Posted: 3/19/2009 9:35:30 AM EDT
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I just bought a Ruger Bisley .45 from my dad, and I'm planning (as funds permit) to send it off for conversion to .454 Casull and full customization. I'm considering Hamilton Bowen, John Linebaugh, and Dustin Linebaugh for the work. I'm certain about the caliber as I have a soft spot for the .454 (both personal and practical reasons) and barrel length (5 1/2") but I'm curious to hear what others with personal experience have to say about this kind of project. Ideas, input, suggestions, pictures...anything. I grew up on single actions, so I've got a pretty good idea of the basics but going full-custom is a big step for me. I'm trying to keep it as close to the $2K mark as possible, and I'm not interested in engraving, grips, fancy finishes, or other cosmetic upgrades as this revolver will be shot and carried A LOT and for a long, long time.
Thanks in advance for the help! |
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In the S/A Ruger the only thing you will gain from the 454 Casull vs the 45 Colt is a lot of expense for extra machine work.
However there are some valid reasons for choosing the 454 Casull which eliminates the possibility of one of your 45 Colt handloads (loaded to 60 K chamber pressures) finding its way into a lesser gun. If you are set on building on a Ruger you should consider the 475 Linebaugh, it really is that much better. 
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I really do love Freedom Arms, and quality-wise i'm sure there's not much difference between an FA and a full-custom from a known 'smith. I know it doesn't make much sense from an objective standpoint, but I've never owned a true custom gun and I'm kinda set on having a one-of-a-kind single action that I can someday hand on down to my kids (assuming that when the day comes it's still legal for my kids to own guns).
PS: That's one fine-looking hogleg, Rabon! And a 'sticker anyone would be proud to carry, especially after a four-year wait... 
ETA: By the way, are those Garretts poking out of those monster shells? |
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Those are 335 Grain Performance Cast Bullets I use in the 454 Casull and 45 Colts. I use their 400 Grain Cast in my 475 Linebaugh. I got that particular Randall the year it was introduced, it cost $275.00 and I think I waited around a year for it, it was my most expensive and I waited the longest for it. I'm glad I took interest in them years ago and got them at that time. They were very reasonable with a fairly short wait time and often no wait time.
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