New Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag. I need some help with the second cylinder.

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Salmoneye said:
Well I'll be...I was suffering under the delusion that all New Model Blackhawks said ".357 Magnum"...My '76 year has 'Magnum'...

What are the first two numbers of the serial number?
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First 2 numbers are 33. The top of the barrel says: "Made in the 200th year of American liberty" and there is no banner of warnings on the bottom of the gun like a lot of people say are on the new Blackhawks. Does anyone know that these mean? I'm guessing I've got a bicentennial convertible Blackhawk but other than that I don't know anything else.
 
First 2 numbers are 33. The top of the barrel says: "Made in the 200th year of American liberty"
Click to expand...

Then I am totally confused...

My 'Liberty' Blackhawk ('33' prefix = 1976) with the same roll-stamp as yours across the top states ".357 MAGNUM CAL."...

The only thing I can think of, is that the convertibles came through sans 'MAGNUM'...

If I remember, I'll ask over on the Ruger forums in the AM...

Sorry for any confusion I caused, and now I am in 'need to know' mode...
 
Salmoneye said:
Then I am totally confused...

My 'Liberty' Blackhawk ('33' prefix = 1976) with the same roll-stamp as yours across the top states ".357 MAGNUM CAL."...

The only thing I can think of, is that the convertibles came through sans 'MAGNUM'...

If I remember, I'll ask over on the Ruger forums in the AM...

Sorry for any confusion I caused, and now I am in 'need to know' mode...
Click to expand...

Derrr on my part; I have no idea why I thought the 200th year was 2006 :banghead:

So mine was made in 1976? That's pretty cool... Let me know what you find out!
 
One word of caution on the 9mm cylinder. If the scratched on numbers match, you are good to go with a true convertible. If the numbers do not match, then it is not a factory convertible, and while the cylinder may fit and turn properly, the timing MUST be checked before firing 9mm. They usually are OK, even if not matching numbers, but if the timing is not correct, then.........bad results.
 
Specs said:
One word of caution on the 9mm cylinder. If the scratched on numbers match, you are good to go with a true convertible. If the numbers do not match, then it is not a factory convertible, and while the cylinder may fit and turn properly, the timing MUST be checked before firing 9mm. They usually are OK, even if not matching numbers, but if the timing is not correct, then.........bad results.
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Yea they match. I had already checked em out. Thanks though!
 
That looks like it was well cared for over the years.

A couple of things.

First off the crack in your grip. If you can easily close the crack with fairly light pressure then force some wood working glue into the crack and "tie" the crack closed with some electrical tape or rubber band wrapped around the grip to act as a clamp.

If the crack doesn't close with lighter pressure than it's due to stress in the wood. Instead of forcing it closed I'd suggest you fill the crack with some clear epoxy which you darken with some wood dust made by sanding some wood and mixing the dust into the epoxy. Because you're using dust you don't need to use a hardwood either. Even the dust from some fir, maple or other lighter wood will darken to look very nearly like the walnut or whatever the grip wood is. Force this mix down into the crack and clean away the excess on the outer surface with some rubbing alchohal before it begins to cure.

Much has been written about these .357/9mm convertables and the issues surrounding the compromise bore sizing and the "too small" size of 9mm ammo. If you find that jacketed 9mm doesn't seem to group nicely you may want to try some cast lead 9mm. I'm thinking that the softer lead bullet would tend to obturate out and both grab the rifling and seal better.
 
Thanks for the info BCrider. In all reality, the crack in the grip looks worse in the picture than in real life. If it bothers me later on, I'll just go and buy a new set. I really like the darkness of these ones though, so I don't want to mess around with them!

As far as the 9mm cylinder goes, it honestly came as a nice bonus. I'll probably shoot it once of twice, but other than that it'll be relegated pretty much as a backup plan if I ever need ammo and for some reason can only get 9mm or something. I'm setting up to reload .357/38, so those are probably what I'll be sticking with.

Thanks for the info though!
 
Ranger30-06 said:
Thanks for the info BCrider. In all reality, the crack in the grip looks worse in the picture than in real life. If it bothers me later on, I'll just go and buy a new set. I really like the darkness of these ones though, so I don't want to mess around with them!

As far as the 9mm cylinder goes, it honestly came as a nice bonus. I'll probably shoot it once of twice, but other than that it'll be relegated pretty much as a backup plan if I ever need ammo and for some reason can only get 9mm or something. I'm setting up to reload .357/38, so those are probably what I'll be sticking with.

