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Thread: Revolvers with Octagonal Barrels

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Revolvers with Octagonal Barrels

    Thinking of getting an OMBH customized with an octagonal barrel vs leaving the factory barrel alone. For those that have an octagonal barrel on your BH or BH clone (FA and others), how do you like it? How does it shoot, point and balance? I’m looking at a 5.5” barrel. I’d love to see some pictures as well as I’m not 100% sold either way.

  2. #2
    Moderator



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    Doc,

    EMF sells the Pietta 1873 clone with an octagon barrel in their Alchimista III. Here's the link to give you an idea of what they look like:

    https://www.emf-company.com/store/pc...-2-67p1834.htm

    While I haven't shot them, I have handled them at the EMF booth at the SHOT Show. They look pretty slick and handle well. I know it's not a BH, but it does have an octagon barrel......

    Hope this helps.

    Fred
    After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. - William S. Burroughs.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
    GARD72977's Avatar
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    I really don't like the look of the skinny octagon barrel.

    I know, no one asked me!

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

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    I think if I was on that project just for the sake of looks, I'd probably be thinking about a 1/3rd octagon, 2/3rd round to try to capture some of the steam-punk look of the Nagant revolver.

    A long octagonal on a .357 Blackhawk would sort of give you an 1851 Navy without that pesky cap and ball process. . .
    WWJMBD?

    In the Land of Oz, we cast with wheel weight and 2% Tin, Man.

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Octagon barrels are cool looking, but if you are bump and ding prone stay away. Nothing uglier than a dent or flat spot on a sharp corner.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    sell the old model to a collector. buy a repro. rem cartage conversion.

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
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    I picked up a 7 1/2 in FA 83 with an oct barrel from an estate. It takes a little while getting used to the look but I really like the pistol but that may be because it's a FA.

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master
    rintinglen's Avatar
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    The most accurate revolver I have ever fired was a Octagonal barreled FA. theres about a 1000 reasons why I don't have one, but I would like one.
    _________________________________________________It's not that I can't spell: it is that I can't type.

  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy
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    Freedom Arms
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    5 1/2" Freedom Arms M97 (Small Frame) .357 Mag
    .

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    Paul

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    sell you OMBH to someone who wants it and buy what you want. personally, i have '51 and '58 colt pattern italian guns, and think they are not as elegant as the '60 colt design.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    There used to be a company that advertised in G&A and Shooting Times that would mount an octo barrel on a Blackhawk. Not sure if they're still around or doing that work anymore. The photos in the ad looked appealing.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    Check out the image on post #265 in the thread titled “Single Actions for Self Defense.”

    Remember it is a sin to covet.

  13. #13
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    I have a 500 JRH BFR with 5 1/4" octagon barrel.
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    I do have a Stainless 500 Linebaugh with 5 1/2" octagon barrel on order from John Linebaugh. He has sent me all of the take off pieces, so I'm hoping that the gun will be delivered sometime soon.

  14. #14
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    I found this Cimarron Bad Boy 44 mag on GunBroker, looks like they are availible in 6" and 8"
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    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/771498718

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    Check out the image on post #265 in the thread titled “Single Actions for Self Defense.”

    Remember it is a sin to covet.

  16. #16
    Boolit Bub
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    I love mine, Jack Huntington 5 shot .45 Colt 5 1/2" barrel

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy Snyd's Avatar
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    Before... 50th Anniversary Flattop 44 mag...



    After... Gallagher conversion, 500L 5.5" octagon, integrated sight base and ERH lug. I love it.




  18. #18
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Snyd,

    With the frame being smaller on the flattop anniversary models, how does the 500L fit? Any concern with frame strength, stretch or long term durability?

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    I saw one of those Pietta single actions at Cabelas yesterday compared to the Uberti it was next to it just didn't look appealing and I like octagon barrels. I think if I was going that route I would go for a 58 Remington with a conversion cylinder rather that spending a lot to customize a Ruger.

  20. #20
    Boolit Buddy Snyd's Avatar
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    The frame is not smaller on the 44 mag 50th Ann guns. It's a full size blackhawk without the sight ears. The 357's are the smaller ones.

    Quote Originally Posted by osteodoc08 View Post
    Snyd,

    With the frame being smaller on the flattop anniversary models, how does the 500L fit? Any concern with frame strength, stretch or long term durability?

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