I just stumbled into a sweet John Gallagher Bisley Blackhawk. It is a 5 shot 454 Casull conversion with the 4 5/8" barrel.

Now my question. It has the original aluminum ejector housing. I see steel ones listed from a couple of sources, and I see that as a feature listed on several custom maker sites (Bowen, Linebaugh, and even Gallagher).

Is there a durability issue with the aluminum housings on these conversions? Is this something I should change out to an aftermarket steel housing? Which one?

Thanks for your help. This is my first custom revolver, so I am not familiar with all of the little details.

Jeremy

I put a steel housing on the only Ruger I modified just so the finish would match. Can't recall the brand. I've had well-worn Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks since the late 70s and never had an issue with a factor housing.

Thanks. I didn't think that it would matter much, but I have only owned one other Blackhawk.

Jeremy

Function wise, there is no problem with the alloy ERH. Most customs get switched to the steel for similarity in finish like mentioned and for the added forward weight on some of heavy kickers like your 454. Also, on many of the heavier recoiling revolvers, the gunsmith with use some sort of additional ERH retention device to help the ERH stay in place. Some us a shoulder machined into the barrel if it as octagon barrel, some use a "keeper" that they add to the barrel that fits into a recess in the ERH or some like Jim Stroh use double hardened steel dowel pins that fit into holes in the ERH. Any of these added securement devices tend to work best with steel parts in my experience. I have John, Hamilton and all the rest of the custom revolver guys always convert my project guns to steel ERHings for both the durability of the finish on steel plus the weight benefit. Besides, if John installed one of Hamiltons rear sights on your bisley with its steel gripframe, the only non steel part of any consequence is the alloy ERH.

There is no functional reason to change. If you want steel I suggest a Story. Equal quality for less money than the rest. This from one that owns them all.

Bought my SBH new in 1971. Shot the blue right off of it over the years. The ejector housing (and the rest of the revolver) haven't needed any repair except a tightening of the screws about every 3 years. I'd guess more than 3,000 handloads through it.

I wasn't sure if the recoil had a tendency to shear the end off where it fits into the frame or something like that. The revolver doesn't appear to have seen a lot of use.

I'll leave it alone. Cosmetically, it looks fine to me.

It is accurate. We took it out last night and it will put 5 shots into one hole at 25 yards.

Jeremy

I put a little thread lock or locktite on the screw to keep it from working loose. On my large frame Vaqueros that I shoot for cowboy action shooting, those screws always work loose if not addressed. Not fun having your revolver fall apart in a mock gunfight!