The Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt with a 4.63-inch barrel is the shorter-barrel configuration of this single-action revolver. At 39 oz and 10.5 inches overall it's more compact than the 7.5-inch version while keeping the same alloy steel frame, transfer-bar safety, and adjustable sights. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Blackhawk 
• Caliber: .45 Colt 
• Action Type: Single Action 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.63 inches 
• Overall Length: 10.5 inches 
• Weight: 39 oz (2.4 lbs) 
• Sights: Ramp Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Sight 
• Grip Material: Black Checkered Hard Rubber 
• Finish: Blued Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The transfer bar safety blocks the firing pin from reaching the primer unless the trigger is pulled all the way through, which allows carrying with all 6 chambers loaded -- a meaningful improvement over older SA designs that required an empty chamber under the hammer. The alloy steel frame and barrel hold up to full-power .45 Colt loads including "Ruger-only" higher-pressure loads that should not be used in older or lighter revolvers. 
 
The adjustable rear sight and ramp front sight allow windage and elevation tuning for different loads or shooting distances. Single-action means the hammer is cocked manually for each shot, and reloading goes through the loading gate one round at a time. 
 

Target Audience 

 
This configuration fits SA revolver shooters who want the Blackhawk's frame strength in a shorter, slightly lighter package. Cowboy action shooters, target shooters, and hunters who prefer the 4.63-inch barrel length over the longer options. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Target Shooting: The adjustable sights and SA trigger make this well-suited for deliberate precision shooting. 
• Hunting: .45 Colt with the Ruger frame's ability to handle higher-pressure loads gives it enough power for medium game hunting. 
• Personal Protection: Six rounds of .45 Colt provides stopping power, though the SA reload process is a real-world limitation in this role.

The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt in blued finish with adjustable sights draws the same core response as other Blackhawk configurations: strong admiration from SA revolver fans, with practical observations about format limitations.

Build quality and durability are the most consistently praised attributes. Owners note the revolver handles full-power .45 Colt loads reliably and the blued finish holds up to use. The adjustable sights are appreciated by target shooters who want to dial in different loads without workarounds. The SA trigger is enjoyed specifically by users who value the deliberate, manual-cocking experience.

Weight at 39 oz draws mixed responses -- some find it provides stability for shooting, others note it becomes noticeable during extended carry or handling. The SA-only design is the main practical limitation discussed: reloading is slower than swing-out cylinder revolvers, and the manual cocking requirement affects follow-up speed. New shooters comparing it to double-action or semi-auto options often note the learning adjustment required.

Ammo availability for .45 Colt and interest in the caliber's range of loads (including the moon-clip .45 ACP option on some Blackhawk variants) come up in discussions. Price-to-performance ratio is seen as reasonable by most buyers who feel they get solid American SA revolver quality for the price.