Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt (LC): A Deep Dive into a Classic American Single-Action Revolver

For enthusiasts of classic firearms, discerning collectors, and those seeking a reliable and powerful single-action revolver, the Ruger New Model Blackhawk chambered in .45 Colt (LC) stands as an enduring testament to American craftsmanship and design. This iconic firearm, specifically the Model 0465, is a staple for a variety of shooting disciplines, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics with modern manufacturing robustness. Whether you're considering a revolver for hunting medium game, engaging in precision target shooting, participating in cowboy action sports, or simply appreciating a piece of firearm history, the Ruger Blackhawk provides an exceptional experience.

What makes the Ruger Blackhawk such a revered choice among firearm owners? It's the harmonious fusion of its powerful caliber, durable construction, and time-tested design, all engineered to deliver consistent performance and remarkable longevity. This detailed exploration will guide you through the features, benefits, and multifaceted applications of this distinguished revolver, helping you understand why it remains a top recommendation for those seeking a single-action firearm of significant capability.

The Power and Versatility of the .45 Colt (Long Colt) Cartridge

At the heart of the Ruger New Model Blackhawk 0465 lies its chambering in the legendary .45 Colt (LC) cartridge. Developed in 1872 for the Colt Single Action Army revolver, the .45 Colt has a rich history intertwined with the American Old West. It quickly gained a reputation for its significant stopping power and has remained a popular choice for a variety of applications, from self-defense in its early days to hunting and competitive shooting today.

Key attributes of the .45 Colt cartridge:

• Historical Significance: Its deep roots in American history add to the allure and authenticity of shooting a Blackhawk chambered in this caliber.
• Stopping Power: The large diameter and often heavy bullet weight of the .45 Colt make it an effective cartridge for hunting medium-sized game like deer or wild hogs at appropriate ranges.
• Versatility in Loading: For reloaders, the .45 Colt offers immense versatility. It can be loaded from mild, fun-to-shoot target loads to powerful "Ruger Only" loads that approach magnum-level performance, though users must always adhere to safe loading practices and firearm specifications.
• Manageable Recoil (Standard Loads): While powerful, standard .45 Colt loads typically produce a manageable recoil impulse, especially in a robust platform like the Blackhawk, making it enjoyable for extended shooting sessions.
• Ammunition Availability: Despite its age, .45 Colt ammunition remains readily available from various manufacturers, offering a range of bullet types and weights for different purposes.

Choosing a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt means embracing a caliber that is both historically significant and incredibly capable for modern shooting pursuits.

Unyielding Construction: Blued Alloy Steel for Durability and Classic Aesthetics

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk Model 0465 boasts a blued alloy steel frame, barrel, and cylinder. This choice of material and finish is a hallmark of traditional firearm manufacturing and contributes significantly to the revolver's durability and timeless appeal.

Advantages of Blued Alloy Steel:

• Exceptional Strength: Alloy steel provides the necessary structural integrity to handle the pressures of the .45 Colt cartridge, ensuring the revolver's longevity and reliability even with consistent use. Ruger's reputation for building "bank vault" strong firearms is clearly evident in the Blackhawk's construction.
• Classic Appearance: The deep blued finish is a visually appealing and traditional treatment for firearms. It offers a rich, lustrous black appearance that develops a unique patina over time, appealing greatly to collectors and those who appreciate classic firearm aesthetics.
• Corrosion Resistance: While bluing provides a degree of corrosion resistance, regular cleaning and oiling are essential to maintain the finish and prevent rust, especially in humid environments. This care routine is part of the satisfying ownership experience of a blued firearm.
• Heft and Balance: The steel construction contributes to the Blackhawk's solid weight, which aids in recoil absorption and provides a stable shooting platform, enhancing accuracy and shooter comfort.

The choice of blued alloy steel not only ensures the Blackhawk's ability to withstand the rigors of extensive use but also imbues it with an undeniable classic charm that resonates with firearm enthusiasts.

