Single Action Help

[1911Tuner]

I do not understand the logic of paying more for a fixed sighted gun except for organized CAS.

A couple reasons come to mind.

Fixed sights are less fragile under rough conditions. I much prefer a fixed-sight revolver...whether double or single-action for that very reason. Come to think of it...I prefer fixed sights on an autopistol, too.

Sharp, square rear sights are more snag-prone when ya have to get the gun into play in a hurry, especially if it's carried under a coat. A small thing, I know...but every little thing that can go wrong will go wrong. So sayeth Sargeant Murphy.

On topic. If you want a target/plinker revolver...the Blackhawk is hard to beat. The adjustable sights are a plus for dialing in with diferent ammo, and your wrists will give up long before tht big Ruger does.
The Blackhawk also allows heavier than standard ammunition should the need arise for more power, and its weight soaks up he recoil of standard stuff nicely...making it a pleasure to shoot.

The .44 magnum Super Blackhawk can be a handful with full-power loadings, most especially in the 4.625-inch length, unless the ammunition is loaded down to about 75-80% levels. I have one. The 7.5 inch SBH is much less rambunctious.

The New Vaquero in .45 Colt also has a lot to offer if you plan to pack it for 10-12 hours a day, but it isn't well-suited to heavy "Ruger Only" handloads. The original, large Vaquero is, being basically a Blackhawk frame with fixed sights. The drawback is that the POA/POI is...well...fixed. Both mine strike 2 inches high at 25 yards with the old .45 Colt standby handload made up with a 255-grain lead bullet and 8.5-9 grains of Unique...an accurate and amply powerful load for about anything on the continent short of Moose, Elk, or the big bears.

 

[hamourkiller]

I have the SBH in 44 mag-5.5" BBL and the BH in 45 Colt/45ACP with 4 5/8" bbl.

Both are great guns, the 45 with it aluminum frame and shorter bbl is a much better carrying gun. I load it with 255 KT RCBS bullets, to 1050FPS. This is a wonderful load.

The 44 mag shoots full house 240gr Remington hollow points, when the extra power is needed, such as specifically hunting with a revolver. For standard use the 250gr KT RCBS bullet @1100-1200 fps does fine.

If I reloaded and carried more than I shot I would go with the 45 in BH.

If I carried and shot a lot the 44mag in SBH 4 5/8 or 5.5 inch bbl would be my choice.

The main difference being the aluninum frame of the BH and steel frame of the SBH.

 

[peacemaker45]

Oh, come on guys, it's not like it's hard to regulate fixed sights. Most are shipped with tall front sights, which shoot low for that very reason. File them down to suit your load. As for windage, you've got three options. One, bend the front sight slightly with a pair of pliers. Two, put it in a barrel vise, and turn the whole barrel, complete with sight to where it needs to be. Three, using a file with a safe side, open the rear sight notch on one side, so that the front sight now centers in a different place.

The trick is when you're changing loads all the time. Different loads will have different points of impact. That's where the adjustables come into their own.

~~~Mat

 

[zxcvbob]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned a Ruger "Bisley" yet. I have one in .45 Colt with a 7.5" barrel and I love it -- but I think a 6" barrel (give or take 1/2 inch) would be handier.

 

[hawk45]

This is great stuff guys. I'm going to try to get into the shop in the next few weeks to get a hand on all the models.

I would love to see some pics if you guys have any.. man, I got the jones!!