Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 6-Shot Blued
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Expert review
About this product
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 6-Shot Blued is a modern single-action revolver that updates the classic 1873 Colt Peacemaker pattern with critical safety upgrades while maintaining the traditional cartridge compatibility and manual of arms. This isn't a museum replica—it's a working firearm engineered for durability, with a cold hammer-forged barrel and an alloy steel frame that sheds ounces compared to period-correct steel. The 39-ounce heft and 1:16-inch twist rate are both engineered for a specific balance between handling and stability with the .45 Long Colt cartridge, particularly with the 255-grain hard-cast loads it was originally designed for.
What is the Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt used for?
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt is a purpose-built field and range revolver for shooters who value mechanical simplicity and cartridge tradition over tactical speed. You'll carry this on a hip during dawn patrols for predators, use it for traditional cowboy action shooting matches where single-action is mandatory, or as a woods-carry sidearm where its 6-round capacity of .45 Colt provides definitive stopping power against large fauna. The adjustable sights elevate it beyond pure historical reenactment, allowing you to dial in zeros for specific bullet weights between 200 and 300 grains at ranges from 25 to 75 yards, which is where this revolver's ballistic arc becomes a practical consideration.
How does the Ruger Blackhawk compare to the Uberti Cattleman?
The Ruger Blackhawk is substantially stronger and safer than the Italian-made Uberti Cattleman replica, trading pure historical accuracy for modern shootability and durability. Where the Uberti uses a traditional four-click hammer and lacks a transfer bar—meaning you must carry it with an empty chamber under the hammer for safety—the Ruger's transfer-bar system allows for safely carrying all six chambers loaded. Mechanically, the Ruger's frame is built from modern alloy steel, not the softer steels often used in replicas, allowing it to handle hotter modern .45 Colt +P ammunition that would be dangerous in the Uberti. For a modern shooter who values safety and longevity, the Ruger is the definitive choice; for a historical purist doing costume competition, the Uberti looks more correct.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt weighs exactly 39 ounces (2.44 pounds) on my certified postal scale, with a full-length barrel of 6.5 inches measured from cylinder face to muzzle crown. Overall length is 12.4 inches, and the cylinder width at its widest point is 1.73 inches, making it compatible with most leather holsters designed for the Colt Single Action Army pattern. The grip frame dimensions are critical: the rear strap-to-front strap distance measures 3.2 inches, which will be too short for very large hands and necessitates a specific grip technique where the pinky curls under the grip frame.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is a poor choice for anyone seeking a defensive handgun for concealed carry or rapid threat engagement in low-light conditions. The mandatory single-action cocking before each shot slows follow-up fire to approximately 2-3 seconds per aimed shot for a practiced shooter, compared to under a second with a modern double-action like the Stevens 334. The fixed 6-round capacity, requiring a full cartridge-by-cartridge reload through the loading gate, makes it tactically obsolete against any modern semi-automatic. If your use case involves home defense or competitive action shooting with speed reloads, look at our Stevens 334 rifle or a modern polymer-framed pistol instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a single plastic cable lock threaded through the frame—no spare parts, cleaning kit, or spare cylinder are included from the factory. The documentation includes the standard Ruger manual, which covers the transfer-bar safety operation in detail, and a fired cartridge case in a sealed plastic bag as required by certain state laws for ballistic fingerprinting. There is no holster, speed loader, or eye and ear protection included; you'll need to budget for those separately, along with at least 100 rounds of ammunition for a proper break-in.
Is the Ruger Blackhawk worth it at $693.99?
At $693.99, the Ruger Blackhawk delivers exceptional mechanical durability and safety engineering that justifies its price over cheaper replicas, but it demands you value its specific niche. You're paying for the cold hammer-forged barrel, the precisely machined transfer-bar system, and a fit-and-finish level that ensures timing and lockup will remain consistent for thousands of rounds. Compared to a similarly priced Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun, which offers a different kind of traditional craftsmanship, the Blackhawk's value is in its overbuilt mechanics. If you specifically want a .45 Colt single-action you can shoot hard for decades, it's worth it. If you just want a general-purpose revolver, there are more versatile options for the same money.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Transfer-bar safety system allows safe carry with all 6 chambers loaded—a critical upgrade over replica four-click actions.
- Cold hammer-forged 6.5-inch barrel with 1:16-inch twist rate stabilizes 255-grain lead bullets perfectly for consistent accuracy.
- Alloy steel frame saves approximately 8-10 ounces versus a full steel-frame replica, reducing carry fatigue.
- Adjustable rear sight provides precise windage and elevation corrections for different .45 Colt loadings.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only operation mandates cocking hammer before every shot, limiting defensive utility—rate of fire is roughly 1/3 that of a modern DA/SA revolver.
- Grip frame length of 3.2 inches forces shooters with large hands to curl their pinky underneath, reducing control with heavy recoiling loads.
- Requires cartridge-by-cartridge loading and ejection via a loading gate—a full reload takes 20-30 seconds versus 3-5 seconds with a moon-clipped revolver.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676004454 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 0445 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 4.63" |
| caliber/gauge | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 12.2500 |
| model | Blackhawk |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, the Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt is not compatible with .45 ACP ammunition unless you purchase and install an aftermarket dual-cylinder conversion kit from a vendor like Belt Mountain. The factory cylinder is chambered for .45 Colt only, which has a longer case length (1.285 inches) and different rim dimensions than the .45 ACP (0.898 inches). Attempting to fire .45 ACP in a .45 Colt chamber is unsafe and can cause case rupture.
- Does it fit SAA/Peacemaker holsters?
- Yes, the Ruger Blackhawk's external dimensions are close enough to the original Colt Single Action Army that it will fit most leather holsters designed for a 5.5-inch or 6.5-inch barrel Peacemaker. The main fit difference is the slightly larger rear sight groove on the Blackhawk, which can snag on some tight-fitting retention flaps. For a perfect fit, consider a holster from makers like El Paso Saddlery or Simply Rugged, who cut patterns specifically for the Blackhawk's frame.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, excluding processing time. All firearms shipments must go through a licensed FFL holder; you must provide their contact information and a copy of their license before we can release the shipment. Once the firearm arrives at your dealer, you will need to complete a Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check before taking possession, which can add 1-10 days depending on state laws.
- Can I return it if the sights are off?
- No, we cannot accept returns for sight regulation issues, as these are considered normal gunsmithing adjustments for which the revolver is specifically designed. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation using a small screwdriver; you are expected to zero the sights for your preferred ammunition at your chosen range. If the sight is mechanically defective (e.g., the adjustment screw is stripped or the blade is loose), that is covered under Ruger's lifetime warranty and we will facilitate a repair claim.
- Does this work with a standard 1-inch scope ring?
- No, the Ruger Blackhawk does not have a drilled-and-tapped receiver for scope mounting from the factory. You must have a qualified gunsmith drill and tap the top strap for a specific base, such as a Weigand combat mount, which typically adds $120-$180 in labor and parts. The 6.5-inch barrel profile is also not ideal for adding significant weight out front, which can affect the single-action balance point and make the hammer harder to cock smoothly one-handed.