[why2kmax]

Came across a Ruger blackhawk .44 mag that was converted to .50AE. The gun is gorgeous BUT...Is the conversion even possible to do and still have the gun be safe to shoot? Granted anything can probably be done for insane amounts of $$$ but within reason? Id be wary of the barrel and cylinder not being able to withstand the pressures. I cant find anything anywhere, where people have done it to a revolver. Lever marlin, yes.

any thoughts?

[hardluk1]

It depends on who did the conversion. It is a 5 shot now?? Guy like Bowen classics and a few others do those conversions and the handgun might have the smithy's name on it. If done by one the few experts I would not worry about the build any more than any other revolover. Saami Pressure is the same as the 44mag at 36,000psi

[why2kmax]

Originally Posted by hardluk1

It depends on who did the conversion. It is a 5 shot now?? Guy like Bowen classics and a few others do those conversions and the handgun might have the smithy's name on it. If done by one the few experts I would not worry about the build any more than any other revolover. Saami Pressure is the same as the 44mag at 36,000psi

Since posting I had the guy send pics of the barrel and the face of the cylinder. No name on the gun unfortunately. Owner said the barrel was replaced and that looks fine, but it is still a 6 shot and Im guessing they bored the holes. IMO the walls around the "outer edges" of the cylinder look a bit thin and it looks like it even encroached a bit on the center. Didnt give me a warm fuzzy so I let it go. Do appreciate your response. Its good to know that there are smiths that can do it safely so I'll be on the lookout for the name you mentioned.

[hardluk1]

6 shot 50AE !! AVOID that handgun. Yea a couple guys have been doing custom 5 shooters for atleast 25 years . Probably a heck of a lot longer. Keep an eye out for a dan wesson large frame revolver. They loaded some really odd cartidges thru the years .

[onenut58]

I shot a friends black hawk that was rechambered for 475 linebaugh. The gun handled it ok but its the worst recoil I ever experienced in a hand gun
Felt like some one popped a baloon in my face and slapped my in palm with a 2x4.

[why2kmax]

Originally Posted by hardluk1

6 shot 50AE !! AVOID that handgun. Yea a couple guys have been doing custom 5 shooters for atleast 25 years . Probably a heck of a lot longer. Keep an eye out for a dan wesson large frame revolver. They loaded some really odd cartidges thru the years .

My apologies, it WAS a FIVE shot .50AE. Probably safe enough if people have been doing it for years and I really would have loved to have bought it, but I just didnt trust it, and it is too big a cartridge to roll the dice on for me.

appreciate all the replies
Jeff

[nitestalker]

Many Super Hawks have been converted to 45-70. They cut and extend the frame and cylinder. I think I would buy a Marlin Guide gun.

[ninjatoth]

With some of the hot .44 loads out there that will match a .50AE in energy,and it already being a Ruger,which are known for their strength,my question is-WHY?

[Trez]

Originally Posted by why2kmax

My apologies, it WAS a FIVE shot .50AE. Probably safe enough if people have been doing it for years and I really would have loved to have bought it, but I just didnt trust it, and it is too big a cartridge to roll the dice on for me.

appreciate all the replies
Jeff

Can you post a pic?? It could be one of Phillips & Rogers conversions.

Heres a page out of my Medusa brochure showing the .44 to .50AE conversion. If it is one of these you need to hook me up!!!! I want it!

[DrumJunkie]

I dunno but this conversion just doesn't seem to attractive to me. Not on a safety issue or anything. I've seen a few of them and shot one. I guess it's more a I have no problem with a 44 mag. So it's like a solution looking for a problem.