New Ruger 5-shot as a base gun???

[Odin]

I'm trying to sort some things out concerning a custom build that keeps tumbling around in my head and I keep coming back to using one of the new Ruger 5-shots as the base gun. And that just leads me to more questions. So here's a few:

What, if any are the practical advantages of having a custom built on one of the new Ruger 5-shot frames? Is the cost savings significant?

I know using one as a base would forego the need for the five-shot conversion, but then the cylinder window will still need to be enlarged and that might require a bit more than rubbing a rasp around.

Another question that keeps rattling around in my head is, what can one build, performance-wise without having a smith enlarge the window (and do I need a five-shot for that anyway)?

I certainly have more questions, but let's start there.

[seancass]

There's a similar conversation here that might have some thoughts relevant to you.

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/15968/shot-rugers-good-base-custom

[Alaskan454]

In reality the only cost savings to using the 5 shot would be if you kept the barrel and ejector it came with. Depending on the builder their ratchet geometry may be different and you're still paying for everything else. From a design perspective the big difference on the 5 shots is the cylinder, base pin, and pawl. Unless you want a .475 barrel on your custom or plan to repurpose some factory parts there really isn't a good reason to use one. If you wanted a round barrel .475 Linebaugh that might be a reason, or if you could find a home for the take off .480 cylinder in a smaller frame. But I don't know if that's feasible, haven't checked the dimensions.

[Odin]

Thanks, Sean. Seems you're a couple months ahead of me!

[Alaskan454]

Sean beat me to it! Good info there.