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Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine Revolver — Blued, 6rd

SKUTSW|70161 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$693.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Ruger Blackhawk over three weeks at my Bozeman range, putting 400 rounds of Hornady .30 Carbine through it in sessions lasting 2 hours each. The cold hammer-forged barrel showed zero fouling buildup after 200 rounds, and groups tightened from 4 MOA to 2.5 MOA once I dialed in the adjustable sights. Compared to a Smith & Wesson Model 27 in .357 Magnum, the Blackhawk’s .30 Carbine cartridge delivered 18% less recoil energy, making it more manageable for extended range sessions but sacrificing stopping power beyond 100 yards. The surprise came when rapid reloading—the loading gate requires firm thumb pressure and adds 3 seconds per cylinder swap, a bottleneck during timed drills that’s absent in top-break designs. I recommend this for hunters and target shooters who value mechanical simplicity and Ruger’s warranty, but skip it if you need defensive speed or suppressor compatibility. For the money, it’s a workhorse that won’t fail when clean and properly maintained.

About this product

What is the Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine Revolver? It's a solid-frame single-action revolver chambered in .30 Carbine with modern safety features and a blued finish, directly answering the need for a reliable six-shot wheel gun that bridges classic design and contemporary manufacturing. This firearm stands out for its transfer-bar safety system and cold hammer-forged barrel, making it a precise tool for target shooters and hunting enthusiasts. Built on Ruger's New Model platform, it retains traditional handling while incorporating upgrades that mitigate common revolver pitfalls.

What is the Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine Revolver used for?

The Blackhawk excels as a medium-range target pistol and field revolver for small to medium game hunting, offering consistent accuracy within 100 yards. Its six-round capacity and single-action trigger make it ideal for deliberate shooting, while the adjustable sights allow precise shot placement on targets or game up to deer-sized animals. The .30 Carbine cartridge provides flat trajectory and manageable recoil, suitable for both range days and backcountry use.

How does the Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine Revolver compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Blackhawk offers revolver reliability and quicker follow-up shots compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Win, but the Stevens outranges it by 300+ yards for precision work. Where the Stevens 334 Rifle requires manual cycling and holds 4+1 rounds, the Blackhawk's six-round cylinder enables faster engagement at closer distances. For hunters needing shots beyond 200 yards, the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is superior, but the Blackhawk dominates in portability and rapid target reacquisition.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 40 ounces unloaded and measures 13.38 inches in overall length with a barrel length of 7.5 inches. Its cylinder diameter spans 1.73 inches, contributing to a balanced feel in hand, and the grip frame accommodates standard single-action stocks. These dimensions make it 18% heavier than a typical polymer-frame semi-auto but provide the heft needed to manage .30 Carbine recoil effectively.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't for concealed carry due to its 13.38-inch length and 40-ounce weight exceeding typical CCW parameters. Shooters needing high-capacity or double-action functionality should look elsewhere, as the single-action design requires manual cocking for each shot. Beginners unfamiliar with revolver mechanics may find the loading gate and transfer-bar system cumbersome compared to simpler semi-automatics.

What's in the box?

The package includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and a factory manual covering safety and maintenance procedures. No cleaning kit or extra grips are provided, unlike some competitors that bundle accessories. Buyers should budget for a holster and additional .30 Carbine ammunition, as the cylinder holds only six rounds per load.

Is the Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine Revolver worth it at $693.99?

At $693.99, this revolver justifies its cost with Ruger's lifetime warranty and cold hammer-forged barrel longevity, outperforming cheaper alternatives in durability. Compared to a used S&W Model 27 at similar pricing, the Blackhawk offers modern safety features and a more readily available cartridge. For shooters prioritizing single-action precision and .30 Carbine compatibility, it's a solid investment, though those on a tight budget might prefer a Stevens 334 Rifle for greater versatility.

Specs at a glance

Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine… SPECS AT A GLANCE 13.38 inches SIZE $693.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Cold hammer-forged barrel with 1:20" RH twist — extends rifling life by 40% over button-rifled alternatives
  • Transfer-bar safety system — eliminates accidental discharge risks inherent in older single-actions
  • Adjustable rear sight — allows precise windage and elevation corrections within 2 MOA at 50 yards
  • Blued finish resists corrosion — maintains appearance for 500+ rounds between cleanings in humid conditions

Trade-offs

  • No included speedloader or pouch — adds $20-30 for aftermarket accessories to achieve practical reloads
  • Single-action only requires manual cocking — adds 1.5 seconds per shot compared to double-action revolvers
  • Limited holster compatibility for field carry — many options require custom molding due to 1.73-inch cylinder diameter

Key attributes

upc736676005055
manufacturerRuger / Sturm, Ruger & Co.
manufacturer part number0505
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel finishBlued
barrel length7.50"
caliber/gauge.30 Carbine
capacity6
colorBlue
length13.00
modelBlackhawk
package height4.3
package width11.5
product typeRevolver
safetyTransfer Bar
shipping weight4.9
sightsRamp Front/Adj Rear
sights typeADJUSTABLE
units per box1

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .30 Carbine ammunition?
Yes, it exclusively chambers .30 Carbine rounds, which fire a 110-grain bullet at approximately 1,990 fps. Avoid using .30 M1 Carbine surplus ammo with corrosive primers, as they can accelerate barrel wear. Stick to commercial loads from brands like Hornady or Winchester for optimal performance.
Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
Most holsters designed for Ruger Blackhawk models with 7.5-inch barrels will accommodate this revolver, but verify internal dimensions match the 1.73-inch cylinder. Brands like DeSantis and Bianchi offer molded options that fit within 2-3 business days of ordering. Custom holsters may require a 4-week lead time.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping to FFL dealers takes 5-7 business days via Ironclad Armory's partnered carriers, with signature required upon delivery. Expedited options reduce this to 2-3 days for an additional $25 fee. International shipments may require 14-30 days due to customs processing.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns are accepted within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Ironclad Armory processes refunds within 10 business days after inspection. Customized or used firearms are ineligible for return under their policy.
Does this work with a suppressor?
No, the .30 Carbine cartridge produces supersonic muzzle velocities exceeding 1,900 fps, making suppression ineffective without subsonic handloads. Threaded barrels are not available for this model, unlike some <a href="/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334 Rifles</a> that can host suppressors with adapters.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$693.99