Revolvers with Octagonal Barrels

[osteodoc08]

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.

[ReloaderFred]

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/GWII-Alchimista-III-45LC-5-1-2-67p1834.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

[GARD72977]

I really don't like the look of the skinny octagon barrel.

I know, no one asked me!

[Bigslug]

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. . .

[35remington]

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.

[bob208]

sell the old model to a collector. buy a repro. rem cartage conversion.

[oger]

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.

[rintinglen]

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.

[Paul105]

Freedom Arms
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/790f54d6-7e0a-4ed5-be09-71ca02915203_zpse6913976.jpg
.
5 1/2" Freedom Arms M97 (Small Frame) .357 Mag
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https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/97%20P9160028.jpg
.
Paul

[justashooter]

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.

[yeahbub]

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.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

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

Remember it is a sin to covet.

[lar45]

I have a 500 JRH BFR with 5 1/4" octagon barrel.
220786
220787
220788
220789

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. :)

[lar45]

I found this Cimarron Bad Boy 44 mag on GunBroker, looks like they are availible in 6" and 8"
220790
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/771498718

[Silver Jack Hammer]

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

Remember it is a sin to covet.

[SteveM]

I love mine, Jack Huntington 5 shot .45 Colt 5 1/2" barrel
https://i.imgur.com/WutMqFB.jpg?1

[Snyd]

Before... 50th Anniversary Flattop 44 mag...
https://image.ibb.co/gRwcS5/P6160009.jpg


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

https://image.ibb.co/bYPJAF/P9150024.jpg

https://image.ibb.co/hjMC4a/P3160028.jpg

[osteodoc08]

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?

[1Hawkeye]

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.

[Snyd]

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.


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?

[osteodoc08]

Ah. I see the mag now. For some reason I was thinking it was a 44 special for some reason. Nice looking revolver nonetheless