TALO Custom Ruger

[Jeff Higgins]

John Linebaugh and Hamilton Bowen are both known for their hot rod Ruger Blackhawks. They both build them with five shot cylinders, and those five shot cylinders are bigger in diameter than the Ruger six shot cylinder. The combination of one less chamber and a larger O.D. results in significantly thicker cylinder walls. That, and the bolt notch is then no longer centered over the chamber, but rather between chambers. All in all, this makes for a very stout revolver.

The .45 Colts these guys make from Ruger Blackhawks will out-perform the .454 Casull, shooting heavier bullets faster than that very powerful round. The reason for this is that the Ruger frame opening is longer than the Freedom Arms, so cartridge length gets to be longer, allowing room for more powder that will be burnt at lower pressures. A five shot Ruger in .45 Colt will launch 350 grain bullets at over 1,400 fps with relatively low pressures, compared to the .454 Casull.

Where things get really fun is with rounds like the .475 Linebaugh. We used to have to make cases from either .348 Winchesters or .45-70's, but Starline makes the cases now. 410 to 430 or so grain bullets at over 1,300 fps from a 6" revolver. Are we having fun yet? Mr. Linebaugh recommends one wear a bicycle helmet the first time you try to shoot one, just to keep from burying the hammer in your forehead...

Both of these guys recommend the Bisley grip frame for these big boomers. From my humble little knot hole, I would have to whole-heartedly agree with them. I've fired their .45 Colts with full loads in both styles of grip frames, and the Bisley is "better". With the .475, there is no question - you need the Bisley shape. Those damn things hurt either way, but at least the Bisley minimizes the cutting and bruising.