Author Topic: 5 1/5 .45 SA! (Read 1622 times)

rio grande · « **on:** May 18, 2009, 06:47:13 PM »

I picked up a blue NM .45 Ruger, 5 1/2 barrel at the gun show Saturday. Like new, had to pay $350 out the door. But I liked it. Figured I'd find something to sell to pay for it. The old guy behind the table sure was grumpy. Good thing I'm not a grumpy old cuss like that. Them that say I am are all wrongheaded ignorant young whippersnappers.
Later even found some of my old 260 gr. bullet reloads from 9 years ago. And some old CCI shotshells.
I used to like the 4 5/8", they're fine, look good, but NOTHING handles better and points more naturally and carries easier for me than a 5 1/2" single action.
And strong? Makes a double-action look weak indeed. Automatic pistols? OK for back-up maybe.
No need to apologize for carrying a SA, not at all.
This one will go up into the mountains w/ me. Up about 6500 ft. and higher. Where you can be free.
For carrying, I prefer the lighter alloy grip frame (and a cross-draw).
Other than it's a New Model, I just don't see how to improve on this one.

BigMuddy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:19:13 AM »

congrats on a GREAT GUN!

I also like the 5 1/2" barrels. As you said, that alloy frame makes the 45 Blackhawk one of the lightest, best packing, big bore handguns anywhere.

A buddy of mine just bought one like yours. He thought he was getting a 4 5/8" but after he started shooting it, I think he is happy with it now.

Enjoy yours!

rio grande · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2009, 01:57:07 AM »

Thanks. Took it to the range yesterday. Shot fine. Something about the way it operates, like a bank vault, I mean everything solid and easy to work.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2009, 02:28:52 AM »

Great grab! That same model was my first revolver. Still have it almost 20 yrs later and it's still one of my favorites.

44 Man · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2009, 01:10:35 PM »

I gravitate to 5 1/2" barrels and it's simple to understand. When I was growing up and just getting into guns (and too young to buy one), every Colt single action add I ever saw pictured a 5 1/2". After all of those young years of conditioning, a 5 1/2" just looks correct. Besides, I believe in the early Lone Ranger shows Clayton Moore used 5 1/2" guns then later switched to 4 3/4". 44 Man

mrbumps · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2009, 02:59:19 PM »

I have several Ruger SA's in both 4 5/8" and 5 1/2". I generally choose the shorter for packing, and use the longer for the range. My favorite caliber is the .45 Colt. I actually added a brass frame to mine to give it more weight, plus I love the look. Here is my short barreled. It's a convertable too!

ratgunner · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2009, 11:06:54 AM »

I have the same gun.5.5" .45 Colt Blackhawk.Sure do like it.

henryb · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2009, 04:18:04 PM »

I had Clements do a bunch of work on a ruger 45 for me. He asked about barrel length. I told him that I wanted to have a usable, packable gun but did not indicate a specific length. It came back with a 5.25" bbl. I love it.

blhof · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:01:08 PM »

Got my son a 5.5 BH a few years ago and it's his favorite gun. I like the feel of it too and am considering adding one to my collection.

Tom C. · « **Reply #9 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:12:03 AM »

I like the 5 1/2" NMBH in .45 Colt, but I prefer stainless. To get one of those, you either have to find one of the small number of guns put out by the factory or build your own. I built my own by getting a 7 1/2" and having the factory rebarrel it to 5 1/2". I also had them fit a .45 ACP cylinder while they were at it.

FourBee · « **Reply #10 on:** June 11, 2009, 09:41:43 AM »

Quote

44 Man :After all of those young years of conditioning, a 5 1/2" just looks correct.

Yep, that pretty much sums it up for a good lot of us.

jk3006 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2009, 08:08:51 AM »

My NMBH in .45 Colt started out with a 4 5/8 barrel and the short stubby grip frame. Now it sports a 5.5 barrel (Clements sold it to me for a very fair price) and Bisley frame. Perfect six-gun for me!

Autorim · « **Reply #12 on:** June 14, 2009, 08:53:49 AM »

Just got back from the farm to test fire a new Ruger 5.5 inch stainless steel Bisley. Looks like it is going to be plenty accurate, but it was necessary to move the rear sight blade pretty far to the right to be on line horizontally. It looks like the barrel is not rotated enough to bring the sights in perfect alignment. I will probably send it to
Alan Harton for trigger and other work - I assume he can fix it. Not really a big deal as I can adjust the sights to be on target with my shooting loads, but I like things to be right.

I have three 5.5 inch stainless steel Bisleys and they are right on for field carry and general shooting. I have 7.5 inch .45 Colt Bisley with Alan Harton trigger and custom patridge sight for hunting - that gun will shoot.

Travis Morgan · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2009, 03:48:55 PM »

I need a Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk, both in .45 Colt. I think I need 'em in blue and stainless, too!

Autorim · « **Reply #14 on:** June 14, 2009, 04:25:56 PM »

Travis,

What you really need is a Ruger Bisley in .45 Colt. Lots easier on the hand with heavier loads.

Travis Morgan · « **Reply #15 on:** June 16, 2009, 06:08:55 AM »

I don't like Bisleys.

jk3006 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2009, 06:36:08 AM »

Quote from: Travis Morgan on June 16, 2009, 06:08:55 AM

I don't like Bisleys.

Blasphemy!! Stone him! J/K

Actually, that's good. Fewer people to hoard the coveted Bisleys.

Travis Morgan · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2009, 06:41:19 AM »

I've got a buddy that has several; in fact, he's buying guns and putting Bisley frames on them. If he was doing long range silhouette, I could understand that, but it makes no sense to me. I practice at 100+ yards pretty regularly, but still like the XR3 and XR3-RED frames better.

Autorim · « **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2009, 04:56:36 PM »

Handguns are very personal items and what works for one may not work for another. Our hands are all different and everyone should shoot what feels right shoots well.

Fairshake · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2009, 01:51:03 PM »

The 5 1/2 seems to balace right in my hand. I have two USFA Preminums on order with Long Hunter since March. He told me he had a pair of 4 3/4 ready to go with out the wait but I told him that the wait would be worth it when I pick up them 5 1/2 guns.

hillbill · « **Reply #20 on:** June 19, 2009, 03:56:58 PM »

that was a totally decent price from what ive seen. wish i could find a 357 roun here for that price.