The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt Revolver: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts and Shooters

For those seeking a firearm that perfectly blends classic Old West aesthetics with modern engineering and reliability, the Ruger Blackhawk chambered in .45 Colt stands as an iconic choice. This single-action revolver, identified by UPC 736676004454, is not merely a tool; it's a testament to timeless design and robust performance, making it a highly sought-after piece for target shooters, collectors, hunting enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the spirit of the American frontier.

Who Is This Revolver For? Unlocking Its Potential

Are you searching for the best .45 Colt revolver for target practice? Do you want a reliable single-action firearm for cowboy action shooting? Perhaps you're a seasoned collector looking for a durable and historically significant addition to your arsenal, or a newcomer to the world of revolvers seeking a safe, user-friendly, and accurate starting point. The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt is designed to meet a wide array of needs and preferences.

This handgun is ideal for:

• Target Shooting Enthusiasts: Its adjustable sights and cold hammer-forged barrel contribute to exceptional accuracy, making it perfect for honing your precision at the range.
• Cowboy Action Shooters: With its traditional western-style grip and single-action operation, it's a natural fit for competitive shooting events that replicate the Old West experience.
• Firearm Collectors: The Blackhawk's enduring design, robust construction, and historical lineage make it a valuable and admired piece for any collection.
• Hunters (Small to Medium Game): While primarily a pistol, the potent .45 Colt cartridge, combined with the revolver's accuracy, can make it a viable option for small to medium game hunting in appropriate conditions and with proper training.
• General Recreation and Plinking: Its comfortable handling and enjoyable shooting experience make it a fantastic choice for casual range sessions.
• Those Seeking a Reliable Self-Defense Option: Though single-action revolvers require more training for defense, the .45 Colt offers significant stopping power, and the Blackhawk's famed durability ensures reliability when it matters most.

Unpacking the Features: Precision, Power, and Pedigree

The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt, SKU 0445, is engineered with a meticulous attention to detail that directly translates to its superior performance and enduring appeal. Every component plays a crucial role in its functionality, accuracy, and overall shooting experience.

Caliber: The Legendary .45 Colt

Chambered in .45 Colt, often referred to as .45 Long Colt or .45 LC, this revolver taps into a rich vein of American firearms history. Developed in 1872, the .45 Colt cartridge quickly earned its reputation as a powerful and effective round, becoming synonymous with frontier justice and the cowboy era.

• Why is .45 Colt popular? It offers a substantial projectile weight and diameter, delivering impressive energy transfer upon impact. Modern loadings can range from cowboy-action-friendly light loads to powerful hunting loads, showcasing the cartridge's versatility. This versatility means you can tailor your ammunition choice precisely to your activity, whether it's low-recoil plinking or more potent field use.

Barrel Length: Optimal Balance and Velocity

With a 4.62-inch barrel length, the Ruger Blackhawk strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.

• Benefits of this barrel length: It's long enough to allow the .45 Colt cartridge to achieve good velocity and energy while maintaining a compact enough profile for comfortable handling, holster carry, and quicker target acquisition compared to longer barrel variants. This length also contributes to the firearm's overall aesthetic balance, mimicking classic revolver proportions.

Sighting System: Precision for Every Shot

The Blackhawk features a Ramp front sight paired with an Adjustable rear sight. This combination is a significant advantage for target shooters and hunters.

• Why adjustable sights matter: Unlike fixed sights, which limit you to a specific point of aim for a given distance and ammunition type, adjustable sights allow you to fine-tune the point of impact. This means you can sight in your revolver precisely for different bullet weights, powder charges, or shooting distances, maximizing your accuracy potential. For competitive shooters or hunters, this adjustability is invaluable. The ramp front sight provides a clear, crisp sight picture that's easy to acquire.

Grips: Timeless Comfort and Control

The Black Checkered Hard Rubber grips are more than just an aesthetic choice; they are a cornerstone of the Blackhawk's legendary ergonomics.

