[MakAttak]

Alright, my wife-to-be (fiancée) has asked me what I would like (from her) for a wedding present.

I have thought long and hard and I think I would like a .45LC revolver.

Very elegant, lots of history, and I can get lever gun in .45LC to match.


Now, my problem is, WHICH .45LC should I get?

I have a Ruger .357 and I've been impressed by their quality, but I am open to other suggestions. I also plan on trying out as many of the suggestions as possible (I have still 10 mos to wedding).

Another consideration is I am going to be handloading and might want to try the high-powered .45LC for hunting as well.

Please explain the reasons for your suggestion as well (i.e. why do you like this gun).

One last note: I don't want to make her pay a LOT, as we're also paying for a wedding. Try to keep costs below 1000. (I'd hope for much below there, but I know people like their toys)

Edit: Apparently, it wasn't my last note: Also, Virginia is an open carry state, so I'd like it to fit in a holster. Nothing REALLY long, but nothing really short either.

[Bearhands]

A Ruger Blackhawk is the way to go! Especially if you desire high-powered hunting loads. Now your question is which length! If you go "convertible" you can shoot 45 acp w/ it too.
http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=463&return=Y
it can be had for much less than the mfgrs $565.00

[Baron357]

My wife got me one of the new 4" Redhawks in .44 mag, great gun and wife!

[Six O'clock Tactical]

Id have to agree, the ruger "-hawks" look really nice for an open carry state, and with the convertability and durability of anything ruger id have to urge you to listen to these fine folks.

Edit: Blackhawk for looks and awesomeness factor, redhawk if you are a DA man. I dont think the red has the convertable though... ill have to check on that.

[FullEffect1911]

after seeing and shooting both a Ruger Vaquero and Blackhawk in .45colt i would have to say if you are going for elegance go with a vaquero with a color case hardened finish. it's a real work of art.

You probably won't be able to shoot the real heavy rounds from it however.

[AKCOP]

You are a lucky man if your future wife will buy you a gun for a wedding present.

[Shawnee]

+1 for the Ruger Blackhawk.

:cool:

[MakAttak]

You are a lucky man if your future wife will buy you a gun for a wedding present.

:-D

I know- She's just wonderful.

[bdg146]

For revolvers, definitely Ruger IMO. If you want double-action, get a Redhawk. Single-action, get a Blackhawk. Are you going to hunt with it? If so, you'd probably want to get a longer barrel... probably nothing less than the 5 1/2" barrels they have available in both models.

[DrLaw]

:uhoh:

Pre-nup.

The Doc is out now. :cool:

[stevemis]

I came across this some time back. The engraving is gorgeous.

http://thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3179770

[CZ.22]

Ruger Vaq or Blackhawk
However, if you wnt something with more class, get an SAA replica- Beretta if you like transfer bar

[Iggy]

House payment?

[ldp4570]

MAKATTACK, You got a keeper there! 17yrs ago my new wife and I exchanged wedding gifts, she got a S&W 624 4" .44SPL, and I got a Browning HPMKII. You should have seen the looks at the reception!!!!! Mine came with her on stable of firearms and her own safe to boot!!!! Its been a wonderful time!!!! Many happy years to you and yours!!
Oh if your looking to shoot .45LC and .45ACP get the Blackhawk in SS. It will serve you a lifetime!

[MakAttak]

Thank you all for your responses.

We will likely be going out this weekend to shop around. I really like the idea of the Blackhawk, so I will check out all the different versions:

Conversion, SS, Blued, and I am even going to check out the Bisley. (HOPEFULLY I'll find someone to let me shoot some of them too)

Thanks again!

[22-rimfire]

I guess it really depends on your finances as to what you choose. The Rugers are good. A Marlin 1894 in the same caliber would be a nice accessory!

Wedding presents..... I think small and the really big weddings offend my sense of cost-benefit unless you are weathy. Okay, I'll say it.... I'm a cheap skate!

[Hardtarget]

If you stick with the .45 colt...look at the S&W mod 25 if you haven't already. There are several from Ruger in .45 .You have a tough decision. :D

Mark.

[JenW]

Whatever you decide, you should let your fiancee know as soon as possible so she can save money and make plans to get you your gift without imposing on your wedding costs :P

[Elm Creek Smith]

The New Blackhawks and New Vaqueros are downsized to be closer to the Colt SAA in size. DO NOT use heavy or +P ammunition in them!

On the other hand, the older Blackhawks and Vaqueros, including the Bisley models are 10% larger and much stronger than most other .45 Colt revolvers. You CAN shoot heavy loaded ammunition in them.

That said, I have a Bisley Vaquero in .45 Colt for general use, including hunting. My cowboy action shooting guns aren't. Look at Colt replicas to keep your cost below $1000.00.

ECS

[MarshallDodge]

I would vote for a Ruger Vaquero.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/images/Products/254L.jpg

[FullEffect1911]

I would vote for a Ruger Vaquero.

ahh there it is! Beautiful gun, though I'm no fan of those grips.

No matter how you slice it... it's a good deal. Congratulations.

[MarshallDodge]

ahh there it is! Beautiful gun, though I'm no fan of those grips.
I agree. My personal preference would be imitation ivory.

I have wood on my stainless Vaqueros. The contrast is what makes them nice.

[Feanaro]

You are a tacky, tasteless person if you pick a Blackhawk over a Vaquero. Get the Vaquero or John Wayne will come back from the grave and dance on your jewels. ;)

[MakAttak]

Well my fiancee and I have picked out one for my present (she wanted me to help her).

Now I just have to wait till the wedding in Oct!


I'll post pics tomorrow or the weekend- I think we found the perfect combination for all my ideas and your suggestions.

[RustyShackelford]

How about the snub Super Redhawk in .454 Casull/.45 Long Colt.
It's smaller than a full size hunting handgun and can fire both rounds.
www.ruger.com

PS: You can also buy a slick CT lasergrip for that model...
www.crimsontrace.com www.lasersights.com
www.gunsamerica.com

All the best on your plans,
Rusty ;)

[FLORIDA KEVIN]

I think a matched pair of vaqueros ! no they are not duelling pistols ! Kevin

[Feanaro]

Mak is late with pictures, the lazy git. ;)