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Post by ron on Dec 8, 2005 12:05:17 GMT -5
Just purchased a 'used-new' 357 Blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrel.
The confused description is because the owner of my favorite gunshop said that he sold it to a fellow who never fired it (or maybe fired a few rounds through it once). I could believe it when I saw how clean it was.
Now to the question: I have been told by people I respect that they have had problems with the single action Ruger's cylinder going out of synch and locking up. They even had trouble getting the cylinder out. One fellow had it happen to two Blackhawks, a Vasquero, and two 41 cal single actions from Ruger.
Is this simply his bad luck, or is it a recognized problem with Ruger single actions? If it is a common problem, what can be done?
Thanks,
Ron
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Post by Callahan on Dec 8, 2005 16:08:52 GMT -5
I don't know, but it sure sounds like that guy was awfully hard on guns. I don't think anyone could have luck that bad...
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Dec 8, 2005 18:13:08 GMT -5
Just purchased a 'used-new' 357 Blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrel. Ron; You obtained what I refer to as a pre-owned gun, which was never actually used. I've been using this term for a number of years, which someone recently used in movie regarding Used Cars. Many people who shoot Rugers look upon them as being indestructable when using hotter handloads, which could result in a few complaints from premature wear on occassions. The difficulty in getting the cylinder out of the frame is with moving the cylinder pin straight out while depressing the the pin lock; This takes practice. Many people like to free spin the cylinder on the Rugers with the loading gate open; I've heard this is not good. I have two Vaqueros in .44-40 and I have had no problems with either, however, I do not shoot them as much as I would if I was into nothing but single action Rugers. The first Ruger I fired was also the first magnum revolver I ever fired, and that was an old model Ruger .357 Magnum Blackhawk. The second magnum I ever fired was a Ruger new model 44 magnum Super Blackhawk. I had no trouble placing bullets on the center of my target with either of these guns, whether it was one shot or six, I did not miss. My advice would be to stay within factory recommended ammunition, shoot safe, and if you have problems your welcomed to post them on the forum. |
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Post by TMan on Dec 8, 2005 19:38:16 GMT -5
Ron, I have a 357 Blackhawk too. However, when I first brought it home, I dry-fired it and thought: "what have I bought". It was breaking at 6.5lbs. It went into storage until I got around to ordering new springs and did a trigger job on it. It now breaks at less than 2lbs.
What I don't like about it is that it doesn't detent the way the Colt SA does, but turns freely. Other than that I haven't had any complaints about it. It is well made and I shoot it relatively accurately.
There are aftermarket parts available that will allow the Blackhawk to detent, but I can't justify the cost for the little that I shoot the gun.
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Post by ron on Dec 8, 2005 21:31:38 GMT -5
Thank you all for the replies.
I see the Blackhawk as a 'fun gun.' I've had several revolvers revolving ::)through my possession; GP100 (the worst trigger I ever experienced); SP101 (nice little shooter), all while searching for handgun Nirvana. After moving to auto-loaders, I find myself missing revolvers, not so much for carry, but just for making holes in paper targets for pleasure shooting.
Still, a single action 357 might make a good carry when I am hiking in the woods with my family. At 41 ounces without cartridges, it could drag my pants to down around my ankles, so I could imagine myself carrying in the open, in a separate belt and holster, cowboy style.
Also, it might fulfill my childhood fantasies developed watching Westerns on TV and the movies. I still have my toy gun and holster with the cartridges in which you remove the 'bullet', put a round cap in the brass shell, and replace the bullet. (I also had a mock, mini-M1 - and I didn't turn into a violent beast ;D). I still regret getting rid of my 'Fanner 50' pistol - only you fellows over 50 might remember.
Again, thanks for being so helpful.
Ron
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Dec 8, 2005 21:43:06 GMT -5
Ron; We certainly know of the Mattel Fanner 50 and the Shootin Shells with the green stick on caps. Mattel also had a snub nose revolver, with grips which ressembled that of a Detective Special ; By the time I was old enough to buy a real gun I already knew how to wear shoulder holsters.
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Post by TMan on Dec 8, 2005 23:10:58 GMT -5
Ron, I have a GP100 too. I forgot about it. I did a trigger job on it too. My son has one and he was just over here for Thanksgiving. I wish I had thought of it, I would have taken it down to the ranch (which I call a farm just to irratate my ex-wife) to show him the difference between his and mine.
