[Nomad 1]

Does anyone out there own or have any experience with the Ruger Blackhawk supplied with interchangeble cylinders chambered in 9mm and .357 magnum?

I am curious as to how a single action pistol accomodates an rimless 9mm cartridge give that moon clips cannot be used. I would also like some feedback as to accuracy in the 9mm configuration.

The reason for asking is twofold. My primary pistol is a 9mm and I have an adequate stock of ammo for use at the range. It would be easier to take one caliber to the range for practice and 9mm is a little cheaper than .357 oe .38 special. Secondly, I have always had a desire to own a single action in .357 and perhaps back it up with a lever action rifle in the same caliber down the road a bit. A revolver like the Ruger would make life a little easier.

It is not intended for home defense, just to satisfy the joy of shooting.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[c3shooter]

Well, the cartridges headspace off the case mouth.
The 9mm is a tad smaller in diameter, and you have a much longer jump from case mouth to forcing cone. Accuracy not likely to be something to clap hands over.

I shoot a fair bit of .357, using my handloaded 38 Special wadcutters- which I can reload cheaper than I can 9mm.

IF I was in an environment where I could not get 38/357, but COULD get 9mm, would make this attractive to me. Otherwise, no.

[michael a]

Nomad, i owned one of these several years ago. Cool little gun but the accuracy of the 9mm was lacking some. But still a fun gun to shoot.

[Nomad 1]

Thanks to both of you for the insight. It seems that whenever you make a compromise on shooting two different cartridges from the same weapon something will come up short. I appreciate the help.

I will most likely branch out to a new caliber in search of the "cowboy" experience of a single action revolver and a lever action rifle. Thanks for the advice on reloading.

Stay safe.

[Clem]

I have one. It shoots great in .357. I wasn't expecting much with the 9mm, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mine shoots 9mm CCI Blazer aluminum cased, relatively inexpensive ammo nearly as well as the .357.

[Nomad 1]

Thanks to you as well Clem!

[ramblinman09]

Originally Posted by Nomad 1

Thanks to you as well Clem!

As i stated elsewhere, i got one, and i reload my own. I use the 147gr, a +P load with mag primer and have good accuracy. Not "Perfect" but would trust my life with it. Which is the bottom line - No?

[Clem]

I reload for a number of calibers, including 9mm, but I seldom get around to loading 9mm. Blazer shoots well in many of my 9mms, including my NMBH convertible, and I don't have to feel bad about throwing away the "brass."

[crossfire]

I owned one briefly and , while accuracy with the 9mm cylinder wasn't great, it wasn't that bad either. If I had to estimate, I'd say groups opened up maybe 1/2" or so at 25 yards. I even tried some of that Israeli +P+ ammo in it. I sold it to a friend who still owns it. He bought another 9mm cylinder that he had rechambered for the .357-44 Bain & Davis. He also owns one of those .38-40/10mm Convertibles with a third cylinder in .401 Herters PowerMag.
Two revolvers chambering a total of 7 different cartridges, two of them matching his semi-autos, ain't bad.

[cliffspot]

I have a SS Bisley in 45acp and 45 Colt. Since the bullets are the same size, they both shoot great. If you are looking for a lever gun in 357, get a Marlin and send it to Clements Custom guns. He will do wonders with it! I sent him my Bisley and had a few things done. The gun was bought with only the 45 acp cylinder so he put in a Colt cylinder. Both cylinders had the throats oped to .452" as the newer Rugers tend to be on the tight side. Mine were .448-.449". Made a big difference! Accuracy shrunk by almost half! Check the throats on your Rugers if you shoot lead, makes a big diff! Also if you do get a convertible, don't ever lose the 9mm or 45acp cylinder. Ruger won't sell them! Clements did a free spin pawl, recut the barrel to 11 degrees, recut the crown and put on the Bowen rear sight and his custom patridre front sight. Now to develop some loads......