Ruger BH .45 Colt/.45 ACP Convertable
- Thread starter Tony
- Start date
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
Mine didn't (1980 edition).
Nicely enough, Ruger's Blackhawk in 30 U.S. Carbine will work with 32/20 WCF brass reformed in a 30 Carbine F/L steel die.
Nicely enough, Ruger's Blackhawk in 30 U.S. Carbine will work with 32/20 WCF brass reformed in a 30 Carbine F/L steel die.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Or chuck up the ACP cylinder in a lathe and turn the back off for the AR headspace. Then ACP brass head spaces on the shoulder and AR on cylinder. Lots have been done here because the AR is popular.
oscarflytyer
Well-Known Member
I have a newer one. Feel free to send me 6 pieces and I will see (and return them). But iirc, I have read where it won't work. but you CAN have the cylinder face trimmed for them to fit.
Ian
Notorious member
Won't work on my Uberti 1873 clone, for what it's worth. I like using the ACP cylinder with the same ammo I load in bulk for my 1911s and carbine since the brass is usually free. Plus, it shoots better than the .45 Colt cylinder does. With a single-action, the ACP-only setup makes sense, but for a swing-cylinder revolver, I'd a lot rather have the AR brass option for play and have some full-moon clips on hand with ACP loads for when I might anticipate the need for a quick reload.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Your logic is why they are popular here in PNW. Lots of 45 AR revolvers with AR brass in the cylinder and full moon clip of ACP for reload. Now 45 LC SA's with ACP cylinders cost much less than DA's, the cylinder conversions are popular.
I have two 625's (a 5" Model of 1989 625-6 and a 4" JM Special Model 625-8). They are my favorite revolvers. However, I also have a Ruger SS 5 1/2" full sized Bisley .45 ACP/.45 Colt Convertible. It came with undersize throats in both cylinders. The .45 Colt cylinder with "standard" loads leaded terribly in just a few shots. The .45 ACP cylinder wouldn't accept my standard .45 ACP cast bullet loads with .452" bullets (couldn't chamber them).
However, after using a Manson "made for the task" cylinder throat reamer in both cylinders (.4525") now the revolver will, on demand, shoot groups from a rest with both cylinders well under an inch at 25 yards. This, with a variety of loads in either.
Just in case you think I am registering a complaint, I am NOT. Upon reflection, the undersize throats allowed me to tailor my throats for best results. Yeah, they should have been the correct size in the beginning, but they weren't. Being undersize was certainly preferable to being oversize.
This convertible has now become a prized piece of my shooting collection. It's a VERY useful piece for both the range and the field. I confess to shooting the .45 ACP much more than the .45 Colt as I am doing MUCH more "Range" than "Field" these days. Having one revolver that will "do it all" for a reasonable price and Ruger's ruggedness, is a real plus. Light target loads are a real pleasure and the ability to swap cylinders and loads for hunting is a big plus. I can recommend these convertibles to anyone who has been thinking about it.
FWIW
Dale53
However, after using a Manson "made for the task" cylinder throat reamer in both cylinders (.4525") now the revolver will, on demand, shoot groups from a rest with both cylinders well under an inch at 25 yards. This, with a variety of loads in either.
Just in case you think I am registering a complaint, I am NOT. Upon reflection, the undersize throats allowed me to tailor my throats for best results. Yeah, they should have been the correct size in the beginning, but they weren't. Being undersize was certainly preferable to being oversize.
This convertible has now become a prized piece of my shooting collection. It's a VERY useful piece for both the range and the field. I confess to shooting the .45 ACP much more than the .45 Colt as I am doing MUCH more "Range" than "Field" these days. Having one revolver that will "do it all" for a reasonable price and Ruger's ruggedness, is a real plus. Light target loads are a real pleasure and the ability to swap cylinders and loads for hunting is a big plus. I can recommend these convertibles to anyone who has been thinking about it.
FWIW
Dale53
Regarding my Ruger Bisley convertible, mentioned above, I had some .45 Cowboy Special brass left from another project. They headspace perfectly in the Ruger Convertible. The advantage is that you can use heavy bullets that require a roll crimp without issue when using the .45 ACP cylinder. The ACP's headspace on the case mouth so you cannot use a roll crimp on those.
Just a bit of additional information that may prove helpful.
FWIW
Dale53
Just a bit of additional information that may prove helpful.
FWIW
Dale53
fiver
Well-Known Member
that helps me.
I have seen the cowboy brass from time to time but let it go because I wasn't sure it would work in the Ruger.
I know the AR brass won't,, I tried it.
I like the rimmed brass in the single actions the little bit of extra weight helps the cases fall out of the chamber without needing the little sliding poker.
I have seen the cowboy brass from time to time but let it go because I wasn't sure it would work in the Ruger.
I know the AR brass won't,, I tried it.
I like the rimmed brass in the single actions the little bit of extra weight helps the cases fall out of the chamber without needing the little sliding poker.
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
I'm not certain just how much longer I can live without a short-barreled 45 Colt wheelgun. You guys are no help at all, with all this carrying on about swap-cylinder 45s.
Al, that's an easy fix if you have a truck like mine. When driving down any road if the truck see's a sign that says guns the steering wheel jerks out of my hands, brakes slam on in the middle of the parking lot, engines stalls. Can't release the brakes, can't turn the wheel, can't start the engine. Repairs can be expensive since the only fix for all of these problems is going inside.
Al, be careful taking advice from a single man like Rick. Good way for you to find yourself single too.
Mine isn't a convertible but I really like my 4 5/8" BH in 45 Colt. To me that is the handiest barrel length if it ever needs carrying in a holster. Mine needed some throats work, as it was they ran .449 and leaded the bore badly. Fixed that and now it never leads and shoots very well.
Mine isn't a convertible but I really like my 4 5/8" BH in 45 Colt. To me that is the handiest barrel length if it ever needs carrying in a holster. Mine needed some throats work, as it was they ran .449 and leaded the bore badly. Fixed that and now it never leads and shoots very well.
quicksylver
Well-Known Member
I might as well jump in here..I have an old model RBH in 45 Colt. ..(thank you guys for not saying 45 LONG Colt)....i got it off an old friend of mine who was a gunsmith...
it is not a convertible...it sports a 7.5" barrel...every once and a while i would break it out at the Bullseye matches....just to show off ..loaded with the old Lyman 454190 cast of COWW..lubed w/50-50..and pushed along w/7.5 grs of Unique it would consistently shoot a 5 shot cloverleaf at 50' off hand.. nice guns..Dan
it is not a convertible...it sports a 7.5" barrel...every once and a while i would break it out at the Bullseye matches....just to show off ..loaded with the old Lyman 454190 cast of COWW..lubed w/50-50..and pushed along w/7.5 grs of Unique it would consistently shoot a 5 shot cloverleaf at 50' off hand.. nice guns..Dan
Rally Hess
Well-Known Member
Anybody know offhand what platform the 45 AR was first offered in? Seems I read somewhere it was brought out to compete with the Webley.