Do I really want a .45 ACP cylinder for my Blackhawk?

[RPCVYemen]

I really see little utility in an ACP cylinder. I cast a 255 grain flat nose and push it with 8.3 grains of Unique...

It gives you a little more push on the shooter's end, lets you know you're firing a REAL .45, not some JMB pretender...

Couldn't have said it better myself. Only I don't cast (yet) - but I do like experimenting with a number of different bullets/powders. Right now I am working on some Elmer Keith designed 255 SCW from Magnus Bullet company, backed up by Titegroup.

. On page 11 of the Blackhawk Manual they warn to look for matched numbers on both cylinders & the frame.

This is correct - at least on mine, the last three digits of the gun's serial number were scratched on the 45 ACP cylinder. I have been told that in fact, the cylinders must be hand-fitted to the revolver.

Mike

 

[BigBlock]

Yes...I know you're "technically" not supposed to put a cylinder from another gun in, but I've read many first hand accounts of this and people say they fit right some of the time. If the one I get doesn't fit I can have a gunsmith work on it or maybe just sell it and try another one....

Then again, maybe I will have Ruger make one up for me, if they will. I'll need the serial # from my new gun before I can call and ask though...

 

[Janitor]

If you don't have the gun yet, why not just buy a convertible?

 

[BigBlock]

If you don't have the gun yet, why not just buy a convertible?

They don't make stainless convertibles, except for a few rare occassions. Doesn't really make any sense to me....

 

[Big Boomer]

even if it "fits" it still maybe wayyy off of timing. you could destroy your forcing cone, blow the cylinder, and/or screw up the timing on the other cylinder horribly.

It's really just not worth the risk.

 

[Shortdog22]

I've got one with the extra cylinder and I love it. Of course I have a P345 too so it was a no brainer.

 

[tomh1426]

I mostly use the .45 Colt cyl but I like that I have the option, it shoots and ejects the little acp's great.

 

[Janitor]

They don't make stainless convertibles, except for a few rare occassions. Doesn't really make any sense to me....

I was going to point out that they weren't hard to find, and last time I checked Gunbroker there were 3-4 of them. Of course this morning there's none on there. Well ... while I like having the ACP cylinder, for me, it's simply nice to have. If I had come across the gun I wanted and it wasn't a convertible it wouldn't have stopped me from getting it.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have a stainless Bisley convertible. Very seldom use the acp cylinder. My 1911's and Tommy gun use more acp than I can load, so why waste it in a revolver. The 45lc can be loaded mild to wild, I would spend the $100 on ammo.

 

[Virginian]

I'd save my money, unless you also plan to buy 45ACP reloading equipment and a 45 ACP pistol. If you don't plan to buy either the "flexibility" is useless to you.

 

[foghornl]

My next SA revolver will be a .45Convertible Blackhawk.

Mainly, I want the .45ACP cylinder "just for grins".

 

[Moonclip]

.45acp is easier to find at retail level and in a greater variety of loadings.

 

[RPCVYemen]

.45acp is easier to find at retail level and in a greater variety of loadings.

If you aren't reloading, then don't buy a 45 LC at all. Just get a 45 ACP revolver.

Mike

 

[tinygnat219]

Hmmm, if it were me, I'd purchase it simply for the coolness factor. Since you reload, I don't see the point of it. If you didn't reload, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.

 

[jwr_747]

most of my shooting is with the ACP cylinder. not of much use but to me it's more fun than the 45LC.and you can always find cheaper ACP ammo around. jwr

 

[Joe Gunns]

Buy it. You can't tell what the future holds, you may luck into some acp ammo cheap and want to shoot your SA. You may get into shooting the .45 auto and like being able to shoot that in your Blkhk as well. Unless the $100 is your kid's food money, I'd say get it just for the versatility factor.