Which .45 caliber revolver should I buy?

20 February 2002, 05:14

Mule Skinner

I have decided on a .45 LC revolver for packing on hikes, Alaskan fishing trips, etc. I am looking for something that is easy to carry, accurate and can be reloaded to pack a hefty wallup. I am leaning towards a Ruger Bisley Vaquero in .45 LC with a 4 5/8" barrel. The only down side I can see is that it has fixed sights. I would prefer a revolver with adjustable sights, but don't think the Ruger Vaquero offers that as an option. Are the fixed sights good enough for a packing pistol? Is there a Blackhawk Bisley with adjustable sights and 4 5/8" barrel? I would like to get your opinions on a gun to be used for this purpose.

Also, are the blackhawk and Vaquero equally strong?

[This message has been edited by Shark Bait (edited 02-19-2002).]

20 February 2002, 05:21

dan belisle

Ruger does offer the Bisley with adjustable sights but not in that barrel length. However, shortening or replacing the barrel (they are the same as Blackhawk barrels) would be a pretty simple operation. I think that you are on the right track here, I really like that combination. - Dan

20 February 2002, 05:25

Mule Skinner

quote:
Originally posted by dan belisle:
Ruger does offer the Bisley with adjustable sights but not in that barrel length. However, shortening or replacing the barrel (they are the same as Blackhawk barrels) would be a pretty simple operation. I think that you are on the right track here, I really like that combination. - Dan

Thanks Dan. What barrel lengths are the adjustable sights available in? Do you see any reason to go with adjustables versus fixed for this kind of gun? Thanks again!

20 February 2002, 07:15

Gatogordo

Sharkbait:

The standard Blackhawk Bisley is blued and has a 7 1/2 inch barrel, unless they make some changes in this year's version. However, there was a limited edition run of Stainless Blackhawk Bisley's made with 5 1/2 inch barrels(or close, I've got one but I've slept since I paid any attention to that barrel length). These are still available to some extent, check Gunsamerica, auctionarms, or gunbroker to find one. They usually cost about $75 or so more than a blue, but I think it is definitely worth it, particularly if you are going to pack it in Alaska.

As far as sdjustable sights go, for your purposes, I wouldn't really consider fixed. Nothing wrong with fixed and they are obviously less prone to problems(but neither is adjustable, just more so than fixed), but with adjustable you can load up or buy some mild loads for practice and local carry and sight them in, and then get some hot loads for bears, etc if worst came to worst and sight them in for that load.

Another possibility is the Smith in .45 LC, but it will not handle quite as hot a load as the Ruger. Somewhat depends on how much you really intend to shoot hot stuff.