I would use this revolver for mainly target shooting and fun shooting, but might look at using it for hunting whitetails in MN. Mostly under 20 yard shots where I hunt. Any recommendations for a heavy caliber revolver? So far I like the looks of a Ruger blackhawk/redhawk.
Howdy
I did not see any mention in the OP's post about needing a revolver that would put down an elephant. I also see no mention that the OP owns any revolvers yet, so I don't think one of the 'Super Magnums' is a good choice for a first revolver. Certainly not for target and fun shooting. Yes, you can fire 45 Colt in some of them, but they are really big and much more gun than is needed for informal shooting.
357 Mag is a great caliber, but it does not qualify as a 'large caliber revolver', which is what the OP specified. 44 Mag is great, but over powered for most target and fun shooting needs. Yes, you can shoot 44 Special in a 44 Mag, but try finding any 44 Special ammo over the counter locally. Great if you reload, not so great if you don't.
I bought this 45 Colt/45 ACP Ruger Blackhawk convertible way back in 1975. My first 'big bore' revolver, and one of the first revolvers I ever bought. Always fun to shoot, and ammunition is usually easily available locally, both 45 Colt and 45 ACP. If you are not into reloading yet, 45 Colt is a great cartridge to learn on, because the components are big and easily handled. I am not a hunter, but depending on what is legal where you live, there are plenty of factory 45 Colt loads that will put down a deer. 45 Colt is an extremely versatile cartridge. It can be downloaded so that it is a pussycat, standard loads are nothing to sneer at, and a large frame Blackhawk like this can handle the so called 'Ruger Only' loads too.
Today Ruger is only offering the blued 45 Colt/45 ACP convertible with a 4 5/8" or 5 1/2" barrel, not the 7 1/2" barrel like mine, although you can find a 7 1/2" convertible at one of their exclusive dealers.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/models.html
Ruger does sell a blued Blackhawk chambered for 45 Colt only with a 7 1/2" barrel.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/models.html
You can also find a Bisley model in 45 Colt.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBisley/models.html
Lots of choices.
P.S. Don't expect to pay $150 for one, like I did in 1975.