The Do you have that one gun? That old friend if you will. thread prompted me to finally ask a question I've had on my mind for a while.

So let's say I wanted a single-action revolver that as closely as possible mimicked my trusty old Old Model Ruger Single Six Convertible, only in .357 Magnum: What, exactly, am I looking for?

I'd like it to be carry-able, OWB, with all six chambers loaded, so I know it'll have to be a new model, with the transfer bar and all. (If I ever get one of these I plan to eventually get a Proper Gunbelt & Holster for it, complete with ammo loops all 'round .)

I think what I want is some form of Ruger Blackhawk? I understand these can be modified to still be safe with six loaded, but, get the good ol' "triple-click" back and be (re)-loadable at half-cock with the loading gate open?

And I think I want it to be stainless, rather than blued, but, I'm not married to that idea.

Freedom arms 83 for me, in 454 c and 45 lc.

quote:

I think what I want is some form of Ruger Blackhawk? I understand these can be modified to still be safe with six loaded, but, get the good ol' "triple-click" back and be (re)-loadable at half-cock with the loading gate open?

You're mixing design elements here. The Rooger design Blackhawk already has 'carry six' with their transfer bar upgrade some 35+ years ago, without the 'clicks'. Colt remains old style SAA clicks & half-cock loading gate.

Take a look at the new style Vaqueros to see if they have what you want.

Power Custom has some parts to help do what you seek.

http://powercustom.com/store/i...info&products_id=133

http://powercustom.com/store/i...info&products_id=136

I have not used them.

For a gun, I'd suggest a New Model convertible in SS with a 4 5/8" barrel if you are carrying and not trying to hunt or seriously target shoot. http://ruger.com/products/newM...specSheets/0310.html

Blued: http://ruger.com/products/newM...specSheets/0308.html

The Vaquero doesn't come in convertible.

I'd do the same, but I'd probably get it in 45 Colt/45 ACP convertible and have Hamilton Bowen tweak it.

You'll need an older three-screw to get all the clicks. With a current free spin pawl installed, no need for half-cock. Opening the loading gate frees the culinder to turn for loading, forward and back.

I think Riley might've nailed it with that second powercustom link.

I think Rolan_Kraps a few months ago was talking about having obtained a matching pair of Blackhawks that had already had that kit installed?

I have a Super Blackhawk in 454, bisley model with a 6.5" barrel.

Its a cannon, at the time I couldnt justify the cost of a Freedom Arms but Im happy with it none the less.

quote:

Originally posted by newmexican:
... at the time I couldnt justify the cost of a Freedom Arms but Im happy with it none the less.

I don't see myself spending +$2k for a revolver, or any handgun, at any time.

Thanks for the feedback, gents. I think I know what I'm looking for.

Yes, the Ruger Blackhawk is what you seek.

I have a pair of Ruger Blackhawks that I've shot in completion for over 10 years. they have been tuned but still retain the transfer bar. As a result, they may be carried with all 6 chambers loaded.



For Cowboy Action Shooting, I have recently obtained a pair of Bisley Blackhawks in .357 that have been altered by gun smith Johnny Meadows with the half cock modification. This means that the transfer bar has been removed, and the hammer welded up to strike the firing pin when the trigger is pulled.



If you still want the transfer bar (so you may load all 6 chambers) then you need the Free Spin Pawl installed (see below).

http://www.brownells.com/handg...-pawl--prod9862.aspx

The Free Spin pawl is required for Old Model Vaqueros. On New Model, you can just remove a threaded screw to allow the cylinder to spin freely when the loading gate is opened.


Email me with any other questions.

OP,

Might I suggest the lipseys limited run of the bisley super Blackhawk in 44 mag with a 3.75 inch barrel?

Extremely packable, has the transfer bar so safe to carry 6 down, and beefy enough to shoot the hottest of 44 mag loads, including buffalo bore's 330gr +p+ hard cast.


-Freq

I've owned a whole bunch of 44's and 45's over the years, including a couple of S&W 25-5s. By far, my favorite one to shoot is my original 45 Birdshead Vaquero. I think there are some New Vaqueros in 45 ACP floating around out there.

quote:

Originally posted by Freq18Hz:
OP,

Might I suggest the lipseys limited run of the bisley super Blackhawk in 44 mag with a 3.75 inch barrel?

You may, and I appreciate the suggestion, but, I wish to stick with .357 Mag because I already stock it for my Ruger Security Six and don't wish to stock Yet Another Caliber

'Course I stayed away from the .45 ACP for years for that same reason--until I didn't. So who knows?

The New Model is superior to an Old Model with transfer bar conversion.

I would get the Lipsey's Flattop.
It is on the mid-frame of the New Vaquero but with adjustable sights. It has detented cylinder rotation so chambers line up with the ejector.

I don't have any sentimental attraction to the number of clicks in the action, I just want it to go Bang!

http://ruger.com/products/newM...specSheets/5247.html

quote:

Originally posted by Freq18Hz:
OP,

Might I suggest the lipseys limited run of the bisley super Blackhawk in 44 mag with a 3.75 inch barrel?

Extremely packable, has the transfer bar so safe to carry 6 down, and beefy enough to shoot the hottest of 44 mag loads, including buffalo bore's 330gr +p+ hard cast.


-Freq

I have one. I couldn't resist after handling it the first time. I don't push the hottest ammunition that I can through any of my pistols, including stout rugers, but I'm sure it's capable of handling high pressures.

I originally put one on layaway at sportsman's warehouse, along with a birdshead vaquero in .45, but I found them both for nearly a hundred less at the time at buds guns online...plus no tax. Pretty good deal.

Giving some thought at the moment to the new GP100 in .44, and getting set to order a redhawk 4" in .41 magnum.

I'm revising my thinking.

I'm now thinking 45LC/45ACP, after all. I'm already stocking .45 ACP, anyway. And I even have the reloading stuff for it, which I do not, for .357 Mag.

I'm thinking maybe a Libsey stainless steel flattop Blackhawk.

Question, though: 4-5/8" or 5-1/2" barrel?

I haven't had my Single Six out for a while, but, I'm thinking it's barrel is longer than 4-5/8". Could just be my memory playing tricks on me again, though

Vaquero, New Vaquero, Blackhawk, New Blackhawk; any of those will work, though all the clicks relate to old three-screw revolvers.

I really like the birdshead grip.

.45LC is a great cartridge if you reload. It's fairly weak if you don't.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I'm revising my thinking.

I'm now thinking 45LC/45ACP, after all. I'm already stocking .45 ACP, anyway. And I even have the reloading stuff for it, which I do not, for .357 Mag.

I'm thinking maybe a Libsey stainless steel flattop Blackhawk.

Question, though: 4-5/8" or 5-1/2" barrel?

I haven't had my Single Six out for a while, but, I'm thinking it's barrel is longer than 4-5/8". Could just be my memory playing tricks on me again, though

4 5/8" is rare for the Single Six (unless it is blued). So it is probably a 5½". BUT, personally, I prefer the 4 5/8"

While I own and have owned Old models, I like the new models better. In part because the XR3 or XR3-Red grips just don't fit me. But I love the Bisleys.

While the all loud Colt like clicks are cool, to me it's sort of like a loud muffler. At some point the novelty wears off and it's just noise. That's my only complaint about my Freedom Arms 83, it sounds cool, but out in the woods that action cocking is as quiet and out of place as an alarm clock going off.