The thing that attracted me to the Blackhawk was the fact that I could adjust the sights on it. I have prisms in my glasses (5.50 per lens), so having adjustable sights is a big thing for me. I hate using Kentucky windage.
I think you made a good choice. I would discourage you from shooting .38 specials. The case is shorter and you end up with a bunch of burnt carbon in the cylinder, which can be difficult to remove.
I have the convertible, but have never shot the 9mm cylinder. Ask me why I bought it? I'm an idiot.
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Post by ron on Dec 8, 2005 23:21:08 GMT -5
Interesting about the burnt carbon from shooting 38 spl, Tman. I thought that the only verboten act was to shoot 38 spl lead bullets due to lead deposits that would impede later use of 357.
If I was scrupulous about cleaning every several hundred rounds, would the carbon still be an issue?
Ron
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Post by TMan on Dec 9, 2005 14:23:32 GMT -5
Well it depends on how anal you want to be about it being clean. After shooting 38's I couldn't chamber a 357 Magnum without a good cleaning. There are multiple threads in this forum about my travails in getting the carbon out of my cylinders.
Some cylinder have little milling rings. Apparently they drill small then make several incremental increases in the size of the drill width. This ends up with little rings, which fill in with carbon. I'm always afraid of rust under the carbon, which is why I'm a bit anal about getting them clean.
For the most part, I now only shoot the caliber that the gun was designed for. I did shoot 454 Casull through my 460 XVR before I could get the 460 S&W Magnum. I cleaned it well before switching to the 460 ammo.
The 460 XVR produces very high pressures, and S&W warns you to keep it clean in order to keep the pressures down.
I've been told that you can use the brass from 357 Maximum to use as a scrapper to help get the carbon out. This was from an old-timer at the club (yes, guys, there are people older than I), and he has done it before. Next time I place an order to MidwayUSA, I'll order some brass and try it.
Carbon can really be a bear to get out. I've also had some problems with lead fouling, but it never took the time to get out that the carbon did. So what is it diamonds are made out of? Oh yeah,...
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Post by ron on Dec 9, 2005 15:00:12 GMT -5
Ah! Now I know how to make the diamonds that my wife always asks about! ;D "Well, dear, just scrape them from the grooves of my Blackhawk." You are a wise man, TMan.
Ron
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Post by TMan on Dec 9, 2005 19:29:44 GMT -5
... You are a wise man, TMan... Well actually I'm usually referred to as a "wise-guy". |
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Post by TMan on Dec 9, 2005 23:06:48 GMT -5
Ron, when you start thinking about a double-action revolver, I would strongly recommend the Taurus 608 in 357 Magnum. I just finished cleaning mine.
Following DoubleAction's advice, I use a 40 caliber brush for cleaning the cylinder. I rather like Butch's cleaner, but there are others that work well too. Since it is stainless steel, there are powder "burns" on the outside of the cylinder. These come off very easily by using lead remover cloth.
Anyhow, everyone that has shot the Taurus has been very impressed. The trigger isn't quite as good as my S&W 686, but it doesn't have the recoil the 686 has either. When I was testing the 686 the other day I did flinch once and put a round into the berm. They noticed it from the club house and busted my chops about it. (Remember I shoot a 460 XVR, but with much more concentration).
I've given thought to the S&W 500, but it hasn't made it to my list yet. The T/C Encore is next in line for my list, but I can't figure out which caliber that I want it in.
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Post by ron on Dec 9, 2005 23:52:15 GMT -5
The 686 or equivalent is definitely on my list of wants. For a time, I had my eyes on a used Python, but, as nice as the trigger is, the grip feels very bulky in my hand.
Of course my list of wants is long. A Sig 220 would be nice; and I 'need' to replace the 1911 I sold to help buy a motorcycle.
Looks like I have a bad case of the gun bug.
Ron
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Post by TMan on Dec 10, 2005 8:22:38 GMT -5
Ron the gun "bug" is deadly because it can be transmitted over the internet just like a computer virus. Hanging out on forums like this can make you even sicker. You hear someone describe a gun, your eyes gloss over, you check your bank balance, say to yourself: with all the money the bank has they won't miss my puny mortgage money, and you place an order for the gun.
