Ri 1911 or ruger blackhawk 45lc

[Dustin]

I have gone back and forth between the 2 guns and i cant decide, any help would be appreciated. It would be used as a gun for home defence, a back up gun when im hunting, and just general target practice. I have many rifles and shotguns but this will be my first centerfire handgun. There are bear in my area so i am conserned about the stoping power of the 45acp against a dense animal like a bear. Most likely a black bear but there are more and more comfirmed grizzlys near by all the time. The 1911 i am looking at is a rock island gi because it is within my price range and i hear that they are good.

 

[General Geoff]

The 1911 strikes me as a more effective defensive handgun than a single action revolver, FWIW.

 

[Tallinar]

If bear defense is part of the equation, than .45 Colt wins. It can be handloaded for the Blackhawk to slightly beyond .44 magnum strength.

Aside from that, you're referring to two completely different platforms (SA automatic vs SA revolver), and it sounds like you may need to just spend more time deciding what you want.

 

[Armored farmer]

By the huge following, and the test of time the 1911 must be a great gun.
I can speak for the .45colt Blackhawk. It is fun to reload for, great as a hunting gun, powerful as you would want, and you don't sunburn your buttcrack looking for brass strewn on the ground. >45colt has stood the test of time as well.

 

[wishin]

The 1911 gets the edge for home defense, the .45 Colt for bear. If I could only have one it would be the semiauto. Fortunately, I have one of each.

 

[Dustin]

Ya eventually i would like to have one of each but i cant afford it right now

 

[General Geoff]

Ruger Redhawk (double action) in .45 Colt would be a better gun if you need it for defense against both two legged predators and bear.

 

[Bullnettles]

I'd get the one that would kill a bear AND a home invader fast (Ruger) then go for the other. You want penetration for the bear and although I've never done a ballistics test, logic says the 45LC will be the better sidearm. I'd suggest a Glock 20, but you said grizzlies. How about a 444 Marlin?

 

[Dustin]

i have a 45-70 marlin but i am looking for something that is compact like a handgun

 

[Greg528iT]

Marlin needs to make a pistol in the Mare's Leg / Rossi Ranch Hand fashion in a 45-70. Sorry to say the Rossi only goes up to 44 mag. but you could strap that to your leg (Rossi sells the holster) and have a fine bear / home defense gun.

 

[akadave]

Bah! You need both and you know it! I have bought multiple guns for far weaker reasons than not being able to decide between the two! Lol!

 

[Dustin]

thanks for the advice guys

 

[Leanwolf]

GENERAL GEOFF - "Ruger Redhawk (double action) in .45 Colt would be a better gun if you need it for defense against both two legged predators and bear. "

I agree.

A 4" bbl. Redhawk in .45 Colt would be quite sufficient for bustin' around out in the boonies, bears or not, and also would be just fine for self defense in your home, should that unfortunate event occur.

L.W.

 

[Chachi39]

Why dont you go for a Ruger Vaquero "Old Model" not "New" possible a Birdheads Grip in 45LC. I have custom 1911's and Six Shooters for packup while hunting and CC but if I had to have one for both I would get a used Vaquero online or from a shop and send it in for a little custom work then get some Ruger Only Loads and you will be set Bro. Also how much cash do you have to work with? I have been talking to alot of Gunsmiths about building me a New Vaquero Montado in 45LC and the smithing is not over $300 for everthing I want unless you want Night Sights.

Check out this thread I started for a new Carry Gun. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=533037 shoot me a message if you need any help finding what gun you decide on I like in Texas and there are More Gun Shops then you can shake a stick at.

 

[dakota1911]

Having several of both I would start with a Ruger Blackhawk, but you might want to get a convertible with the second 45 ACP cyl. That way you can start building your brass collection when fun shooting and use the heavy .45 LC rounds for when you are in the boonies. Being in the SW I also have a couple .45 LC shotshells for when I come nose to nose with a poisenous snake loaded in mine.

 

[Lucky Derby]

While I think both are fine firearms, since each excels in one of your two requirements and each comes up a bit short in the other, I will also recommend the Redhawk. That is really the best compromise between the two platforms.
Then save up and get the 1911, then again and get the Blackhawk, in convertible form of course.

 

[Dustin]

Thanks, i will look into the redhawk as well