Linebaugh Custom Sixguns Blackhawk Bisley .45 Colt 4.75” SA Revolver 1991

SOLD FOR: $16,025.00

LSB#: LSB250708MS073

Make: Ruger, reworked by Linebaugh Custom Sixguns

Model: New Model Blackhawk Bisley

Serial Number: 37-19992 (New Serial: 24)

Year of Manufacture: 1991

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action 5-Shot Revolver.

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “Ruger Bisley 37-19992”. The left side is marked, “Linebaugh Custom Sixguns Cody, Wy.”. The barrel is marked, “.45 Colt”.

Barrel Length: 4.75″

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 grips are two-piece smooth white plastic panels with faux .45 Colt case heads on either side. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks in the grip panels. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original to Linebaugh rework.

Cylinders: One 5rd .45 Colt cylinder. 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some 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 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 at about Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinders lock up with no side to side play. 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.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Leather holster, protective soft case.   

Our Assessment: Linebaugh Custom Sixguns, founded by the late John Linebaugh in Cody, Wyoming, is revered among revolver enthusiasts for producing some of the finest custom big-bore sixguns in the world. Known for pioneering the .475 and .500 Linebaugh cartridges, John also specialized in reworking Ruger Blackhawk and Bisley revolvers into powerful, beautifully tuned, and practical custom handguns. His modifications emphasized strength, precision, and functional design, with five-shot cylinders built to handle higher pressures safely while delivering outstanding accuracy. A Linebaugh-marked revolver is highly sought after not only for its craftsmanship but also for its direct connection to one of the most influential custom revolversmiths in American history. This example began life as a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk and was rebuilt by Linebaugh into a five-shot .45 Colt with a 4.75-inch barrel, making it a compact, powerful, and highly practical working revolver. The fit and finish remain excellent, with about 97% of the bluing intact, showing only light wear, faint handling marks, and a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion, though some stubborn fouling remains. The grips are unique white plastic panels with faux .45 Colt cartridge heads inset, giving the revolver a distinctive custom touch. Mechanically, it functions flawlessly, locking up tightly with no side-to-side cylinder play and smooth action—hallmarks of Linebaugh’s work.

For collectors and shooters, this revolver represents a true piece of modern custom revolver history. John Linebaugh’s name carries tremendous weight in the firearms community, and his builds are regarded as functional works of art. This five-shot .45 Colt balances power, portability, and craftsmanship, making it a superb example of his philosophy that “big bullets at moderate velocities” are the key to performance. Accompanied by a leather holster and protective case, this revolver is not just a firearm but a piece of legacy—an heirloom-quality sixgun for those who appreciate the very best in American custom revolvers. -R.E.