What would Marshal Dillon do if he had to choose a new six-shooter today? There are lots of repros of the old Colt single action on the market, but I think he would be mighty tempted to switch over to one or more of the current Ruger models on the market. The new one, (above) announced Monday, January 4, is an 8! shot six shooter in .327 Federal, an energetic magnum with minimal recoil that was introduced a few years ago. The .327 is designed to have near .357 performance in a smaller package, and in the full size Blackhawk frame, even recoil shy pistoleros should have no problem handling it.
The 5 1/2" Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum has traditional single action good looks with a fluted cylinder, and magnum performance if you need that. Of course, it will also shoot .44 specials, or downloaded .44 Magnums for those occasions when you don't have to bag an elk or drop a grizzly bear. The wide and slightly dropped hammer spur makes this revolver easy to cycle, and also improves the aesthetics. It is a gun that offers plenty of diversity in load choices.
The Blackhawk line comes in .30 Carbine, .327 Federal, .357 and .357/9mm convertible, .41 Magnum, .44 Special, and .45 Colt. A choice that can't be beat is the .45 Convertible, which comes in .45 Colt and .45 ACP. This combination is great for reloaders, because .45 ACP brass can often be picked up at shooting ranges, allowing you to load lots of economical ammo for more shooting. The full sized steel frame of the Blackhawk soaks up a lot of energy when you shoot, making the .45 a viable choice for folks who are timid about recoil.
If Matt Dillon ever needs a gun to bag a jackrabbit, the convertible Single-Six can't be beat. With one of these little pistols, the Marshall could get in lots of practice for dealing with bad guys, and still have money in his pocket to buy refreshments at the Long Branch.Check out the new 8 shot Blackhawk on Ruger's site by clicking HERE. Ruger also announced that they will be producing their GP 100 double action revolver in a 7 shot, .327 Magnum version, and that they are adding a compact 9mm auto to their line of pistols.
I hate to go against Old School designs, and the pistols here are yummy. But Marshall Dillon was a lawman, and his gun was his tool. Loading doors are so, well, nineteenth century.
ReplyDeleteI get the feeling that the Marshall would appreciate swing out cylinders. Speedloaders, too.
But the Blackhawk sure is fun to shoot.
I have to admit that I do like single actions. Private citizens can't carry concealed in Illinois, so I haven't bought small, concealable pistols. Retired law enforcement people are allowed to carry in IL, and a friend of mine who retired from being a game warden last year packs a 5 shot Taurus .45 colt revolver. While working, he carried a .357 revolver, then autos in 9mm, then in .40.
ReplyDeleteThe only single action I own is a Ruger Blackhawk convertible in .45 Colt/ .45 ACP.
ReplyDeleteI like it, more than I thought I would when I bought it. It get some range time, and if I needed a handgun on my hip, I could go far and do worse.
Blackhawks don't fit the "Tactical" template, but they are a good house gun, and a great woods gun. You can get the first shot off just as fast as you can with other pistols. They are fun to shoot. My mother keeps a .45 convertible handy at home. http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/05/guest-post-bea-the-78-year-old-grandmother-and-handgunner/
ReplyDeleteIf Iowa ever allows concealed carry she plans to buy an auto for packin.