|
Post by Pecos Pete on Nov 21, 2017 11:59:27 GMT -5
If it were me, I'd start with one of the new medium frame, flat top convertible Blackhawks, like models 5242 (blued) or 5243 (stainless). In 45 Colt, they're only 36 oz, one of the lightest of any of the current centerfire Ruger single actions, lighter even than the Birdshead Vaquero.
|
|
|
Post by smokingun on Nov 21, 2017 12:23:35 GMT -5
If it were me, I'd start with one of the new medium frame, flat top convertible Blackhawks, like models 5242 (blued) or 5243 (stainless). In 45 Colt, they're only 36 oz, one of the lightest of any of the current centerfire Ruger single actions, lighter even than the Birdshead Vaquero. Thanks Pete I was actually just looking at them on GB but I wasn't sure of the weight. Will the aluminum grip frame fit the new flattops?
|
|
|
Post by smokingun on Nov 21, 2017 13:24:47 GMT -5
Smokingun, my avatar started life as full size bird head gripped 45colt, 3.75” barrel, it became my favorite field gun and one of the inspirations for My 4” 500L, Bear Spray. The only modification I would consider for it now would be an alum. Grip frame to make it lighter, especially if you’re going to stick with 1000fps velocity threshold. Otherwise even with the steel bisley grip frame it’s not noticeable carrying all day on the hip, when a good holster is used. Trapr Wow! I just looked at it on your Bear Spray post. That is one fine revolver!
|
|
|
Post by Pecos Pete on Nov 21, 2017 13:28:43 GMT -5
Thanks Pete I was actually just looking at them on GB but I wasn't sure of the weight. Will the aluminum grip frame fit the new flattops? No, not directly as far as I know. The flattop (and new Vaquero) grip frame is a little narrower. It might be possible to make it fit with some simple milling operations and a little filing; I haven't looked into it myself. I never really cared for the aluminum grip frames as you can always see a difference in finish between it and the main frame.
|
|
lws
.30 Stingray
Spokane Valley, Washington
Posts: 229
|
Post by lws on Nov 21, 2017 18:24:26 GMT -5
The Aluminum frame will bolt right on, it will be a little bit wider than the cylinder frame. I have fitted a SBH and the birds head frames to a flattop. I can not say about the weight of a 45 as I have all 44s . These are actual weights not off the net. SBH S/S 44mag. 4.62 bl. -42.8 oz. FT 44 spl. 4.62 bl.- 40.6 Vaquero birds head 44mag. 3 3/4 bl. -39oz.
|
|
|
Post by tinkerpearce on Nov 22, 2017 10:10:20 GMT -5
My lightweight packin' pistol- a Pietta 1851 cartridge conversion in .45 Colt called 'The Outlaw.' It's a 31.5 ounce five-shooter. There are notches between the cylinders to rest the firing pin. This has a modified grip-frame in a shape between an 1849 and a Bisley that handles the recoil of .45 Colt nicely when launching a 200gr. RNFP bullet at 900fps. from its 3-1/2" barrel. It's my woods-walking gun, and if I happened across a Blacktail (in season, of course) I am quite confident that it would be up to the task. It's a different approach but it works for me! ![](https://i.imgur.com/a9zxgEn.jpg) ![](https://i.imgur.com/MhO56Ii.jpg)
|
|
|
Post by smokingun on Nov 22, 2017 10:54:12 GMT -5
The Aluminum frame will bolt right on, it will be a little bit wider than the cylinder frame. I have fitted a SBH and the birds head frames to a flattop. I can not say about the weight of a 45 as I have all 44s . These are actual weights not off the net. SBH S/S 44mag. 4.62 bl. -42.8 oz. FT 44 spl. 4.62 bl.- 40.6 Vaquero birds head 44mag. 3 3/4 bl. -39oz. Thank You! That's what I was looking for. My 45 om birdshead with gunfighter grips is 38.15 and SBH Talo 3.75 is 41.90.
