I've been saving my hard earned cash, and talked to the good guys at Huntingtons (next to the RCBS factory) about getting myself a nifty bit o steel.
What I believe I finally decided on is the Ruger Blackhawk 4&5/8" bbl in .45colt w/ .45acp cylinder. Now I don't reload, and I won't be doing so anytime soon. Plinking .45acp ammo is $20 per box of 100 at wally world, and if I do want to hunt(which is rarely if ever lately), the .45colt cylinder can be filled w/ something more robust. I love single actions, and want something made from steel. (I was offered an extremely good deal on a Glock 35, but polymer has no soul!) The Blackhawk just fits the bill.
Since it's not something in stock, I still have time to decide. While I still ponder if the 5-1/2" bbl might work better, I want to know if anyone has a similar setup w/ opinions on field performance, and who makes some healthy .45colt ammo.
BTW, I am never going to be in Grizz country, and if you offer the black bears in our area a cigarette or $2 they leave you alone. If I am attacked in the wild by something hungry, i'll most likely just get eaten. No blame on the animals, i'm on their turf.

www.buffalobore.com and www.corbon.com make various +P loads for the 45 Colt. They'll work fine for your needs. The 5 1/2" barrel is handier than the 7" . Go to it !!

If it's just for the convenience of "packin'," then I strongly suggest the Ruger 4 5/8" bbl. .45 Colt/.45ACP.

I've had one since about 1978, and have also had other Rugers in longer barrels. I've found that the shorter barrel "packs" better than the longer barreled revolvers. Especially if you're riding in a vehicle.

Accuracy depends on the shooter.

Not much out there that a .45 Colt won't take down.

I've read the account of a man who shot a buffalo in the front of the head at about 15 paces, and the bullet went through and through, killing the bull instantly.

That was with the old Colt's Single Action revolver with the standard black powder round of the time, a 250 grains lead bullet.

Nothing wrong with a .45 Colt.

L.W.

I think you have made a good choice. for strictly packing the 4 5/8 inch bbl is the way to go.
Hoewver the best way to carry your gun in thr field is a cross draw holster.
I carry my 6" FA 475 in complete comfort.

Still get the bbl length you like the best.

Since you do not reload, take a look at Buffalo Bore for ammo for the big stuff.

Also get some Speer shotshells for your 45 Colt.
They work great.

I find the 5 1/2" barrel to be an ideal balance from a packing and shootability perspective. I had this 45 Colt made up just for that reason,



and the same for my Freedom Arms 45 Colt,



They just seem to balance better for me with a touch of weight forward and a longer sight radius always helps.

I have the set up you are referring to... the 45acp/colt convertible in the 4 5/8" barrel. My revolver is the special run they made in stainless, which will hold up better than the blued ones. The shorter barrel works fine for me and is just the right length for a packing gun. Since I handload I have only used the 45 acp cylinder a few times just to see how well it worked. For the most part I shoot either mild 250 cast for plinking or hot 250 gr. XTP's for hunting deer. If I decided to hunt something bigger I would use the 335 gr. Cast Performance Bullet Company hard cast gas checked bullet. I am pretty sure that is what Buffalo Bore loads in their +P ammo. You could also use the heavy loaded stuff from the Grizzly ammo company, which has purchased the CPBC recently.

It's settled, ordered the 5 1/2" yesterday, the artillery length just looks right to me. Now I just need to search for a good belt and holster, and for once it WILL NOT be make of nylon...I need a real leather holster and belt with some of those bullet loops in it (I see Ruger makes a snazzy belt buckle too).