Blackhawk convertible 45 Colt / 45 ACP
- Thread starter SLT223
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I think the better solution is to have two guns, one in each caliber.
target tech
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I have a stainless Bisley .45 convertible, a lot of fun to shoot, highly recommend putting in a Wolf spring kit to make the trigger more manageable. It is actually a pretty accurate gun. I had the .45ACP cylinder shaved to shoot AR in it. The ACPs still shoot fine, same as shooting ACP out of a 1955 without moon clips, except is comes with the wooden dowel rod built in........And no, I don't remember how much I had shaved off. It was a machinist that did the work, not a gunsmith, I did all the math.
cjwils
Member
I have a Blackhawk 45 convertible, and I am very happy with it. I find that 45 Colt and 45 ACP shoot to slightly different points on the target, but they are very close. The gun is accurate with a wide range of ammo. I like that the Blackhawk is strong enough that I can use 45 Colt handloads that are essentially in the same power range as a 44 magnum, if I want to.
BearBio
Member
I carried one for several years as back-up while guiding on wild pigs in Cali during grad school. Have carried one off and on in grizzlie country with "Ruger Only" loads. Shown with a Randall knife, both with buffalo horn. Now has elk horn and a matching Yukon Skinner fron Randall. Also have a Reeder SBH in 454 but the 45 is my favorite.
Don't use the 45 acp that much.
Don't use the 45 acp that much.
DWalt
Member
I almost bought one sometime in the late 1970s-early 80s, but didn't. Always wished I had.
SLT223,
While shopping for one remember they are made with two frame sizes and the smaller Flat Top mid frame size is not safe with powder charges as heavy as the large .44 magnum frame. In standard production all of them that have adjustable sights and are made on the large frame have rear sights that are protected by humps on the side of the top strap like target tech's Bisely and Bear Bio's old model. So far Flat Top .45s are all mid-frame. "Ruger only loads" implies loads that are only safe in large frame .45 Colts.
Flat Top large frames exist but are only used for .41 and .44 Magnums which Ruger never builds on mid-frames.
I've fired a few large frame Blackhawk .45 convertables all of which were owned by friends that were very happy with them but have yet to own one.
While shopping for one remember they are made with two frame sizes and the smaller Flat Top mid frame size is not safe with powder charges as heavy as the large .44 magnum frame. In standard production all of them that have adjustable sights and are made on the large frame have rear sights that are protected by humps on the side of the top strap like target tech's Bisely and Bear Bio's old model. So far Flat Top .45s are all mid-frame. "Ruger only loads" implies loads that are only safe in large frame .45 Colts.
Flat Top large frames exist but are only used for .41 and .44 Magnums which Ruger never builds on mid-frames.
I've fired a few large frame Blackhawk .45 convertables all of which were owned by friends that were very happy with them but have yet to own one.
gwpercle
Member
I also missed out on the early 1970's Convertible . Heavy loaded 45 Colt for hunting , light loaded 45 acp for fun....seemed like an ideal rig.
A buddy had one with a 4 5/8 inch barrel ....it was a sweet shooting gun. As accurate as you could want with adjustable sights to boot. A wife and children came along and my priorities changed....
Still seems like a great idea especially if you can reload for both rounds.
Gary
A buddy had one with a 4 5/8 inch barrel ....it was a sweet shooting gun. As accurate as you could want with adjustable sights to boot. A wife and children came along and my priorities changed....
Still seems like a great idea especially if you can reload for both rounds.
Gary
italiansport
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I have a convertible Ruger Blackhawk in 357/9MM but I've never used the 9MM conversion cylinder. I was amazed to see one of these cylinders sell recently on Ebay for over $200!
Jim
Jim
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SLT223
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So the current offering from Lipsey's is advertised as Flattop. Does that mean it's mid-size frame that wouldn't take a magnumized 45 Colt?
BearBio
Member
I wouldn't.......... Some of my loads (strictly from the books!) cross over into light 454 country.
To answer your question, yes, the mid-sized frames are not meant for the "Ruger Only" loads, and should only be used with Colt safe type loads.
I, too, have a 5.5" barreled convertible. It shoots 2" groups at 50 yds. with my preferred "Ruger Only" load. And,.....like some others, I've never used the .45 ACP cylinder, but its there if I want to. It shoots so good, I decided to get another with the 4 5/8 " barrel, minus the extra cylinder. It, too, shoots great. The shorter one is my woods walker........
I have a late 1980s Blackhawk .45 Colt/.45ACP with the 4 5/8ths inch barrel. I've never used the .45 Colt cylinder. The revolver is very accurate with either ball or lead .230 grain loads.
The original rear sight didn't want to hold its adjustments, so I spent the $$ and replaced it with a Hamilton Bowen target sight.
The original rear sight didn't want to hold its adjustments, so I spent the $$ and replaced it with a Hamilton Bowen target sight.
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SLT223
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I was actually looking for clarity on which frame type the Lipsey's convertible model is built on. Im assuming its the midsize because its advertised as a "Flattop". Im not sure Im correct though. Just to make sure Im understanding what Lipsey's is offering.
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
I have a 25-5 that is cut for moon clips, but I shoot 45 Winchester magnum brass with the moons. Only 1/8 shorter that the 45 Colt-much stouter brass; it's like a long 45 cap-but I keep them down around 1000 fps, which is plent for a 255 grain LSWC. Fast-accurate and fun. Of course, I can still shoot 45 colt, but see no reason.
Vulcan Bob
Member
I have four in the large frame and one new mid size flat top. I found them to be plenty accurate in both calibers. That sorta surprised me as I had thought that short .45 ACP would rattle it's bullet down that long cylinder resulting in poor accuracy, not so, shoots great. You want to have fun with folks, have a holstered SA with two .45 ACP magazines in a belt pouch strapped on. Invariably some one will ask what's up with that and then you show em how you can thumb em in right from the magazine, makes for a rapid reload after you shuck out the empty's one at a time! As far as the loads you can use in the mid frame, Brian Pearce at Handloader talked to Ruger about this and they said it was good to go with plus P .45 ACP and as the cylinders are identical except for the chambering's he came to the conclusion that it should handle about 23,000 PSI. Of course the "Ruger only" loads for the big frames should not be used with the mid frame .45.
eveled
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Yes the lipseys flattop is mid frame. Same size as the old Colts. I have one, and have never even put the LC cylinder in it. It is a lot of fun with the acp cylinder. You can load it right from a 1911 magazine. I highly recommend it. It is not a weak gun, it will handle factory loaded LC, just not the Ruger only loads which are real heavy hitters.
I'd like to get a 454 to go with my flattop for the heavy loads.
Here is my Lypsey's.45, and an original 3 screw unconverted flattop.
I'd like to get a 454 to go with my flattop for the heavy loads.
Here is my Lypsey's.45, and an original 3 screw unconverted flattop.
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Lee's Landing Billy
Member
I have a 3 screw fitted with both cylinders. These were only made from 1971-1973. I had mine redone in high polish blue and receiver case hardened and fitted with stag. I also have an old model big frame Vaquero convertible with a 1 inch barrel, lightweight engraved grip frame. The receiver heavily lightened with dished recoil shield and pinched top strap. Work done locally by a gentleman no longer able to do work. It is fitted with Colt black hard rubber grips. If you get one you will have LOTS of options! ACP loads you would never consider in an auto. Colt loads inching up on 44 mag. Getcha one!
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SLT223
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