Big Iron .45

The funny thing Ray is I didn't even realize what I had bought until after I paid for it which shows my novice. I thought the Flat Top was purely an aesthetic not an indicator of a different frame size. My original intention was to load the 45 Colt pretty hot and plink with 45 ACP. But I've enjoyed it so far and have really appreciated Brian Pearce's articles about the medium frame guns in Handloader Magazine lately. After reading about Mr. Elmer Keith I'd like to find a fraternal twin to mine in 44 Special to complete the set.

I only own one Blackhawk, this Flattop .44spl. The barrel length and frame size is attractive to me. I modified mine a bit to personalize it. I have a Bisley trigger on it. I tried the Bisley hammer, but it pinched the web of my hand while cocking so I went back to the standard hammer. I removed the steel XR3 grip frame and ERH and put an alloy XR3-RED grip frame and alloy ERH on it and shed about 7 ounces. I reshaped the grip and grip frame, getting rid of the flair. The reshaped factory grips are thinner now. I also reshaped a set if Altamont grips but kept them thicker. The gun is lighter and feels better in my hands than with the XR3 grip .

I would like to put an insert in the front sight, or replace it with a sight base that takes replacement blades (like the stainless version). It may someday get a Metalife hard chrome finish.

This gun is fun to shoot.

KansasTrapper77 said:

I thought the Flat Top was purely an aesthetic not an indicator of a different frame size.

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Howdy Again

With the old Three Screw Rugers, being a Flat Top was not an indicator of frame size. The 44 Mag Flat Top on the left in this photo is built on a larger frame than the 357 Mag Flat Top on the right. The 357 Mag in the center is not a Flat Top. Notice it has protective ears covering the rear sight. It is built on the same size frame as the 357 Mag Flat Top to the right.






Today, I understand the limited edition Flat Tops are being built on a smaller frame, but that was not the case with the old Three Screws.

Charlie98 said:

(41 Magnum Bisley) It was not put together well. The cylinder rattled on the base pin, and I even went so far as to buy an oversized Belt Mountain base pin... and the cylinder was loose on that! The trigger was terrible, and although I didn't slug the bore, it either had mismatched cylinder throats (likely) and/or a torque bulge in the barrel. It was a hot mess. And, understand, I WANTED to like this pistol... it had been on my Unobtanium list for years. I may try to find another... but it's not likely.

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Why don't you send your 41 Magnum Bisley to Ruger to fix it?

bigmike45 said:

JCF I am a huge Ruger revolver fan and I own several, all being Double Action guns. I was wondering how you handle the rimless 45acp loads loading them through the gate and keeping them from just falling through the cylinder? I can understand the way the Double Action guns work with the half moon/full moon clips that rests against the back of the cylinder, but I am a bit puzzled on how yours works. Do you remove the cylinder and load it with moon clips then reinstall for shooting. Using the semi-auto magazine is what is really puzzling me. Inquiring minds would like to know please!!

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My guess you missed:

JCooperfan1911 said:

...My Ruger Blackhawk .45 convertible model...

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Ruger .45 Convertible comes with 2 cylinders; 45 Colt and 45 ACP.

gobsauce said:

You know damn well you wanted to show off that Dan Wesson.

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For sure!!! LOL

gobsauce said:

You know damn well you wanted to show off that Dan Wesson.

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d'zaster said:

For sure!!! LOL

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I plead the 5th....