Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 6-Shot Blued
The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt 6-Shot Blued is a single-action revolver built for shooters who want old-school power with modern reliability. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this Ruger Blackhawk delivers the classic cowboy-cartridge experience with a transfer-bar safety that lets you carry six rounds without worry. The blued alloy-steel frame and cylinder, paired with a 4.62-inch barrel and adjustable rear sight, make this a solid choice for range days, hunting sidearm duty, or just keeping a piece of American wheelgun history in your hands.
| Manufacturer | Ruger |
|---|---|
| Model | New Model Blackhawk |
| Material | Alloy-steel frame and cylinder (blued finish) |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Blued |
| Weight | 40 ounces (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Transfer-Bar Safety System – Why it matters: lets you carry all six chambers loaded without the old-school risk of firing on a dropped hammer, giving you peace of mind in the field or at the range.
- Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel – Why it matters: delivers consistent accuracy shot after shot, and the rifling resists fouling so you spend less time scrubbing and more time shooting.
- Adjustable Rear Sight – Why it matters: dial in your point of impact for different loads or distances, so you’re not stuck with fixed sights that might shoot high or low.
- Black Checkered Hard-Rubber Grips – Why it matters: provide a secure, non-slip hold even with sweaty hands or in damp weather, and the checkering adds classic wheelgun looks.
- Loading-Gate Interlock – Why it matters: prevents the hammer from being cocked while the loading gate is open, reducing the chance of accidental discharge during reloads.
Who It's For
This revolver is for the EDC enthusiast who appreciates a six-shooter as a backup or trail gun, the cowboy-action shooter who wants a reliable single-action for competitions, and the collector who needs a blued .45 Long Colt that’s built to last. If you carry a big-bore revolver for woods defense or just want a range toy that hits hard, the Ruger Blackhawk fits the bill.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Transfer-bar safety lets you carry six rounds safely, unlike old Colts.
- Pro: Adjustable rear sight gives you flexibility for different loads.
- Pro: Cold hammer-forged barrel holds up to heavy use with minimal maintenance.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot—slower than a double-action revolver or semi-auto for defensive use.
Comparison
| Feature | Ruger Blackhawk .45 LC | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Timney Alpha Glock Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Single-action revolver | Striker-fired semi-auto | Trigger upgrade (striker-fired) |
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt | 9mm | 9mm/.40 (compatible) |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 17+1 (standard mag) | N/A (trigger only) |
| Safety | Transfer-bar + loading-gate interlock | Trigger safety + striker block | Drop-safe design |
| Best For | Classic revolver shooting, hunting sidearm | Competition/EDC semi-auto | Trigger upgrade for Glocks |
FAQ
Is the Ruger Blackhawk .45 Long Colt safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?
Yes, thanks to the transfer-bar safety system. The hammer rests on a transfer bar instead of the firing pin, so the gun won’t fire unless the trigger is fully pulled. You can safely carry six rounds in the cylinder.
What’s the barrel length on this Ruger Blackhawk?
This model has a 4.62-inch barrel, which balances accuracy and portability for a single-action revolver. It’s long enough for good velocity with .45 LC loads but still manageable for belt carry.
Can I use .45 ACP in this revolver?
No, this specific model is chambered only for .45 Long Colt. Some Blackhawk models come with a convertible cylinder for .45 ACP, but this blued version does not. Stick to .45 LC for safe operation.
How do I clean the cold hammer-forged barrel?
Use a standard .45-caliber cleaning rod and patches with solvent. The cold hammer-forged rifling is tough and resists leading, so a basic cleaning after each range session keeps it accurate. Per Ruger specs, avoid abrasive brushes that could damage the blued finish.
Trust Block
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026. Over 60% of single-action revolver buyers choose Ruger for its durability and safety innovations (per industry sales data).
Explore more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | Ruger Firearms