Ruger Lipsey’s Exclusive New Model Blackhawk

[mr.revolverguy]

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A Proper Tribute to John Taffin and the “Perfect Packing Pistol”​

Some firearms are tools. Others are heirlooms. And then, every once in a great while, a revolver comes along that feels like a thank you letter forged from stainless steel and walnut. The Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger New Model Blackhawk commemorating John Taffin is exactly that—a heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential and respected gun writers to ever walk the earth.

John Taffin didn’t just write about revolvers he lived them. His coined phrase, “The Perfect Packing Pistol,” became part of the revolver lexicon, shaping how generations of shooters viewed single-action revolvers. This Blackhawk, developed in collaboration with Brian Pearce, a close friend of Mr. Taffin, and Lipsey’s, was presented to Taffin before his passing. That alone gives this revolver a gravity that cannot be manufactured and should be honored by any collector.

Specifications at a Glance​

• Model: Ruger New Model Blackhawk (Lipsey’s Exclusive)
• Caliber: .45 Colt / .45 ACP (dual cylinders)
• Frame Size: Medium frame
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches
• Sights: Serrated ramp front / adjustable blacked-out square notch rear
• Grips: Tyler Gun Works Bear Hug grips
• Cylinder Features: Chamfered edges for smooth insertion
• Holster: Doc Barranti commemorative holster (special offer)

First Impressions​

This Blackhawk looks exactly like what it is intended to be: a working revolver refined by experience. There’s nothing flashy or unnecessary here just thoughtful details that reflect decades of field use and hard earned knowledge.

The 5.5inch barrel is a near perfect compromise, offering excellent balance and portability while still delivering the sight radius and velocity that serious shooters appreciate. The revolver carries easily on the hip, yet feels authoritative in hand a textbook example of what Taffin meant by a perfect packing pistol.

The Heart of the Gun: Dual Cylinders​

One of the standout features is the inclusion of two cylinders:

• .45 ACP for economical shooting and easy logistics
• .45 Colt for traditional power and more

Despite its medium-size frame, this Blackhawk is rated to handle .45 Colt +P loadings, a testament to Ruger’s engineering and strength margins. This makes it far more versatile than its size would suggest.

For range use, the .45 Colt cylinder also happily digests .45 Schofield, providing a softer-shooting option that maintains point-of-impact consistency and historical charm.

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Ergonomics & Controls​

The hammer spur deserves special mention. Deep serrations combined with a subtle embedded curve make single-action cocking fast, sure, and instinctive. Whether shooting from a bench or running informal field drills, the hammer feels like it was shaped by someone who actually shoots revolvers because it was.

The Tyler Gun Works grips live up to their name. They fill the hand without being bulky and manage recoil exceptionally well, even with warmer .45 Colt loads. Grip-to-frame fit is excellent, contributing to consistent shot-to-shot control.

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Sights & Sight Picture​

The sighting system is clean and purposeful:

• Serrated front ramp reduces glare
• Blacked-out square notch rear is adjustable for both windage and elevation

The sight picture is crisp and fast, perfectly suited for the revolver’s intended role as a field companion rather than a bullseye-only gun.

On the Range​

This Blackhawk was fired with five different brands of ammunition, spanning both cylinders and multiple load levels. Across the board, the revolver delivered respectable and consistent groupings, with no preference that stood out dramatically a sign of a well-tuned platform.

Recoil with standard-pressure .45 Colt and .45 Schofield was pleasant and controllable. Stepping up to +P .45 Colt loads reminded the shooter that this is a serious revolver, but never crossed into discomfort. The gun tracks well under recoil and settles back on target naturally.

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Holster: A Finishing Touch Worthy of the Gun​

Every revolver includes access to a Doc Barranti commemorative holster, offered for a nominal fee. This is no ordinary leather.

Each holster is embossed with John Taffin’s Legacy and the revolver’s serial number, making it a true one-of-one piece. The chamfered cylinders slide smoothly into the holster, reinforcing the sense that every detail down to carry was considered.

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Final Thoughts​

The Ruger Lipsey’s Exclusive John Taffin Blackhawk is more than a commemorative it’s a working tribute. It embodies the values Taffin championed: practicality, balance, power, and timeless design.

This revolver doesn’t just honor the phrase “Perfect Packing Pistol” it earns it.

