I am planning to convert my Ruger Super Blackhawk pistol to .500 Linebaugh. Is there anything I should be aware of? I am new to very big bore pistols.

Thanks

I have heard that Linebaugh and Bowen conversions are the best. Pricing can be very steep I understand.

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"If it ain't a 45/70, it's just a passing fad"

I would suggest you post your question at either the sixgunner.com discussion board, or the "Campfire" at sixguns.com Lots of guys hanging out there who know these gunsmiths personally, and have LOTS of first-hand experience with their guns.

It is highly recomended doing the conversion on the bisley grip frame, as the recoil is very dificult to handle on the std blackhawk. I've fired a 500 blackhawk, as well as several bisleys, and a super redhawk, and the blackhawk grip is not one to have for the 500.

You might want to contact Jack Huntington, he is in California, and is a great guy to talk to. My buddy just had Jack build him another 500 Linebaugh, his prices are fair, and his work is outstanding.

I would agree with all the posts so far and would say that Bowen and Linebaugh are tops for sure.

As stated these revolvers command a high price, both in money and time. As you stated, you are new to very big bore revolvers and this is about the top of the hill to start at.

I guess my question is what is your experience with big bore revolvers, which have you fired and to what extent. This is in no way an attempt to change your mind or belittle your experience. If a shooters has shot nothing heavier then a factory loaded 44 mag then these monsters can often be to large of a jump in power.

I have know very experienced handgunners try to step up to these rounds only to find they could not handle the recoil mentally and wisely went back down to the 454 class rounds and under. I have also witnessed new shooters shot these guns trying to fool everyone into thinking they had them mastered, but couldn't hit a basketball at 10 yards with them.

Of course, I have also known a few shooters with very little big-bore experience shoot these rounds very successful.

I'm just saying, for the cost in money and the long wait, be sure that you really want to get into this type of revolver.

Of the two, the 475 is the most versitile by far. Not only will top loads in the 475 out penetrate the 500, it can also be loaded with the great new 480 Ruger round for hunting lighter game or for practice.

As with the others, go with the Bisley frame, neither one of these rounds play well in the blackhawk. The Redhawk and SuperRedhawk also work great if you like the feel of a double actions recoil in the web of your hand.

Good Shooting!!!

50

quote:

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Originally posted by Tongo:
Thanks for the advice. I currently own and shoot a Freedom Arms .454.

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If you are, why not contact Bob Baker, President of FA, and ask about a special order in .500 Linebaugh?

You'll come out way ahead in time, money, quality, and resale value.

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

I think it will be impossible for FA to produce any .500 due to rim diameter of brass .348 Win use to form .500 Linebaugh.

The cylinder FA isn't big enough to do that.

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

I would strongly recommend the 475 over the 500. I've owned both and the 475 has readily available components. 348 brass is getting harder to find and is never cheap. You can get 475 bullets and brass out of Midway, etc. The 475 also has the edge in penetration tests that I have witnessed. The originator (John Linebaugh) will also recommend the 475 over the 500 in most cases.

Having said that, my favorite was the 500...very impressive barrel and cartridge! It has the most WOW factor but is just too expensive to feed for me.

I have a Dave Clements Built 500 and he does great work.

I would suggest against Phillips and Rogers. I had a 50AE conversion done by them. It was fine... ok. No great work done, no action blocking. For the cost it was a good deal. Their prices have recently gone WAY up. Not worth it now.

quote:

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Originally posted by Tongo:
Hello,

I am planning to convert my Ruger Super Blackhawk pistol to .500 Linebaugh. Is there anything I should be aware of?

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Go with a Bisley grip or you'll quickly regret doing otherwise. You need to go hang out over on Sixgunner.com.

Russ (Owner of a .500 Linebaugh)

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"Out here, 'due process' is a bullet!" -- John Wayne, "The Green Berets"

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I'm very curious; could you explain more whay you said about .50AE.

In a FA revolver in .50 AE with a 7 1/2" barrel a 385 gr bullet at 1550 fps.

I agree with you regarding .454, .475 and .500. I'll add that I have ordered to John Linebaugh a .500 Long.

Thanks in advance for your explanations.

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

I love people from Alaska and mainly from Anchorage. This is not a critic. I have seen in other forums people from Anchorage who push bullets in .454 Casull and bullets in others Big Bore calibers off limits of common people. But I love it if safety conditions are applied.

With my Taurus RB (6 1/2") and FA 10" I can reach 2000 fps but with a 250 gr bullet. Never try to reach 2000 fps with a 300 fr bullet.

I know that in 70s Dick Casull used Triplex powder to reach fantastic velocity. Do you use a new kind of triplex or a normal powder like H110? Can you give me more detail on your load to reach 2000 fps with a 300 gr bullet.

In one year, I'll be able to tell you what about my .500 Long made by John Linebaugh.

Regarding the .50 AE round, I have choosen this caliber over the .475 Linebaugh because I already own a Desert eagle in the same caliber (same brass, same reloading dies,...)

I agree with you I prefer also the cartridge with a rim for big bore.

Thanks in advance for you reply.

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

quote:

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Originally posted by HHI 812:
As been said, cost is quite a bit, but I figured most customs are expensive, and different animals, and only reason I see going into custom guns, like wildcatting! To some its worth it, and to me, the fun factor is there. You could be happy with a .44 mag, and push it to its limits. But like I said, the fun factor is not there. I just love "BIG BORE", so why not a 500? I have had 7 500 Linebaughs built, and still prefer it even though I've had many 454's and a .475 Linebaugh. You could get a 50AE, but who will you be fooling? If you want a big bore, and can afford it, or willing to work for one, go for it! Even Linebaugh says he loves the 500 still, because of its gentle nature, as far as low pressure, yet big bullet. Oh yes you can load it till it hurts, but you can also load it down to where anyone can shoot it and enjoy it. Lots of folks think you have to "ONLY" shoot macho head cracking loads, but even Linebaugh admits you don't need it, and don't need high velocity in a handgun. If you really want a big bore, hold a 454, .475 and 500 case next to each other? Then ask yourself which is the big bore? Only "you" can decide!

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Originally posted by cas:
Dennis.. what's the story? Is this a one shot deal, or are they thinking of making a run? I hate Hornady dies, but m CH4D dies are really starting to piss me off. Can't get a good crimp with them. I DO HAVE the smaller size die for the Buffalo Bore brass, and still my bullets jump (well.. creep). I don't like the crimp die on the CH4D dies, it's not a tapper crimp, yet it's not quite a roll crimp. More like a "sharp tapper"?

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