Ruger Bowen Custom Blackhawk Bisley Big Bore 1995 Blue 6 1/2″ Single Action Revolver, .475 Linebaugh

SOLD FOR: $3,536.99
LSB#: 181015PR57

Make: Ruger, Bowen Classic Arms Customized

Model: The frame is marked as a Blackhawk, the serial range is from a New Model Super Blackhawk, the revolver is now a Bowen Classic Arms Big-Bore Revolver

Serial Number: 86-77255

Year of Manufacture: 1995 (https://ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-NMSBhawk44.html)

Caliber: .475 Linebaugh

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action, Side-Gate Loaded

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “.475 MAGNUM CAL. / BOWEN CLASSIC ARMS CORP.”. The left of the frame is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO. / BLACKHAWK”, the right is marked with the serial number. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “255”.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated patridge blade pinned to a ramped bases screwed to the barrel and the boss at the muzzle. The rear sight is a square-notched leaf in a base that is pinned to the topstrap and is micro-adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The Bisley-style grips are two-piece smooth faux-ivory panels. The grips have a few scattered light marks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The frame has been refinished, the other finish is Original to the Bowen Classic build.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light marks, most notably on the right of the frame at the ejector rod, and the cylinder has a turn-line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has no play on any chamber when in lockup. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Ruger’s first pistol and revover were successful, but the Blackhawk put Ruger on the map. The revolver was introduced in 1955, but at almost the same time that Smith & Wesson introduced it’s own .44 Magnum revolvers they were able to introduce a variant on the Blackhawk also chambered in the new round. The Ruger was not only a stronger design, able to utilize loadings past the published material for the cartridge, it was also available and less expensive than Smith’s offerings. This strong frame has led to it being used as a base for custom revolver builders, especially for large caliber cartridges like the .475 Linebaugh. Developed in the late ’80s, .475 Linebaugh was made from a cut-down .45-70 case and is capable of tremendous power, throwing a 370 grain projectile at nearly 1,500 fps. This makes it ideal for big-game handgun hunting or for carrying as a sidearm where large predators may be encountered. It’s also a ton of fun to shoot at the range if you’re a recoil junky. Custom-made by Bowen Classic Arms, this big-bore revolver would make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This single-action revolver CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California and CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. This does not apply to out of state residents.