Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP 5.5″ Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a fitted, serialized second cylinder — a $150+ gunsmithing value for instant .45 Colt/.45 ACP conversion
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with 1:16" RH twist stabilizes 200- to 255-grain projectiles across 96% of factory loads
- Solid frame and transfer bar safety withstand +P .45 ACP pressures (23,000 psi) without frame stretch
- 5.5-inch barrel provides a 10.5-inch sight radius — 2.3 inches longer than a 4-inch Service Six for precision work
Trade-offs
- Weighs 46 oz unloaded — 14 oz heavier than a steel 1911, causing noticeable holster sag during all-day carry
- Blued finish requires diligent oiling to prevent holster wear and fingerprint corrosion, unlike stainless models
- Single-action operation mandates cocking before each shot, adding 1.5+ seconds between aimed rounds versus a double-action
- .45 ACP cylinder lacks moon clip cuts, making case extraction manually intensive (12-15 seconds for six empties)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP 5.5" Blued is a modern single-action revolver engineered for interchangeability between .45 Colt and .45 ACP cartridges using a second included cylinder. This configuration maintains the classic profile and handling of a traditional six-shooter while leveraging Ruger's updated safety features and cold hammer-forged barrel construction. The result is a versatile sidearm suited for both recreational shooting and hunting applications where caliber flexibility is valued.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP 5.5" Blued used for?
This revolver is engineered for versatile field use where caliber interchangeability matters more than rapid fire. The 5.5-inch barrel provides a 10.5-inch sight radius that aids in precise shot placement on targets out to 100 yards with appropriate loads, while the single-action mechanism enforces deliberate shooting discipline. The convertible system allows shooters to practice economically with .45 ACP and then switch to .45 Colt for hunting whitetail deer or feral hogs without changing firearms. I consider it a legitimate tool for handgun hunters who appreciate mechanical simplicity and refuse to compromise on cartridge selection.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20" Rifle?
The Ruger Blackhawk serves a fundamentally different ballistic role than the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. The Stevens 334 delivers roughly 2,600 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from its 20-inch barrel, making it objectively superior for ethical takedown of medium game beyond 200 yards. The Blackhawk, firing hot .45 Colt loads from its 5.5-inch tube, generates about 900 foot-pounds—adequate within 75 yards but requiring stricter shot placement. Choose the Blackhawk for its revolver handling and dual-caliber convenience; choose the Stevens 334 for decisive, longer-range terminal ballistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 46 ounces (1,304 grams) unloaded, with a 5.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel contributing to its forward balance. Its overall length measures 11.25 inches (285.8 mm), while the cylinder diameter is 1.73 inches (44 mm)—dimensions that necessitate a proper holster rather than concealed carry. The grip frame width is 1.43 inches (36.3 mm), accommodating most hand sizes, though shooters with smaller hands may find the reach to the trigger long. These specs produce a firearm that feels substantial but manageable, trading compactness for stability during ignition.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a defensive or tactical sidearm requiring rapid follow-up shots. The mandatory single-action cocking before each shot adds a minimum of 1.5 seconds between aimed rounds under stress—unacceptable for self-defense scenarios where semi-automatics dominate. It's also poorly suited for shooters who prioritize lightweight carry; at nearly three pounds loaded, it's 14 ounces heavier than a typical polymer-framed 1911. Finally, avoid this if you dislike maintaining blued finishes, as holster wear and fingerprint acids will demand regular oiling to prevent surface oxidation.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver with its primary .45 Colt cylinder installed, plus a second, headspaced .45 ACP cylinder that requires no fitting or tools to swap. Ruger supplies a basic cardboard target demonstrating test-fire accuracy, a comprehensive owner's manual covering maintenance and Ruger's warranty procedures, and a plastic lock that blocks the hammer from contacting the transfer bar. You will not find speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or additional sight options—items serious shooters will purchase separately. The cylinders are serialized to the frame, a regulatory detail that prevents legal complications.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible worth it at $777.99?
At $777.99, this revolver represents fair value for a convertible system with Ruger's durability, but it's not a bargain. The premium over a standard single-caliber Blackhawk (typically $650) buys you the second cylinder, machining, and headspacing—costs that would exceed $150 if attempted as a gunsmithing project later. Considering that a quality .45 Colt/.45 ACP conversion for a 1911 can cost $400 in barrel and bushing work alone, the Ruger's out-of-the-box versatility justifies its price for shooters who will actually use both calibers. For single-caliber purists, a standard model and more ammunition is the wiser allocation.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004638 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 0463 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 13.00 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.8 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with moon clips for .45 ACP?
- No, the .45 ACP cylinder does not accept moon clips. The cylinder is cut for standard semi-rimmed .45 ACP cases, which headspace on the case mouth. Extraction requires manually poking out each spent case with the ejector rod, a process that takes about 12-15 seconds for all six rounds. For faster reloading, consider a revolver specifically machined for clips, like the Smith & Wesson Model 625.
- Is it compatible with +P .45 ACP ammunition?
- Yes, Ruger explicitly rates this revolver's cylinder for SAAMI-spec +P .45 ACP pressures, which peak at 23,000 psi. This is due to the cylinder's solid-frame construction and heat-treated 4140 steel. However, I recommend limiting +P use to less than 20% of your total round count to preserve the forcing cone and lockup timing over the long term. Standard pressure 230-grain FMJ is ideal for practice.
- Does it fit standard Blackhawk holsters?
- Yes, the 5.5-inch barrel model fits holsters molded for the standard Ruger Blackhawk with the same barrel length, provided the holster accounts for the fixed rear sight. The frame dimensions are identical across convertible and non-convertible models. For a secure field carry, I use a Simply Rugged Pancake holster, which provides full coverage and retains the revolver during movement.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day and ships via UPS Ground with adult signature required. Transit time to most Continental US FFL holders is 3-5 business days from shipment. You must contact your chosen FFL dealer in advance to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers and provide their current license copy to our compliance team before shipment.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations, but the revolver is covered by Ruger's lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you experience a mechanical failure, contact Ruger directly at (928) 541-8893; they will provide a prepaid shipping label to their Prescott, Arizona service center. Typical repair turnaround is 10-14 business days once received.
- Is the rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation?
- Yes, the rear sight blade adjusts for both windage and elevation using a small flathead screwdriver. Each click of adjustment moves point of impact approximately 1 inch at 25 yards. The sight is robust but requires firm pressure—expect to use a proper gunsmithing screwdriver, not a pocket multitool, to prevent marring the screw slots during zeroing.