• The "Traditional western-style hand-filling grip": This design has been acknowledged for generations as one of the most comfortable and natural-pointing grip styles available. It fills the palm perfectly, distributing recoil effectively and promoting a consistent, secure hold. The checkered texture enhances grip security, even in adverse conditions or with sweaty hands, giving you superior control over the revolver.

Material and Finish: Built to Last

Crafted from Alloy Steel with a beautiful Blued finish, the Blackhawk is built for durability and classic appeal.

• Alloy Steel: Known for its strength and resilience, alloy steel ensures the Blackhawk can withstand the pressures of repeated firing and provide a lifetime of reliable service. This material choice is fundamental to Ruger's reputation for building robust and long-lasting firearms.
• Blued Finish: This traditional firearm finish not only gives the revolver its distinctive deep, lustrous black appearance but also provides a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. The blued finish requires proper care and maintenance (e.g., regular cleaning and oiling) to preserve its beauty and protective qualities, which is a common practice among dedicated firearm owners.

Capacity and Twist Rate: Performance Fundamentals

The revolver boasts a 6-round capacity, standard for single-action revolvers of this type, and features a 1:16 RH (Right Hand) Twist rate with 6 grooves.

• 6-Round Capacity: This is the classic capacity for single-action revolvers, reflecting its historical design and operational simplicity.
• 1:16 RH Twist Rate: The rifling twist rate is crucial for stabilizing the bullet as it travels down the barrel. A 1:16 right-hand twist means the bullet will complete one full rotation for every 16 inches it travels. This specific twist rate is well-suited for stabilizing the common bullet weights and types used in .45 Colt, contributing directly to the revolver's excellent accuracy. The 6 grooves ensure precise engagement with the bullet, imparting the necessary spin for a stable flight path.

Overall Dimensions and Weight: Balanced Handling

With an Overall Length of 10.50 inches and a Weight of 39 ounces, the Ruger Blackhawk is substantial yet well-balanced.

• Weight Distribution: The 39-ounce weight provides a solid feel in hand, which helps absorb recoil and contributes to steady aiming. It's heavy enough to manage the potent .45 Colt cartridge effectively but not so heavy as to be cumbersome for extended shooting sessions or field carry. The overall length ensures a natural point of aim and a comfortable reach to the hammer and trigger.

Advanced Engineering for Superior Performance and Safety

Beyond the primary specifications, the Ruger Blackhawk integrates advanced design principles that set it apart.

Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The Apex of Accuracy

One of the most significant engineering features is the cold hammer-forged barrel.

• What is cold hammer-forging? This manufacturing process involves hammering a blank barrel over a mandrel (a hardened rod) to form the rifling. This method compresses the steel, making it incredibly dense and uniform.
• Benefits:
  • Ultra-precise rifling: This results in consistent lands and grooves, essential for exceptional accuracy.
  • Enhanced longevity: The compressed steel is more durable and resistant to wear, extending the barrel's lifespan.
  • Easy cleaning: The smooth, uniform surface of the rifling makes the barrel remarkably easy to clean, reducing the effort and time required for maintenance. This technology directly contributes to the Blackhawk's reputation for outstanding out-of-the-box accuracy and enduring performance.

Patented Transfer Bar Mechanism: Unparalleled Security

Safety is paramount, especially with single-action revolvers. The Ruger Blackhawk incorporates a patented transfer bar mechanism and loading gate interlock.

• How does it work? In a traditional single-action revolver, the hammer can directly contact the firing pin, potentially leading to an accidental discharge if the hammer is struck while a live round is under it. The transfer bar safety system addresses this by preventing the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. When the trigger is pulled, a "transfer bar" rises into position, bridging the gap between the hammer and the firing pin. Only then can the hammer's energy be transferred to the firing pin to ignite the primer. When the trigger is released, the transfer bar drops, creating a physical barrier.
• "Unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge": This design allows the revolver to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded, unlike older single-action designs which often required carrying with an empty chamber under the hammer. This innovation makes the Ruger Blackhawk one of the safest single-action revolvers available, instilling confidence in its users.
• Loading Gate Interlock: This additional feature ensures that the hammer cannot be cocked when the loading gate is open, further enhancing safety during loading and unloading procedures.

