Back to my cowgirl roots, the Ruger Blackhawk 45

[North Country Gal]

With all my shooting of 1911s and various semi-autos, of late, kept getting a nagging feeling that something was missing. Decided it was time to get back to my roots and do a little work with the single actions. My choice, this afternoon, was one of my favorites, a 4 5/8" barrel Ruger Blackhawk Convertible in 45 Colt/45 auto. (Grips are from Altamont.)


Now, on some single action convertible cartridge combos, you do take a hit in accuracy with one of the cartridges. Not on a 45 Colt/45 ACP combo, though. This Ruger Blackhawk loves both 45 Colt and 45 ACP. In fact, with the 45 ACP cylinder in the gun, it keeps right up with my best 1911s. Even better, it does it with cheap aluminum case 45 auto ammo. Makes my Blackhawk Convertible a very affordable gun to shoot.

First target, right out of the gate with 45 auto aluminum case Federal 230 grain hardball.


Really more interested in shooting 45 Colt, today, so quickly switched cylinders to the 45 Colt. Now, ordinarily, I reserve my 50 yard offhand work for my longer barreled guns. Love the handling of this short barreled Blackhawk and it does get carried as a woods gun, but it could use a bit more sighting radius for 50 yard work. Guess I was in the mood to shoot it at 50, anyway.

Ammo was AE 45 Colt 225 grain JSPs. Have to say, the gun surprised me. Was able to keep the majority of my shots in the 6" bull. No wall hanger, but it did bring a smile to this cowgirl's face. Just something about single actions that suits me.


Of course, I will need a suitable rifle as a companion to my 45 Blackhawk. Something tells me there will be a Henry 45 in my future.

[CT_Shooter]

Beautiful gun -- and your shooting? Well, you're NCG. The gun might have surprised you, but your off hand shooting is just great! Thanks for the gun review, the range report, and photos.

[RetiredSeabee]

Another beautiful gun and gorgeous targets.

[RanchRoper]

Impressive for 50 yds. Nice revolver too. I'm working up to 25 yds with mine. Is that 2 hands or 1?
If you're thinking about a rifle, the Big Boy in 45 Colt is a really sweet shooter. Lots of punch and very little recoil.

[PT7]

The person that created these splash targets did not have any idea how nice they looked when nearly destroyed by excellent shooters. Great shooting, NCG, and nice photos of those plastered splash targets.

And the best part of the range time is when they bring a to the shooter's face.....that's where it all comes together. So glad you enjoyed yourself when recapturing your roots!

[Deadwood Dutch]

Beautiful revolver, thanks for the report and the photos!

[DWD445]

Good shooting NCG, cool looking wheel gun !!

[North Country Gal]

Thanks folks. Glad you enjoyed it. Figured some single action reports would be a better fit for this forum than the semi-auto stuff I do. Will do more until I can get a Henry and contribute that way. Never ceases to amaze me, given all the modern high tech handguns we have, these days, how well the old plow handle single actions hold their own. True a timeless design.

My single action revolver shooting is usually two hands, cowboy action style, with my left hand thumb working the hammer. It allows me to shoot single actions with enough speed to be useful as self-defense or action shooting guns. Have a real problem reaching the high hammer on a Blackhawk with the thumb on my shooting hand when I shot one-handed, though, yes, I do shoot that way, too. For me, the big advantage of using two hands is not having to break my hold to work the hammer, less so for the sake of steadiness. That's a big plus for accuracy. Will post some one hand work another time.

[RanchRoper]

Thanks, I'd be interested in seeing some one handed targets. First time I ever shot a revolver was 2 months ago, and I have only 6 months of rifle shooting under my suspenders (I don't wear a belt). So I'll take all the help I can get.

[Sir Henry]

I'm always amazed at your skill level. I have glimpses of good shooting but somewhere about the forth or fifth shot I start to blow it. Did I count right at 25 rounds? I know you have a few 1911's and some DA's but I've always liked the looks of a SA. That Blackhawk just looks classy.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, I'd be interested in seeing some one handed targets. First time I ever shot a revolver was 2 months ago, and I have only 6 months of rifle shooting under my suspenders (I don't wear a belt). So I'll take all the help I can get.

