Some help and guidance with a Blackhawk

[mrgaf]

I have a Blackhawk 45LC 7 1/2" barrel that's about 2 years old. I carry this puppey when I hunt in Alaska as a back up with some stiff Barnes Buster 300gr loads dong about 1400 FPS. No pressure signs and is pretty darn accurate. Yes I know the Alaska mantra that the 45LC aint enuff cannon but it got me out of trouble with a Griz last season and two well placed shots stopped him in his tracks, with one exiting (distance was about 20 yards) and scared the heck out of me. Problem is the barrel length. Toting this hog's leg up and down the tundra and deploying it quickly is a pain. Been looking for a 4 5/8" model but they are hard to come by and when found, pretty expensive. Was thinking about getting my barrel shortened. What do you think? Would the cost of cutting the barrel, moving the sight back, etc etc be worth it? Here in Hawaii no one can do the job so I would have to send it off. Would Ruger do it or would they just put a shorter barrel on it? Can anyone point me in the direction of a smithy that specializes in the Blackhawk and has done this type of work? I'm pretty picky about workmanship (spent 14 years in Japan and got hooked on workmanship). Anyway, any advice is deeply appreciated......

 

[contender]

Many of the top gunsmiths such as Bowen, Clements, & others can easily do a barrel cut or swap. They can even fix it up to where it's purdier, AND shoots better. Those top guys do have a long waiting list so it might not get done in time for your next trip to AK.
Have you tried a dofferent holster rig? A cross chest type such as made by Mike Barranti makes carrying such a gun comfortable & easily accessable when needed.
Ruger can swap a barrel, but a custom smith will make sure it's accurate.

 

[BearBio]

I know what you mean. i carried a Super Blackhawk for a while in a shoulder holster and it felt like it was constantly scratching my armpit. Several options:
1. The GI tanker shoulder holster will fit a Blackhawk. Maybe you could modify one for the longer barrel.
2. The Galco holster for the S & W 500, Taurus Raging Bull, etc. is a crossdraw/shoulder holster hybrid and works.
3. Try a Huckleberry rig--EPS should be able to make you one.
4. Find a local leathersmith to make up something for you.
5. Do a trade for a shorter barrel Blackhawk.

 

[AKBman]

http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Scoped-Revolver-Holster.cfm?item_id=157&parent=669

This is how I carry my Super Blackhawk and my Freedom Arms.

 

[caryc]

Do not send it to Ruger for a shorter barrel. They will not cut a barrel. They will replace the barrel and charge you for the new barrel plus the sight plus installation charge and then the bluing charge.

I made the mistake of doing that. Add on the shipping charge and I could have just went out and bought a new gun with the barrel I wanted. Then there's the wait time. Oh yeah and you also wind up with a barrel sitting in the box. But, I suppose you could sell that.

To get away the cheapest, just swap your gun in on one you want as was suggested.

 

[flatgate]

Well, I see this as a perfect opportunity to purchase a 4-5/8 inch .45 Colt. Cal. Blackhawk.

flatgate

 

[BIgMuddy]

I would post a "WTT" in the classifieds and see if you get a hit.

I would also sure like to hear the details of that bear encounter. I bet it is an interesting story.

Dan

 

[street]

In Alaska with Grizzly Bears around I would buy a Ruger .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk in 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 in bl. at the least. And I would load it as hot as I could safely.

 

[CraigC]

Overnight shipping from Hawaii and back is gonna be murder. You might be money ahead to buy another sixgun.

 

[mrgaf]

In Alaska with Grizzly Bears around I would buy a Ruger .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk in 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 in bl. at the least. And I would load it as hot as I could safely.

While I'm sure I'll catch a lot of flak I doubt a 44mag could have done any better that my hot rod 45LC loads. Like I said about 20 yards nice small hole in the chest and a larger exit wound, Second shot to the neck, devastated the spine and lodged just under the skin; massive damage. I used to have a 4 5/8" super blackhawk 44 mag and just did not like the recoil. the 45LC recoil seems different to me, not as snappy making a follow up shot quicker. Not dissing the 44mag but my proof is in the pudding. Larger diameter slug traveling in the 44 mag realm of velocity and I'm accurate with it. I still have wiggle room on the 45. I've pushed the 300's up to 1600 thru my chrony but it was a might stiff but no adverse signs with the gun, case and primers looked ok.