|
|
|
Post by serialsolver on Nov 22, 2017 12:51:05 GMT -5
There are a couple of old threads here were this topic was discussed and before photobucket broke the internet there were pics. I have hacked up some ruger single actions looking for a light weight carry gun. My 45 Blackhawk with a 3.5/8 inch barrel and ejector assembly weighs 34 ozs. I have a old vaquero in 45 with a 3 inch barrel and no ejector assembly that weighs 32 ozs empty. Both have the alloy grip frame. If you use a new vaquero you might save an ounce or two by cutting the barrel to 2 inches with an alloy grip frame. Also I think the mainspring assembly on the new vaquero and smaller frame Blackhawk is different than the old vaquero and bigger frame Blackhawks. So if you put an alloy grip frame on the smaller frame gun the mainspring assembly from the bigger frame will need to be used. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
Post by Pecos Pete on Nov 22, 2017 20:30:07 GMT -5
It feels like sacrilege to say this here, but my favorite packing iron is a .44 Special Bulldog with 4" barrel and target sights. I tend to go on rather long hikes, and at 22 ounces, the Bulldog isn't a burden at all. Plus, if it were to fall out of my pack and hit a rock, I wouldn't be upset the way I would if one of my beloved single actions were to get damaged. ![Bulldog](http://cdinc.com/misc/Bulldog.jpg)
|
|
|
Post by dougader on Nov 22, 2017 23:53:54 GMT -5
The concept of the "lightweight packin pistol" has evolved in my moldy old head over the last 5 years. I was a long time advocate of the idea that a man could carry a moderate size steel pistol in a well designed belt and holster package all day no problem... Flash forward to retirement in 2012 and a new gig as a Range Safety Officer on a 12 lane indoor range with 9.5 hour days and 24,000-25,000 shooter a year. My "lightweight packin pistol" is a Glock 43 in a Crossbreed Minituck IWB holster. Yep, G43 here, only worn in a front pocket with a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster (without the extra "flat" that is held in place with velcro; that just adds thickness/bulk IMO). Sometimes, if I'm just walking out to get something out of the car or grab the mail it's a S&W 431PD Airweight in 32 H&R Mag.
|
|
|
Post by dougader on Nov 23, 2017 0:30:57 GMT -5
The other thing to consider is a good holster. Most OWB/Belt slide holsters are positioned so the muzzle of the gun digs into my hip bone as I walk. OTOH, I wore this customized 45 Colt Montado all day and it didn't bother me at all. Holster is a high ride Mernickle PS6. ![](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gXB4DFC/0/c25ea1c7/X2/i-gXB4DFC-X2.jpg) .
|
|
edk
.375 Atomic
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Posts: 1,133
|
Post by edk on Nov 23, 2017 7:47:43 GMT -5
If it were me, I'd start with one of the new medium frame, flat top convertible Blackhawks, like models 5242 (blued) or 5243 (stainless). In 45 Colt, they're only 36 oz, one of the lightest of any of the current centerfire Ruger single actions, lighter even than the Birdshead Vaquero. Is that weight correct? In the next few posts there is talk of fitting an aluminum grip frame to further lighten the revolver to what, 32-33 oz? Never heard of a 4-3/4" 45 Colt Ruger Blackhawk anywhere near this weight range.
|
|
|
Post by bula on Nov 23, 2017 9:04:52 GMT -5
We had a thread around here someplace where someone (Encore64 ?) took a NM BH of the shorter variety and listed the weights as he swapped out parts to aluminum. I've a 44spec NM BH Vaq Sheriif, one of the polished ones that fills this niche. An aluminum grip frame maybe in its future.
|
|
dennyl
.30 Stingray
Old guy
Posts: 157
|
Post by dennyl on Nov 23, 2017 17:58:11 GMT -5
Awesome Hell Boy building one packing pistol now
|
|
KRal
.375 Atomic
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Posts: 1,048
|
Post by KRal on Nov 23, 2017 21:42:26 GMT -5
...... And I have thought hard about a FA 97 but I've read reviews where people say you either love the grip frame or hate it and I don't know anyone in south MS who has one i could hold or try..... I know someone in North MS that would let you try one. I'm with JT; it's one of my favorite grip frames, right behind its big brothers.
|
|