The .500 Linebaugh Project

The .500 Linebaugh Project

(Ruger Super Blackhawk Conversions)

This project was implemented in 1989 after the John Linebaugh design. It was John's original 6” model that we used for reverse engineering of our guns. We made 10 guns in all, using new Ruger .44 Magnum Super Blackhawks for the parent guns. All were made with 7-1/2” barrel lengths with the exception of one which sported a 6” barrel. All were reblued except the one in the picture which was sandblased and satin chrome plated which gives it that .454 Casull appeal. This gun went to my brother who requested the finish after shooting a .454 Casull.

The .500 Magnum round uses a .458 rifle cartridge, is cut down to a new length and fitted with .512” diameter 400gr & 450gr lead bullets with gas seals. The powder we used for the magnum charge was W296 powder but we also made special lesser loads using Unique powder.

The .500 Magnum 5 shot cylinders are made from 17-4 stainless steel and heat treated to 40-42 RC. The cylinder area on the Ruger frames had to be enlarged to allow for the larger .500 cylinder. This made the area where the bolt reached out to stop the cylinder rotation much thinner and had to be reinforced with a piece of steel. The hand, which notches into the cylinder to ratchet it to the next round had to be modified to allow for a longer throw. The barrel stock was obtained from Douglas barrels.

Although these guns were very intense to fabricate and a lot of work to produce, they are a joy to shoot and bring much attention at the range.