 

[mrgaf]

Well, I see this as a perfect opportunity to purchase a 4-5/8 inch .45 Colt. Cal. Blackhawk.

flatgate

that exact thought has been running thru my mind as well......

 

[mrgaf]

I would post a "WTT" in the classifieds and see if you get a hit.

I would also sure like to hear the details of that bear encounter. I bet it is an interesting story.

Dan

Shipping both ways would be a killer..... :shock:
As for what happened. My bud a I were hunting the along the northern part of the Chatanika River (about the 60 mile marker along the Steese Highway. Were about 4 miles in and I dropped a decent bull moose at about 150 yards with my 375 Ruger (what a fine firearm. Used 260gr partitions and it toppled the bull rite where he stood). Anyway, we bled, skinned and quartered and he packed to the ATV while I stood guard, my turn was next. Heard some grunting off to my left and there he was about 50 yards and closing fast; a nice big boar. Prior to the encounter I did a stupid thing and laid the Ruger up against a tree about 14' away, inexperience will do things like that! The griz stopped in his tracks about 25 yards and decided to stand up. Rifle was too far away and by the time I pulled the 45, he was closer and intent on getting the meat. Should have just backed off and let him have his pick. The rest is history. My buddy came out of the tree line just as I fired and told me (I really don't remember, just a fog) that when the first shot went off the griz staggered backwards and he started to go down, the second shot was in the neck and he collapsed. So did I with a load of pee in my pants! I just sat there in shock HAHAHAHAHAHA. Got the rest of the meat out and went to the State tooper station about 13 miles down the Steese (no cell coverage up there), told them what happened and they went back in with us. Long story short, the first shot blew his ticker away and exited about three inches to the left of his backbone. The second took his spine out completely and lodged just under the skin. They offered the bear to me but I decided to donate it to the shelters.

 

[Rclark]

Good story! Sounds like the 'o .45 Colt was up to the job as usual .

Seems like a good opportunity to buy another .45 Colt revolver in the barrel length you are looking for.

 

[BearBio]

PM sent

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Kentucky Gun co. http://www.kygunco.com/ had them a week ago when I ordered mine.
Ruger BH 4 5/8" blued .45 Colt $440.00 with free shipping, .41 mag , same price.
Waiting is the hardest part for me. I should see it in a week or so. The last one took about 2 1/2 weeks also.

 

[Hugh]

I have to agree with those suggesting just get a previously cherished 4-5/8" Blackhawk/New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt. Just so yuh wind up with one that can handle the heavy loads. You'd probably be money ahead. And no, mine isn't for sale.

 

[andyo5]

+1 on the Simply Rugged Chesty Puller harness with one of their holsters.
I have carried my Redhawk that way while deer hunting in thick woods. The revolver carried well and was never a bother. I was also carrying a 12 gauge shotgun.
A shorter barrel will compromise accuracy. But if close quarters defense against bears is what you need, a 4" Redhawk or a 5 1/2" Blackhawk would be fine.
I have both.

 

[Hugh]

I know what you mean. i carried a Super Blackhawk for a while in a shoulder holster and it felt like it was constantly scratching my armpit. Several options:
1. The GI tanker shoulder holster will fit a Blackhawk. Maybe you could modify one for the longer barrel.
2. The Galco holster for the S & W 500, Taurus Raging Bull, etc. is a crossdraw/shoulder holster hybrid and works.
3. Try a Huckleberry rig--EPS should be able to make you one.
4. Find a local leathersmith to make up something for you.
5. Do a trade for a shorter barrel Blackhawk.

The comment about the GI tanker shoulder holster fitting the Blackhawk got me to thinking. I have a spare M3 shoulder holster, the type most naval aviators used. Mine came from Pacific Canvas and leather. I tried it with my newly acquired 3-screw 4-5/8" Flattop .357 and the fit was perfect; it dropped right in, not too tight or lose. One drawback is that it is virtually impossible to cock when drawing because the angle is not low enough. May be able to after a great deal of practice. Thanks for the tip BearBio.

Wish I had a helpful suggestion for the OP.