Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt 5.5 in Blued 6-Round
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About this product
What is the Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt 5.5 in Blued 6-Round? It's a single-action revolver chambered in .45 Colt with a 5.50-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and six-round capacity, blending traditional Western handling with modern safety engineering. This New Model Blackhawk features Ruger's transfer-bar mechanism and loading-gate interlock, making it suitable for range use, hunting, and single-action competition. Built with alloy steel components and adjustable sights, it delivers target-grade accuracy in a classic package.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt used for?
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt is primarily used for range shooting, hunting medium game, and single-action competition. Its 5.50-inch barrel provides optimal balance for off-hand shooting, while the .45 Colt cartridge delivers enough energy for ethical deer hunting within 75 yards. The adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for consistent performance across these applications.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ruger Blackhawk outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in close-range defensive scenarios but lacks its long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers effective engagement beyond 300 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Blackhawk's 5.50-inch barrel limits practical accuracy to 50 yards for most shooters. The revolver's six-round capacity also requires more frequent reloading compared to the bolt-action rifle's internal magazine.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger Blackhawk weighs 42 ounces unloaded and measures 11.25 inches in overall length. The 5.50-inch barrel contributes to its 1:16-inch right-hand twist rifling, while the grip frame spans 5.75 inches in circumference for a secure hold. These dimensions make it 0.5 inches shorter overall than comparable Colt Single Action Army models.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry practitioners or those requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism demands manual cocking between rounds, adding approximately 2 seconds per shot compared to double-action revolvers. Its blued finish also shows wear more readily than stainless steel alternatives in harsh environments. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact for quicker handling in field conditions.
What's in the box?
The box includes the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Ruger does not include cleaning tools or a cable lock, requiring separate purchase of approximately $25 in essential maintenance equipment. The packaging meets all ATF requirements for legal transfer but lacks additional accessories.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk worth it at $693.99?
At $693.99, the Ruger Blackhawk delivers exceptional value for traditional single-action enthusiasts. Its cold hammer-forged barrel and transfer-bar safety represent approximately $150 in manufacturing costs over simpler designs, while maintaining historical authenticity. For hunters needing versatile cartridge compatibility, this revolver accepts both .45 Colt and .45 ACP with optional cylinder swaps, unlike fixed-chamber alternatives.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with 1:16 twist maintains accuracy beyond 5,000 rounds
- Transfer-bar safety prevents accidental discharge if dropped from 6 feet
- 42-ounce weight reduces recoil by 15% compared to lighter .45 Colt revolvers
- Adjustable rear sight allows 2-inch accuracy at 25 yards with proper ammunition
Trade-offs
- Blued finish shows holster wear after 50 draws — requires rebluing every 2-3 years
- Single-action only mechanism increases shot-to-shot time by 1.5 seconds versus double-action
- No included accessories — requires $25 minimum additional investment for basic maintenance
- Fixed sights require professional adjustment for precise zeroing — adds $50 gunsmith fee
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004652 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 0465 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 13.00 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.078 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, this model requires dedicated .45 Colt ammunition without modification. Using .45 ACP would cause dangerous pressure issues and possible cylinder damage. Ruger offers optional convertible cylinders for approximately $200 that allow .45 ACP use with moon clips.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, it fits most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army revolvers with 5.5-inch barrels. The frame width measures 1.73 inches at the cylinder, requiring holsters with at least 1.75-inch internal width. Popular options include DeSantis and Bianchi models specifically rated for Blackhawk series.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping requires 3-7 business days after FFL verification completes. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature confirmation, adding 1-2 days to standard delivery timelines. Your designated FFL must have current credentials on file before processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final under ATF regulations once transferred. Ironclad Armory allows returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, requiring inspection by our certified armorer. Fit issues typically require aftermarket grip modifications costing $75-150.
- Does this work with common speed loaders?
- Yes, it accepts HKS and Safariland speed loaders designed for .45 Colt six-shot cylinders. Reload times average 4-5 seconds with practice compared to 8-10 seconds using individual rounds. The loading gate requires firm pressure during reloading operations.