Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 7.5″ Blued 6-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Transfer-bar safety system prevents accidental discharge with hammer down - meets modern safety standards
- 7.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides consistent 2-3 MOA accuracy at 25 yards with factory ammunition
- 46-ounce weight balances .45 Long Colt recoil effectively - 8 ounces heavier than comparable Uberti models
- Adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for individual ammunition preferences
Trade-offs
- Single-action only operation limits defensive utility - requires 2-3 second cycle time between aimed shots
- Blued finish shows holster wear more readily than stainless steel versions - expect visible holster marks after 6 months
- No included accessories beyond documentation - requires separate purchase of cleaning kit and snap caps
- Hard rubber grips lack the custom fit of wood alternatives - aftermarket upgrade recommended for serious use
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 7.5″ Blued 6-Round is a modern single-action revolver that maintains traditional mechanical integrity while incorporating Ruger's patented safety systems. This 46-ounce blued steel revolver features a 7.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and six-round cylinder designed for consistent .45 Long Colt performance. As someone who's serviced everything from military sidearms to NFA-regulated firearms, I appreciate how Ruger bridges historical design with contemporary reliability.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk used for?
This Blackhawk serves primarily as a recreational and training revolver for shooters mastering single-action fundamentals. The 7.5-inch barrel provides a 16.5-inch sight radius that supports precision work at 25-50 yards, while the transfer-bar safety makes it suitable for new single-action shooters. I've found it particularly effective for cowboy action shooting practice and metallic silhouette work where .45 Long Colt's moderate recoil and ballistic profile excel.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Blackhawk differs fundamentally from the Stevens 334 Rifle in both operation and application. While the Stevens offers .308 Winchester rifle ballistics from a 20-inch barrel for hunting applications, the Blackhawk provides revolver portability with six rounds of .45 Long Colt. The Stevens is objectively better for deer hunting at 100+ yards, but the Blackhawk excels at close-quarters target work and traditional revolver disciplines.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This Blackhawk weighs 46 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 12.8 inches. The 7.5-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel that mitigates the .45 Long Colt's moderate recoil impulse. The cylinder measures 1.73 inches in diameter, keeping the revolver's profile manageable for holster carry despite its substantial barrel length.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for concealed carry or rapid defensive scenarios requiring double-action capability. The single-action mechanism demands manual cocking between shots, creating a 2-3 second cycle time between aimed fire. If you need a defensive handgun, consider a modern semi-automatic rather than this traditionally-paced single action.
What's in the box?
The Blackhawk ships with the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and Ruger's standard documentation package. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include snap caps or cleaning tools, so budget $25-40 for basic maintenance supplies. The hard rubber grips come pre-installed with no additional grip options included.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk worth it at $693.99?
At $693.99, this Blackhawk represents fair value for shooters committed to single-action revolver shooting. The cold hammer-forged barrel and transfer-bar safety justify the premium over entry-level single-actions, though budget-conscious shooters might prefer the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for similar recreational investment. For dedicated .45 Long Colt enthusiasts, the Ruger's build quality warrants the price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004553 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 00455 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 7.5000 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 13.00 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 4.4 |
| package width | 12.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 5.15 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, this Blackhawk is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt cartridges. Attempting to fire .45 ACP could cause dangerous pressure issues. Always verify cartridge compatibility using the stamped caliber marking on the barrel before loading.
- Does it fit standard Ruger Blackhawk holsters?
- Yes, the 7.5-inch barrel model fits holsters designed for Ruger Blackhawk with 7.5-inch barrels specifically. The frame dimensions match other New Model Blackhawks, but confirm barrel length compatibility with manufacturers like Galco or Simply Rugged before purchasing.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard FFL shipping to Montana takes 5-7 business days after compliance verification. Rural addresses may require 8-10 days depending on carrier schedules. Expedited shipping through UPS or FedEx reduces transit time to 2-3 business days for an additional $35-50.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are generally final after transfer, but grip compatibility can be addressed separately. The checkered hard rubber grips have a 5.25-inch circumference that suits medium to large hands. Smaller-handed shooters can install aftermarket grips from Hogue or Pachmayr for $40-75.
- Does this work with standard .45 Colt reloading dies?
- Yes, the Blackhawk's chamber dimensions accommodate standard .45 Long Colt reloading dies from RCBS, Lee, or Hornady. The 1:16-inch twist rate stabilizes bullets from 200-255 grains effectively. Always follow established reloading data from reputable sources like Hodgdon or Lyman.