I’ve been studying pictures and reading everything I could find in an effort to gain insight and knowledge before embarking on this journey. Of course, somewhere along the way I picked up copies of Single Action Sixguns, Big Bore Sixguns and Book of the 44. Next came “The Custom Revolver” by Hamilton Bowen. I studied, and I studied some more.
As I pondered the seemingly endless combinations from which to choose I always came back to the same thing, my very own Perfect Packin’ Pistol. Try as I might, the three 44 Specials in the safe are close, but not quite perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade my S&W 696 for anything. And my Flat Top Bisley is a terrific companion in the Pennsylvania deer woods. But they’re not Perfect Packin’ Pistols. At least, not to me.
Some time ago I started to collect parts, sometimes based on a vision, sometimes on a whim. First came the Bisley grip frames, hammers and triggers. Then I happened upon an Anniversary .357 Blackhawk. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it but I knew I had to have it….just in case. Things really started to take shape when I acquired an S&W M57 barrel from a member here. Then came the delivery of my Rough Country sights.
Finally, I had all of the pieces, but what to do? No more excuses. It was time go. So I packed up the parts, pointed my Harley west and headed out for LaGrange Ohio and Andy Horvath.
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I decided that a Li’l Ruger in 41 Magnum was my Perfect Packin’ Pistol. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
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Because I was using a ribbed barrel, there was a certain amount of welding and contour work needed at the frame/barrel junction.
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I was a little concerned about whether the XR3-RED grip frame would mate well with my XXXL hands so I brought a set of Bisley parts with me just in case. But they were not needed. The rounded aluminum plowhandle fits my hand perfectly and the reduced weight is a welcome benefit.
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For my eyes, the Bowen Rough Country sights are hard to beat. Very compact but with a superb sight picture.
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A Super Blackhawk hammer rounds out the package, lowering the hammer spur just enough to make for a comfortable reach.
The trigger pull is a work of art, clean, crisp break with none of the typical Ruger creep.
Overall, I couldn't be happier. Now I just need to find some gunleather.