[SS]

Frugality runs in my family, and I've determined that the only hangun caliber that is cost effective to shoot is 9mm. (Which doesn't BTW, contradict my opinion that the .44 is the best caliber of all time, as that is best, this is economical). I can get 100 of the little beauties from my local Wal-Mart for about 13 bucks, which doesn't even give other calibers a chance when it comes to volume shooting. However, I would also like to shoot .357's (.38+p's at least) for home defense, and theoretically, hunting. I'm a revolver guy and can't justify an Auto 9mm and a .357 Revolver. Therefore, I began looking for a combination gun, based on the fact that the 9mm and the 38/357 are almost identical in bore diameter. I happened upon the Ruger Blackhawk .357. It's got one cylinder for .357, and one for 9mm. What do you think. Would the .357 bore diameter cause problems for the 9mm (.355)bore diameter?

SS

 

[wwb]

The 9x19 shoots just fine out of a Blackhawk convertible, as do .38 Spl, .38 Spl +P, and .357 Mag.

About as versatile a handgun as you can get. Be forewarned, however... Ruger SA revolvers are like potato chips.... bet you can't eat just one.

You will shortly decide that you need a Single Six for a cheap way to sharpen your skills. Then you'll discover the Old Models....

 

[huntswithdogs]

...Then you'll start looking at the Freedom Arms revolvers and marvel at the slick triggers and good sites. After wiping off the drool, you'll hand it back to the clerk and try to decide which of your toys you're gonna get rid of so you can afford it.

HWD

Did we mention that these things are addictive?

 

[slabsides]

.357/9mm convertible sounds like just your ticket. Word is that the 9mm is less accurate (long jump to barrel in cylinder, smaller dia. bullet) but not a LOT less accurate. Good enough for a plinker/sport revolver, in any case. I'm surprised that you can't find .38 specials at a price comparable to 9mm ammo. Bet I could, but I haven't fired a factory round in my guns for years.

 

[Virginian]

Except for the factory loads I keep my defense guns stoked with for liability reasons, I shoot handloads for far less than I can get them at Wally World, even including a 10% discount. I would advise anyone who likes to shoot centerfire handguns to seriously consider reloading.

 

[slabsides]

See, it's comments like Virginian's that keep alive the tired old belief that '…only factory loads are proper for defense.'
We have to assume that many newcomers read our posts, who don't know the minor controversy that involves defensive use of reloads.
It boils down to the largely unsupported (only two or three cases) experience/opinion of one gun writer: Massad Ayoob. He's testified in a couple of instances where lawsuits have been brought by mooks and their shyster pals against folks who sucessfully and justifiably defended themselves against said mooks with reloaded ammunition. Shysters claimed that use of such ammo demonstrated a deliberate intent to shoot someone with their diabolically and fiendishly enhanced 'killer' reloads. Pure horse-puckey, of course, promptly thrown out. One case that I have heard of, heard by a rabidly antigun judge, found that the CALIBER of gun used (FACTORY 10mm) demonstrated culpability on the part of the shooter, and he was jailed, but exonerated on appeal. Fact is, that if you are justified in shooting someone, the ammo you used to do it is VERY unlikely to be a factor. I have only a few factory loads kicking around the old homestead, and would be most likely, if called upon, to use for defense whatever was in the gun from the last time I shot it. It would either be a target (mild) or hunting (wild) handload. And I ain't gonna worry about it. I can demonstrate that most of my shooting is done with reloads, which are fabricated with economy as the chief motive, and this ought to satisfy the jury of my peers. Lets bury this dead horse, and move on. :roll:

 

[Roadkill Bill]

I've got the .357/9mm Convertible in both barrel lengths for CAS. They're great little guns. Jacketed 9mm are more accurate than lead nose and great for practice. The .38s shoot great, and the .357s are tack drivers. They're well worth the little extra money in order to be able to shoot the cheap Wolf stuff.

WWB is right. Be warned. Once you've been bitten by the SA bug, you're hooked. I started out with a .22 Bisley, that led to a .44 Bisley, then another .44 Bisley, then another . . . then another . . . then another . . . then another . . .

They're just more fun than any other gun!

 

[Virginian]

Well, right now I'm tired, and I'm kinda old, so I am going to hang on to that belief. And, actually I mispoke a little, it just so happens I like Glaser Safety Slugs and Gold Dots and Silvertips for personal protection use. I do not think I could really load any that I would prefer to them, and I only shoot them up when they get old.
I have been sued for $300 million dollars. I learned a lot. It is not about truth, justice, or the American Way. Honesty is the best policy, but only among friends. It is about winning. It is only about winning. I don't intend to have to explain or argue about what ammunition I used, if it comes to that. It is not about criminal culpability, it is about monetary liability. They do not have to prove anything, only elicit sufficient sympathy to ruin your life. If I gain 1/2 of 1% by using a bullet with 'Safety' in the name, that also happens to work, I will.

BTW; I won.

 

[Meeteetse]

The Blackhawk is a great choice. I've had mine since 1976 and it is one of the most fun guns I own. I can buy whatever ammo is cheaper this month and head to the range.

In my gun, the 9mm isn't as accurate as 38/357, but the difference is small. For defensive use, the bad guy will never know the difference.

I agree with what WWB said. . . "they are like potato chips". . .so I had to have a couple more. The 45Colt/45acp Blackhawk is another of my favorites. Try it, you will like it too. Then you can pick up a Super Blackhawk 44mag/44spec, and then perhaps a Single-six in .22lr/22mag, and then. . . . . . :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[joedapro]

Frugality runs in my family, and I've determined that the only hangun caliber that is cost effective to shoot is 9mm. (Which doesn't BTW, contradict my opinion that the .44 is the best caliber of all time, as that is best, this is economical). I can get 100 of the little beauties from my local Wal-Mart for about 13 bucks, which doesn't even give other calibers a chance when it comes to volume shooting. However, I would also like to shoot .357's (.38+p's at least) for home defense, and theoretically, hunting. I'm a revolver guy and can't justify an Auto 9mm and a .357 Revolver. Therefore, I began looking for a combination gun, based on the fact that the 9mm and the 38/357 are almost identical in bore diameter. I happened upon the Ruger Blackhawk .357. It's got one cylinder for .357, and one for 9mm. What do you think. Would the .357 bore diameter cause problems for the 9mm (.355)bore diameter?

SS

since i reload and cast i get 1000 45 colt for less than $40. you pay more for your 9.