Had a little work done to the blackhawk

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MidRoad

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Just got my blackhawk back from JRH advanced gunsmithing (thanks to @MaxP and @CraigC for the suggesting Jack). Had a very pleasant experience and his turn around time was fantastic.

The gun started of life as a 44 special blackhawk flattop with a bisley grip.I sent it off mid July and got it back today. I had Jack remove the bisley grip, hammer and trigger and steel ejector rod housing and had him install the aluminum grip frame, aluminum ejector rod housing and the standard style blackhawk hammer and trigger. While there I had him ream the cylinder throats. Jack took it apon himself to make the cylinder a free spin cylinder too,which I'm thrilled about, it's very handy.

So when all is said and done I got the light weight really well balanced midframe blackhawk that I've always wanted. As you can see in the pics it shed 8.2oz! Coming it at 37 oz even. With the faux ivory grip it weighs just under 38oz. Which is still 4oz lighter than my full size blackhawk 4-5/8" in 45 colt. Very happy with how it turned out, such a handy package now.

Here is a before shot
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Here's the after:
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I assume a similar setup isn't available from Ruger?
Correct. The flattops/vaqueros which are the midsized frame guns only come with steel grips frames/ejector rod housings. The standard sized blued blackhawks are the only ones to use the aluminum grip/ejector rod housing. So the only way to achieve the smaller frame with the lighter aluminum parts is to do a swap.

The issue with the midframe is there is an extra cut in the grip frame to accommodate the reverse indexing pawl so if you want to put the aluminum, super, or stainless grip on a midframe you have to cut a notch out for it or change the pawl. Rather than it be a straight forward swap.
 
Great job! My Lipsey 44 Spl is a bit on the heavy side and you were able to drop 10 ounces in your conversion, and that is significant. I think a 37 ounce 44 Special is something that will be an easy carry gun.
 
No lightweight Bisley frames available or did you want to get away from that grip anyway?
There are no light weight bisley frames . I do like the bisley grip alot. But I feel shedding the weight was well worth it. Not to mention 44 special isn't a big thumper so it's not like you NEED a bisley to handle it's recoil. Now if Ruger were to offer a aluminum bisley grip, that would be sweeeeet for the milder calibers. But gimme all the weight you can for the thumpers.
 
Great job! My Lipsey 44 Spl is a bit on the heavy side and you were able to drop 10 ounces in your conversion, and that is significant. I think a 37 ounce 44 Special is something that will be an easy carry gun.
Exactly!
 
I like it. I have always wanted one of the Blackhawk 45 Colt/45 ACP convertibles for all the reasons you had your gun converted. Lighter weight. I have a Super BH in 44 mag and its a brute to wear on a belt. Matter of fact I use one of the tool belts you get at Home Depot as a gun belt because its wide and have been known to attach suspenders to it to spread the load to my shoulders. That works pretty good. Add a knife and cartridge holder to the other side and you get a balanced load. Just don't fall in the water. You will go straight to the bottom.:confused:
 
My 44 spl flat-top Bisley weiths 44 oz and my old 45/45acp blue with the Al ejector rod and Al plow handle grip weight 35.75 oz. The 44 Bisley is better at handling recoil but the 45 gets to go in the woods more often. If I ever find someone making an Al Bisley and the price is within reason maybe the 44 will get more attention.
 
Went to the range today with my father and brother. Happy with how the gun shoots. I'm not an amazing shot, but happy enough. Heres one of my groups standing freehand at 15 yards. My biggest problem was the front sight was washed out in the evening light making it difficult to see. My single six's sight with it's larger serations and steeper ramp was much clearer.

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Unfortunately after about 6 cylinders the Altamont bonded ivory grips broke off in the corner ,which was surprising considering it's not a magnum. It did occur in the middle.of a cylinder of buffalo bore 255gr hard casts though. Owell they were cheap grips,can't do much about it.
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If you contact Altamont they may replace the grips for you. They did for me once in the past, even after I admitted it was my fault.

Their laminated grips are much sturdier.
Yea I'm thinking you're right. I just out some factory walnuts on it for now. I have a set of Altamont laminates on my model 60 and they fit fantastic.
 
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