In 1983 I got a 7.5" Ruger Blackhawk, .45 convertible. (there was no 5.5" barrel option then, it was either the short 4 5/8" or the long 7.5")
I got it with the intention of being able to plink with .45acp ammo and not have to chase my brass in the weeds. I made one small mistake...the first ammo I shot was .45 Colt! WOW!! after that, .45acp ammo seemed kind of weak...
I'm quite the fan of the new model Ruger Blackhawk, and am not bothered in the least by the fact that you have to look at what your doing to reload it. After a while, it becomes second nature to just turn the cylinder a little past the click, and its lined up...
I don't think the disassembly process is insane, its quite straight forward and not difficult. A few screws and a couple of pins...plus, its not something anyone needs to do on a regular basis anyway.
Despite all the people saying that they need to have work done, throats reamed, etc., or they aren't accurate, mine has had no work done in that area, and puts 5 shots in one hole at 50ft, and rings the 200yd gong on the rifle range, as well. Yes, at a couple hundred yards, one chamber does hit a foot or so away from the other five, At close range, its "off" by around an inch, or less. Lots of revolvers do something like that. If it matters to you, learn which one it is, and mark it.
If you want the look and feel of the classic Colt, get one. Or a clone. The New Vaquero has the look and the size of the Colt, but uses the new model Ruger lockwork (transfer bar, etc.)
The Blackhawk .45 (on the big .44 mag size frame) is bigger and beefier than the Colt. Has adjustable sights, and I've always felt it was the gun Colt could have built, if they had only known how (and didn't have so much money and prestige tied up in the original SAA design...)
Mine wears Pachmayr grips and shoots as well or better than I do. I did have my time shooting heavy "Ruger only" loads, but 30 some years ago settled on a 250gr SWC over 10gr Unique. clocks just a hair under 1100fps from my 7.5" and hits hard. Does everything I ever needed it to do, and without heavy recoil. Does recoil a bit, and a bit more than standard factory loads, but the Ruger is a heavy gun, so, its not unpleasant to shoot. For me, anyway...
You might consider looking on the used market, some dings in the finish might save you a fair chunk of change over a new one, and unless the gun has been abused, used ones are seldom worn out. And as a plus, even if it needs work, Ruger will do it, and send to back to you just like new!
I got it with the intention of being able to plink with .45acp ammo and not have to chase my brass in the weeds. I made one small mistake...the first ammo I shot was .45 Colt! WOW!! after that, .45acp ammo seemed kind of weak...
I'm quite the fan of the new model Ruger Blackhawk, and am not bothered in the least by the fact that you have to look at what your doing to reload it. After a while, it becomes second nature to just turn the cylinder a little past the click, and its lined up...
I don't think the disassembly process is insane, its quite straight forward and not difficult. A few screws and a couple of pins...plus, its not something anyone needs to do on a regular basis anyway.
Despite all the people saying that they need to have work done, throats reamed, etc., or they aren't accurate, mine has had no work done in that area, and puts 5 shots in one hole at 50ft, and rings the 200yd gong on the rifle range, as well. Yes, at a couple hundred yards, one chamber does hit a foot or so away from the other five, At close range, its "off" by around an inch, or less. Lots of revolvers do something like that. If it matters to you, learn which one it is, and mark it.
If you want the look and feel of the classic Colt, get one. Or a clone. The New Vaquero has the look and the size of the Colt, but uses the new model Ruger lockwork (transfer bar, etc.)
The Blackhawk .45 (on the big .44 mag size frame) is bigger and beefier than the Colt. Has adjustable sights, and I've always felt it was the gun Colt could have built, if they had only known how (and didn't have so much money and prestige tied up in the original SAA design...)
Mine wears Pachmayr grips and shoots as well or better than I do. I did have my time shooting heavy "Ruger only" loads, but 30 some years ago settled on a 250gr SWC over 10gr Unique. clocks just a hair under 1100fps from my 7.5" and hits hard. Does everything I ever needed it to do, and without heavy recoil. Does recoil a bit, and a bit more than standard factory loads, but the Ruger is a heavy gun, so, its not unpleasant to shoot. For me, anyway...
You might consider looking on the used market, some dings in the finish might save you a fair chunk of change over a new one, and unless the gun has been abused, used ones are seldom worn out. And as a plus, even if it needs work, Ruger will do it, and send to back to you just like new!