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Post by Pecos Pete on Nov 24, 2017 14:51:27 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. 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. That's what Ruger claims, anyway. ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkConvertible/specSheets/5243.html |
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Post by Alaskan454 on Nov 24, 2017 17:00:05 GMT -5
Their spec sheet has been wrong for years. It's more like 39-40 oz depending on grip material and adjustable vs. fixed sights. Either way, still a great choice. For a lightweight SA these are currently my two favorites: Large frame 45 Colt with bisley hammer and aluminium grip frame. It currently wears a set of wood grips, but I don't have an updated picture at the moment. This weighs just over two pounds and is quite snappy with max loads. The sights are regulated for a 350gr bullet and full case of H110/W296. With that load you'll feel the trigger guard contact the front of your trigger finger every time under recoil. It's as light as I would go for something with a regular diet of heavy loads.  For something a little heavier but still packable, I really enjoy this 500 JRH that David Clements made for me. I can't recall the exact weight but it's pleasant to carry all day in an OWB pancake. With TrailBoss it's easy for all to shoot and you can load as much power as you want to handle with heavy bullets and slow powders.  |
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eskimo36
.375 Atomic
Oklahoma
Posts: 2,050
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Post by eskimo36 on Nov 24, 2017 17:14:30 GMT -5
Here’s my Reeder Backpacker. Steel grip and ERH. It weighs more than it could but it handles the heavy loads well. Thin serrated front blade. Scalloped recoil shield and loading gate. Button base pin. I haven’t got around to scrubbing the white paint out of the script. I bought it second hand.  |
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Post by bushog on Nov 24, 2017 18:39:21 GMT -5
I went back to the original question for some clarity here.....
I've spent years and a bunch of $$ trying to find/build the lightest SA I reasonably could.
Best I could do was a .41 Special built on an OM Single six with a 4" barrel.
In my humble opinion and buffoonery the best bang for the buck is an OM .44 special conversion on a mid-frame with a 4" barrel.
You won't find anything lighter that will shoot as big a bullet as fast.
Now we're back where all this custom conversion stuff started and still can't be improved upon.
Add a Clements bisley hammer or an OM Super spur and you've got the gun in the link of the initial post...
JMO...
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Post by Alaskan454 on Nov 24, 2017 19:18:49 GMT -5
Bushog is onto something here. I've also been trying hard to find that perfect balance and for me it's a 4" Colt SAA or Ruger midframe sized SA. In fact, my next project is going to be a lightweight USFA conversion. I do firmly believe that will be "the one". I'm sure I'll have more customs made and buy/sell/trade as time goes on, but that gun will always fit the bill for my needs.
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 544
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Post by Shakey on Nov 24, 2017 19:36:04 GMT -5
Just info for what it's worth….
All are .45 Colt with 4 5/8 barrels:
Stainless Blackhawk 40.9 oz.
Stainless flat-top 38.9 oz.
Blue Blackhawk 34.8 oz.
These were not weighed on an accurate scale and the decimals are pretty much guesses but, they should be camprable to one another.
Edited to add ....the stainless ones are all steel and the blued has an aluminum grip frame and ERH.
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lws
.30 Stingray
Spokane Valley, Washington
Posts: 229 
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Post by lws on Nov 24, 2017 21:57:21 GMT -5
Just info for what it's worth…. All are .45 Colt with 4 5/8 barrels: Stainless Blackhawk 40.9 oz. Stainless flat-top 38.9 oz. Blue Blackhawk 34.8 oz. These were not weighed on an accurate scale and the decimals are pretty much guesses but, they should be camprable to one another. "Blue Blackhawk 34.8 oz." Does this one have a aluminum grip frame & ER housing or steel ?
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 544
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Post by Shakey on Nov 24, 2017 22:03:42 GMT -5
It is aluminum, a 1976 "Liberty" model.
