Starting revolver choice for a project gun

[AlabamaGene]

Hi everyone, long time lurker but I actually have a question I'd like to pose.

I've been thinking for a long time about getting a really nice custom revolver worked up. I've decided I want to go with a Bowen single action from a Ruger SA in 475 Linebaugh. I am thinking about going with his Nimrod package in case hardened blue, or may decide to deviate from that and get an octagonal barrel with some other options..

Anyway, that brings me to my question, which is actually general and not specific to the package I'm looking at. Since I'll be spending $2000+ on the custom work, it really doesn't matter if I spend $300 or $600 or whatever on the project gun. I'm trying to decide the optimal starting Ruger SA for this project, and there are a lot of options.

I see them as:

1. An old model blackhawk.... the three screws look kinda cool. Would have to get the aftermarket bisley grip frame though, as that's something I definitely need.

2. A new model bisley blackhawk. Seems like a good default choice, prob. cheapest choice.

3. An old style vaquero bisley. Probably want adjustable sights so this one is out.

4. A recent vintage "throwback" blackhawk flattop. No bisley option available, but would be very cool.

5. An old school 50s flattop. Probably out of my price range but would be cool with the 3 screws/flattop aesthetic.

So, I guess it's mainly between 1, 2, and 4. Is there any compelling reason to pick between any of those? And is there any specific caliber that would be the best choice for a 475 conversion? It seems like cylinder and barrell will replace so it doesn't much matter caliber wise.

I'm probably only going to get to do this once in the next few years, so I want it to be a heirloom kind of thing that I will be happy with for the rest of my life and my kids. Any comments (and pictures!!!) would be appreciated.

 

[critter]

Just make sure it has "Ruger" on it and be sure it is a "Bisley". From there on, you can't go wrong.

 

[Old Fuff]

I believe that the new "flattop" .44 Magnum comemorative can be fitted with Bisley backstrap/stocks/hammer & trigger. Try: www.cdnnsports.com. They were selling them brand new for a below cost price.

 

[Hondo 60]

If I were going to have that much work done to a gun, I'd want a brand new one to start with. So I guess I'd start with choice #2

I for one would like to see pics when it's done.

 

[AlabamaGene]

Wow, 379 for a flattop... seems like the perfect platform to me. I am really tempted, but for $200 or so for a bisley conversion grip frame from brownells, I guess it just comes down to the aesthetics of a flattop + bisley conversion vs. a regular bisley blackhawk (ie non-flattop).

I like the idea of #2 too, but I guess I have to decide if the "hump" of a non flattop is right or not for me.

Again, any pics someone has would be appreciated!

 

[Old Fuff]

The .44 Magnum flattop has some other features that aren't found on the regular Blackhawk, such as a ratchet interlock which aligns the chamber with the loading port and then prevents the cylinder from rotating backwards; as well as genuine a all-steel Micro rear sight because Ruger bought that company.

While it is true that the Bisley conversion would be expensive, you could recover some of your money by selling the original parts you replaced.

 

[Jim Watson]

I 'd go with No 2.
Not 1 or 5, you will be getting a 5 shot cylinder so conventional 3 screw Colt lockwork would be a disadvantage, you would have to choose between loading 4 or trusting your life to a safety notch or between-the-rims carry position.
I like the looks of the flattop in 4 but the hump serves a purpose, it guides the sight as you crank on elevation and you will probably be doing a lot of sight adjusting in search of a suitable load.
Not 3, which has fixed sights, a drawback unless you are willing to file them in for one load and stick with it.