I'm thinking of getting one, however i need some input on whats good whats not pros cons, whats good for hot loads or not and on so.

My intenions-
Shooting competion/Defense/Hunting/Plinking

Price nor recoil isn't a corcern, Just a good reliable hardcore sixer. (if not 5 shot or more) it can be double or SA (Single actions are fun to shoot but double action applies to more conditions)

It HAS to be/have-
45. LC

S'about it.

Remember the only 3 things a guy can trust thats left in this world is his Dog, his Gun and top ramen :D (if a guy can't trust his gun..he's better off dead)

For loads on the levels of Buffalo Bore or the hot Cor-Bon, really limits your choice of Single Action revolvers to Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Bisley, Freedom Arms, and BFR, I think (not 100% sure). I'm not sure if the Freedom Arms or BFR would qualify for CAS type shoots. That leaves the Blackhawk or the Bisley.

The Ruger Redhawk (double action revolver) would work, except for CAS. It is plenty strong for the magnum type handloads and Buffalo Bore type factory loads.

Don't use the hot loads in the original Colt SAA's.

I don't know if you will find a gun stamped 45 Long Colt, or LC. I believe that is a designation that shooters have used to refer to the 45 Colt revolver cartridge to seperate it from the 45 Colt short and 45 ACP. The designation will be 45 Colt.

You could go the custom route and send a Ruger Blackhawk off to the likes of John Linebaugh, Hamilton Bowen, Gary Reeder, etc... to fine tune it to whatever your purposes might be. It ain't cheap, but they are very good at what they do.

Other members may have different advice for you.

Eh'heheh perhaps i should put 45 Colt, but i just like saying 45 Long colt, it gives it a more warm fuzzy feeling. Thanks though.

Ruger Vaquero also shoots 45 LC in the hot loads. Same as the Bisley, Just different grip.

I've got a Ruger Vaquero in .45 LC...no complaints. Fun to shoot!!!!

Go Ruger for hot loads. A Colt or replica can't take the constant pounding.

You need to define 'hot loads,' but regardless, stick to SAAMI spec for Colt SAA and replicas. The Ruger-level loads will literally take them apart in your hands.... no joke.

'Best' all-around .45 Colt revolver - I think you'd have a difficult time topping the Redhawk.

You need to define 'hot loads,' but regardless, stick to SAAMI spec for Colt SAA and replicas. The Ruger-level loads will literally take them apart in your hands.... no joke.

'Best' all-around .45 Colt revolver - I think you'd have a difficult time topping the Redhawk.


Mike G
Redhawk is a super gun....problem is....it is double action and wouldn't qualify for CAS or SASS....the gun must be single action, I believe.