Precision and Control: Barrel Length, Cylinder Capacity, and Ergonomics

The Ruger Blackhawk 0465 is designed with features that optimize both accuracy and handling, making it a joy to shoot and remarkably effective in its intended roles.

5.50-inch Barrel:

• Optimal Balance: The 5.50-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance between sight radius for accuracy and maneuverability. It's long enough to take full advantage of the .45 Colt cartridge's ballistic potential, contributing to higher velocities and improved accuracy compared to shorter barrels.
• Handling: This barrel length provides a comfortable swing and pointability, making it well-suited for both slow, deliberate target acquisition and more dynamic shooting scenarios such as those found in cowboy action shooting.
• Versatility: The 5.5-inch barrel is considered a versatile length, suitable for general range use, hunting, and even as a trail gun.

6-Round Cylinder Capacity:

• Standard and Reliable: The 6-round capacity is standard for single-action revolvers of this type, offering a practical balance between ammunition availability and the classic design.
• Simple Loading/Unloading: The Blackhawk features a classic loading gate mechanism, requiring the user to load and unload one cartridge at a time. While slower than modern semi-automatics, this process is part of the meditative and deliberate experience of shooting a single-action revolver.

Checkered Black Hard Rubber Grip:

• Secure Hold: The checkered texture on the hard rubber grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even with sweaty hands or during rapid firing sequences. This positive grip aids in controlling recoil and maintaining consistent aim.
• Durability: Hard rubber is a robust material that withstands harsh conditions and resists wear and tear, ensuring the grip maintains its integrity over years of use.
• Classic Aesthetic: The black hard rubber grip is a traditional feature often seen on revolvers, perfectly complementing the blued finish and contributing to the Blackhawk's timeless appearance. It's designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes comfortably.

Achieving Accuracy: Ramp Front and Adjustable Rear Sights

Precision is paramount for any serious shooter, and the Ruger Blackhawk 0465 is equipped with a sighting system designed for accuracy and adaptability.

Ramp Front Sight:

• Clear Sight Picture: The ramped design of the front sight allows for quick and clean acquisition of the target. It's robust and unlikely to snag, making the revolver suitable for field use.
• Durability: Being a fixed component, the ramp front sight is incredibly durable and resistant to damage, ensuring consistent performance.

Adjustable Rear Sight:

• Precision Targeting: The adjustable rear sight is a key feature that elevates the Blackhawk beyond many fixed-sight single-action revolvers. It allows the shooter to precisely tune the point of impact for different ammunition types, shooting distances, and individual preferences. This is crucial for competitive shooting, hunting, and anyone who demands the utmost accuracy from their firearm.
• Windage and Elevation: Typically, these sights can be adjusted for both windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down), giving the shooter full control over zeroing the firearm.

This combination of robust front sight and adjustable rear sight empowers the shooter to achieve consistent accuracy, whether plinking at the range or making a precise shot in the field.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ruger New Model Blackhawk

The Ruger Blackhawk series revolutionized the single-action revolver market when it was introduced in 1955. Prior to its arrival, classic single-action revolvers were scarce and often expensive. Bill Ruger's vision was to create a modern, strong, and affordable single-action revolver that paid homage to the designs of the Old West while incorporating contemporary safety features and manufacturing techniques. The "New Model" designation, introduced in 1973, brought significant safety enhancements, most notably a transfer bar safety mechanism that allows the revolver to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded, a departure from the traditional "load five, carry one empty" method of older designs.

Why the Blackhawk Stands Out:

• Unmatched Durability: Ruger's over-engineered design makes the Blackhawk one of the strongest single-action revolvers ever produced, capable of safely handling powerful loads that might damage lesser firearms (always consult load data specific to Ruger Blackhawks).
• Modern Safety: The New Model Blackhawk's transfer bar mechanism is a critical safety upgrade, making it safer to handle and carry than many older single-action designs.
• Versatile Platform: Its robust design allows for chambering in a wide array of calibers, and its inherent accuracy makes it adaptable to various shooting disciplines.
• Iconic Status: The Blackhawk has earned its place as an American firearm icon, revered for its blend of classic aesthetics and modern reliability.

