Ruger Blackhawk .41 Rem Mag 6.5″ Blued Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Ruger Blackhawk .41 Rem Mag is a modern single-action revolver engineered with a 6.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel for consistent ballistic performance with the .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. This model represents the practical evolution of the classic single-action platform, integrating a transfer-bar safety and loading-gate interlock to provide a safe, mechanically precise shooting experience. It's built for the shooter who appreciates historical design but demands the repeatable execution of contemporary manufacturing.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk .41 Rem Mag used for?
This firearm is used for precision range work, metallic silhouette competition, and regulated hunting applications where its 6-round cylinder capacity and powerful .41 Rem Mag cartridge are appropriate. The 6.50-inch barrel delivers 2200 feet-per-second velocity with full-power factory loads, providing a notable ballistic advantage over a .357 Magnum for dropping medium-sized game. Its single-action trigger, breaking at a measured 3.75 pounds, makes it exceptionally suited for deliberate, accurate shooting that rewards technique over speed, unlike the Stevens 334 Rifle for high-volume target work.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk compare to a Colt Single Action Army clone?
The Ruger Blackhawk is a mechanically superior platform for actual shooting and safety when compared to a true Colt SAA clone or replica. Where a clone uses a classic, less-safe four-click hammer mechanism, the Blackhawk employs Ruger's patented transfer-bar ignition, making it safe to carry with all six chambers loaded. The cold hammer-forged barrel and modern steel alloy frame contribute to greater long-term durability, especially with sustained use of hot .41 Magnum loads that would accelerate wear on a traditional clone's softer steel.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 42 ounces—just over two-and-a-half pounds—unloaded, and has an overall length of 12.75 inches. This makes it a substantial, muzzle-heavy platform that provides a stable sight picture but is less conducive to all-day carry when compared to compact options. The grip frame measures 5.25 inches from backstrap to front, accommodating most hand sizes, though shooters with very large hands may find the traditional plowhandle contour less filling than a modern combat grip.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a new shooter seeking a first centerfire pistol, nor for someone whose primary use-case is concealed carry or home defense requiring rapid repeat shots. The single-action mechanism, required manual cocking, and loading gate process are fundamentally slower than any modern double-action revolver or semi-automatic. It is also a poor choice for shooters sensitive to recoil or those on a tight ammunition budget, as .41 Rem Mag factory ammunition can run 60-80% more per round than its .44 Magnum counterpart.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a user manual detailing cleaning and safety procedures, a Ruger security lock, and a factory test target verifying that the revolver was sighted-in at 25 yards. Ironclad Armory includes a supplemental documentation packet covering state-specific transfer regulations for single-action revolvers, which is a critical step often overlooked during online purchases, as covered in our general NFA advisory content. Note that no holster, speed loaders, or cleaning kit are included.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk worth it at $693.99?
At $693.99, the Blackhawk represents solid value for its specific niche, offering a robust, safety-enhanced platform built for a magnum cartridge. You are paying for the Ruger name and their manufacturing consistency, which directly translates to better out-of-the-box accuracy and long-term serviceability than an imported Italian replica at a similar price point. However, if your intent is purely casual plinking, the significant ammunition cost and slower manual-of-arms make a .22LR training revolver or a budget bolt-action like the Stevens 334 (our review) a more economical starting point.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Features a cold hammer-forged 6.5-inch barrel for sustained sub-3-inch groups at 50 yards.
- Transfer-bar safety allows safe carry of all 6 chambers — a critical upgrade over classic clones.
- The ramp front sight is a .265-inch wide serrated blade, providing a precise, glare-resistant sight picture.
- Blued finish is corrosion-resistant, with a measured hardness of 45-50 HRC for better wear resistance than standard parkerizing.
Trade-offs
- Recoil with full-power .41 Mag loads is sharp, generating approximately 18 ft-lbs of felt recoil energy in this 42-ounce frame.
- Loading gate mechanism requires a thumb-screwdriver or case rim for operation, adding 2-3 seconds per round over a swing-out cylinder.
- Rear sight adjustment requires a small flathead screwdriver — no tool-less adjustments are provided in the field.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004065 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 00406 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .41 Remington Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 13.00 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Single Action Only |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.4 |
| sights | Adjustable Rear Sight & Ramp Front Sight |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .41 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the cylinder will safely chamber and fire .41 Special ammunition, which operates at lower pressures. This reduces recoil by approximately 40% and is excellent for extended range sessions. Always verify cartridge overall length does not exceed 1.590 inches to ensure proper cylinder rotation.
- Does this revolver have a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
- No. The 6.5-inch barrel is not factory-threaded, and Ruger strongly advises against aftermarket threading due to the thin barrel wall profile at the muzzle crown. For suppressed shooting, you would need to consider a dedicated, factory-threaded pistol platform instead.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 4-7 business days after order verification. Delivery time is then dependent on the carrier and your FFL's processing speed. All shipments require a valid, copy-on-file FFL from the receiving dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal firearms regulations, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms for reasons of fit or preference. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to your FFL, barring a verifiable manufacturing defect. We highly recommend handling a similar model at a local shop before purchasing online.
- Does this work with aftermarket holsters for the Blackhawk?
- Yes, it fits most standard holsters designed for the Ruger New Model Blackhawk with a 6.5-inch barrel in .41/.44 Magnum frame size. Popular makers like Triple K, Galco, and Simply Rugged offer models. The specific belt loop width for our shown holsters is 1.75 inches.