Ruger Blackhawk Convertible 357/9mm

rl356 · 01-31-2008, 08:55 PM

I am considering the purchase of a new model blackhawk convertible chambered in .357mag, and 9mm. During some research on this firearm I read in some other online gun forums that the accuracy of the 9mm was less than consistant in this particular revolver. Any of you out there that have any experience with this weapon, I would greatly appreciate any insight/opinions that you could offer before I invest my money into something that's not going to perform as it should. Thanks

neophyte · 01-31-2008, 09:15 PM

rl356: Sir; I don't own one but have researched.
What I've discovered and kind of knew.
Barrel is designed to shoot .357 and the 9mm is loose in the bore.
Accuracy is diminished because the lead is unsupported. Have some had good accuracy? Yes.
Most? NO.
Part [6-7] of my mess is Ruger. My want list included the convertible. Not now. I do like the concept.

RugerForum.com was much of my research over 6-8 month period.

nathangdad · 01-31-2008, 10:00 PM

A little research will lead you to the different diameters of the 9mm and the .357 magnum.
This is just not a 9mm barrel in both bore diameter and rifling twist. Sometimes even the best of manufacturers will engage in a little bit of a sales gimmick. I wouldn't buy it if you are a 9mm fan.

jerry · 02-01-2008, 07:29 AM

I have had decent luck with mine. Yes .357 - .355 is .002 difference. Not a whole lot. It is a blast to plink with. I can achieve good groups at typical pistol ranges inside 20-25 yards. I have plinked the occasional clay off the berm after a bit of kentucky windage dial in.

You must shoot jacketed bullets. The 9mm cylinder head spaces on the rim mouth like an auto. The difference is the little bit of back and forth play that is typical in a revolver. Lead will shave a bit on the head space built into the cylinder.

Ouch has one too. I 'm not sure what kind of luck he has had.

Next time I go to the range I'll post up a target.

I've been extremely happy with the convertable.

rl356 · 02-01-2008, 06:05 PM

Sorry about the multiple thread. Got an error message when trying to post either of the threads, so I assumed that neither one of them actually posted.

Well, after doing some more research on this particular firearm and reading the responses that some of you and others had, I decided to go a different route. I purchased a "like new" used Ruger P90DC for $300.00 out the door. I have not yet had a chance to fire it, but it's in excellent condition. Does anyone know how to determine the year of manufacture? Also, those of you that have experience with this pistol, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

fred · 02-01-2008, 08:57 PM

I met a fellow on the range one day who cited accuracy problems with his Blackhawk Convertable using 9 mm. He fixed the problem by handloading slightly larger diameter .357 bullets for the Blackhawk. Of course this defeats the use of cheap 9 mm ammo (if any still exists) and creates the problem of inadvertantly getting the larger diameter loads if you shoot other handguns chambered in 9 mm. I think if I really wanted a convertable I'd go for the Super Blackhawk in .45 Colt/45 Auto.

madcratebuilder · 02-02-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fred

I met a fellow on the range one day who cited accuracy problems with his Blackhawk Convertable using 9 mm. He fixed the problem by handloading slightly larger diameter .357 bullets for the Blackhawk. Of course this defeats the use of cheap 9 mm ammo (if any still exists) and creates the problem of inadvertantly getting the larger diameter loads if you shoot other handguns chambered in 9 mm. I think if I really wanted a convertable I'd go for the Super Blackhawk in .45 Colt/45 Auto.

Agreed, I have a Bisley in 45lc/45acp. Off hand shooting I see no difference in accuracy. You can load the lc up to near 44mag levels, or shoot cowboy loads (cap gun) I have a Thomson 1927a1, a 1911 and the Bisley, I shoot a lot of acp ammo.

samuel · 02-02-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathangdad

A little research will lead you to the different diameters of the 9mm and the .357 magnum.
This is just not a 9mm barrel in both bore diameter and rifling twist. Sometimes even the best of manufacturers will engage in a little bit of a sales gimmick. I wouldn't buy it if you are a 9mm fan.