More advanced stages of disease have symptoms like: should I buy the gun or groceries for the month. So why do I need groceries, I've been eating all my life and what has it done for me - made me fat.
When I bought my first Python, the first thing I did was to replace the grips. Well I shot it first and knew I'd never like it with the factory grips. My second Python is nickle-plated, and I haven't shot it yet. Some where in the back of my sub-conscious I realize that if I shoot it, I'll have to clean it and replace the grips.
Modified to add: I just realized that technically when I mentioned above that you "hear someone describe..." above that you really don't "hear" the voices until you first read something.
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Post by ron on Dec 10, 2005 11:24:55 GMT -5
Modified to add: I just realized that technically when I mentioned above that you "hear someone describe..." above that you really don't "hear" the voices until you first read something. But you forgot about the 'bug.' That's when you 'hear' voices telling you to buy the gun even before reading about it.  When I do read about the 45 ACP revolvers and 7 shot revolvers, a nebulous veil comes over my eyes. I start salivating uncontrollably like people do with mercury poisoning. Beautiful women are no longer part of my dreams unless they are about to give me a fine handgun to win my affection (I would graciously accept a nice over/under shotgun instead). I'm going to the range with my son tomorrow afternoon. Then we'll get our first experience with the Blackhawk. I believe I mentioned here that shooting is the one activity that my son and I enjoy together. Given his age of 23 and mine of 58 (for another month), we occupy different sides of a large, age-related cultural divide. Although we have a great relationship, shooting is the rare activity we can enjoy together (although we do box twice a week at the gym he works). Ron |
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Post by ron on Dec 13, 2005 13:20:07 GMT -5
Well, shooting the Blackhawk was a hoot! I put 50 rounds of 38 spl and 50 of 357 through it.
Even with the weight, it felt balanced and handled nicely. IN fact, I shot it better than I did my XD 40.
I expected it to be a joy to shoot, and it didn't disappoint.
I forgot what a pain it is to clean a 6 shot revolver.
Regards,
Ron
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Post by TMan on Dec 13, 2005 17:22:55 GMT -5
Psssst Ron, just between you and me: I've never been able to shoot my pistols, even some of the higher dollar ones, as well has I have my revolvers. Compared to the pistols, the revolvers have been inexpensive too.
Glad you like the Blackhawk, and remember my post above concerning DA's trick of using 40 cal brushes for cleaning the cylinders. I even use 50 cal brushes for cleaning the cylinders on my 45 caliber revolvers. Revolvers? do I have more than one? Can't remember.
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Post by ron on Dec 13, 2005 17:44:55 GMT -5
"Psssst Ron, just between you and me: I've never been able to shoot my pistols, even some of the higher dollar ones, as well has I have my revolvers. Compared to the pistols, the revolvers have been inexpensive too." Pssst, hey, TMan, over here - I won't tell anyone. Ah, glad you reminded me about the 40 S&W brushes on the 357 chambers! Oh, I forgot to mention what else I learned at the range: Wolf ammo powder smells like rhino dung. Whew! That stuff stunk up the range. Thanks, Ron |
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Post by MLB on Dec 13, 2005 17:47:51 GMT -5
In NY, you have to have each of your handguns listed on the back of your carry permit. I was picturing what TMan's would look like, and the thought of "Fletch" came to mind when he dropped his z-fold full of identification cards.  |
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Dec 13, 2005 18:31:28 GMT -5
Glad you like the Blackhawk, and remember my post above concerning DA's trick of using 40 cal brushes for cleaning the cylinders. I even use 50 cal brushes for cleaning the cylinders on my 45 caliber revolvers. Revolvers? do I have more than one? Can't remember. I do appreciate the plug; I use a .50 caliber black powder brush on the .45 acp bore . I know some will disagree about using oversized bronze brushes in the chambers, but the .357 brush barely contacts the chamber walls. I don't pass the brush through but a few times, unlike I do when cleaning the bore where I also use patches and jags, and I give the chamber a generous amount of cleaning solvent before passing the brush through. I would first try the .357 brush before using the .40, through the chambers, and make a call on whether you might get better results from an oversize brush. |
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