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Web Blast Extra: Lipsey’s .45 Convertible
Flat-Top Ruger Blackhawks
When it comes to firearms these are the best of times. No, scratch that, these are the best! of times. Yes, I definitely miss the old classics and we haven’t seen a new Three-Screw Ruger or Pinned and Recessed Smith & Wesson with Diamond grips for nearly 50 years. On the upside, where we once had relatively few choices when it came to a new firearm, we now have literally thousands of choices. And also on the upside, the fact that so many newer shooters want the newer guns means, in many cases, the old Classics found in used form at gunshops and gun shows often go for bargain prices.
We don’t have any of the old Classics, however thanks to the combination of Lipsey’s and Ruger we have the next best thing. When the Ruger .357 Blackhawk arrived in 1955 it had a flattopped frame, a three-screw action, and was basically the same size as a Colt Single Action. The Flat-Top disappeared in 1962, the three-screw action gave way to the two pin New Model action in 1972, and at the same time all Blackhawks were built on the larger .44 Magnum frame. Gone forever was that smaller, handier and easier to pack, original .357 Blackhawk. Well, almost.
In 2005, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Blackhawk, Ruger brought out a Flat-Top New Model downsized to match the original. As an extra-added bonus, Ruger brought back the original grip frame configuration, which had been lost in 1962. The original XR3 grip frame was an alloy, while the new version is all steel and both are basically the same size and shape as that found on a Colt Single Action. They didn’t even stop there, as the adjustable rear sight was a Micro once again. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say the 50th-year Blackhawk is even better than the original, as it was now all steel and could be safely carried with six rounds.
By John Taffin
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WEB BLAST EXTRA
Sixgunner: Lipsey’s .45 Convertible Rugers
Test-Fire: Lipsey’s Ruger Flat-Top New Model .45 Colt/.45ACP x 5-1/2” Blue .45 Colt Loads
| Bullet/Load | MV (fps) | 5 Shots/20 Yards (Inches) |
| Black Hills 250 RNFP | 750 | 1-3/8 |
| Federal 225 LSWCHP | 817 | 1-3/4 |
| Speer 250 Gold Dot HP | 839 | 1-1/2 |
| Winchester 225 SilverTip HP | 782 | 1-1/8 |
| Lachmiller 45-255LC/8.5 Unique | 939 | 1-3/4 |
| RCBS #45-255KT/8.0 gr. Unique | 922 | 1-1/8 |
| Hornady 255L/7.1 gr. WW231 | 748 | 7/8 |
| Oregon Trail 250 RNFP/8.0 gr. Unique | 833 | 1-3/4 |
| Oregon Trail 250 RNFP/7.1 gr. WW231 | 769 | 1-3/8 |
| Oregon Trail 250RNFP/18.5 gr. #4227 | 841 | 7/8 |
| Oregon Trail 250RNFP/6.2 gr. N-100 | 818 | 1-1/8 |
| Oregon Trail 255 SWC/6.2 gr. WW452AA | 796 | 1-3/4 |
| Speer 250 LSWC/7.8 gr. Unique | 759 | 1 |
.45 ACP Loads
| Load | MV (fps) | Shots/20 yards (Inches) |
| Black Hills 185 JHP | 1,001 | 1 |
| Black Hills 230 JHP | 825 | 3/4 |
| Black Hills 230 JHP +P | 939 | 1-1/8 |
| Black Hills 230 FMJ | 817 | 1-3/8 |
| Black Hills 230 RNL | 892 | 1-5/8 |
| Federal 185 JHP | 945 | 1-1/2 |
| Federal 230 FMJ | 788 | 1-1/4 |
| Federal 230 Premium H-S HP | 928 | 1-3/8 |
| Remington 185 JHP | 1,071 | 1 |
| Speer 200 FMJ | 864 | 1 |
| Speer 230 FMJ | 847 | 1-3/4 |
| Winchester 185 Super Match | 800 | 1 |
| Winchester 230 FMJ | 845 | 3/4 |
| Winchester 230 BEB | 905 | 1 |
| Oregon Trail 200SWC/5.0 gr. Bullseye | 863 | 1 |
| Oregon Trail 200 SWC/7.0 gr. Unique | 1,070 | 1 |
| H&G #68/7.2 gr. Unique | 1,094 | 1 |
| Lyman #452460/7.0 gr. Unique | 895 | 1 |
Test-Fire: Lipsey’s Ruger Flat-Top New Model .45 Colt/.45ACP x 5-1/2″ Stainless Steel
.45 Colt Loads
| Bullet/Load | MV (fps) | 5 Shots/20 Yards (inches) |
| Black Hills 250 RNFP | 741 | 7/8 |
| Blazer 200 JHP | 929 | 1-3/8 |
| Buffalo Bore 255 Barnes XPB | 1,036 | 1-5/8 |
| Buffalo Bore 255 KT | 1,060 | 1-1/2 |
| Cor-Bon 200 JHP | 1,187 | 1 |
| Federal 225 LSWCHP | 806 | 1-1/4 |
| Remington 255 LSWC | 841 | 1-5/8 |
| RCBS #45-270/20.0 gr. #4227 | 1,032 | 1-5/8 |
| RCBS #45-270/18.5 gr. #4227 | 935 | 1-1/8 |
| RCBS #45-270/10.0 gr. Unique | 1,013 | 1 |
| RCBS#45-270/8.5 gr. Unique | 923 | 1-1/8 |
| Oregon Trail 250 RNFP/8.0 gr. Unique | 982 | 1 |
| Oregon Trail 250 RNFP/7.1 gr. WW231 | 858 | 1-1/8 |
| Oregon Trail 250RNFP/6.2 gr. N-100 | 831 | 1-3/8 |
| Oregon Trail 255 LSWC/8.5 gr. Unique | 969 | 1-1/2 |
.45 ACP Loads
| Load | MV (fps) | 5 Shots/20 yards (Inches) |
| Black Hills 185 JHP | 1,057 | 1-3/8 |
| Black Hills 230 JHP | 865 | 1 |
| Federal 230 FMJ | 889 | 1-1/4 |
| Speer 230 FMJ | 872 | 1-1/8 |
| Winchester 230 FMJ | 885 | 1-1/8 |
Order Your Copy Of The September/October 2012 Issue Today!
Another terrific article by Taffin, I have the .45 convertible in stainless with 5 1/2″ and LOVE it!! Thanks for the load data.I’ve tried a few of the loads and really like the load with 4227, one of my favorite powders of all time.Keep up the great work and keep giving Mr. Taffin more terrific assignments!!I need ‘em!
Mr. Taffin,
I have loved the 44 Special since the Marines. I have a situation that you might be able to assist me with. Two years ago due to an accident I messed up my right wrist and the only repair was removal of two bones. I can use it but it is not as strong and wondered if you have some suggestions for either wrist braces or shooting gloves that would allow me to shoot 9mm to 45 acp again?
Keep up the great work in AH and Guns! Semper Fi!
Rick