases are not even remotely similar in dimensions.
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Sacramento Johnson
Blackhawk
If you find a dual cylinder Ruger SA with both 38-40 and 40 S&W cylinders, you can switch out cylinders to shoot 40 S&W as barrel sizes are the same (and depending on the Ruger SA, you could possibly find a 10mm cylinder as well to use).
How about having a second-hand .357 cylinder rechambered to .40 ?
Any idea who can do this ^^^
NikA
Buckeye
Borchardt Rifle Company in NM makes replacement cylinders and may be able to help you.
For Sale - OM Blackhawk .357 cyl
This OM/3-screw Blackhawk .357 cal. cylinder has been worked on by DougGuy. It shot "patterns", not groups. He found the throats were of different sizes and had to open them up to .358"; it shoots well with lead semi-wadcutters measuring .359". This could also be used as a project cylinder for a...
www.rugerforum.com
Now, something to consider... .38-40 Blackhawks were often offered as a convertible package. If you had the original box, the box would indicate this. Otherwise, get a letter from Ruger saying if it was or was not a convertible to start with. If it was a convertible, they will replace the extra cylinder for a fee. If it was a 10mm, then they will replace it as a 10. If it was a .40 S&W, they will replace it with a cylinder chambered thusly.
"Any idea who can do this?"
Might be somewhat difficult to find a gunsmith who has a .40 reamer. You might see if Alan Harton in Houston Tx would have a suggestion.
Might be somewhat difficult to find a gunsmith who has a .40 reamer. You might see if Alan Harton in Houston Tx would have a suggestion.
contender
Ruger Guru
"Who makes cylinders ?"
"How about having a second-hand .357 cylinder rechambered to .40 ?"
"Any idea who can do this"
A custom gunsmith like Alan Harton, or Bobby Tyler, or Hamilton Bowen can either make or get cylinders & do the work necessary if you want a truly custom built cylinder. And I'm sure there are others out there who can do it as well. Those just came to mind. But prepare for sticker shock, and a long wait time.
A second hand cylinder is easier to find,, less expensive usually, and a re-chambering is a job many lesser known but very good gunsmiths can do. To get a spare cylinder,, place a WTB ad here or in other places. Measure your existing cylinder first,, to get a OAL,, and look for one as long or a few thousands longer. Then any good gunsmith with the equipment and reamers can re-cut a cylinder. Less of a wait, and less money to get it built.
Ruger built a convertible Blackhawk,, commonly called a "Buckeye" many years ago that came with 38-40 AND a 10mm cylinders. If you got one of those,, the .40 S&W would not work due to it's case length. A spare cylinder would be necessary. Then a few years back, Ruger made a convertible Blackhawk in .40 S&W & .10mm. Again, using (2) cylinders.
So, the bullet itself will work,, but the case dimensions & chambering methods require different cylinders.
"How about having a second-hand .357 cylinder rechambered to .40 ?"
"Any idea who can do this"
A custom gunsmith like Alan Harton, or Bobby Tyler, or Hamilton Bowen can either make or get cylinders & do the work necessary if you want a truly custom built cylinder. And I'm sure there are others out there who can do it as well. Those just came to mind. But prepare for sticker shock, and a long wait time.
A second hand cylinder is easier to find,, less expensive usually, and a re-chambering is a job many lesser known but very good gunsmiths can do. To get a spare cylinder,, place a WTB ad here or in other places. Measure your existing cylinder first,, to get a OAL,, and look for one as long or a few thousands longer. Then any good gunsmith with the equipment and reamers can re-cut a cylinder. Less of a wait, and less money to get it built.
Ruger built a convertible Blackhawk,, commonly called a "Buckeye" many years ago that came with 38-40 AND a 10mm cylinders. If you got one of those,, the .40 S&W would not work due to it's case length. A spare cylinder would be necessary. Then a few years back, Ruger made a convertible Blackhawk in .40 S&W & .10mm. Again, using (2) cylinders.
So, the bullet itself will work,, but the case dimensions & chambering methods require different cylinders.
I guess I was trying to get the best of both worlds. I was looking at buying a Ruger Blackhawk Buckeye in 10mm/.38-40 and was hoping to be able to shoot . 40 cal. in it also. I'm not a reloader so buying .38-40 ammo could get expensive quickly.
I ordered a 44-40 cylinder from them in March. They have stopped answering the phone.
Ruger built a convertible Blackhawk,, commonly called a "Buckeye" many years ago that came with 38-40 AND a 10mm cylinders. If you got one of those,, the .40 S&W would not work due to it's case length. A spare cylinder would be necessary. Then a few years back, Ruger made a convertible Blackhawk in .40 S&W & .10mm. Again, using (2) cylinders.
I have two of the 'Buckeye Combo Sets". A 38/40 & 10mm in each.. Still NIB. Are you saying the 10mm doesn't work??
I have two of the 'Buckeye Combo Sets". A 38/40 & 10mm in each.. Still NIB. Are you saying the 10mm doesn't work??
Gotcha!!!
JCK
Single-Sixer
Check with Ruger. Likely they may have a .40 cylinder laying around. You may have to send them your revolver for fitting,
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Gads, go over to the singleactions forum and they'll make a list for you. It may be pricey though.
contender
Ruger Guru
"Check with Ruger. Likely they may have a .40 cylinder laying around. You may have to send them your revolver for fitting,"
Ruger will NOT add a cylinder to a gun that was not a model they offered. Yes,, they may have a .40 S&W cylinder or can make one,, but the ONLY gun they will fit one too is one of their convertible Blackhawks that was offered in .40 S&W & .10MM. They won't "add" one to a Buckeye.
Ruger will NOT add a cylinder to a gun that was not a model they offered. Yes,, they may have a .40 S&W cylinder or can make one,, but the ONLY gun they will fit one too is one of their convertible Blackhawks that was offered in .40 S&W & .10MM. They won't "add" one to a Buckeye.
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