I never tryed one but I can see where shooting .355,s in a .357 barrel would be rough on the bore due to gasses leaking by the bullet which is problem enough with .357 bullets. sam.

jerry · 02-02-2008, 05:22 PM

My bore is in near perfect condition. The pistol is as accrate with .357 fodder if not more than the day I bought it. I don't shoot a lot of the 9 through it. Just when the opportunity presents itself.

01-31-2008, 08:55 PM	#1
rl356 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 141	Ruger Blackhawk Convertible 357/9mm I am considering the purchase of a new model blackhawk convertible chambered in .357mag, and 9mm. During some research on this firearm I read in some other online gun forums that the accuracy of the 9mm was less than consistant in this particular revolver. Any of you out there that have any experience with this weapon, I would greatly appreciate any insight/opinions that you could offer before I invest my money into something that's not going to perform as it should. Thanks

01-31-2008, 09:15 PM	#2
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,580 Blog Entries: 2	I don't own one. rl356: Sir; I don't own one but have researched. What I've discovered and kind of knew. Barrel is designed to shoot .357 and the 9mm is loose in the bore. Accuracy is diminished because the lead is unsupported. Have some had good accuracy? Yes. Most? NO. Part [6-7] of my mess is Ruger. My want list included the convertible. Not now. I do like the concept. RugerForum.com was much of my research over 6-8 month period. __________________ Craig By the standards of most

01-31-2008, 10:00 PM	#3
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,483	Maybe not such a good idea A little research will lead you to the different diameters of the 9mm and the .357 magnum. This is just not a 9mm barrel in both bore diameter and rifling twist. Sometimes even the best of manufacturers will engage in a little bit of a sales gimmick. I wouldn't buy it if you are a 9mm fan. Last edited by nathangdad; 02-01-2008 at 08:29 AM. Reason: addition

02-01-2008, 07:29 AM	#4
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,884 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	I have had decent luck with mine. Yes .357 - .355 is .002 difference. Not a whole lot. It is a blast to plink with. I can achieve good groups at typical pistol ranges inside 20-25 yards. I have plinked the occasional clay off the berm after a bit of kentucky windage dial in. You must shoot jacketed bullets. The 9mm cylinder head spaces on the rim mouth like an auto. The difference is the little bit of back and forth play that is typical in a revolver. Lead will shave a bit on the head space built into the cylinder. Ouch has one too. I 'm not sure what kind of luck he has had. Next time I go to the range I'll post up a target. I've been extremely happy with the convertable. __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

02-01-2008, 06:05 PM	#5
rl356 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 141	Sorry about the multiple thread. Got an error message when trying to post either of the threads, so I assumed that neither one of them actually posted. Well, after doing some more research on this particular firearm and reading the responses that some of you and others had, I decided to go a different route. I purchased a "like new" used Ruger P90DC for $300.00 out the door. I have not yet had a chance to fire it, but it's in excellent condition. Does anyone know how to determine the year of manufacture? Also, those of you that have experience with this pistol, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks. Last edited by rl356; 02-01-2008 at 06:15 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-01-2008, 08:57 PM	#6
fred Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NC, USA Posts: 184	I met a fellow on the range one day who cited accuracy problems with his Blackhawk Convertable using 9 mm. He fixed the problem by handloading slightly larger diameter .357 bullets for the Blackhawk. Of course this defeats the use of cheap 9 mm ammo (if any still exists) and creates the problem of inadvertantly getting the larger diameter loads if you shoot other handguns chambered in 9 mm. I think if I really wanted a convertable I'd go for the Super Blackhawk in .45 Colt/45 Auto.

02-02-2008, 05:22 PM	#9
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,884 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	My bore is in near perfect condition. The pistol is as accrate with .357 fodder if not more than the day I bought it. I don't shoot a lot of the 9 through it. Just when the opportunity presents itself. __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck