I've always liked the old model Ruger single action Blackhawks - elegant, traditional 4-click cocking, reloading from half-cock with proper indexing, and way accurate.

Years ago I bought one specifically because I could get ammunition for it in virtually every corner of the world. This was a .357-9mm convertible model, with two cylinders. Here's a pic of this gun, made in 1970, showing both cylinders and a target shot with 9mm ball ammo. I'm good to go with .38 special, .357 magnum, or 9mm parabellum. Also, in the U.S., restrictive regulations for a gun like this should be few and far between.

The shorter-barreled Blackhawks handle easily and pack well, besides being visually pleasing and tough as a tank.

And yes, I still have the original walnut grips and box with papers for this one - I just like the look and smooth feel of "faux" ivory without the legal hassle of real ivory!

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Your title led me to think that you were going in a different direction, as in what handgun would serve you world-wide. The Blackhawk convertible wouldn't be a bad choice, but if I was allowed one handgun for use anywhere in the world it would be a Glock 19.

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Only a cold warrior

I did much the same but in a semi-auto...

Started off with a Kimber 10mm Stainless Target II and with the addition of a couple of barrels was able to shoot:
10mm
.40 S&W
.38 Super
9x23 Winchester
9mm Largo

..and by adding a matching slide in .45 expanded to:
.45 ACP
.45 Super

Also have a .22 Long Rifle Conversion....so if there is ammo I can probably shoot...

Whole story is here:

Four-Caliber STII... - 1911Forum

Nice to have a gun that fires a couple of different rounds....

Bob

My dad left me an old model 4 5/8" flat top Ruger .357 with a three digit serial number. I bought a 9mm cylinder off of ebay. It was a drop-in fit.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Paladin, you are without a doubt, the owner of the most impressive collection I’ve ever seen on this board. Nobody comes close. Congrats!

PS: I know you rarely give “likes” to other members and that’s no problem! The only “likes” needed should be reserved for you!!

My first CF handgun: OM .357/9mm convertible.

The 9mm cylinder is unfired.

Been thinking of finding a shorter mate for it lately, being as I just bought a big ol safe that I need to fill

I see the practicality of that gun.

When I left the USAF, I heard that men in my career field (Air Police) were being recruited for security work in South America, protecting workers clearing jungles for power lines, etc. Some were supposedly taking Blackhawks, as they were rugged and trouble free.

They aren't impervious: I've seen pics of a couple that had the extractor rod tubes come loose.

I'd prefer a S&W M-19 .357, as a Colt .45 auto wouldn't be legal there, or any 9mm. The .38 Super as then headspaced, was pretty inaccurate, and I wasn't sure about ammo supply. For a rifle, I wanted an FN-FAL. It'd reach out well, for either a jaguar or a hostile Indio with a blowgun or a long bow.

I didn't pursue that job offer. Went home and entered college. But I did later buy a stainless Super Blackhawk .44. It was very accurate and it was almost hard to miss when point shooting human silhouettes at 15 yards. With more care, it remained fantastically accurate at longer ranges.
I see why so many like Ruger SA revolvers.

Aw shucks... Thanks.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I remember many years ago, before I had even held a handgun it might have been. Anyway, I spent a lot of time pouring over the Shooters Bible. I think I picked out every handgun in there as "that's the one I want."

But the Ruger Blackhawk in 38/357/9mm really caught my eye. Back then I was concerned about being able to get ammo anywhere in the world, just in case someone called and asked me to...ohhhhh...go to Africa with them to hunt elephants or something. I thought that Ruger would be just about perfect.

Never did get one. My first handgun turned out to be a Model 19, as recommended by Skeeter Skelton.

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John 3:16 .

I was thinking a CZ 75 9mm might fit that description.....

Randy