Been so long gotta get a wheel gun...Blackhawk?

W

Wreck-n-Crew

New member
It's been so long since I bought a Wheel gun I am committed to getting one. I pretty much don't want to dump a tonne of money in but need some Quality with versatility. Purchase is 2 months away. Really like a SA/DA but not a requirement.

Right now I am %90 set on a Ruger Blackhawk 45lc/45acp conversion 4 5/8" Barrel. I can pick a new one up new for $508+free shipping to my FFL dealer. I do prefer the beefier frame of the new model. I like the versatility of multiple calibers too.

Question: is there anything like it in DA/SA close to that price (say $100-$150) with a barrel new or used? Note: it must be able to handle the full power 28,000 cup pressures.
 
I just can't quite figure out what opinion or suggestion is being asked here...

I'll respond with:
I own one Blackhawk and don't desire more of them. I find the single action style to be far less comfortable, natural and enjoyable in comparison to anyone's double action. And even more so for loading and unloading.

It's a terrific handgun and if that is new - a great price also. But I would spend less for a double action S&W, (LE trade would be great!) and I'd enjoy it even more.

But I probably didn't exactly get the question...
 
I can see the option needs elaborating.

I am looking for a revolver and I have almost settled on the Blackhawk 45LC conversion with the 45 acp cylinder. I can get one new for $508 + free shipping to my FFL. Still have to pay my FFL ($25) for a total of $533 brand new. I am 90% sold on it because of it's durability (can shoot the high pressure LC round up to 30,000 cup) and versatility. However it is SA only which for me limits it to a range gun (not the end of the world by no means).

I would consider paying more for a pistol with DA/SA trigger even if it is used if it has the same durability and an extra cylinder. I can in my budget allow for an extra $100-$150 for a DA/SA gun with those same features. Including high pressure LC rounds up to 30,000 cup like the Ruger and an extra cylinder. Total budget for DA/SA can not exceed $700. What are my options if any?
 
I am 90% sold on it because of it's durability (can shoot the high pressure LC round up to 30,000 cup) and versatility. However it is SA only which for me limits it to a range gun (not the end of the world by no means).
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If it is to be a "range gun", why would you want to exceed the SAMMI pressure limits for the .45 Colt? Who is going to be impressed with the increased "bang" when you shoot it? Why don't you stick with conventional .45 Colt loads and just concentrate on hitting what you are aiming at?
 
Ruger Blackhawk is one of my favorite firearms , I prefer the .357 or .44 Mags . For $100-$150 over the $580 that you may find a good DA S&W or Ruger .
 
Ruger Blackhawk is one of my favorite firearms , I prefer the .357 or .44 Mags . For $100-$150 over the $580 that you may find a good DA S&W or Ruger .
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But, he said he wanted the convenience of dual cylinders, and, "...if it has the same durability and an extra cylinder." ...I doubt he is going to find such a gun at + 100-150, or at any price.
 
I own one Blackhawk and don't desire more of them. I find the single action style to be far less comfortable, natural and enjoyable in comparison to anyone's double action. And even more so for loading and unloading.
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Which shows why there are so many options to fit so many tastes. I am completely the opposite and find single action revolver shooting to be the high point of my shooting experience. The 4 5/8 inch Blachawk 45 Convertible is at the top of my list for favorite handgun and a "must have". I'm not arguing it is best at anything, or even close. But, in the end, this is about enjoying life and following the path with heart. It works for me. Maybe it will for you, too.
 
I should have added that double action revolver shooting is its own art and has its own rhythm and grace. Neither is better, just different. Only you can decide which is for you.
 
If it is to be a "range gun", why would you want to exceed the SAMMI pressure limits for the .45 Colt?
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For certain firearms the cartridge can be loaded at much higher pressures and be safe and reload data is available through most powder makers like Hodgdon and Western. Some consider them +P and some "high pressure" becaue they are written that way. FE: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol Select 45 colt Ruger Freedom arms and TC only.

Since I reload I plan on a few of the "High Pressure" loads for testing and fun.
Who is going to be impressed with the increased "bang" when you shoot it?
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I am not there to impress anyone. Just for fun. No different than a 44 Mag etc.
Why don't you stick with conventional .45 Colt loads and just concentrate on hitting what you are aiming at?
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I will shoot mostly standard loads and I have no problem hitting targets. Been doing it a while and it comes natural from one gun to another. I don't do competition either because I don't have a need to compete. I have shot against a few buddies that were really good for fun and enjoyed it. They even almost convinced (really talked me into) shooting competition. Done pretty good and don't like to brag, just had fun the old fashioned way with a little good sportsmanship. loser bought the beer. I wasn't always buying beer...:D and for me that is good enough.

Great questions BTW.;)

Ruger Blackhawk is one of my favorite firearms , I prefer the .357 or .44 Mags . For $100-$150 over the $580 that you may find a good DA S&W or Ruger .
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If a cylinder can be had at a fair price it can go on the back burner and pick it up later i might consider it. But still has to handle enough pressure for either a "high pressure 45 colt or a cylinder that can be converted to 460 Rowland safely. Any particular model suggestions (I am pretty sure the K frame at least?).
But, he said he wanted the convenience of dual cylinders, and, "...if it has the same durability and an extra cylinder." ...I doubt he is going to find such a gun at + 100-150, or at any price.
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True from what I am gathering. May be the end result too. Just wish it was SA/DA.

Think I made my decision a little harder in some ways by wanting the DA/SA. Otherwise I would go with the Blackhawk and be done with it (as already suggested).

