|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 7, 2022 4:59:44 GMT -5
Appreciate the testimony David. I wish I could find someone around here that owned one. For now I’ll have to settle for my own 97 in 41 mag, which quickly became my favorite of all owned pistols. I’ve never adapted and bonded with a revolver like I have with this one. My only explanation is having small hands for a dude. Still, I get that a full strength 45 load has significant more recoil than a 41. Knowing me I’ll roll the dice… Randy, if we weren’t so fer apart, I’d be glad to let you pop some caps in my 45 M97. I have large hands, but have no issue with the M97 grip - nor the M83. I’m shooting 250xtp’s over 20.5 gr of 2400 in mine - snappy but manageable. I hope I’m never face with the decision, but my M97 45 colt will prolly be the last handgun to ever leave my safe - it’s a 5.5”. Thanks Kim. Good words there. And knowing a few of what you own from previous posts, that’s a strong endorsement for the 97/45. |
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 7, 2022 5:02:31 GMT -5
Randy, after you sent me the text about your 97. I sat in my stand contemplating your idea of a larger caliber 97. My feeling is the 41 is as large as I’d prefer, it’s simply a small framed gun. I wouldnt hesitate to punch an elk with a properly loaded 41 mag though, a good 250-265 cast I think would do a good job. A self imposed range of 100yds shouldn’t be an issue. Trapr Yeah its definitely smaller. Exactly why I think I love it so much. So easy to pack, lightweight, and fits my dainty hands. |
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 7, 2022 5:03:53 GMT -5
I've taken 4 elk with the Ruger 45, 3 of them were with the 325 gr LBT bullet, the same one I used on the Cape Buffalo in Africa. Never recovered one & only took one shot each time. The other elk was taken with the 260 gr Keith, a bullet I've used a great deal but only the one elk. Same result, complete penetration with the one shot. I've shot a model 97 45 a little bit but never owned one, didn't really suit me compared to the model 83, but some guys don't like red heads either. I've also taken 2 elk with the 41 magnum, also in a Ruger. I think it's more about the bullet & where you put it than it is about the caliber. Except that, like David mentions, if it doesn't fit you & it's rapping your knuckles it's going to get your attention. Comfort with recoil cannot be ignored! Dick I was hoping you’d see this post and respond. I knew you’d have good experience at least from the calibers perspective. Thank you. |
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 7, 2022 5:41:30 GMT -5
Randy. I posted a pic and info of an elk I took in December with a 7.5" barreled Ruger Bisley model in .45 Colt using a home cast 270 gr SAA clone on the HHI forum. Had a complete pass through. Dick Thompson, Sixshot, used a similar load in Africa last year to take several head of African critters. It'll work.... Hey Russ. Not sure how I missed that post over there but just found it. Outstanding kill with your 45 revolver. If you don’t mind me asking, how is that scope mounted on it? |
|
|
|
Post by 45MAN on Jan 7, 2022 7:39:39 GMT -5
I HAVE TAKEN 2 ELK WITH A 45 COLT CARTRIDGE, 1 WITH A 300gr XTP LOADED TO 454 LEVELS IN A MODEL 83, AND ANOTHER USING A 5.5" LINEBAUGH REDHAWK 45 CONVERSION, USING A 300 OR 325 WFN (DON'T REMEMBER) LOADED UP TO THE 1,300fps RANGE. THE LATTER WAS A COMPLETE PASS THRU, THE ELK TOOK A STEP AND FELL OVER.
YOU CAN PUSH A 45 COLT A LOT MORE OUT OF A MODEL 83, BUT LOOKING AT SOME OF THE POSTS, LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN DO ENUFF WITH A 97 TO GET THE JOB DONE IN 45 COLT.
|
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 7, 2022 8:03:41 GMT -5
Appreciate all the responses.
There is one other option I’ve been considering. And that’s buying a standard new model Blackhawk Bisley in 45 colt. This platform also feels very comfortable in my hands, gets me a 45 colt that I currently don’t have, is cheaper leaving budget money for gunsmith work, and can use virtually any bullet desired.
