This rainy, almost spring morning found me at the range with my birthday present to myself from last year, an S&W 57 with 8 3/8" barrel shooting some rather docile 210gr SWC's at ~800fps. Really sparked my love for heavy and slow movers as a pleasurable afternoon at the range. Groups pretty well for me (~4") with iron sites at 50yds off of a rest.

I've decided my birthday present to myself this year (May) will be a single action revolver. I don't yet own one. I've my fair share of double actions and have quite a lover for larger bores. I'm thinking a .45LC at a bare minimum and would really love to break into a .475-.50 class revolver. Here is where I'm torn.

I can spend $6-700 and get myself a nice Ruger Blackhawk Bisley in .45LC, probably with the 4 3/4" barrel. It would probably be quite a nice shooter. Easy to load down for. Brass ready available. Cheap boolits readily available. Pretty easily obtained through a local gunshop. Down the line it could have it sent off to the likes of Linebaugh or Bowen and have it upfitted to a larger caliber, etc.

-OR-

I can spend ~$900 on a Magnum Research in .480Ruger/.475Linebaugh. Only available in 6" and 7.5" barrels. A bit heavier than the rest I'm looking at. Seemingly a reliable design. Same ammunition considerations as below with the FA.

-OR-

I can spend $2000+ and rope myself in a Freedom Arms 83 or similar. Torn whether or not I would have it chambered in .475 Linebaugh or .500 Wyoming Express. Still probably 4 3/4" barrel. Adjustable sites. Brass would be a bit more pricey and pretty much mail order. Still (I assume) easily downloaded for plinking. Cast boolits available for a bit more money via mail order. Cool factor and collectability wwwwway higher than the Ruger.

I would love for this to be something I could hunt with (although a near impossibility for me in CT as I don't have near enough land and state land hunts only allow shotgun and muzzleloader for firearm hunts) down the line. It would primarily be a range toy and packable enough to carry while hiking (both around here and in VT/NH that I frequent).

I'm really not opposed to spending the $2000+ on the FA or similar, just wanted to get eveyone here's opinions on the options I have laid out above. Also very open to any and all suggestions for similar firearms.

For purposes of dipping your toe in the water, I recommend the Ruger in .45 Colt. It will take anything on Earth loaded properly and will not break the bank should you decide single actions aren't your cup of tea.

Having the Bisley grip will allow you to have it converted to a larger, harder kicking and hitting caliber in the future if that is the path you choose.

MS has given excellent advice.

If you are not going to be hunting BIG things with a handgun, then I would not recommend the 475 and up.
I have a FA in 475, and I really like it, but for normal carry I use the 44 Mag.

If you really want a FA revolver, and they are great guns why not get a 45 Colt or a 454, with a spare 45 Colt cylinder....

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
For purposes of dipping your toe in the water, I recommend the Ruger in .45 Colt. It will take anything on Earth loaded properly and will not break the bank should you decide single actions aren't your cup of tea.

Having the Bisley grip will allow you to have it converted to a larger, harder kicking and hitting caliber in the future if that is the path you choose.

I agree with all of this.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
For purposes of dipping your toe in the water, I recommend the Ruger in .45 Colt. It will take anything on Earth loaded properly and will not break the bank should you decide single actions aren't your cup of tea.

Having the Bisley grip will allow you to have it converted to a larger, harder kicking and hitting caliber in the future if that is the path you choose.

I agree with all of this.

Sounds resonable to me too.

Here's a great 45 Colt to start with.



http://www.ruger.com/products/...specSheets/0470.html

Williams Shooters Supply is the sole distributor. Get your FFL to order one for you and have a blast.

http://www.willshoot.com/

Alan

Thanks for the responses, guys. I do see the logic in starting with the less expensive gun. Is the single action significantly different feeling than a DA fired in single action? I can see a difference in the grip angles and such, but mechanically does it feel different?

I see the Bisley is only available in a 7.5" barrel. Does Ruger offer an option for shorter barrels? Or am I looking at having it modified by a gunsmith? Also, any plus to getting the SBH (even though its .44remmag instead of .45LC as I kind of want) if the idea is to upgrade to a larger caliber down the line? They're supposedly structurally more sound?

