Big Bore Goldiloks

[BRASF0311]

So it seems like it took forever to decide what my next revolver was going to be. I liked this, or wanted that, but just couldn't nail down exactly what it would be. I wanted a big bore that I could take any North American game animal with, but I wanted to practice a lot with cheaper ammo too. The ammo had to be flexible enough to provide hard hitting performance and go low enough for an enjoyable afternoon of shooting a lot with it. I wanted the quality of the revolver to be high enough, but without breaking the bank. I wanted the barrel to be long enough for good velocity and sight radius, but without being to long. I wanted it to be heavy enough to help with the recoil, yet be light enough to carry all day long. I wanted to be able to customize it to fit my needs with COTS (common of the shelf) accessories and holsters, without having to go the custom route. 

I think I nailed it!

So here is my Big Bore Goldiloks,

Ruger Blackhawk Convertible 45 Colt / ACP
5 1/2" Barrel
Hogue Grips
Belt Mountain Base Pin
Crescent Ejector Rod
LPA Rear Sight (Just added)
Blaze Orange Painted Front Sight

[neb]

That is a fine revolver! I did the same thing years ago and it never let me down. I shot 335 grain at 1100 fps with that grip. It might not be pretty, but it dang sure works. Congrats on a no nonsense hunting gun that anyone would be proud to own.

[magnumwheelman]

when I was reading your requirements I was thinking 45 Colt

since I use 45 Colt for CAS, I have medium mild loads... also use the caliber in a 10" Contender at close to max levels... to me the 45 Colt is one of the most versatile cartridges out there

[timothy]

You can always pick up a pair of rosewood bantams later for bbq's and such. Very nice!

[bula]

There are no 45 bore things here, but I'll still say there is nothing wrong with the logic used above. 

[gunzo]

45 convertible BH's may not be the King of the Perfect Packin Pistol Club, but they are very, very close to the top IMO.

There was a time when you had to be a re-loader to take full advantage of the platform, but some of the new factory loads that are available these days seem to have solved that issue.

[BRASF0311]

Thanks guys.

The convertible will work out good for me, since I stocked up on 45 ACP and 45 Super for my 1911's. I also found the HSM 45 Colt Bear Loads at a local Cabelas for $45.00 per box of 50. I still plan to order some Grizzly 335gr 45 Colt soon as well.

I have some Big Bores that don't come out of the safe much because of the cost of ammo, so Goldiloks will see a lot of sunshine!

[needsmostuff]

Where are you getting these cool LPA sights from and do you have to "adjust" the front sight height?

[MackaySagebrush]

While I am primarily a .44 shooter, I have an affinity for the .45 Convertible BHs (with proper throats). I find them to be an exceptionally practical SA for guys who prefer single actions over DAs. I shoot far more ACP in mine, and have found that oddly enough standard 230 grain Blazer Ball aluminum cased ammo is exceptionally accurate.

I have a small frame stainless Flattop BH with AL grip frame, with custom grips (both both due to members here!) with Bisley hammer and it lives almost exclusively on a diet of ACP. My old USPSA 200 grain SWC/Clays load is an awesome and accurate plinking/small game/paper punching load, and the gun carries beautifully in my Milt Sparks rig that the guys at the shop did for me.

I also have an older full size one I bought years ago. It is an interesting gun, as it has a fair bit of cylinder end shake, yet shoots extremely well. I thought about tightening it up, but then thought how foolish it may be to mess with a gun that shoots so well. Being an older full size New Model, it will handle any load I have any desire to shoot, and then some.

While I really consider the .44 magnum my favorite revolver cartridge by far, I really think the .45 Colt/ACP convertibles, when matched with a .45 ACP semi auto have some truly undeniable practicality. Great guns and hard to go wrong.

OP,

I am willing to bet you will get years of great service from yours.

[sixshot]

Very nice set up you have there & the 45 is hard to beat. A quality trigger job, a narrow front sight & take a dremel tool to those Hogue grips & you will have a very good gun that will handle anything from plinking to elk, moose & bear. For me at least that top finger groove is terrible, others will disagree but if you take your dremel tool to it & remove all or most of that groove you will probably love it. Most of the guys I know remove all of the grooves, you can do it in just a few minutes.

Dick

[BRASF0311]

Jul 12, 2017 9:49:44 GMT -5 needsmostuff said:

Where are you getting these cool LPA sights from and do you have to "adjust" the front sight height?

Here you go Sir, the picture is wrong, but the model (BFR1019AS) is the correct one- 

www.magnumresearch.com/Sights/Magnum-Research-BFR-factory-Rear-Sight-BFR1019AS.asp

I'll find out tomorrow about the front sight. I couldn't wait till this weekend, so I took some time off of work. I also picked up another 300 rds of 45 ACP tonight.

[BRASF0311]

Jul 12, 2017 17:10:14 GMT -5 sixshot said:

Very nice set up you have there & the 45 is hard to beat. A quality trigger job, a narrow front sight & take a dremel tool to those Hogue grips & you will have a very good gun that will handle anything from plinking to elk, moose & bear. For me at least that top finger groove is terrible, others will disagree but if you take your dremel tool to it & remove all or most of that groove you will probably love it. Most of the guys I know remove all of the grooves, you can do it in just a few minutes.

Dick

That sounds interesting. I would like to see a picture of the finger grooves removed if you have one. 

[sixshot]

Photo bucket has me grounded! It's easy to do with a sanding drum on your dremel tool, I use a Foredom tool.

Dick

[BRASF0311]

***RANGE REPORT***

So I took the day off of work and got to spend some time with Goldiloks. I have to admit, I'm a 45 junkie now. This had to be one of the most fun times I've ever had shooting.

So here is the deal with the LPA rear sight,
1) Install it.
2) Center the windage.
3) Crank the elevation all the way down and bottom it out.
4) Have a nice day, and learn where to hold for the given ammo your using.

Case in point; after a couple hundred rounds of WWB 45 ACP, I tried the HSM 325gr Bear Load 45 Colt, and needed to lower the rear sight. After bottoming out the LPA, I took a few shots from each yardage, 7/15/25/40/50. POA is POI at 7 and 15, POA is 2" low at 25, and 4" low at 40. So using a 6 O'clock hold at longer distances is easy to do, and provides a better view of the target/animal as well. I then ran another couple hundred 45 ACP through it to verify the sights. At all distances and with all brands of 230gr ammo, POA is roughly POI. I was surprised with that. The only problems came from the junk Winchester White Box. Out of 200 rds, I had 10 split cases, causing hard ejection. No other ammo brand had any issues.

Final thoughts, Goldiloks is the "just right" big bore for me. With more practice I will be able to tighten the groups and be ready for this falls hunts.

The Range



25 Yards 45 ACP 230gr Ball Seated Position



40 Yards 45 ACP 230gr Ball Seated Position



50 Yards 45 Colt HSM 325gr Bear Load Benched

[Joe S.]

Good report. Thanks.