New .45 purchase help

VolFan9183 · Jan 24, 2021

Hi all-

I always got a little annoyed with these 'help me decide' threads...until I found myself having a hard time making a decision. Here's the situation. I'm turning 45 in a couple of months, and I'm wanting to purchase a new .45 cal handgun for the occasion. I realize this isn't the best time to be purchasing a handgun. Here are the 2 options I'm having a hard time deciding between:

1) Colt Lightweight Commander in .45 ACP
2) Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley in .45 LC

I can come up with a list of pros/cons for each, so looking for additional insight I might not have thought of. I consider myself a general outdoorsman, and I love to hunt/fish/hike/camp. I live in Middle TN, where whitetails are the biggest game around, and I have access to a private farm of a few hundred acres to hunt/roam.

I currently own a 5" Kimber TLE that I really like (I love 1911's), and the only big revolver I have is a 686+ in .357. I have other handguns, but these are the only 2 that really apply to this decision. I think I would carry and use the 1911 more, but I feel like the Bisley is a classic that every outdoorsman should have, and I'm not sure that Ruger even makes them anymore, even though there are some old stock around.

Anyway, thanks for indulging this question, and I appreciate any insight folks might have.

gunlaw · Jan 24, 2021

From reading your post I think you have your mind made up. Get the Bisley.

Electricmo · Jan 24, 2021

You really want the Bisley. I can read between the lines.

Armored farmer · Jan 24, 2021

Bisley Blackhawk is a fine revolver, perfectly suited for .45colt.

bannockburn · Jan 24, 2021

Since you already have a Kimber your 1911 needs are met, for the time being. I say get the Bisley for your Birthday!

wcwhitey · Jan 24, 2021

If you reload the .45 Colt is a reloader's dream. In that Ruger, you can make a that caliber sing. Things are tuff all over now, ammo and reloading supplies. On the commercial market .45 Colt is not always available and under normal conditions very expensive. Hard call, because ammo is a major consideration right now.

VolFan9183 · Jan 24, 2021

wcwhitey said:
If you reload the .45 Colt is a reloader's dream. In that Ruger, you can make a that caliber sing. Things are tuff all over now, ammo and reloading supplies. On the commercial market .45 Colt is not always available and under normal conditions very expensive. Hard call, because ammo is a major consideration right now.

Thanks for pointing that out, I do reload so could take full advantage of the LC. On the other hand, I'm already set up to reload the ACP, while the LC will require new dies, brass, bullets, etc.

Jonesy814 · Jan 24, 2021

I like revolvers but am not into single action. I vote S&W model 625. Never had so much fun launching 45's

StrawHat · Jan 24, 2021

How about something like this?

A design you with which you are familiar, chambered for a cartridge you already reload.

Kevin

Edcnh · Jan 25, 2021

I agree with those who believe you have already made up your mind. Get the Bisley.

ms6852 · Jan 25, 2021

You said it yourself even though you do not realize it yet, get the Bisley.

Jeff62 · Jan 25, 2021

45lc loves a 300 gr slug. I really like Ruger revolvers. I like handloading 45lc. I’ve killed deer and hogs with my Blackhawk.
I also have a Ruger lwt Commander. I like it better than the Colt.
As a stockholder in the company my advice is have yourself a most memorable and blessed birthday.

magyars4 · Jan 25, 2021

How about a Blackhawk convertible ,45 Colt/45ACP.
Best of both worlds

loadedround · Jan 25, 2021

Buy the Bisley, and shop around for a Ruger 45 ACP cylinder and have the best of both worlds. I did that same thing with a Vaquero in 45 Colt and it's one of my favorite pistols now. FWIW, my Vaquero is more accurate shooting 200 gr LSWC bullets in my 45ACP cylinder that shooting 45 Colts in my original cylinder. The 45 ACP cylider was almost a drop in.

JR24 · Jan 25, 2021

Between those two I'd pick (and it sounds like you are leaning to) the Ruger. You already have a 1911, and no SAA clone - which are my favorite revolvers to shoot (and load/unload, and clean and put back together and just look at) by far.

Plus, the lightweight .45 Colt can be less fun to shoot compared to a steel full size, manageable and fun, sure, but after owning a number over the years I like to keep my 1911s (.45 and 10mm) in steel. A 9mm lightweight commander, now that's a whole nother story and a wonderfully pleasant gun to shoot.

shootstraight57 · Jan 25, 2021

I bought a Ruger Bisley in .45ACP with the other cylinder for .45LC. I love it and I can shoot the .45 ACP ammo that I saved up from my Colt Combat Commander.

doubleh · Jan 25, 2021

Get the Ruger. You know you want it and it is a perfect companion when you fish/hunt/camp/hike.

.308 Norma · Jan 25, 2021

VolFan9183 said:
On the other hand, I'm already set up to reload the ACP, while the LC will require new dies, brass, bullets, etc.

Well yeah, but the dies and shell holder would be a one-time expense, and not really all that large of an expense anyway. Besides, 45 Colt brass lasts a l-o-n-g time - longer than your wrists and elbows if you're intent on always using your 45 Colt brass for those "Ruger Only" loads.

drband · Jan 25, 2021

Bisley. Done. You’re welcome!

Charlie Martinez · Jan 25, 2021

Two guns for two different purposes.

I agree with the Ruger Bisley recommendation.

WisBorn · Jan 25, 2021

I would go with the Ruger Bisley. I had one in 357 regret getting rid of it, but only did because it wasn't a 45 Colt.

PO2Hammer · Jan 25, 2021

Be sure you want a Bisley and not a regular single action grip frame.
Some guys love the Bisley, but some like me hate the way they recoil. It's straight back into the wrist with Bisley, more of a rolling action with 'normal' single action frames.
I much prefer the standard Blackhawk over the Bisley.

Targa · Jan 25, 2021

I love 1911’s but that Bisley is where my money would go.

jstert · Jan 25, 2021

ruger blackhawk 45lc/acp, mine isn’t a bisley grip, which is hard to find. a forever gun that your unborn grandchildren will enjoy.

Drail · Jan 25, 2021

I have shot Bisleys and other revolvers for 40 years out to 300 meters. Get the Bisley. Read Elmer Keith's books. Live the life......

New .45 purchase help

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