Ruger medium frame big bores, anyone have one?

[zac0419]

Since reading Taffin's words on "perfect packin' pistols" I can't seem to shake this theme from my head. I thought the FA97 in 45 Colt was exactly what I was looking for, then I found this and started thinking.

www.bowenclassicarms.com/news/articles/Mediums_WellDone.pdf

I want the ability to shoot heavy loads even though I don't shoot them often. I constantly search for a FA97 deal of a lifetime in 45 Colt. A five shot Ruger Medium should stand up to "Ruger Only" level also.

I know there are some stock 6 shot medium's out there in 44 sp and 45 Colt that can do most anything that needs doing, but I really like the fact that the 97's can take (I understand the OAL restrictions) "Ruger only" loads. Owning full sized 45's, I'm also not crazy about having guns of the same caliber that are held to different pressure restrictions. I like to limit variables in the loading department.

Anyone here have any of these 44 mag or 45 Colt 5 shot medium frames? Who did the work? anyone have a med frame 5 shot Ruger and a FA97? If so which do you prefer?

Pictures if you have em please.

[kings6]

If big bore means it starts with a 4 then I have a medium framed 41 Mag based on an old model 357 that John Gallagher converted. It is one of my favorite packing pistols and I have no fear of shooting "Ruger only" type loads in it.

[Ken O'Neill]

No Ruger mediums here, but my 5 shot 97 .45 convertible will handle "Ruger Only" loads , and quite accurately, with only a bit of knuckle busting. My knuckle usually preferes a couple grains less powder.

[CraigC]

Well, I really see no reason to build a mid-frame if you're gonna slap that heavy Bisley grip frame on it so for me, that means an XR3 (steel or aluminum) or PC Colt-style grip frame. With those grip frames, the most I want to have to handle is a standard weight bullet at 1200fps. Such as the famous .44Spl Keith load. Anything heavier and I want a Bisley and a mid-frame Bisley .44Spl is very close to the same weight as a large frame .44Mag.

But I still want a 4 5/8" mid-frame Bisley .44Spl.

[Lee Martin]

I know of a Talo 44 that'll be converted to a 5.5" 41 Magnum over the winter.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[AxeHandle]

Comparing the FA 97 to a medium frame Ruger? A better size match is the FA 97 and the Single Six.. I'll post some pictures tonight...

[AxeHandle]

Here you go... FA 97... Ruger Single Six.. (Custom 5 shot)

[njsbd]

Axe what cal. is the single six

[AxeHandle]

That is a Clements 38 Special..

[AxeHandle]

FWIW that FA 97 is a 41 Mag... Palm Size!

[groo]

Groo here
I have 2 Andy Horvath conversons -- 357 New Vaquero to 41 mag...
The only thing you need to think about is that the cylinder is short so factory length
ammo only...
Both are 6 shot and carry / shoot well...

[princeout]

Here's one Bowen built that is a big bore mid-frame:



It's a five shot .50 GI; kind of an overgrown .45 ACP. 300 grain bullet at around 800 fps tops and it is a lot of fun to shoot. Turnbull CCH is easy on the eyes, too!

Tim

[tek4260]

Still waiting to see the pics of the 480 New Vaquero......

[zac0419]

Great answers guys, axe thanks for the pic comparison. I figured the Ruger would be a little bulkier but I didn't think that much. I think this question will go from "which one do I get?" to "which one do I get next?"

I think a five hole, octagon barrel, deep blue w cch medium frame, Bisley 45 will end up on the list someday. Maybe I should order that, and play with a FA97 while I wait for it to be built.

Not sure I can get that one past the accountant.

[dmize]

[Not sure I can get that one past the accountant.]

[/quote]
But Honey,Snookums,Sweetiepie its for the kids later on... Usually works on my accountant if its at all feasable.