It’s not as small or as light as my 97, but it’s also lighter than my Blackhawk HUNTER model, and most definitely lighter than my 2 BFRs.
|
|
|
|
Post by reflex264 on Jan 7, 2022 9:18:15 GMT -5
Appreciate all the responses. There is one other option I’ve been considering. And that’s buying a standard new model Blackhawk Bisley in 45 colt. This platform also feels very comfortable in my hands, gets me a 45 colt that I currently don’t have, is cheaper leaving budget money for gunsmith work, and can use virtually any bullet desired. It’s not as small or as light as my 97, but it’s also lighter than my Blackhawk HUNTER model, and most definitely lighter than my 2 BFRs. All noteworthy points. I put a Ronnie Wells grip frame on a Blackhawk and it is easily the most comfortable elk powered revolver I have shot. The cool thing is he has designs that will work with nearly anyone's hands. For the price of a 97 you could get a Blackhawk and a Ronnie Wells grip frame that fits you like a glove and have some money left over. You can call Ronnie and explain your hand size and I am sure he can help you get one that fits you like a glove. Not knocking the 97 at all. Now if it were me I would use that .41 on elk and not bat an eye, but you should never do away with a reason to buy another gun. |
|
|
|
Post by contender on Jan 7, 2022 9:46:11 GMT -5
"There is one other option I’ve been considering. And that’s buying a standard new model Blackhawk Bisley in 45 colt. This platform also feels very comfortable in my hands, gets me a 45 colt that I currently don’t have, is cheaper leaving budget money for gunsmith work, and can use virtually any bullet desired."
Now there's an idea.
I have a Ruger 5-1/2" Williams special Bisley that's a sweet package. A little tinkering & all may give you a gun you'll enjoy quite a bit. A very handy package. I also have a 7-1/2" OM Ruger in 45 Colt,, that I put a Bisley g/f under. Mighty nice as well. The 5-1/2" packs easier,, but the 7-1/2" gives me a bit more sight radius,, and balance at longer distances.
Decisions, decisions.
|
|
jfo4
.30 Stingray
Posts: 343
|
Post by jfo4 on Jan 7, 2022 10:37:30 GMT -5
300 grain Sierra fits the 97 cylinder. I've found Brian Pierce's article in handloader mag. very helpful in loading hunting ammo for the .45 97.
~Jason
|
|
|
|
Post by sheriff on Jan 7, 2022 11:18:41 GMT -5
randy, that's an Ultradot 1" tube mounted on an old Lyman no=drill Ruger mount.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbrowndog on Jan 7, 2022 11:24:45 GMT -5
Appreciate all the responses. There is one other option I’ve been considering. And that’s buying a standard new model Blackhawk Bisley in 45 colt. This platform also feels very comfortable in my hands, gets me a 45 colt that I currently don’t have, is cheaper leaving budget money for gunsmith work, and can use virtually any bullet desired. It’s not as small or as light as my 97, but it’s also lighter than my Blackhawk HUNTER model, and most definitely lighter than my 2 BFRs. I’ve got one you can play with for a bit if you want. 5.5” SS Bisley, 45LC, shoots 300XTP/AF pretty well. Trapr |
|
|
|
Post by potatojudge on Jan 7, 2022 14:12:34 GMT -5
I don't think you'll go wrong with a 97 or Blackhawk, but in general I prefer the 97 for optic options and the smaller size. They are incredible little guns for quality, strength, and accuracy. With a RW aluminum frame and aluminum ERH along with a short barrel, you can get a nice lightweight Ruger that'll hold an extra shot and have a little more versatility. This gun is and all steel 45 convertible, but 4 inches, DX white line front, Bowen outline rear and bird's head conversion by Gallagher makes for an excellent gun to carry and shoot. For 100 yard silhouettes and low light visibility these sights do better than other irons. If I was going the Ruger route in 45, it would be a lighter version of this configuration.  |
|
|
|
Post by reflex264 on Jan 7, 2022 15:15:58 GMT -5
You have probably seen this gun but it would fit the bill pretty well. This is a convertible. I have a 45 Colt cylinder and the cylinder that Clarks rechambered as a .460 Rowland. This is the Ronnie Wells Dealer frame. Using one of his modified Bisley frames it could fit your hand. Add some good sights and you would be set. This one has a Bowen target rear and I am going to get a front sight from Fermin soon.  |
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 8, 2022 5:52:44 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your responses.
|
|
|
|
Post by Big Bore on Jan 8, 2022 8:06:58 GMT -5
Hmmmm, soooo there was an unfired NM BH Bisley with 7.5” barrel in 45 colt on GB this morning. Produced in 2008.
|
|
