Unveiling the Ruger Blackhawk .30 Carbine: A Revolutionary Experiment in Firearm History
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Ruger Blackhawk in .30 Carbine, introduced in 1968, marked the very first industrial revolver chambered for this military rifle round. Drawing from Ruger’s contemporary Colt Single Action Army design, this unique revolver features a 7.5-inch tapered barrel and a notably overbuilt cylinder to manage the cartridge’s higher pressures. Although initially considered a quirky experiment, the Blackhawk .30 Carbine offered surprisingly moderate recoil, even when firing 110-grain bullets at around 1400-1500 fps from its handgun-length barrel. The primary drawback of this firearm lies in its rimless ammunition, which can cause sticky extraction and feeding issues after moderate use due to powder residue accumulation on the headspacing ledge. While technically still cataloged by Ruger at an MSRP of $879, production ceased many years ago. This weapon remains an intriguing example of adapting a rifle cartridge to a revolver platform, following historic precedents like Colt’s frontier-era experiments with Winchester rifle rounds. Modern features include Ruger’s transfer bar safety system and adjustable sights, with the 46-ounce weight helping to tame the unusual cartridge.
Manufacturer: Ruger
Model: Blackhawk
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 30 Carbine
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
With factory box hand numbered to match and papers. Provenance: The Collection of Ernie Rice”
Lot 85: First Year Production Ruger Blackhawk Revolver in .30 Carbine– Very First Year Production Ruger Blackhawk Single Action Revolver in .30 Carbine with Box (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Business. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2060/85/first-year-production-ruger-blackhawk-revolver-in-30-carbine.
