Question about Ruger New Model Blackhawk

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huntincowboy

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Hey guys I have a question about the New Model Blackhawks, specifically in 45 Colt. I currently have a 45 Colt (an Uberti) and it's a nice gun but the sights aren't adjustable so I am going to sell it to a buddy and buy a Ruger NM Blackhawk. Another reason I am looking at the Ruger is because of the section in my reloading manual that is for "Ruger only". I would like to make some rounds that come closer to or maybe go a little over the 1000 fps range, that I would use for hunting whitetail and maybe pigs. The question is will the "New Model" Blackhawk handle the Ruger only loads? I know they changed the Vaquero and it no longer is able to handle hotter loads but is the same true for the Blackhawk? I am not planning on trying to load up to out do the 44 mag or even really come close to that, I just want a little more velocity on a 250-300 grain bullet than I can safely get with the Uberti.
 
The Blackhawk, as well as the first Vaquero on the same size frame, is massively overbuilt for the .45 Colt, which is how the "Ruger only" loads came about in the first place. I know of no changes to it. It is the New Vaquero, on a smaller frame, that is not suitable for these loads (for which 1000 fps is on the low end). You would not want the fixed sights for them anyway, as they would probably not shoot to point of aim, whereas an adjustable can be set wherever you want.
 
I have a new model (means it's got a transfer bar, essentially) .45 Blackhawk. I load a 300 grain Hornady XTP to 1120 fps from the 4 5/8" barrel and a 255 flat nose to about 950 fps. There is six clicks difference in elevation between the two loads. Yep, adjustables are a requirement for a field gun IMHO. I don't do cowboy shooting.
 
I agree with both of you about the sights. I want adjustable sights, that is one of the reasons I'm looking at the blackhawk. I really wish they made it in stainless... My local shop only has access to blued ones. I'm planning on getting the 7 1/2" version and a shoulder holster to carry it in :D Since it can handle the hotter rounds I'll definitely be picking it up within the next week or so. Does anyone know where I can get some grips?
 
huntincowboy:
Be aware that the New Model Blackhawk frames are larger than the Uberti frames.
I did just the opposite of you.
Because I have short fingers the Blackhawk was a stretch for me.
I saw a Uberti 1873 Cattleman NM Brass & fell in lust.
Then I actually handled it & I'll be danged if it didn't follow me home.

A couple of weeks later I traded the Blackhawk (used) for a brand new
Cimmaron Model P (a Uberti that's been hand fitted by Cimmaron in Fredericksburg, TX)

As far as grips go - check ebay, there are dozens of custom grips for sale at reasonable prices (at least some of them are reasonable) :rolleyes: .
pvtschultz makes GREAT ones as does dakins7579 You can find both on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/RUGER-HAWKEYE-B...910?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae118f556
 
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Thanks for the tip Hondo, but my hands lean toward the xxl size. That's one of the problems I'm having with the uberti as well. My pinky hangs of the end of the grip! Lol
 
I got a .45 Colt Blackhawk about 15 years ago. My hands aren't overly huge, but they're not small sized, either. See how the factory grip serves you before you go looking for a new one right away. I really like the factory wood on mine.
 
Weather you are buying a new one or a used one, a call to Ruger will answer any questions. I've found their customer service to be very friendly and informative.
If you don't like the grips, for whatever reason, Midway keeps a large selection. I have also dealt with C&C Global @ grips4guns.com.
 
WOW MCgunner! That is beautiful. The current production blackhawks are no longer offered in stainless for the 45 LC. I am really thinking hard though about getting a 44 magnum super blackhawk because when I went and talked to my gunshop guy he said he could get it in stainless Super Blackhawk for me for $40 more. The biggest thing keeping me on the .45 LC is that I have all the reloading stuff for that caliber and .44 mag is probably more gun than I really need. It is beginning to sound attractive though
 
Trust me you don't want a Blackhawk sized revolver in 454. I have a Super Redhawk in 454 that's MagNaPorted and that is a hand full all by it's self. You'll love your Blackhawk in 45 Colt as you can load bullets from 200 grs up to 320grs and at very respectable velocities
 
If you find the BH grip small as I did, check out the Jay Scott grips on Ebay and someone on Ebay is selling Ruger target grips, which are actually Jay Scott or Taylor grips; they both made the extended grips for the BH, the grips extend below the frame and in the front where they come together. I have those grips on my Single 6, BH, and ROA. BH grips and Super aren't interchangeable, the super is slightly longer and different curves on the frame contour.
 
I just ordered one of these a couple of days ago. I have a blued 4 5/8" Convertible Blackhawk 45 and I love it. But I wanted a stainless one and I also wanted it to be a Bisley. None of the local funstores could find anything in stainless but I finally found one online. It ought to be here sometime next week.

:D....I can't wait........:D

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There are some out there but you have to look for em. There were some on the auction sites last week so that might be a good place to start. I even found some of the Convertibles on a couple of them but they were to rich for my blood. I think I be plenty happy with this one.

Seedtick

:)
 

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huntincowboy ...I currently have a 45 Colt (an Uberti) ... but the sights aren't adjustable...
Click to expand...

There is a version with adjustable sights available.

huntincowboy ... I would like to make some rounds that come closer to or maybe go a little over the 1000 fps range, that I would use for hunting whitetail and maybe pigs.
Click to expand...

I have used several of the Model P clones, with blackpowder and 260 grain bullets all have been +/- 1000 fps from the 7 1/2" barrel. Not much slower from the 5 1/2" barrels. I used a 5 1/2" clone for deer hunting witht he same balckpowder load and was pleased with the results. I would not hesitate to use the same load and revolver for boar hunting.

If you want a longer grip, find one of the Model P clones with an 1860 grip frame.

http://www.emf-company.com/store/pc/Alchimista-c67.htm
 
Thanks you guys! I've since visited a store that had a Blackhawk in stock and I loved how it fit my hand. I'm going to be ordering one this week. I wonder why they stopped production of the stainless in 45 colt? I know for a fact that they used to offer it
 
Cant go wrong! My favorites in order. .357Mag, 45Colt, 41Mag. The 41mag is probably the best Blackhawk made. But I dont reload for 41 anymore. If I get another I will. All with 4 5/8" barrels.
 
Well it came in this weekend and I shot it some. Love it. Ready to reload some "hot" loads for it but I don't have the bullets yet and am waiting on them to come in at the gun shop. I'm going to try the 250 gr XTP's over H110.
 
Huntingcowboy,

I have 2 Blackhawks and 2 old model Vaquero's and they will eat anything you can feed them. Last Deer season I used the Buffalo Bore 320 grain LSWC, and it was rated at about 1400 fps. No worries Mate!;)

LD45
 
Yep and all .45Colt Blackhawks are built on the same large, .44Mag-sized frame, Old and New Model. These are safe for "Ruger only" loads that approach 32,000psi. As is the original large frame Vaquero. The mid-frame New Vaquero is Colt sized and not suitable for these loads.

However, as noted, there is now a Lipsey's distributor special .45 convertible Blackhawk that is built on the smaller, mid-sized frame that should be kept to 21-22,000psi.
 
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