When it comes to wheel guns I am a S&W kind of guy, and a 44 mag kind of guy.

I can say that a Ruger Super Blackhawk is much nore comfortable to shoot with full power loads than a S&W.

Also, I think a 44 Mag is the best choice in a revolver, SA or DA, over any other calibre, unless you need/want more power, then a 454 or a 475 is the way to go.

As to barrel length, if it is to be strictly a hunting SA revolver, then a 7.5" barrel is good. However for a general purpose carry gun/hunting gun I would get one with a 5 to 6" barrel, regardless of calibre...

I follow you with the S&W DA's. All of my revolvers are currently S&W's (60, 642, 57, 460). Just kind of have an itch for a single action to see what it's all about. Seems to be quite adored amongst the hunting and plinking crowd. I'll need to get out and get ahold of some of the various barrel lengths for fit/balance. I'm guessing I'd be giving up a good bit of velocity with the 4 3/4" barrel vs a 7 1/2" barrel? I also understand the effect of the shorter sight radius. Lots to mull over.

Brandon, since you already have a S&W in 41 Mag, you might think about getting a Ruger with a 4 5/8" barrel in 41 Mag. That way you have ammo interchangeability, and as you have stated you cannot hunt with it in your state anyway. That would give you a chance to shoot a SA a bunch.

You could always get a larger calibre in the future if your needs change.

I just hope my buddy Super Man does not see this post with me recomending a 41 mag as I will never live it down.

As I am a 44 Mag kind of guy... But in truth short of Jurassic Park, Brown Bear, and the BIG of the BIG African game, the 41 Mag is hard to beat, especially if you already have one...

While I am completely in love with the .41 mag, I kind of have an itch for something I don't already have. My game plan is to take a black bear up in Maine with a revolver in the next 2 years or so. I know the .41 will do this without even breaking a sweat, but kind of have the desire for something new.

Buy the Ruger.If you do not like,they are not hard to sell.

quote:

Originally posted by GSSP:
Here's a great 45 Colt to start with.



http://www.ruger.com/products/...specSheets/0470.html

Williams Shooters Supply is the sole distributor. Get your FFL to order one for you and have a blast.

http://www.willshoot.com/

Alan

I think they are listing the wrong weight.65 .5 O`s is like 4.09 lbs.

The primordial tendency to reach for a larger club when going after an animal like a bear.

I have others but my favorite is the Ruger blackhawk Bissley 7 1/2" in 45 LC. I had always kinda looked down at the 45LC until I started playing around with it about 3 years ago. The Ruger is easy on the hands,and you can load it mild for the grandkids or as hot as the 44mag. I have one with a red dot scope that will actually knock a 200lb hog off his feet. Tony

You can find the Stainless Bisley in a 5 1/2" bbl, the regular Blackhawk comes in a 4 5/8" bbl.

quote:

Originally posted by Lar45:
You can find the Stainless Bisley in a 5 1/2" bbl, the regular Blackhawk comes in a 4 5/8" bbl.

I finally looked at this post today with fresh eyes after I slept this morning. Didn't realize the link GSSP posted was for a 5.5" model! I think I found my birthday present...

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
The primordial tendency to reach for a larger club when going after an animal like a bear.

I can absolutely understand that instinct. I just can't possibly fathom the idea of squeezing off even a single round from my .460 without both ear plugs and muffs on. Damned muzzle break.

quote:

Originally posted by OLBIKER:

quote:

Originally posted by GSSP:
Here's a great 45 Colt to start with.



http://www.ruger.com/products/...specSheets/0470.html

Williams Shooters Supply is the sole distributor. Get your FFL to order one for you and have a blast.

http://www.willshoot.com/

Alan

I think they are listing the wrong weight.65 .5 O`s is like 4.09 lbs.

Correct! My VERY accurate postal scales put mine at 46 oz or 2 lb 14 oz.

Brandon,

Glad you woke up. Mine was a birthday present to myself as well.