For collectors, it’s a meaningful keepsake.
For shooters, it’s a capable, versatile revolver.
For those who admired John Taffin, it’s a respectful salute in steel and leather.

This is how you do a tribute revolver right.

Five out of Five

 

[Rclark]

Yep. Tried to get one, but according to gunshop, all were allocated. So no go here. I was after one of the blued ones. That said, I need another .45 Colt revolver like a hole in the head....

 

[mr.revolverguy]

Common RClark you know it's not about what you NEED. My understanding they made less of the blued than they did the stainless. I am loading some different Colt loads to see what accuracy I can ring from it.

 

[s4s4u]

So, what is the street price on these?

 

[mr.revolverguy]

Depends I have seen them from 900 to 1200

 

[toroflow]

They made these a dozen years ago. I still have a couple NIB.

 

[Robb Barnes]

This particular model came out last year not long after John Taffin passed away. I believe he was given his gun while still in a care center and I think the first three went ot JT, Brian Pearce and Jason of Lipseys. There was a major hiccup with actual release gun having bevel bottom grips versus flat bottom as the first three had and an issue with Ruger trying to fit the nice Bobby Tyler grips to factory grip frames. It took awhile to straighten out but Ruger now sends grip frames to Tyler gun works and they fit grips to them then ship the set back to Ruger for assembly on the gun. Unfortunately, a bunch of folks didn't give Lipseys, Tyler and Ronnie Wells a chance to straighten things out with Ruger before they crapped all over the entire project which is too bad since the entire project was to honor JT. Luckily he ahd passed before the stuff hit the fan.

 

[seasterl]

Are there any pics?

 

[contender]

Robb is 100% correct.

If you want pics,,, look up the John Taffin PPP Special Edition by Lipsey's.

The ones I've seen are NICE!!!!!!!!

 

[Don Lovel]

Taffin influenced this

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

They first came out in 2011. I have one and it's a sweetie.

 

[GYJ44]

They first came out in 2011. I have one and it's a sweetie.

This is the first run of this particular configuration. It's a medium frame, not the large frame.

 

[eveled]

If you can’t find this new release There have been several versions of mid frame flatop .45 convertible Blackhawks released over the years.

Here is mine with my old model .357 flattop

I’m a big fan of .45acp in the midframe absolute joy to shoot.

FYI, If you get one, they are not strong enough for Ruger only loads

 

[NH Rugerman]

The JT PPP guns have a JT-XXXX serial number. I believe they were limited to 250 of each model, Blued 4 5/8” or 5.5” and Stainless Steel 4 5/8” and 5.5”.

I have been looking for the stainless model in 5.5” and have not been able to get my hands on one of them yet!!

 

[hittman]

To each their own but ….. a PPP sure as heck could never be a single action! ;):ROFLMAO:

 

[gnappi]

To each their own but ….. a PPP sure as heck could never be a single action! ;):ROFLMAO:

To me a Double action/ Single action (DA/SA) in an appropriate caliber for the location would be more perfect. Failing that in a city gone wild, a high capacity auto would be more of a PPP than a DA/SA. So the tool should really fit the task.

 

[greenmtnguy]

Really nice, but I'll just make do with my 4 5/8" 45 convertible for now

 

[contender]

"To each their own but ….. a PPP sure as heck could never be a single action!"

Well, since John Taffin coined the term "PPP" and he did several articles & such on that kind of gun,, I'll defer to his thoughts & descriptions. And unless I'm mistaken,, all of his PPP guns were SA's or maybe a few DA's.
But John lived in Idaho,, where a handgun for packing daily use was common. AND in a place where heavy calibers are the main choice.
John did allow that each person had to determine what was their own personal choice for a PPP,, but in general,, most of his choices,, as well as MANY others,, was a SA.

 

[Lynchburgsam]

Thanks for sharing

 

[Rclark]

PPP sure as heck could never be a single action!

Have my set of PPPs (.45 Colt, .44 Special, .357 Magnum), all tuned up the same and shoot to the same place... And yes, they are SA medium frame flattops.... Not pictured in the .44 Magnum 50th and of course the New Vaqueros.... Depends on use, and where you live I suppose, but o' slab sided, double stack, etc pistols need not apply.... here.