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mbogo
.30 Stingray
Posts: 150
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Post by mbogo on Nov 25, 2017 2:24:04 GMT -5
Just info for what it's worth…. All are .45 Colt with 4 5/8 barrels: Stainless Blackhawk 40.9 oz. Stainless flat-top 38.9 oz. Blue Blackhawk 34.8 oz. These were not weighed on an accurate scale and the decimals are pretty much guesses but, they should be camprable to one another. Edited to add ....the stainless ones are all steel and the blued has an aluminum grip frame and ERH. Using these numbers the midframe, with aluminum parts should go down to about 33 oz, less if the barrel is cut. I recall the new flattops have a small recess cut in the grip frame to allow the pawl to drop more for the "free spin" they feature. An easy couple of minutes with the cutter on a dremel from memory. It is outlined in this thread: www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=211360&sid=942a329ecda53ff7e25ae6df92e35f64&start=30 |
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Post by smokingun on Nov 25, 2017 10:36:06 GMT -5
Well thank y'all for the feedback but now thanks to Browndog and Eskimo I want a short bisley big bore to go with it.
Eskimo I do like that Backpacker I wish I could run across one of those it would have a new home.
Bushog and Alaskan I was thinking the same thing so I picked up a 3-screw 357 with 4 5/8 barrel yesterday.
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rWt
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,456
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Post by rWt on Nov 25, 2017 11:35:27 GMT -5
Here are some weights for you-for 45 Colt revolvers. Revolver Barrel Ounces Colt SAA 4.75" 36.5 Colt SAA 5.5" 37.75 Colt nf 4.75" 37 usfa saa 4.75" 37.25 usfa saa 7.5" 40.5 Usfa flattop 5.5" 39 ruger bisley 5.5" 45.5 ruger blkhwk ss 4.625" 43.5 ruger bis vaq 4.625" 43.5 ruger bis vaq 5.5" 44.75 ruger bis vaq 7.5" 46 ruger redhawk 7.5" 52.75 Colt anaconda 6" 50 S&W mtn gun 4" 38.25 S&W 5" tapered 40.25 Freedom arms 83 6" 50 Freedom Arms 97 5.5" 37.25 S&W 625-5 full 5" 43.75 underlug barrel And 3.75" ERH Assembly - 1.48 oz XR3-RED Grips (Eagle Gunfighter) - 1.94 oz BH Factory Grips - 2.29 oz XR3-RED Aluminum Grip Frame - 2.79 oz NM Vaquero BH Grip Frame - 7.05 oz Original Vaquero BH Grip Frame - 7.30 oz 6 Shot Factory 45 ACP Cylinder (Medium Frame) - 7.76 oz 6 Shot Factory 45 Colt Cylinder(Large Frame) - 9.03 oz 6 Shot Factory 44 Magnum Cylinder - 9.70 oz 5 Shot Factory 480 Ruger Cylinder - 10.44 oz I should weigh my S&W 25-5 with 4: barrel. I think it will weigh about 44 ounces with Hogue rubber grips. Good luck with it. www.gunbroker.com/item/719051866singleactions.proboards.com/thread/21310/ruger-3-screw-conversion |
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Post by 2 Dogs on Nov 25, 2017 12:14:09 GMT -5
Hey y'all first post here. Has anyone here built a shorty sheriff style lightweight blackhawk? I picked up a Talo SBH earlier this year thinking it would be perfect but it's a little heavier than I'm wanting. I would love to have one like this www.sixguns.com/BookOfThe44/bot44c20_files/image024.jpg but I can't find much info on the shorties. Smokingun, I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. As it happens, the owner/builder of those sixguns is a friend of mine. I wouldn't think it would hurt to reach out to him and see if he might part with one. Besides, it would be a good excuse for a visit. If you really want one, let me know and I will give Bob a shout and see what he says and get back to you. I am posting this picture for the benefit of all those mean sorts who claim I never smile!! Just so happens this photo was taken in August of 2015, so I did without for 8 months that year....  |
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Post by 2 Dogs on Nov 25, 2017 12:19:15 GMT -5
Actually, this has been a very interesting thread. I tote around a 329 PD and or a 3" LCRx Ruger 38 special on hot days at the Lease when it's really hot and I need to get some chores done.
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Post by lscg on Nov 25, 2017 12:50:15 GMT -5
stupid question but could you flute a Ruger SA barrel? not sure if there's enough meat on the barrel but if the flutes could be cut wide you could possibly make it look kind of like a reverse octagon barrel which might not look too bad.
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eskimo36
.375 Atomic
Oklahoma
Posts: 2,050
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Post by eskimo36 on Nov 25, 2017 13:05:08 GMT -5
Not sure about fluting but you can taper them a lot more than they are. Look at old S&W 45s. The barrels look like a 410 shotgun barrel.
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