Which Blackhawk???

What to buy...

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WestKentucky

WestKentucky

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I’m looking to buy a Blackhawk soon...as in a couple days after I get to the bank to deposit some cash that I got for selling a boat motor today. I WILL be buying a ruger Blackhawk. And it will be one of 3 options on caliber... all the same setup, look, and price. The three options...

.30 Carbine
.357 Mag
.41 Mag
Added .45 Colt because they have a convertible to 45acp for $50 more.

Each has its own merits and I’m somewhat equally drawn to all three.

I already reload .30 Carbine and .357. I’m better supplied for .357, but that’s not really here nor there because I have been meaning to buy more components for my 30carbine anyway. I have no reservations whatsoever of adding another caliber to the bench as I’m already loading or tooled to load about 40 calibers.

I already have a couple 357s including a buntline single action, and a contender pistol barrel. I do not, have not ever had a .41 mag but I have been on the lookout for one for a while and was pleasantly surprised to see the Blackhawk .41 available.

I already have a Marlin model 62 .30 carbine and want to put a .30m1c handgun with it, but being the odd rifle it is I always figured I would put a contender barrel in the mix for it.

So... price, barrel length, configuration are all identical. Which one do I order once the money gets to the bank account?
 
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You already have a .357, and a plan for the 30 carbine - I like your “2 odd ducks” strategy there. I vote .41.

Of the 3 mentioned I only have experience with the 30 carbine Blackhawk. Shot it once, don’t have any desire to own it. I go back and forth between wanting a Blackhawk in .41 and .45 colt. Leaning towards the .45 lately.
 
I would say go with the one that is pulling you the hardest. I may go one way based on what I have and want to combine it with. While you have others. Sounds like you want the 30 carbine version.
 
DairyVet said:
You already have a .357, and a plan for the 30 carbine - I like your “2 odd ducks” strategy there. I vote .41.

Of the 3 mentioned I only have experience with the 30 carbine Blackhawk. Shot it once, don’t have any desire to own it. I go back and forth between wanting a Blackhawk in .41 and .45 colt. Leaning towards the .45 lately.
Click to expand...
I’m trying hard to talk myself down... they have a 45 convertible Blackhawk for $50 more and I think I’m about to bite that particular bullet. Time to change the options in the survey
 
I voted for the 41 because I want a blackhawk in that chambering. I have a .357 blackhawk with the 6.5 inch barrel and am very please with it. . If you plan to hunt with it I would go .41, if not I would roll with the .357 as you already have supplies in that caliber.
 
The only Blackhawks that interest me are the new model Vaquero's. That limits cartridge choice to 357 or 45. I'd probably go 45 to be traditional.
 
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I went with the 45 convertible. While I'll eventually work up some hot stepping 45LC loads, I've got pounds of 185gr bullets loaded to go in 45acp brass that'll still be fun as soon as the ranges open back up.
 
Voted for the 41 magnum. I have two. I have Blackhawks in 357, 44 magnum, and 45 Colt/45acp and love them. But, as I said in another thread, the 41 magnum is a very satisying, comfortable and accurate round. Easy to reload and does great with cast bullets. Not a lot of commercial ammo available but plenty of components to reload.

Jeff
 
I voted 41 mag. If I ever come across a good deal on one I will scoop it up quick.
That said, I'm currently eyeing a used 45 Blackhawk with the 4.62 barrel. If the seller gives me the price I want I will buy it.
I was hoping to get it before Gumbys latest give away ended because the grip that's on it is huge and ugly.
Good luck with whichever one you choose.
 
Another vote for the .41. I have the SBH Bisley Hunter and am quite fond of it.
 
Based on your choices the one I would go for is the 45 LC

Aaug1Js.jpg

I do have a 357 Mag Blackhawk, and it shoots, but I am not excited about the thing. I prefer the 357 in double action revolvers.

But the one I most like, is this 44 Special Blackhawk.

jCqNekV.jpg

It feels good, it shoots good, and a 240 grain bullet going 1000 fps still has a lot of wallop at 50 yards.

yrNep9r.jpg
 
.45

The .30 Carbine suffers from an identity crisis, not really sure what it wants to be. Doesn't make much sense to go .357 when .45 Colt is an option in the same size gun. .41 is interesting, but again, same size gun.
 
I voted 41 Mag, because it’s uniquely cool and 45 Colt wasn’t a vote option. But I would fully endorse the 45LC/45acp convertible.

Whatever you get, you’ll be happy with a Blackhawk.
 
I voted 41mag, because it's a cool cartridge. I had a 7.5" 41mag blackhawk. Very nice shooting gun. Much more fun than the same gun in 357mag.

I still think the 45's the winner. Big holes in targets are just more better.
 
WestKentucky said:
I’m pretty well settled on the .45 now, mainly for the ACP cylinder. The big question though, how hot can you safely run 45 Colt in a Blackhawk? I know “ruger only” loads don’t necessarily mean they are safe in every ruger.
Click to expand...

You can go hot in a large frame Blackhawk. The space between the chambers in the cylinder will tell you which you have. Have a look at the images below. The cylinder on the left is from the large frame. Look at the space between the chambers. Do not attempt Ruger only loads on the medium frame (right side image) cylinder.

Ruger 45 Colt Cylinders.jpg
 
"The big question though, how hot can you safely run 45 Colt in a Blackhawk? I know “ruger only” loads don’t necessarily mean they are safe in every ruger. "

The Blackhawk can handle any load within SAAMI guidelines and probably a bit more although I never endorse that. When I got mine about 35 years ago I tried some of the hottest loads in the manuals. The Blackhawk handled them safely but they weren't the most accurate. I'm long past wanting atomic level loads for their own sake, now I go for comfort and accuracy.

Jeff
 
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