Linebaugh Custom Sixguns Blackhawk Bisley .500 5.5” SA Revolver 2011
SOLD FOR: $7,394.69
LSB#: LSB250708MS067
Make: Ruger, reworked by Linebaugh Custom Sixguns
Model: New Model Blackhawk Bisley
Serial Number: 48-52546 (New serial: 1093)
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Caliber: .500 Linebaugh
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action 5-Shot Revolver.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “Ruger Bisley 48-52546”. The left side is marked, “Linebaugh Custom Sixguns Cody, Wy.”. The underside of the frame is marked with the new serial, “1093”. The barrel is marked, “.500 Linebaugh”. The cylinder and loading gate are serial matched.
Barrel Length: 5.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch leaf, pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The Bisley grips are two-piece smooth elephant ivory panels. There are no notable marks. There are no chips or cracks in the grip panels. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Hammer & Trigger
Finish Originality: Original to Linebaugh rework.
Cylinders: One 5rd .500 Linebaugh cylinder.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some moderate stubborn fouling present in both the bore, and in the cylinder. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its original metal finish. There are minimal handling marks throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates at about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The cylinder is able to reverse-index. The axis pin is a Keith #5 style.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Gray Ruger hard case, Linebaugh annotated load data, build sheet & invoice.
Our Assessment: Linebaugh Custom Sixguns revolvers represent the pinnacle of modern big-bore wheelguns, built by the late John Linebaugh in Cody, Wyoming. John is credited with creating the .500 Linebaugh cartridge in the late 1980s, the first truly successful .50-caliber revolver cartridge designed for practical use. Built on reworked Ruger Bisley Blackhawks, Linebaugh’s revolvers are renowned for their strength, precision, and practical balance of power and shootability. Every detail, from the five-shot cylinders to the hand-fit actions and custom grips, reflects the philosophy of big-bore performance with manageable velocities, optimized for both hunting and heavy-duty field use. This example, built in 2011, is a superb representation of Linebaugh’s craftsmanship. Chambered in .500 Linebaugh with a 5.5-inch barrel, it offers tremendous power in a compact and balanced package. The revolver is fitted with smooth beautiful caramel toned elephant ivory grip panels that remain in excellent condition with no cracks or chips, enhancing both its aesthetic and collector value. The blued finish with case-colored hammer and trigger is near pristine, with about 99% retention and only minimal handling marks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.5/10, with only moderate fouling present. Mechanically, the revolver is sound, with the tight lockup, smooth action, and Keith #5 style base pin expected from a top-tier custom build.
For collectors and shooters alike, this revolver is not just a firearm but an heirloom-quality piece of revolver history. The .500 Linebaugh remains a benchmark for custom big-bore handguns, and John Linebaugh’s name is synonymous with strength and innovation in sixgun design. This example, accompanied by its Ruger case, Linebaugh’s annotated load data, build sheet, and invoice, makes it a complete package that verifies its provenance. With its exceptional craftsmanship, rare ivory grips, and direct connection to one of the most influential custom gunsmiths of the modern era, this revolver would be the crown jewel of any single-action or big-bore handgun collection. -R.E.
