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Bella

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Now that its bird season around here, I carry my Single Six when I go hunting. I figure I don't need a large caliber handgun on me when I have a shotgun in my hands.

I went to a gun shop in Reno. They have just about every caliber and configuration of Ruger single action revolvers on display. I am thinking of getting something bigger than my single six to carry come springtime. I like to explore the desert around here and I feel that a large caliber revolver would be ideal.

The problem is what caliber to get. I think a 357 magnum would be adequate. But then a single action revolver in 45 Colt seems natural.

Any suggestions and feedback would be appreciated.
 
The New Model Blackhawks (with some exception) are the same gun regardless of caliber. In my opinion, the Blackhawk is a little too much gun for the .357 Magnum cartridge, so I'd go with a .45 Colt. You'll find it slighly lighter in weight, but more comfortable carrying by a long shot.

Plus a Single Action in .45 Colt is just so right!

Bob Wright
 
What about ammo?

The real question: Will you be reloading or only buying factory made ammo? I would go with the 45, but then, I reload. Otherwise, you might be better served with a 357. If you only shoot a box of shells a year, it won't matter. The 357 is a lot louder, but with 38 Special ammo it's much milder. Oh, just get the 45.;)
 
.44 Magnum...

Why not get a .44 Magnum.? It is probably the most versatile caliber in a handgun. Ammo is readily available. .44 Mag is also extremely versatile to handload. I believe it is more versatile than a .45 Colt. Yes, the Colt has nostalgia, but the versatility of the .44 is hard to beat. If you do not handload, you can purchase real .44 Mag ammo, not watered down, 14,000 psi cowboy ammo..
 
I would 2nd the .45 Colt. I have a S&W Model 25 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. It is an N size frame and is a couple of ounces lighter than my L size frame Model 686 in .357 Magnum. Both have 4" barrels. Once you load the two the heavier .45 Colt ammunition gives the weight advantage back to the 686 by a couple of ounces.

The .45 Colt has so much versatility if you are into reloading. :) The Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt will handle some amazingly heavy artillery.
 
Ruger still makes several single actions in 357 magnum and 45 Colt. The Blackhawk is available if you like adjustable sights. The New Vaquero is available if you want fixed sights. For being out in the woods a Ruger is difficult to beat.
 
I own and enjoy a Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm convertible 4 5/8 inch barrel length. They are built on the large frame 44 magnum platform but for me this revolver is my all around handgun. I use the revolver at the range and outdoors.
I love this revolver. Their is merit for the 45 colt Blackhawk for larger game. Any of these choices would work fine.
Good luck,
Howard
 
The Blackhawk in .357 is a wonderful gun. Too big/heavy for the round? No idea, but hot .357 loads are pussycats out of a Blackhawk. My 6.5"er is a tack driver. The 4 5/8" models are darned nice, as well.

.45 Blackhawks are a hoot. 260gr at 1270fps are fun, accurate & no where near unpleasant.

Just 'cos I'm one of those .41 Mag weirdos, have you considered a .41? My 5.5" Bisley is very accurate & very fun. 215gr LSWC at 1300fps oughtta handle anything yer likely to encounter. .41 can be pushed much harder, but I'm not a recoil junkie.

I've got no use for a .44 in any configuration, especially a s/a revolver. Way too much sturm & drang & nasty, nasty, nasty high-pressure recoil.

For just kickin' around the desert, the .357 would be a wonderful choice & much cheaper to feed (if you don't reload). That said, the .45LC is never the wrong choice.
 
I definitely will go with a Blackhawk, I prefer adjustable sights.

Mountain lions and black bear do live around here, but encountering one is unlikely. There are coyotes, but they tend to be shy and retreating. The main concerns are feral dogs and feral humanoids.

I figure that either a 357 or 45 should handle either one.
 
Get the 45 Colt in 5.5". If you don't reload, that's the best excuse to start. A 255 @ 1050 is potent and more pleasant to shoot than the 357.
 
What you really need is a 45 convertable

I just bought a Ruger flat top 45 acp convertable with 4 5/8 bbl.
So I have two cylinders one for 45 acp and one for 45 lc.
The flattop frame is I think is smaller than the standard frame.
I think mine was a special run by Lipsey's with the original size and shape frame and also the original grip frame configuration.
I think it's about perfect, I can shoot my 45 acp reloads and can go long colt if I ever want to and it is pretty in my eyes.
 
Why not get a .44 Magnum.? It is probably the most versatile caliber in a handgun. Ammo is readily available. .44 Mag is also extremely versatile to handload. I believe it is more versatile than a .45 Colt. Yes, the Colt has nostalgia, but the versatility of the .44 is hard to beat. If you do not handload, you can purchase real .44 Mag ammo, not watered down, 14,000 psi cowboy ammo..
Click to expand...

If you do reload then the .45lc will do everything the .44 will and more in a Blackhawk.
 
The next step up would be a Uberti Stallion in 38 Special. That gun is the same size as the Single Six and uses the same holsters. The Cimarron Lightning or Model P Jr is really the same gun, also made by Uberti. I think Pietta has one too.
 
Commenting on what mulespurs said about the convertible 45 Blackhawk: It seems you are saying that you mostly use the 45ACP, and seldom, if ever, use the 45 Colt cylinder. Is that right? If so, it's interesting that I had the exact opposite experience. Back in 1976 I purchased a 45 Blackhawk convertible. I thought it was a nice idea to be able to shoot both cartridges, an idea that I still think has some merit. However, as a dedicated reloader, I started right in with the, "Long Colt", cartridge and never once fired an ACP round in the other cylinder. If you don't reload your ammo, I think the convertible makes a lot more sense.
 
Like the Toklat .454 , I bought a cut down version few years ago really nice job but the new factory version may be in my future .
 
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