I REALLY need a .357 Blackhawk (questions)

S

stephenkl

New member
I feel the strangest and most urgent desire to own a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. What i'm most interested in is the fact that with the 9mm conversion cylinder, one gun can shoot three different calibers. I've also never owned (indeed, never even fired) a single action revolver. I've owned a S&W 686 in the past, but as of now I only own autos.

I'm 100% sure I want a Blackhawk, but I have a few questions, mostly about the action and loading. I haven't handled one and a few mechanical points confuse me.

How exactly does loading work/feel? How is the loading gate swung out of the way, do you just push it or is there a button that makes it snap out? Is the cylinder held in place while you load a round or is it completely free-spinning?

What exactly is involved with the rod that extracts the cases? Is it simply a spring-loaded rod?

What is involved with changing cylinders? In other words, is it something I can do at the range without tools?

Is it correct that the new models are safe to carry with a round down on a loaded chamber?

Finally, how much are these generally found NIB? What about used?

What do you think is the ideal barrel length?

I know that's alot but I just decided last night that I need to have one. I just received $600 in eBay bids last week so I think I will pick one up in the next few weeks. Thanks!
 
I have owned a Ruger .357 Mag Blackhawk (with 9mm cylinder) for many years and I love it. That said, I must explain a few things before we start.

The Blackhawk is the strongest single-action revolver, of it's size, built. The same frame size is used for the .30 Carbine, .41 Magnum and .45 Long Colt calibers. However, it is NOT the same size as the Colt-style (old western) single-action revolvers, it is slightly bigger and heavier. The Ruger also does not follow several of the original Colt revolver design specs, I will not get into them but will give you the low-down on the Blackhawk.

Loading: With the hammer at rest (not cocked) flip the loading gate outward to the right to open. Upon opening the gate, a disconnector releases the cylinder latch to allow the cylinder to rotate to expose the chambers. Cartridges are loaded singely into each chamber, the cylinder rotated to the next chamber and the process is repeated until the cylinder is full. The loading gate is closed and the cylinder latch locks the cylinder.

Firing: Being a single-action revolver, the hammer must be pulled back to full cock with the thumb to rotate the cylinder to align a chamber with the barrel. Squeezing the trigger fires the gun. This process must be repeated for each shot.

Unloading: To unload the cylinder (either spent brass or cartridges) follow procedure to open loading gate, as above. Align a chamber in the loading gate recess and push the ejector rod button back toward the cylinder to have the rod push the brass/cartridge from the cylinder. Repeat for all chambers.

Changing cylinders is very simple and can be done quickly and easily anywhere without and tools. The transfer bar safety system is very safe and reliable, but the best safety is still between your ears. I will not go into these things as you will need to read the Owner's Manual for all safety precautions.

The Blackhawk uses coil springs throughout as opposed to the flat springs used on the Colt-style revolvers. Coils springs are more reliable, stronger and smoother than flat springs which makes the Blackhawk "feel" different when cycling.

As I said before, I have the .357/9mm combo - but I've never fired 9mm through my gun, only .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The reason is that the .38/.357 cartridges us a .357" bullet while the 9mm uses a .355" bullet. While .002" may sound insignificant, it can cause the smaller bullet to be inacurrate. Also firing 9mm rounds in the heavy Blackhawk is a real yawn-fest!

As for barrel length, that is a personal preference and depends on what the gun will be used for. If it will be carried as a back-up for hunting or as protection while hiking, fishing, etc. - I would chose the 4 5/8" barrel for compactness. If it will be used as a hunting gun - then the 7 1/2" barrel for increased velocity. For a little of both and for target - then the 6 1/2" barrel (my preference) as a compromise.

A Blackhawk will be well within your $600.00 budget with enough left over for lots of practice ammo! ;)
 
600 bucks will just about get you the Blackhawk AND a Dillon Square Deal B in .357, so you can shoot whatever power level you want for cheaper than you can buy ANY factory centerfire ammo, and never have to waste your time shooting 9mm!! :p
 
Oh now I think I want a Single Six!