Alan

And the 45 Colt WILL work VERY well on some really big stuff.

I never tire of that picture!

Pictures like that are going to make the next 45 days difficult! I'll have to have my dealer order me one up when I pick up my new turkey gun this week.

Alan: it looks like your underlug is flush with the end of your barrel. Did you have it modified?

If you want/need a BIG step up in power over the 41 Mag then take a look at a 454 or a 475.

I have 6" FA in 475 and I really like it.
I have taken black bear, turkey, deer, and wild pig with it.

I have shot it along side FA's in 454, with 7.5" barrels, 6" barrels and the 4 3/4" barrels.

I find recoil to be very similar in both calibres.
With full power loads the light for calibre bullets have a LOT of back whip,in the recoil, and the heavy bullets have a LOT of rise in the recoil.

If you can shoot one you can shoot the other.

The 453 does have the advantage of being able to shoot Speer 45 Colt shotshells, as well as 45 Colt loads.

You can also suplicate Buffalo Bores 420gr 985fps light load in the 475. That is the load I killed the turkey with and it is very plesant to shoot. And you can use 480 Ruger loads or load the 475 brass to 480 Ruger specs.

You do not always have to run these BIG magnums at full throttle.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:


You do not always have to run these BIG magnums at full throttle.

Sure you do.......

A large jump in power over the .41 isn't my real aim here. It's more for something different than I already have. Is a .454 easily downloaded to plinking .45LC levels? I ultimately will probably also have an FA or equivalent in a larger caliber, but the suggestion of a cheaper entry model for my first SA makes a considerable amount of sense.

Here is another crazy thought.
Take a look at the FA 41 Mag in the model 97.

That is their small frame SA. A buddy has one in 45 Colt and it is sweet.

Since this is your first SA why not get one of high quality, handy size that you would shoot a lot.
The 4 3/4" with the round butt would be my pick.

If I was a 41 Mag kind of guy I would definately have one.

Then if you find you really like Single actions get a FA 475L later...

quote:

Originally posted by FFemt5287:
A large jump in power over the .41 isn't my real aim here. It's more for something different than I already have. Is a .454 easily downloaded to plinking .45LC levels? I ultimately will probably also have an FA or equivalent in a larger caliber, but the suggestion of a cheaper entry model for my first SA makes a considerable amount of sense.

Trust me on this. You already want a Freedom Arms so go ahead and buy one. No reason to start off cheap with the idea already planted in your head you are starting with an entry model.
It is pretty easy to download the 454 Casull but in my experience when you start to download the bigger rounds accuracy also starts to go down hill compared to "stiff" loads. They still might be acceptable, just not quite as good.

Try to make it to a shop and handle a FA. Once you cock one and feel the machinery work and the close tolerances you will be hooked.

I speak from experience as I previously owned a FA but sold it and regretted not owning one for another 20 years. Last month just bit the bullet and ordered exactly what I wanted.

Your choice for a FA in 45 LC is an excellent one for where you live. Go for it.

Life is to short

get the ruger if budget is an issue

get the FA if you want to scratch the itch.

I'm going to have to find an FA dealer around me to get ahold of one. I see the argument for get what you want the first time. I'm notorious for NOT doing that. Might have to start changing that!

quote:

Here is another crazy thought.
Take a look at the FA 41 Mag in the model 97.

That is their small frame SA. A buddy has one in 45 Colt and it is sweet.

Since this is your first SA why not get one of high quality, handy size that you would shoot a lot.
The 4 3/4" with the round butt would be my pick.

If I was a 41 Mag kind of guy I would definately have one.

THAT IS A GREAT GUN

Frank, a friend of mine, is fixing one from .41 to 44. Magnum.
This will be a great gun.
.-)

St.

For general carry and use when it comes to revolvers I am a S&W double action kind of guy.
Because of my former job I am just not comfortable walking the woods with only a Single Action revolver.

However for a hunting revolver they are much more plesant to shoot, that a DA. And this is in 44 Mag. As recoil goes up the Single Action is the only way to go, for a hunting gun.

