Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley .45 Colt 4 1/2” SA Revolver 1997
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB250708MS099
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Blackhawk Bisley
Serial Number: 47-83309
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action Revolver.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “47-83309”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER .45 CALIBER / NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK”. The left side of the barrel is marked “FORKIN ARMS”. The cylinder is marked “RUGER 1896 REVOLVER BISLEY MODEL”, with factory scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch leaf, screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered laminate grip set. The grips show light wear, with one ding in the checkering on the left grip panel, and one small chip at the bottom of the right grip panel. There are no cracks in the grip panels. The checkering is mostly sharp. The grips fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One 6rd .45 Colt cylinder.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is fouling present in both the bore, and in the cylinder. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light and minor wear, with only a few minor superficial imperfections on the frame and barrel, and a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinders lock up with minimal side to side play. We did not fire this handgun, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisley is well-known for pairing Ruger’s rugged Blackhawk action with the distinctive Bisley grip frame, designed to tame recoil and offer superior control in heavy-caliber handguns. Chambered here in .45 Colt, this 1997-produced example delivers both historical charm and serious field utility. The .45 Colt has been in use since the frontier days of the late 19th century and remains a respected cartridge for hunting, target shooting, and collecting.
This revolver wears a 4 1/2-inch barrel marked “FORKIN ARMS,” indicating custom work by gunsmith Hamilton Bowen’s contemporary Jim Forkin, a respected name among Ruger/Six Gun customization. In addition to the shortened barrel, the revolver features Ruger’s factory scroll-engraved cylinder marked “RUGER 1896 REVOLVER BISLEY MODEL.” It retains about 97% of its original blued finish with only minor wear, a crisp turn line, and a few scattered handling marks. The laminate grips show only light wear and remain tightly fitted. The bore is sharp, semi-bright, and rates 9/10 with only light fouling.
Mechanically, the revolver functions properly, with tight cylinder lock-up and a crisp single-action trigger. The Bisley grip frame is particularly well-suited to controlling the .45 Colt, offering both comfort and stability when shooting heavier loads. With its custom touches, engraved cylinder, and classic Bisley profile, this Ruger offers shooters and collectors alike a handsome revolver that bridges practical field use with collectible appeal. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