Thanks for the info though!
Click to expand...

Does anybody make a belt pouch that will carry the 9mm cylinder?
Something along the lines of like a speed-loader pouch?
For that matter...will it fit in a speed-loader pouch?
I just ordered my Blackhawk last night, so now I'm gonna be full of questions.....lol
:D
 
i believe the 9mm cylinder should have a ridge that the case mouth will sit against because the 9mm is a rimless case, take the cylinder out and look into it with a flashlight or feel for the ridge with a tooth pick or wooden match, if the cylinder is fitted to that gun it should have the last part of the serial number marked on the cylinder face. you can go to ruger.com and look up the year of manufacture by the serial number! they may also have other information about the extra cylinder on there web site. there is usually an easy way to tell the cylinders apart so u dont make a mistake and use the wrong ammo w the wrong cylinder.
 
as far as grips are concerned, I have hoag mono grips on my single six, and my gp100, and a friend has them on his blackhawk, although they dont look traditional, there very comfortable and really absorb recoil when shooting heavy 357 mag loads.
 
kluge, there is no such thing as a 38 special cylinder for a blackhawk, what happens is residue builds up when you shoot the shorter 38special rounds out of the 357 magnum cylinder, remove the cylinder and clean it really well with somr good solvent and a brass brush, if it has a lot of build up it may take a lot of repeated cleaning, and you may have to go as far as putting a .357 dia brush into a drill and run it thru the cylinder, i dont really reccomend useing the drill , use it only as a last resort, and only use a brass or nylon brush. be very careful as u can ruin the cylinder if u get too agressive with your drill.
 
Ranger30-06 said:
Whoa! That's awesome and only $18!
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Lol....
That's what I thought too!
For a price that cheap and it "specifically" mentions the 9mm cylinder, I figure it's worth a shot at least.
Thought "maybe" you might be interested in it too.

The website I linked to says "temp out of stock."
But...now that I know it's made by Triple K, google can find me one.
:D

EDIT:

Cabelas has them...

http://www.cabelas.com/black-powder-cases-sleeves-bags-leather-cylinder-pouch-1.shtml
 
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Ranger30-06 said:
Alright here we go. Got some pics for ya'lls!

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I don't know if it's an older one or not. There wasn't even a turn line on the .357 cylinder until I put it there. The only little issues with it is there is a crack in the grips (not bad at all) and a couple little dings on the bottom of the grip. It looks like the guy that had it before me pretty much only used the 9mm cylinder as that was the one that had a turn line and a little carbon in the chambers. I walked out of the gun store all said and done shelling out $400. I can't wait to take it out and shoot it, but unfortunately that probably won't be for another 2 weeks when I have my extended family fishing/camping trip!
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Well Ranger.....

Here's mine just so you know I wasn't foolin' about getting one.
I picked her up today and have been out shooting in the yard.

I got the 6.50" inch 357/9mm Convertible too.
My serial number is #38-xxxx and from what I can tell it is a 2011 or 2012 model.

The grip frame is aluminum since my magnet won't stick to it.
All the writing is on the "under" side of the barrel.
No writing on the sides at all.
And it is marked "magnum" for sure.

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huntsman said:
the convertible cylinder should be the one with the serial#
Click to expand...

Neither of my cylinders have a serial number on them.
They are both only marked with an "S" and that's it.

EDIT....EDIT.....EDIT...!!!!!!!

I stand totally and completely corrected Sir!
I had to use a frickin' magnifying glass to see it...but....
Both my 357 mag cylinder AND the 9mm cylinder as well have "507" stamped into them kinda spread out around the cylinder face.
That is the last 3 numbers of the revolvers serial number.
I must have missed it because they were covered with powder residue from shootin' this thing earlier today!.....lol
Either way, "I" feel better now and wanted to thank you for your post.
I'm glad I looked again harder just to be sure.
Seems I'm good to go.
 
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SabbathWolf said:
Well Ranger.....

Here's mine just so you know I wasn't foolin' about getting one.
I picked her up today and have been out shooting in the yard.

I got the 6.50" inch 357/9mm Convertible too.
My serial number is #38-xxxx and from what I can tell it is a 2011 or 2012 model.

The grip frame is aluminum since my magnet won't stick to it.
All the writing is on the "under" side of the barrel.
No writing on the sides at all.
And it is marked "magnum" for sure.
Click to expand...

