Page 215 - The Lost Ways
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An amateur gunsmith can make almost any part within reason, but we like to keep a few
of the older and more reliable guns that use fewer moving parts and can be repaired at a
pre-Industrial Revolution level of technology and tools.
Handguns
One of our favorites in this category is the Ruger Blackhawk line of revolvers.
The Blackhawk was the first major successful clone
of Colt’s legendary 1873 Single Action Army
revolver, aka the “Peacemaker.” The revolver in
the picture was issued to the U.S. Cavalry early in
1874. Ruger went with a single-piece frame and
used modern steel and aluminum in the
manufacturing process to build a much stronger
revolver than anything Colt ever turned out. In
1977 they introduced the transfer bar in order to
make it safe to carry six rounds as opposed to five
in the cylinder.
Other improvements included usable adjustable
(Photo credits: Hmaag).
sights and the ability to mount a scope or electronic
sight on the revolver. Admittedly, they do not have the graceful, flowing lines of the classic
SAA. If you think you need that “look,” there is a line called the Vaquero that uses fixed
sights but is otherwise the same handgun, although this should not be confused with the
“New Vaquero,” which is built on a slightly smaller frame.
A Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, or Vaquero (original or “Old Model,” not the “New
Vaquero”) in 45 Colt can be loaded to pressures exceeding the modern 44 Magnum. Thus,
it is capable of taking any game in North America and is effective against two-legged
predators as well. These single-action revolvers epitomize strength and will outlive
generations of shooters.
Their simple design means they will outperform modern double-action revolvers in the
maintenance department, whose lock work is more suited to a watchmaker than an
amateur gunsmith too.
They may not have the capacity or ability to reload quickly, but this can be remedied by
carrying a pair of them and remembering the “Gunfighter’s Motto” of the fastest reload
being a second gun.
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