Blackhawk conversion cylinders

[Theriverjustknows]

I have a old model blackhawk and I'm looking to get a conversion cylinder for it. Does it matter if the cylinder is from an old model or new? Anybody know how to tell the difference if there is one?

[1JimMarch]

All New Model 9mm cylinders are built on the large frame. There are New Model mid-size-frame 357s (50th Anniversary Blackhawk and New Vaquero) but to my knowledge Ruger hasn't done those as convertibles.

Bowen's parts page:

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/Parts_Cylinders.htm

...says that their mid-size cylinder blank can be used on mid-frame guns of the Old or New type.

[bwiese]

You really should have any new cylinder you acquire tested that it matches the gun. Off-bore alignment of any cylinder vs the bore could get interesting - lead spitting or worse.

I believe Ruger somewhat justifiably won't sell conversion cylinders to ordinary folks and requires presence of the gun to detect any issues with proper fitment.

[Woodworker2]

I asked a similar question about retrofitting a Ruger conversion cylinder and received the following comments from a pistol smith:

I have seen some cylinders come up for sale on Gunbroker, they usually will sell some where between $100 to $150.00 . You need to weigh that cost against selling yours and buying a convertible, keep in mind that a cylinder bought from a gunsmith or on-line may or may not properly fit and may require fitting. Usually they will drop in but the end shake, cylinder gap and timing may not be correct. If the cylinder requires fitting you may also incur shipping charges; both ways.