Shot this one, last month, with one of my 1911s. (Sig Nickel Rail in 45 auto)


One-handed shooting is an important skill to acquire for many types of shooting with handgun, but when rules in target competition allow it or when it's doable for self-defense work, you're always ahead to use two hands. A two handed hold almost always essential for shooting big bore, hard recoiling heavy magnum handguns.

As for tips, good handgun shooting is really about good trigger work and technique. Don't know any serious pistol shooters who don't don dry fire practice, religiously, myself included. For sure, it's not the only thing you have to master, but without good trigger technique, good pistol shooting is a lost cause. Good place to start.

Another must is what we call front sight awareness. (This also applies to rifles.) It is impossible for the human eye to focus equally sharp on the rear sight, the front sight and the target. Most shooters like me focus the front sight clearly and settle for a fuzzier rear and target. When I say focus, though, I mean getting medieval about it, 110% plus, allowing nothing, not even your trigger pull or recoil to break you concentration. This takes an enormous amount of discipline and practice, but it is well worth the trouble to learn.

Also a ton of info on the net about the basics.

[North Country Gal]

I'm always amazed at your skill level. I have glimpses of good shooting but somewhere about the forth or fifth shot I start to blow it. Did I count right at 25 rounds? I know you have a few 1911's and some DA's but I've always liked the looks of a SA. That Blackhawk just looks classy.

Thanks, Gene. Yeah, a beautiful single action revolver is in a class of its own. Never get tired of shooting them or looking at them. Of course, I say the same thing about my 1911s.

[BigAl52]

I as well have a convertible in a bisley grip stainless but my barrel is 5.5. I had to send my cylinders off to a guy to get them reamed for it to shoot cast better but it now shoots very well. Im no where near NCG as she is impressive for sure. But I sure like the Ruger. I also have an FA in 454 and 45 colt that I like to play with. Al

[North Country Gal]

I would LOVE to have an FA, Al. Doesn't get any better.

[ditto1958]

Wow. Coincidentally, I picked up a box of 147 gr. 9mm ammo to shoot tomorrow in my .357/9mm Blackhawk convertible. The 9's seem to shoot well in it, especially the heavier bullets.

[North Country Gal]

Congrats on getting a Flat Top. Great gun. Be sure to work with the 357s in that gun, too. Mine is one of the most accurate 357s I've ever owned.

[ditto1958]

Congrats on getting a Flat Top. Great gun. Be sure to work with the 357s in that gun, too. Mine is one of the most accurate 357s I've ever owned.

I mostly shoot moderate .357 handloads in it, but 9mm is fun to "plink" with.

I have really been tempted by a 45 like yours.

[North Country Gal]

Overall, I think the Blackhawk 45 convertible is about as versatile as it gets. I ran a few rounds of heavy 45 Colt bear loads though it, yesterday, and, well, a few rounds was enough. Ouch! The power is there, though, if you need it.

[BigAl52]

NCG I consider myself very lucky to have obtained 3 FA revolvers. I sold off some other guns I didnt use and obtained a 475 the 454 45 colt and a 41 mag in an FA. I bought the 475 new and the others were used. I was able to wheel and deal on those models. I have not even shot to this day the 41. Its a 7.5 inch barrel and I would like to send it to FA and have the barrel shorted to the 4 5/8s length. If you were closer I would love to see what you could do with one. Al

[Sir Henry]

I'm always amazed at your skill level. I have glimpses of good shooting but somewhere about the forth or fifth shot I start to blow it. Did I count right at 25 rounds? I know you have a few 1911's and some DA's but I've always liked the looks of a SA. That Blackhawk just looks classy.

Thanks, Gene. Yeah, a beautiful single action revolver is in a class of its own. Never get tired of shooting them or looking at them. Of course, I say the same thing about my 1911s.

Joanie are you trying to get me addicted to single action revolvers? You know how easily I am persuaded. But after your last post I think I'll stick with .22LR.