[changeling]

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.

 

[mcassill]

The aluminum frame and fluted cylinder would save some ounces.  However, a BH chambered for the rounds you mention would be strictly for masochists.  <!--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

 

[MikeG]

The aluminum frame does make the blackhawk quite a bit lighter.  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.  Both guns have the same barrel length.  With 300 grain and heavier bullets at 1100-1200fps, the BH is punishing to shoot and the Bisley is very controllable.  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).

 

[bullets bob]

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