The Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel is a single-action revolver on Ruger's strong alloy steel frame, sitting between the 4.63-inch and 7.5-inch barrel options in terms of size. At 40 oz and 11.38 inches overall it's a mid-length configuration that balances sight radius and handling. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Ruger 
• Model Name: Blackhawk 
• Caliber: .45 Colt 
• Action Type: Single Action (SAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 11.38 inches 
• Weight: 40 oz (approximately 2.5 lbs) 
• Finish Color: Blued 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The patented transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge when the gun is dropped, allowing all 6 chambers to be loaded safely -- unlike older SA designs that required an empty chamber under the hammer. The ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight allow tuning for windage and elevation across different loads. The black checkered hard rubber grips stay secure during extended shooting sessions. 
 
The SA-only action means each shot requires manually cocking the hammer. Loading and unloading go through a loading gate one round at a time. The Ruger frame is built to handle higher-pressure "Ruger-only" .45 Colt loads that exceed SAAMI standard pressures. 
 

Target Audience 

 
Target shooters and hunters who want a solid SA revolver with the 5.5-inch barrel length, which many find the right balance between the compact 4.63-inch and the long 7.5-inch options. Also fits collectors who want all three barrel-length variants, and cowboy action shooters who compete with .45 Colt. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Sport Shooting: The SA trigger and adjustable sights are well-suited for precision target work. 
• Hunting: The .45 Colt caliber and Ruger frame's ability to handle higher-pressure loads makes this a capable hunting sidearm for medium to large game. 
• Personal Protection: Usable for home defense, with the caveat that SA reload speed is a real limitation in defensive scenarios.

The Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt SA revolver in blued finish draws consistent praise from SA revolver enthusiasts and generates practical criticism from shooters looking for more versatility.

Build quality comes up most often as a strength. Owners describe it as solid and reliable across different .45 Colt loads, and the blued finish gets positive remarks for its classic appearance. The adjustable sights are valued for target shooting, and the SA trigger pull is enjoyed by shooters who prefer the deliberate cock-and-fire experience. The designation also generates collector interest for historical reasons.

.45 Colt caliber versatility, including the ability to run higher-pressure "Ruger-only" loads, is noted as a meaningful advantage for hunting and power-seekers. Price relative to quality is generally seen as good value within the SA revolver segment.

The main criticisms center on the SA format's inherent limitations. The single-gate reload is slow compared to swing-out DA revolvers, and the manual cocking requirement affects follow-up speed. Weight at 40 oz is noted by some as significant for extended carry. Shooters new to SA revolvers note a learning adjustment compared to modern double-action or semi-auto designs. Aftermarket parts and customization interest is high, with owners frequently discussing grip upgrades and sight options.

It remains a great revolver, but mine has sharper edges than expected. One chamber also feels noticeably stiffer as the hammer indexes it.