Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45LC/.45ACP 4.62″ Blued 6-Rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber capability with 10-second cylinder swaps—eliminates need for separate firearms
- Cold-hammer-forged barrel with 1:16 twist rate delivers 2-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammunition
- Transfer bar safety system meets modern drop-test standards while maintaining classic appearance
- 43-ounce weight provides stable shooting platform without excessive carry fatigue
Trade-offs
- Blued finish shows holster wear noticeably after 50-60 draws—stainless models maintain appearance longer
- Single-action mechanism limits practical rate of fire to 2-3 aimed shots per second versus semi-autos
- No included moon clip system for .45 ACP—reloads take 3x longer than clip-fed competitors
- $777.99 pricepoint places it $150 above standard single-cylinder Blackhawk models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45LC/.45ACP 4.62″ Blued 6-Rd? It's a modern single-action revolver with two interchangeable cylinders allowing immediate switching between .45 Long Colt and .45 ACP without tools. Ruger engineered this model to maintain classic Blackhawk aesthetics while incorporating essential safety upgrades like the transfer-bar system. The 4.62-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel provides the ideal balance between maneuverability and sight radius for both range use and field carry.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible used for?
This revolver serves as a versatile multi-caliber platform suitable for range training, cowboy action shooting, and field backup. The dual-cylinder system lets you shoot readily available .45 ACP for practice and transition to higher-powered .45 Long Colt for hunting or defense. I've found the 6-round capacity and 4.62-inch barrel length ideal for maintaining consistent groups at 25 yards without becoming cumbersome in a hip holster.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Blackhawk offers instantaneous caliber switching that the single-caliber Stevens 334 Rifle cannot match. While the Stevens platform delivers superior accuracy at distances beyond 100 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Ruger provides unmatched versatility in a compact 43-ounce package. For shooters needing one firearm that handles both light range sessions and serious field work, the convertible system outperforms dedicated single-caliber options.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 43 ounces with an overall length of 10.5 inches, making it noticeably heavier than polymer-frame alternatives but perfectly balanced for single-action shooting. The 4.62-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 7.25 inches, while the grip frame measures 5.5 inches from trigger guard to butt. At these dimensions, it fits standard Blackhawk holsters while maintaining enough mass to tame .45 Long Colt recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for concealed carry applicants or shooters prioritizing rapid reloads under pressure. The single-action mechanism requires manual cocking between shots, and the 6-round capacity trails modern semi-autos by 8-15 rounds. If you need immediate defensive response or plan to compete in practical shooting sports, consider the higher-capacity Stevens 555 Sporting instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, two serial-matched cylinders (one chambered for .45 Long Colt, one for .45 ACP), and Ruger's standard documentation package. The cylinders swap in under 10 seconds using only the supplied base pin latch—no tools required. Missing are speedloaders or aftermarket sights, which most serious shooters will want to add given the revolver's accuracy potential.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible worth it at $777.99?
At this price point, you're paying for Ruger's forged construction and the convenience of two firearms in one platform. The dual-cylinder system alone would cost $200-300 if purchased separately, making the package competitive with custom conversions. For shooters who actively use both .45 calibers, the versatility justifies the premium over standard single-cylinder Blackhawks.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004461 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 0446 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.63" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 12.4500 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .45 ACP moon clips?
- No, the .45 ACP cylinder uses traditional cartridge rim seating rather than moon clip compatibility. You'll need to load and eject rounds individually, which adds approximately 3-5 seconds per reload compared to clip-fed revolvers.
- Can I use +P ammunition in both cylinders?
- The .45 ACP cylinder handles standard pressure ammunition only—Ruger specifically warns against +P loads. The .45 Long Colt cylinder safely handles SAAMI-spec loads up to 14,000 PSI, which includes most modern hunting ammunition.
- What holsters fit this model?
- It requires holsters designed for 4.62-inch Blackhawk frames—standard options from Galco and Simply Rugged fit perfectly. The dual-cylinder design doesn't affect holster compatibility since external dimensions remain identical.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 2 business days, with transit times averaging 3-5 days via FedEx. Your chosen FFL must provide current documentation before we can release the shipment.
- Is the blued finish durable for field use?
- Ruger's hot salt bluing provides adequate corrosion resistance but will show holster wear faster than stainless models. I recommend applying Renaissance Wax monthly if carrying in humid environments to maintain the finish.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling similar models at local dealers first—the Blackhawk grip frame measures 1.75 inches wide at the palm swell.