The truth is, when I hunt with my 44 Mag Super Black Hawk, I will carry a 4" S&W 44 Mag or a 1911 in 45 ACP too.

When I hunt with the 475L I carry a 1911 as well.

After all I believe if you need something, then you should have at least two of them.
Whether a handgun, a knife, a flashlight, eyeglasses, etc...

I will also say, you cannot go wrong with a FA SA revolver, no matter what calibre you get.

They are an excellent product.

I like the Express Sights they have for hunting.
I have them in my 475.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:

When I hunt with the 475L I carry a 1911 as well.

We're very alike in this respect. My Dan Wesson 10mm is always on my hip. Anyone from CT have an FA? Having trouble locating a dealer in the state. Their dealer list on their website has no CT listings.

Well since you have a 41 Mag, and will carry the 10mm, then I would take a look at a FA in 454 or 475L.

Ie in the words if some of my buddies...
Go BIG or go home...
And
IF you are going to be a bear, BE a Grizzly.

Heck get the 475.
With 480 Ruger class loads it is a pussycat to shoot, and still has a fair amount of thump.
With Hornady 400gr 475 loads it has a bunch of thump..

And with Buffalo Bore 420 or 440gr loads it has a LOT of THUMP.

IMHO when you consider portability, shootability, thumpability, ammo avialibility, penetration and velocity, the 475 is the best of all worlds.

I have been well pleased with mine.

Ing.S.Bader

I also am friends with "Frank".

I have also thought about getting a Mod 97 in 44 Special, and having the cylinder punched out to 44 Mag.

I do not want to shoot the Super 44 Mag loads in it. Just my own 44 Mag loads with a 240gr bullet from 8 gr of Unique to @20 gr of [new] 2400.

But the Truth is, my S&W Mountain Gun, is pretty much perfect, in this power class, in every way.

quote:

Originally posted by MS Hitman:
For purposes of dipping your toe in the water, I recommend the Ruger in .45 Colt. It will take anything on Earth loaded properly and will not break the bank should you decide single actions aren't your cup of tea.

Having the Bisley grip will allow you to have it converted to a larger, harder kicking and hitting caliber in the future if that is the path you choose.

+1

Or...

If you can find a Super Redhawk with a 7.5 inch tube in 480R, I would do that even though it is not a Single action.

BTW I did both a "Standard" BH and 480R SRH

quote:

Originally posted by FFemt5287:
Pictures like that are going to make the next 45 days difficult! I'll have to have my dealer order me one up when I pick up my new turkey gun this week.

Alan: it looks like your underlug is flush with the end of your barrel. Did you have it modified?

Holy cow! I step away for 2 days and their's a flurry of replies!

Brandon,

No, it's a standard 4-5/8" factory barrel. I paid $360 for it in used condition. Had Dave Clements install a custom tall sight to handle the heavy bullet. VERY packable! Carried it in a Mernickle Field Carry II, crossdraw and usually forgot it was there until I would pat it reasurringly to remind myself it was still there.

Alan

I am not a Ruger fan at all, but bought a blackhawk in 45 colt and like it a lot.
Don't remember the cost but in the $600 range I believe.

I have given this a lot of thought.

If I were to do it all over again...

I would get a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley in .45LC with a 7.5 inch bbl.


Snake

Well, I had the great pleasure today of shooting a 7.5" Ruger Bisley .45LC today at the range thanks to a fellow club member. The grip frame really was a pleasure to hold onto. He graciously allowed me to send two cylinders of his hand loads down range. I believe he said they were 200gr cast running around 900fps. Pretty gentle considering I was shooting my 5" S&W 460 just prior to his arrival.

I'm still leaning heavily towards an FA at this point. Went to my local shop today to have him check some prices for me, as he assured me he has ordered directly from FA in the past. Have him looking into a model 97 Premier in .45LC with 4.25" barrel and two model 83's, one .454 Casull and one .475 Linebaugh, both Field grade, both with 4.75" barrels.

Ran it all by the better half (not quite wife, yet) as my birthday present from me to me and she offered to go halves on it. I think I'll keep her!