I went down that road briefly, when I found a beautiful S&W Model 25-2 in .45 ACP. That was back when I thoughted I needed every variant of N frame. I quickly grew tired of mucking about with moon clips, and saw no legitimate need for shooting rimless in a revolver, determining that was what autos were for.
I have since pared down my N frame collection to what I consider the essentials, one each of Models 27 & 627, 57 & 657, 29 & 629. All the magnums that Elmer Kieth thought I should have.
I have shot 32 ACP in my S&W 16-4 (K-frame) 32 H&R mag. Precision wasn't great. Function was good. Virtually no recoil. In all fairness, they were generic 71 gr. ball loads for my autopistols.
I came across mine through coincidence. A 4 in., probably the least common variant. If you would have hit me up when I first acquired it (along with brass, bullets and dies), you could have fulfilled that niche.
Now, I've fixed the issue I had with it (Pachmayr grips) and it found a permanent home in my safe.
Who knows, improving accuracy in any firearm in my experience is really about eliminating as many variables as possible. So yes barrel diameter could be a contributer, but so could ammo, forcing cone, barrel constriction (a common Ruger problem) crown, cylinder alignment, timing, etc etc. but yes you are right, if you were building a gun to shoot 9mm exclusively it would be smart to size the bore appropriately. That would be one less factor you would have to think about. Plus everything on a gun is in flux and interacts with the other things. For instance when I redid the forcing cone on this revolver I changed it to an 11 degree which is actually known to be better for cast bullets and make jacketed bullets worse, but it didn't, it shot jacketed better. So you really never know what's going to happen, guns are a finicky critter.
Thanks Matt! I keep thinking about getting another Blackhawk to replace the one I let slip away years ago. Since I have .38s, .357. 9mm, and .45 acp am considering a convertible model. I reload for .38/.357 and .9 mm is cheaper but the allure of the .45 colt might entice me to start reloading another caliber particularly if the .45 model is inherently more accurate.
I fire lapped my 6” and 3” GP 100s a while back with a kit from Bearthooth Bullets to help with barrel restriction. What are your thoughts?
Yes! I believe barrel lapping is one of the best things to do on a revolver if needed. It's a pain but well worth it. I have improved many guns by both fire lapping and traditional lapping. Don't let my experience discourage you on the 9mm convertible. Many shoot just fine with 9mm, mine just happened to have some problems. You really never know what you are going to get until you shoot it.
Another great article, although when I read the title, I thought I was in for the Webley-Fosbery. 🤭🤭
Ooh I wish I had one !
I thought he was going to write about the Mateba...
I went down that road briefly, when I found a beautiful S&W Model 25-2 in .45 ACP. That was back when I thoughted I needed every variant of N frame. I quickly grew tired of mucking about with moon clips, and saw no legitimate need for shooting rimless in a revolver, determining that was what autos were for.
I have since pared down my N frame collection to what I consider the essentials, one each of Models 27 & 627, 57 & 657, 29 & 629. All the magnums that Elmer Kieth thought I should have.
The 45 Auto Rim is a good compromise. All the fun of the 45 ACP without all the moonclip hassle
I'm down
https://mobiuswolf.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240602_0728484541414362407118455.jpg?w=576
You've shown some great revolvers, thanks! Love the sambar stag grips...
I've got an older Blackhawk 45 convertible, with both cylinders. It too shoots well.
Regards, Guy
I have shot 32 ACP in my S&W 16-4 (K-frame) 32 H&R mag. Precision wasn't great. Function was good. Virtually no recoil. In all fairness, they were generic 71 gr. ball loads for my autopistols.
Ooh the model 16 is on my short list of needs. I have never owned one but I love the 32s
I came across mine through coincidence. A 4 in., probably the least common variant. If you would have hit me up when I first acquired it (along with brass, bullets and dies), you could have fulfilled that niche.
Now, I've fixed the issue I had with it (Pachmayr grips) and it found a permanent home in my safe.
Matt, does the inaccuracy of the .357 / 9 mm relate to the difference in bullet diameter?
Who knows, improving accuracy in any firearm in my experience is really about eliminating as many variables as possible. So yes barrel diameter could be a contributer, but so could ammo, forcing cone, barrel constriction (a common Ruger problem) crown, cylinder alignment, timing, etc etc. but yes you are right, if you were building a gun to shoot 9mm exclusively it would be smart to size the bore appropriately. That would be one less factor you would have to think about. Plus everything on a gun is in flux and interacts with the other things. For instance when I redid the forcing cone on this revolver I changed it to an 11 degree which is actually known to be better for cast bullets and make jacketed bullets worse, but it didn't, it shot jacketed better. So you really never know what's going to happen, guns are a finicky critter.
Thanks Matt! I keep thinking about getting another Blackhawk to replace the one I let slip away years ago. Since I have .38s, .357. 9mm, and .45 acp am considering a convertible model. I reload for .38/.357 and .9 mm is cheaper but the allure of the .45 colt might entice me to start reloading another caliber particularly if the .45 model is inherently more accurate.
I fire lapped my 6” and 3” GP 100s a while back with a kit from Bearthooth Bullets to help with barrel restriction. What are your thoughts?
Yes! I believe barrel lapping is one of the best things to do on a revolver if needed. It's a pain but well worth it. I have improved many guns by both fire lapping and traditional lapping. Don't let my experience discourage you on the 9mm convertible. Many shoot just fine with 9mm, mine just happened to have some problems. You really never know what you are going to get until you shoot it.
I do love wheel guns but don't love moon clips. Nice to see the options, though.
You’re not related to Jay are you? That’s too much of a coincidence 🤣
Sorry I don't know "Jay"
What's the coincidence?
You EDC a 500! You got way more lead in your pencil than me 😜