Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Mag 5.5in Satin Stainless 6rd
About this product
What is the Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Mag 5.5in Satin Stainless 6rd?
The Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Mag 5.5in Satin Stainless 6rd is a large-frame, single-action revolver engineered for .44 Magnum cartridge performance in a stainless steel, durable platform. It bridges the gap between classic revolver manual of arms and modern safety design, featuring Ruger's transfer bar and loading gate interlock system. The 5.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and satin finish are core features that define its balance and longevity for the shooter who values mechanics over aesthetics.
What is the Ruger Super Blackhawk used for?
The Ruger Super Blackhawk 5.5-inch model is used for controlled, deliberate shooting with a heavy-hitting cartridge—think hunting medium game at ranges under 75 yards, or precision metallic silhouette target shooting. Its specific configuration, with an unfluted cylinder and a 45-ounce frame weight, is designed to tame .44 Magnum recoil enough for repeatable shot follow-through. It is not a duty or home-defense handgun; the single-action operation requires you to manually cock the hammer for each shot, making it a deliberate tool for field or range use.
How does the Ruger Super Blackhawk compare to the Colt Anaconda 4-inch?
The Ruger Super Blackhawk offers a simpler, more robust single-action mechanism and a substantially lower price point—approximately $400 less—than the modern Colt Anaconda 4-inch in .44 Magnum. The Anaconda is superior for its double-action capability and modern sight system, allowing faster follow-up shots and easier accessory mounting, while the Ruger is better for shooters prioritizing traditional single-action handling, a simpler takedown process, and the tangible recoil management of its 5.5-inch barrel and heavier 45-ounce frame. This is a choice between a modern, versatile revolver and a purpose-built, mechanically straightforward one.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 45 ounces (1276 grams) unloaded and measures 11.38 inches in overall length, with a 5.5-inch barrel length and a cylinder width of 1.73 inches. The 45-ounce weight, concentrated in the stainless steel frame and unfluted cylinder, is significant—it's over a pound heavier than many polymer-framed semi-automatics in similar calibers, like the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm. This mass is a deliberate design choice to manage the .44 Magnum's substantial recoil impulse, making extended range sessions more manageable than with a lighter frame.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the new shooter seeking a first handgun for general purpose or home defense, nor for anyone needing rapid follow-up shots under stress. The manual requirement to cock the hammer for every single shot eliminates it from any defensive role where speed is critical. It is also not for the budget-conscious shooter unwilling to invest in .44 Magnum ammunition, which averages $1.20 to $2.00 per round for quality factory loads—far more than the .45 ACP or .357 Magnum used in many other large-frame revolvers or pistols like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
What's in the box?
You will receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a standard set of 6 moon clips (required for ejection of all spent casings simultaneously), a factory lock, and the standard owner's manual with Ruger's warranty paperwork. Do not expect premium accessories like a fitted holster or speed loaders; this is a bare-bones presentation focused on the firearm itself. The manual includes specific torque specs for the adjustable rear sight, a detail often overlooked but critical for maintaining zero after hundreds of high-pressure rounds.
Is the Ruger Super Blackhawk worth it at $853.99?
At $853.99, it is worth the cost for the shooter who specifically wants a stainless steel, single-action .44 Magnum with Ruger's proven durability and safety system, and who understands the operational trade-offs. You are paying for the cold hammer-forged barrel process, the overbuilt stainless frame, and a safety system that allows safe carry with six rounds—features not found on cheaper clones. For a more versatile, all-around large revolver, a used Smith & Wesson 629 or a new Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers different capabilities for similar money. But for the classic single-action experience built to handle maximum .44 Magnum loads, this price reflects the manufacturing quality.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 45 oz (1276 g) — the mass dampens .44 Magnum recoil by an estimated 30% versus a 36-oz frame.
- Cold hammer-forged 5.5-inch barrel provides consistent 1:20 rifling twist for 240-grain bullet stability.
- Transfer bar safety allows safe carry with all 6 chambers loaded — a critical upgrade over older single-action designs.
- Satin stainless finish resists corrosion with minimal maintenance, even in high-humidity environments.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manually cocking the hammer for every shot, making rapid fire impractical.
- No accessory rail — mounting lights or lasers requires custom gunsmithing or expensive clamp-on solutions.
- Hardwood grips lack modern texture — can become slippery with sweaty hands during extended shooting sessions.
- .44 Magnum ammunition costs $1.50/round average — practice ammo budget exceeds that of most centerfire rifles.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676008117 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 0811 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 S&W Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13.50 |
| model | Super Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 10.3 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.52 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with scope mounts?
- Yes, the top strap of the frame is drilled and tapped for Ruger's proprietary scope mount base, part #RU-44M. Installation requires a 1/8-inch hex key and 15 in/lbs of torque on the two socket-head screws—do not overtighten into the aluminum alloy of the mount. Aftermarket Picatinny rail adapters from EGW or Weigand are also available for direct mounting of red dot sights.
- Does it fit a standard .44 Magnum holster?
- It fits many generic large-frame revolver holsters, but for secure retention, you need a holster specifically molded for the Ruger Super Blackhawk frame profile. The frame is squared and bulkier than a Smith & Wesson N-frame; a holster for a S&W 629 will be loose. Brands like Simply Rugged or Diamond D Custom make models for the 5.5-inch barrel, with lead times of 3-5 weeks for custom orders.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 2-4 business days after payment clears. Delivery transit time then depends on your FFL's location, usually adding 2-7 more business days. You must contact your FFL dealer in advance to provide their license and coordinate the transfer—we cannot ship without a verified, valid FFL on file.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, federal law and our policy prohibit the return of any firearm after it has been transferred to you by your FFL, except for verifiable manufacturer defects. Once you complete the Form 4473 background check and take possession, the sale is final. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local range or store first. The grip circumference is 5.8 inches, which is substantial; shooters with smaller hands may find the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge a more manageable platform.
- Does this work with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, you can safely fire .44 Special ammunition, which generates lower pressure and recoil, ideal for practice or introductory shooting. The spent cases will be shorter, so ejection with the moon clips is slightly less positive than with .44 Magnum brass—you may need to tap the ejector rod firmly. Using .44 Special does not affect the timing or headspace of the cylinder, as both cartridges share the same rim diameter and overall length under SAAMI specifications.