Very nice my friend! The only suggestion I have is get some wood grips (so long as you like them). They are a LOT more comfortable than the plastic ones as they are a little slicker, which will help the gun roll more naturally in your hand when if you shoot some heavy loads without ripping the flesh off your hand.

This weekend is my extended family camping/fishing trip so I'll get to fire mine for the first time. I made 150 .38 Special lead handloads and have another 100 Magtech .357 Mag rounds that I'm going to give a try.


Hows the accuracy with yours? I don't have any 9mm ammo so I won't get to find out how accurate the 9mm cylinder is, but I do have plenty of .357/.38 ammo so I'll definitely be seeing how it shoots with those.
 
Ranger30-06 said:
Very nice my friend! The only suggestion I have is get some wood grips (so long as you like them). They are a LOT more comfortable than the plastic ones as they are a little slicker, which will help the gun roll more naturally in your hand when if you shoot some heavy loads without ripping the flesh off your hand.

This weekend is my extended family camping/fishing trip so I'll get to fire mine for the first time. I made 150 .38 Special lead handloads and have another 100 Magtech .357 Mag rounds that I'm going to give a try.


Hows the accuracy with yours? I don't have any 9mm ammo so I won't get to find out how accurate the 9mm cylinder is, but I do have plenty of .357/.38 ammo so I'll definitely be seeing how it shoots with those.
Click to expand...

Wood grips for SURE!!!
That's the very next thing on my list.
I've been looking at Altamonts, but there are a whole lot of others to choose from too.
May take a day or two to make up my mind.....lol

http://www.altamontco.com/experimental/products/pistol/ruger/#Ruger_blackhawk.php

I cannot confirm nor deny the absolute accuracy yet to be honest.
I just picked up the gun this afternoon.
I was just shooting at a piece of firewood today about 6" in diameter and was nailing it @ about 25 yards.

Depending on the weather, I'll go out again tomorrow and set up a bench with some sand bag rests and some actual targets.
I bought 4 different brands of 357 HPs to test out for accuracy.
I also shot some Winchester Ranger-T 147gr 9mm out of it today too.
I was makin' hits for sure, but today was really just weapon familiarization day...not accuracy testing for groups necessarily.

My overall impression thus far however is that I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!
The 6.50" barrel is the perfect balance for "me."
It stays steady on target, doesn't haven't much kick, and generates a little bit more velocity than the shorter barrels anyways too.
I want a second one already!......lol
:D
 
Grips for your gun are a dime a dozen on Gunbroker.....you may need an elevation adjustment for the 9mm cylinder but it's the least expensive to shoot, so for $10.00 a box have fun. You bought a nice gun and S/A's are a hoot. With the 2 cylinders you have great versatility when you consider all the different loads.

As for 9mm +P+++ I don't think you need to worry, if they fit in the cylinder they ain't gonna hurt your gun. Many people on this forum shoot Ruger S/A guns and find them tough as nails and accurate as all get out. You made a good choice and it may become one of your favorites.
 
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Remllez said:
Grips for your gun are a dime a dozen on Gunbroker.....you may need an elevation adjustment for the 9mm cylinder but it's the least expensive to shoot, so for $10.00 a box have fun. You bought a nice gun and S/A's are a hoot. With the 2 cylinders you have great versatility when you consider all the different loads.

As for 9mm +P+++ I don't think you need to worry, if they fit in the cylinder they ain't gonna hurt your gun. Many people on this forum shoot Ruger S/A guns and find them tough as nails and accurate as all get out. You made a good choice and it may become one of your favorites.
Click to expand...

I think that was Ranger asking about the +P 9mm stuff.
I looked in the manual that came with the gun, and it makes no mention of it either way.
It just says 9mm.
So I'm assuming you can fire 9mm "anything" in it safely, or there would have been some sort of warning or something.
But there isn't that I see.

Grips for "mine" are trickier though.
It seems there are a LOT of styles of grip frames.
So I also referred to my manual for that too earlier today.

The part # for my grip frame is #XR00300
So I assume that's an XR frame.
But it's also a "new" version Blackhawk.
And also has an internal lock too.
I just gotta make sure I order compatible grips.
 
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Oh yeah.....

Here's a pic of the 9mm and the other 357/38spl cylinder for anybody who still may be wondering.
As you can see, 9mm will not go in to the 357 chambers.....and 357 will not drop in to the 9mm chambers.
You cannot screw it up even on accident.
I do need to mark them for convenience though like others are saying.
Just thought I'd share this....

*The brass colored case is the 357 round.


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