Who Should Consider the Ruger Blackhawk 0465?

The Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt (LC) is an excellent choice for a diverse group of firearm enthusiasts and users:

• Hunters: The powerful .45 Colt cartridge, combined with the Blackhawk's accuracy and ruggedness, makes it a capable handgun for hunting medium-sized game like deer, wild pigs, or even larger varmints at appropriate ranges.
• Target Shooters & Plinkers: Its adjustable sights and comfortable grip facilitate precise shooting, making it highly enjoyable for recreational target practice and honing marksmanship skills.
• Cowboy Action Shooters: The Blackhawk's classic single-action design and historical caliber make it a natural fit for the authenticity and challenge of cowboy action shooting competitions. Its robust build ensures it can withstand the high round counts typical of these events.
• Firearm Collectors: The Model 0465 represents a quintessential American revolver. Its timeless design, quality construction, and historical ties make it a valuable addition to any firearm collection.
• Recreational Shooters: For anyone who appreciates the satisfying mechanics of a single-action revolver and the nostalgic experience of shooting a classic caliber, the Blackhawk offers unparalleled enjoyment at the range.
• Those Seeking a Reliable Field Gun: Its no-nonsense design and steel construction make it highly durable and dependable for use in demanding outdoor environments.

Maintaining Your Ruger Blackhawk: Care for a Lasting Legacy

To ensure your Ruger Blackhawk 0465 maintains its performance and classic blued finish for generations, proper maintenance is crucial.

Essential Maintenance Tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After every shooting session, clean the barrel, cylinder chambers, and action to remove powder residue and fouling. Use appropriate bore cleaner, brushes, and patches.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of quality gun oil to all moving parts and pivot points to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
• Protecting the Blued Finish: The blued finish, while beautiful, is susceptible to rust if exposed to moisture or corrosive elements. After cleaning, wipe down all blued surfaces with an oily cloth (using a silicone-impregnated cloth is excellent for this). Store the revolver in a dry environment, ideally in a gun safe with a dehumidifier. Avoid storing in gun rugs or cases for extended periods in humid climates, as they can trap moisture.
• Safe Handling and Storage: Always follow all firearm safety rules. Store the revolver unloaded, securely, and out of reach of unauthorized individuals.

By adhering to these simple maintenance practices, your Ruger Blackhawk will not only perform flawlessly but also retain its aesthetic appeal for years to come.

The Ruger Blackhawk: An Investment in Quality and Experience

Owning a Ruger New Model Blackhawk 0465 in .45 Colt is more than just acquiring a firearm; it's an investment in a piece of American heritage and a testament to robust engineering. It delivers a shooting experience that blends nostalgia with modern reliability. Its ability to serve multiple roles—from a precise target pistol to a capable hunting sidearm—makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any gun owner's collection.

When considering a single-action revolver that offers power, accuracy, durability, and a classic look, the Ruger Blackhawk continually emerges as a top recommendation. Its long-standing reputation for strength and consistent performance, coupled with the legendary .45 Colt cartridge, makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of the Old West with the assurance of modern manufacturing quality. For those ready to add this distinguished firearm to their collection, the Ruger New Model Blackhawk Model 0465 is available at reputable dealers like DEGuns, offering a seamless path to acquiring this iconic revolver.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Caliber	.45 Colt (LC)	Powerful, versatile, historically significant
Construction	Blued Alloy Steel	Unyielding durability, classic aesthetic
Barrel Length	5.50 inches	Excellent balance, enhanced accuracy
Capacity	6-round Cylinder	Standard, reliable, traditional
Grip	Checkered Black Hard Rubber	Secure hold, comfortable, durable
Sights	Ramp Front / Adjustable Rear	Precision targeting, adaptable
Model Number	0465	Specific configuration
UPC	736676004650	Product Identification Code