Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt
Model: 0445
Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt
Model: 0445
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt is a single-action sixgun designed for shooters who want a traditional SAO revolver with modern safety engineering. The "New Model" designation matters: Ruger redesigned the Blackhawk in 1973 to add a transfer-bar safety, which means the gun can be carried safely with all six chambers loaded — unlike original Colt SAA-pattern revolvers that require carrying on an empty chamber. The 4.62" barrel and 39 oz steel frame put it in the classic sixgun size range, with a 3.5 lb single-action trigger pull and fully adjustable rear sight.
At around $700 street (MSRP $889 new), no other 4-5" .45 Colt single-action revolver offers the transfer-bar safety and Ruger's steel construction at this price. The blued alloy steel frame and barrel handle standard and +P .45 Colt loads — something the Governor's scandium frame cannot do. A convertible variant ships with a second cylinder in .45 ACP, eliminating the need for moon clips. That's where the unexpected value shows up: most buyers expect to pay more than $700 for a production SAO revolver in .45 Colt with adjustable sights and a safety the 1873 Colt never had.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Transfer-bar safety (added in the 1973 redesign) lets you load all six chambers safely — original SAA-pattern revolvers require an empty chamber for carry
- Alloy steel frame rated for +P .45 Colt loads, unlike the scandium/aluminum-framed alternatives from S&W
- Fully adjustable rear sight is standard equipment — most SAA clones at this price point ship with fixed sights only
- SAO-only action means you must cock the hammer for every shot — slower in a reactive situation than a DA/SA revolver like the S&W Governor
- At 39 oz and 10.5" overall, it's the heaviest and longest revolver in this caliber category; the added weight is a deliberate trade for handling +P loads, but it rules out any carry role
Category Rankings
How the Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt ranks among full-size .45 Colt handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the standard Blackhawk, the Bisley, and the convertible variant?
The standard New Model Blackhawk has the classic Colt SAA-style grip frame and hammer. The Bisley variant (model 0459) uses a wider, swept-back grip frame with a lower hammer spur — designed to reduce muzzle rise with heavy loads and preferred by many handgun hunters. The convertible variant (model 0460) ships with a second cylinder in .45 ACP; you swap cylinders with a screwdriver in about two minutes, no moon clips needed. If you reload or already stock .45 ACP, the convertible is worth the small price difference over the standard model.
Can the New Model Blackhawk handle hot .45 Colt loads?
The alloy steel frame and cylinder are rated for standard .45 Colt pressures (14,000 PSI SAAMI) and Ruger-only +P loads that many handloaders and boutique ammo makers produce specifically for the Blackhawk. Do not run these hot Ruger-only loads through older Colt SAA revolvers or most other .45 Colt revolvers — they're built for standard pressure. The Blackhawk's stronger lockwork is why those loads exist at all.
What holsters fit the Ruger New Model Blackhawk with the 4.62" barrel?
Most traditional western-style leather holsters built for SAA-pattern revolvers with a 4.75" barrel fit the Blackhawk with only minor adjustment. Makers like Bianchi, El Paso Saddlery, and Galco offer dedicated Blackhawk holsters. The 10.5" overall length and 1.75" width mean you need a purpose-built SAO holster — modern compact holsters built for DA revolvers or autoloaders won't work.