I can't make up my mind.

A Single Six would probably be more fun and practical, because I don't hunt, I only target shoot.

BUT

My favorite gun in all of my collection is my Marlin 1894 in .357, and I think a Blackhawk would make a wonderful companion gun.

What do you guys think?

EDIT: Can you shoot .22 shotshells in a Single Six without hurting the barrel or the gun? If that's the case, i'll have to get a Single Six.
 
I agree with everything mtnboomer said about the blackhawk.

I also have a Marlin 1984C in .357 and I got the Blackhawk (6,5") as a companion. For me the main reasons to choose the Blackhawk over any other single action are the adjustable sights and the strong frame.

Just like mtnboomer I have the 9mm cylinder and never used it.

I can't help you with the Single Six, never tried one. However I see one important advantage ... you will have to get a rimfire rifle as a companion to your Single Six :) .
 
One quick note:

Mtnboomer's comments are only applicable to the New Model Blackhawk. The loading and unloading procedures for my Blackhawk are considerably different (and you have to carry hammer down on an empty chamber). It is also closer in size to the Colt SAA than the New Model Blackhawk.
 
I talked it over with my dad and we've decided we're going to get a Single Six. But we'll probably end up getting a Blackhawk after that, anyway. ;-)
 
stephenkl, I own several of both calibers you mentioned. They are sturdy, dependable and good shooters. The Single Six convertible will give you the .22 and .22mag.. I haven't shot a lot of shot shell in mine, but I've never had a problem. Good shooting! Added: I've got one older 3 screw Single Six with well over 10,000 rounds through it. Not one problem. I'm sure there are others here, that can give you a history better than mine.
 
Hey guys. I just shot my new single-six today.

Wow. Too much fun.

Out of the 6 1/2" barrel, .22 shorts, longs and long rifles are quiet enough to shoot without hearing protection. That's awesome. .22 mags can be shot for a little bit but after a few rounds, my ears started ringing so i decided to put my ears on after that.

I love this revolver!
 
.22 long rifle is doing well over 100 decibels. It is not safe for your hearing to shoot even a dinky little .22 without earplugs or muffs. The ringing in your ears after shooting .22 magnum shows that your ears were damaged RIGHT THEN. Most of your hearing will come back. This time. Maybe.

I know.
 
Listen to the man. ALWAYS wear your hearing protection. I didnt always as a boy and now as a 31 year old the audiologist (sp?) I had to see, says I have the "normal hearing ability" of a man in his 60's. Protect those eardrums, but enjoy your gun. The single six is a joy to own and use. Congrats.
 
Your Rugers will give you years of service.My old model is going on 35 years and shoots as good as it ever did...or I ever did.:)
How about eye protection?since you 'admit' to being lax in the eye protection catagory,I have to ask.
PLEASE DON'T IGNORE EITHER ONE.
Have fun,shoot safe,and BUY MORE RUGERS. :D
 
Please remember the Ear and Eye protection, If you like to listen to music you will want to keep the hearing you have.... I shot brick after brick of 22lr when I was in High school and now I wonder what my son or wife is talking about when he says, "hey Dad, listen to that guitar." or she says "aren't those violins beautiful?
 
They develop endshake if you pound unmerciful heavy loads through them in great numbers. Never have had one loose accuracy or function because of this though. Also the Ejector assembly will depart with extremely heavy big bore loads. Probably not a factor at all with .357s though. Here's something with pictures of what the guys are saying:
http://www.sixgunner.com/miles/mcump/mc20.htm

Sample:
sequence.jpg
 
Having been born in the first half of the last century, I must say the only thing I regret is NOT WEARING HEARING PROTECTION!

I should have worn them at age 10 when I started cutting the lawn with a power mower!

Then came rock bands.

Then came the US Army and earplugs.

Geoff
Who often doesn't understand his wife...this is a mixed blessing. :cool:
 
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