Some of you guys who have seen my postings know that all my (big Bore) revolver experience is around a Ruger SBH with 7 1/2 inch barrel. I am intending to either build a (45 or 454 or 480) Ruger or buy a Freedom Arms, but at this point I am still asking questions.
Question: I noticed that my SBH weighs about 48 ounces and the BH's advertise a weight of about 38 ounces. Is this because of the aluminum frame on the BH , are there other factors I don't know about? What is the truth.

The aluminum frame and fluted cylinder would save some ounces. &nbsp;However, a BH chambered for the rounds you mention would be strictly for masochists. &nbsp;<!--emo&;)--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'><!--endemo-->
I would stick with either the SBH or Bisley frame, or do as I did and go double-action.
Good shooting
Mark

The aluminum frame does make the blackhawk quite a bit lighter. &nbsp;My two 45's, one a regular Blackhawk with aluminum grip frame and fluted cylinder, and the other a Bisley with steel gripframe and unfluted cylinder, are very different to shoot. &nbsp;Both guns have the same barrel length. &nbsp;With 300 grain and heavier bullets at 1100-1200fps, the BH is punishing to shoot and the Bisley is very controllable. &nbsp;A SBH with similar loads is close to the Bisley in felt recoil, at least to me.

Although the Bisley grip frame shape makes a difference also, to me it is not that much of a change from the SBH (once I learned to keep the SBH from smacking my knuckles, anyway).

If recoil is a problem, have the gun Magnaported. &nbsp;The SBK fells like a .357 after it is ported. &nbsp;Also you don't have to shoot the heavy loads all the time. &nbsp;I use 325 gr bullets with heavy charges but practice with cheaper 300 gr slugs and Unique powder. &nbsp;7.0 grains is about right and shoots close to the zero of the fast load.