Wheelgun Wednesday: Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible

Wheelgun Wednesday: Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 Mag

We are back in the saddle again of another Wheelgun Wednesday, and this week we are bringing it back to our single-action roots by covering a little-known Ruger hailing from their New Model Blackhawk Convertible series of wheelguns. Ruger’s New Model Blackhawk Convertible series touts “Classic Lines, Classic Feel, Modern Features” all while also offering 2 cylinders that can be interchanged without the use of tools.

The Blackhawk from Ruger has the esteemed reputation of being the most advanced single-action revolver ever made (Ruger’s words), and while that can be contested, they do offer quite the variety of wheelguns to choose from. This week we are going to take a look at the New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 Mag revolver that is a distributor exclusive from RSR Group. Let’s dive in!

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: NEW Charter Arms Double Dog Revolver Series
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Talo Distributor Exclusive - Ruger LCRx 9mm 3”
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Suppressed Revolver? M1895 Nagant
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Top 3 Griz Guns That Could SAVE Your Life

Ruger New Model Blackhawk Series

Before we get to the revolver at hand today, we are going to set the stage. There are “old model” Blackhawks (lacking today’s modern transfer bar safety mechanism), and there are New Model (current production) Blackhawks. Within the New Model Blackhawk series, you have 4 different options. From there, you can dive down any individual rabbit hole to find the fit, finish, and chambering that you desire.

• Blued - 357 Mag, 41 Rem Mag, 45 Colt, 30 Carbine
• Convertible - 357 Mag/9mm, 45 Colt/45 Auto
• Stainless - 357 Mag
• Bisley - 44 Special

Ruger New Model SUPER Blackhawk Series

There is also the Super Blackhawk series which stills dons the modern transfer bar safety mechanism yet they are built even more robustly for larger cartridge chamberings. Within the New Model Super Blackhawk grouping, you have 4 rabbit holes to run down to find your favorite big-bore, single-action offering.

• Standard - 44 Rem Mag
• Bisley - 44 Rem Mag, 454 Casull, 480 Ruger
• Hunter - 44 Rem Mag
• Bisley Hunter - 44 Rem Mag

Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 Mag

Now, we arrive at the star of this week’s show: the Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 Mag. This is currently an RSR Group “ Distributor Exclusive” wheelgun that can only be obtained from that distributor by FFLs if you wish to own one. This revolver is currently legal for sale in California for all of our brethren in that foreign land, but unfortunately for Massachusetts natives, it is illegal there (go figure). The full spec listings are displayed below as presented by Ruger:

• Grips: Black Laminate Wood - Bisley™ Style
• Barrel Length: 5.5" Stainless Steel with 1 in 16” Right-Hand Twist & 6-Groove Rifling
• Overall Length: 12"
• Extra Cylinder: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Sights: Ramp Front Sight with Adjustable Rear
• Finish: Stainless
• Weight: 46 Ounces

What’s the Upsell? What are the Difference Makers?

So, a fair question to ask is, “What’s so special about this revolver? What sets it apart from others?” One of the big differences from other New Model Blackhawk Convertible revolvers is the engraved cylinders (2 of which you receive), and the pairing of a black laminate wood grips for a sleek and stylish appearance.

• Features Bisley-style grip
• Target-grade accuracy with ramp front and adjustable rear sights
• Transfer bar mechanism and loading gate interlock provide an unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge
• Variety of caliber, barrel length, grips, finish and weight guarantees a model to meet the needs of today's single-action shooters
• Cold hammer-forged barrel results in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity
• Includes two cylinders that can be interchanged without the use of tools

For anyone who might be unfamiliar with the Blackhawk Convertible series as a whole (rare, but possible), I see the biggest selling point is that you get 2 cylinders to shoot multiple cartridges. In fact, and Ruger would never recommend this, but this convertible technically could allow you to shoot 4 cartridges if you are as squirrelly as I am. With your .357 Magnum cylinder, you could shoot that cartridge as well as .38 Special (you could have predicted that).

Then, with your 9mm cylinder, you could also plink with some .380 ACP rounds as well. Being that they are the same bullet diameter, but .380 ACP is only a short overall case length, you could - in theory - shoot both safely. Will you maybe get some lead build-up in your 9mm cylinder shooting .380 ACP? Probably. But squirrelly gun owners need to deal with their squirrelly repercussions (squirrelly gun owners is me… I am them).

So, overall, if you want a single-action wheelgun that is one-of-a-kind (an RSR Group Distributor Exclusive), that will shoot cheap ammo (9mm), and has a bit of punch for other endeavors (.357 Magnum), then this might be the wheelgun you are searching for. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Ruger and their newly announced New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 Mag in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.