I have some other reasoning behind wanting the Ruger that can't be denied. To be honest I had plans for a 460 Rowland platform for some time now. I found out that Clark's Customs does reaming on 45acp cylinders in the Ruger Blackhawk for the 460 conversion. Then I started shopping the Ruger Blackhawk's and found the 45 colt with conversion barrel. Naturally speaking I was thinking two calibers with one gun and have the platform I wanted.

Well the thought hit me, why am i paying extra money for the 460 Rowland when I can get nearly the same from the "high pressure" 45 colt which the Ruger can handle and have three different calibers (not technically) with the soft shooting 45 colt, 45acp and the stronger "high Pressure" 45 colt. Only problem was the SA vs a more desired (personally speaking) SA/DA revolver.

With a DA/SA I can have a (better suited to me) gun that can be used for HD as well as the range. Don't get me wrong I have a good SD gun that doubles as HD. Without going into more long and drawn out details there will be times when it would be nice to leave it home for someone else.
 
..........Including high pressure LC rounds up to 30,000 cup like the Ruger and an extra cylinder.
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Howdy

Many, many years ago you could sometimes buy a double action revolver with an extra cylinder. But it was relatively rare, and would have been a special order. As far as I know, nobody has offered a double action revolver with a second cylinder for a long time. One could always get one custom made, but that would be a lot of money.

Part of the reason is with a single action revolver, all you have to fit is the cylinder. Once the cylinder has been fitted to the gun, it just pops in and out of the frame by pulling the cylinder pin. With a double action revolver you would not only have to fit the cylinder to the frame, but the entire assembly, which is more parts, would have to be fit. You don't want to be disassembling the cylinder assembly of a double action revolver every time you change cylinders, trust me. Plus, the crane of a double action revolver is assembled to the frame and the two are polished together as a unit to make the exterior finish a perfect match. If you had a second crane, you could never get the second crane to match up since the frame had already been polished with the first frame.

Just go for the Blackhawk. I bought this one brand-spanky new in 1975. First Big Bore revolver I ever owned. Cost $125 back then, which was a lot of money for a kid in his twenties.

BlackhawkConvertible02_zpsbaa04ed2.jpg
 
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I would consider paying more for a pistol with DA/SA trigger even if it is used if it has the same durability and an extra cylinder.
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Not going to be found in a double action.
The only "convertible" DA revolver I know of being made now is the 22/22Magnum Taurus 992. With the push of a button, the entire cylinder and crane is removed, and the other caliber snapped in. Not sure how durable that set up would be with a larger, heavy recoiling round.
There were some conversion cylinders for S&W 25, and 625, but I think that was in the 70's, and would be difficult to find, and probably blow your budget by several times if you found one.
 
I have one with a 7.5" barrel. It is one of my very favorites. 45acp is cheaper and easier to get, so that is the cylinder I use the most.
 
Yep, the genius and attraction of .460 Rowland is it's ability in a semi-auto. In a wheelgun, more established options simply make more sense.

The only truly positive thing about .460 Rowland in a revolver is that you don't fling & lose the expensive brass. So if you already play in .460 Rowland, adding a revolver has merit. To chase .460 from the start in a revolver seems like a Rube Goldberg to me.

However!
You and I are 100% on the same page with regard to the REASONS we want to do these things: for fun, because we can, justified to NOBODY for any "tangible" reasons, and "impressing people at the range" is just as far down my list of throwing veiled insults in otherwise enjoyable discussion threads. ;) (hope somebody gets the joke...)
 
The only current production DA revolvers that can handle high pressure 45 Colt are the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk and the Taurus Raging Bull. The later two are chambered for 454 Casull. The Redhawk is only available with a 4.2" barrel although they have been offered with 5.5" and 7.5" barrels in the past. These are scarce on the used gun market and command prices as much or more than new Redhawks. The Colt Anaconda was once chambered for 45 Colt and can handle high pressure loads but they are scarcer and pricier than the Redhawk. A new 45 Colt Redhawk runs in the $750-$800 range and the Super Redhawk and Raging Bull run in the $800-$900 range. None of them can also fire 45 Auto.

Get the Blackhawk convertible. I love mine. It will handle everything from light 45 Auto loads up to heavy loaded-for-bear 45 Colt loads and will do it for hundreds less than a DA revolver.
 
Part of the reason is with a single action revolver, all you have to fit is the cylinder.
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Not going to be found in a double action.
The only "convertible" DA revolver I know of being made now is the 22/22Magnum Taurus 992. With the push of a button, the entire cylinder and crane is removed, and the other caliber snapped in.
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The inner workings of wheel guns slipped my mind! Your right it is a lot of trouble and expensive. Looks like only one choice. Oh and I forgot about 45 Super!;)
However!
You and I are 100% on the same page with regard to the REASONS we want to do these things: for fun, because we can, justified to NOBODY for any "tangible" reasons, and "impressing people at the range" is just as far down my list of throwing veiled insults in otherwise enjoyable discussion threads. (hope somebody gets the joke...)
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Lol. True...so very true. I enjoy the gun, not the attention it may or may not bring. I am one of those guy's that would duck tape a broom handle to a fencepost if it could safely shoot a shotgun shell just for the heck of it (providing it could be done safely)!:D

Anyhow thanks all for the input. I am certain on the Blackhawk. The extra savings makes more room for my other gun purchases! I will post some updates when I get it and shoot it. Try to get some video and Chronograph results too.
 
Don't underestimate a single action for home or self defense.

I keep a Walker Colt .44 loaded with 60 grains of powder for home defense, and don't feel unarmed at all.
 
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