Cylinder interchangeability

[Flynt]

I have a couple of 44 Ruger New Model Super Blackhawks. It's a long story, but I'm thinking of adding a third and switching some parts around to make a 4 5/8" Blackhaw Bisley. Are the cylinders interchangeable, or is there a lot of hand fitting inovled? (Probably a dumb question, but I'm an old 1911 guy just getting into revolvers.) Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

No, they are not interchangeable in the normal sense.

Ruger probably devotes zero time to hand fitting each one.
But they do have the guages and range rods to insure the timing is correct and the holes in the cylinder line up with the hole in the barrel.

There have also been production changes and very slight internal parts differences over the years.

I wouldn't do it without a very through understanding of revolver timing and the tools necessary to measure everything.

rc

 

[StrawHat]

Cylinders are not interchangable without some work. Grip frames take a lot less work and can be switched by anyone that can tear down and rebuild a 1911.

From what you wrote, you want a 44 Magnum with a Bisley grip? I believe you can buy the grip frames from a supplier and fit it to your revolver.

 

[madcratebuilder]

It's more unlikely than likely for cylinders to interchange in the SBH. Like StrawHat said a grip frame can be a better solution for you. The new grip frame may need fitting to the width of your existing frame and is a fairly easy diy job.

 

[Virginian]

At one time I had three Ruger 357s made over a 15 year span, and the cylinders all swapped with the biggest cylinder gaps running up to 0.008". I had three 44s and the cylinders would all swap too, but on one the gap would get up to 0.009" which produced a pretty impressive flash with heavy magnums. But, I have also seen many where the cylinder wouldn't even fit into the frame. I think it is pretty hit or miss. I know once I was looking for a 22 Mag cylinder for a Single Six and figured I would have to try a few and the first one I found ended up with a great fit.
Good luck.