Real-World Applications and Why the Blackhawk Excels

• For the Target Shooter: If your goal is to consistently group shots at the range, the adjustable sights, cold hammer-forged barrel, and comfortable grip of the Blackhawk provide the foundation for achieving remarkable precision. You can experiment with various .45 Colt loads and sight in your revolver for optimal performance, truly tailoring the shooting experience to your preferences.
• For the Cowboy Action Shooter: The Ruger Blackhawk is a staple in the world of Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS). Its robust build, traditional aesthetic, and reliable single-action mechanism make it perfectly suited for the fast-paced, historically themed competitions. The comfortable grip allows for quick and repeatable draws and aiming, while the transfer bar safety provides peace of mind when moving between stages. This revolver embodies the spirit of the Old West while offering modern safety features.
• For the Collector: Owning a Ruger Blackhawk, especially in a classic configuration like the .45 Colt with a blued finish, is owning a piece of contemporary American firearm history. Its reputation for durability and performance makes it a prized possession, maintaining its value and appeal over time. It’s a workhorse that can also be a showpiece.
• For General Use and Recreation: Whether you're plinking cans, enjoying an afternoon at the range with friends, or simply appreciating a finely crafted firearm, the Blackhawk offers an incredibly satisfying shooting experience. The felt recoil of the .45 Colt, while stout, is manageable due to the revolver's weight and ergonomic grip, making it enjoyable for extended sessions.

Caring for Your Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt Revolver

Maintaining your blued Blackhawk is straightforward and essential for preserving its beauty and functionality.

• Cleaning: After each shooting session, thoroughly clean the bore, cylinder chambers, and action using appropriate gun cleaning solvents and brushes. This removes powder residue, lead, and copper fouling that can degrade accuracy and potentially cause corrosion.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of high-quality gun oil to all moving parts and external metal surfaces, especially the blued finish, to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Storage: Store your revolver in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in a padded case or a gun safe, away from moisture. Avoid storing it in materials that can trap moisture, such as some soft gun cases for extended periods. Regular care will ensure your Ruger Blackhawk remains a reliable and beautiful firearm for generations.

Why Choose the Ruger Blackhawk?

When considering a .45 Colt single-action revolver, the Ruger Blackhawk consistently rises to the top for several compelling reasons:

• Ruger's Legacy of Durability: Ruger firearms are renowned for their robust construction and ability to withstand heavy use. The Blackhawk embodies this reputation.
• Exceptional Accuracy: Thanks to the cold hammer-forged barrel and adjustable sights, achieving precision with this revolver is highly attainable.
• Enhanced Safety: The patented transfer bar mechanism provides a level of security against accidental discharge that sets it apart from many traditional single-action designs.
• Classic Aesthetics & Ergonomics: Its traditional Western-style grip and blued finish evoke the spirit of the frontier while offering truly comfortable and natural handling.
• Versatility: Capable for target shooting, competitive events, hunting (where appropriate), and recreational plinking.

The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt (UPC: 736676004454) is more than just a handgun; it's an investment in a piece of American ingenuity, offering unparalleled reliability, accuracy, and a connection to a storied past. For those ready to experience the legendary performance of this classic firearm, the Ruger Blackhawk is readily available at DEGuns.com. Explore its capabilities and find your perfect shooting companion today.

Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt Specifications

Feature	Description	UPC / SKU
Caliber	.45 Colt	UPC: 736676004454
Capacity	6 Rounds	SKU: 0445
Barrel Length	4.62 inches
Overall Length	10.50 inches
Weight	39 ounces
Material	Alloy Steel
Finish	Blued
Grips	Black Checkered Hard Rubber
Front Sight	Ramp
Rear Sight	Adjustable
Twist Rate	1:16 RH (Right-Hand)
Grooves	6