It has been many years since I picked up a revolver for the first time, but I haven’t put them down since. Even in the time that I shot more auto pistols than revolvers, I never did quit shooting them completely. Frequenters here know that I started shooting handguns with a Smith and Wesson Model 14 Target Masterpiece, a 6-inch, adjustable-sighted revolver that has since seen a lot of rounds, but still shoots quite well. And over the past year, I have been getting back into revolvers over autos. While I still carry a Gen 2 Glock 19, my other carry gun is a Smith and Wesson Model 36, Chief’s Special. So I have an obligation to remain proficient with both styles.
But recently, an account on Instagram caught my eye. The account name is Stateline Shootist, and is operated by a man named Chauncey. Chauncey may be one of the best shooters I have ever seen, and one of his most impressive shots to me was a shot on a steel popper target at 525 yards. Yes, folks, you read that right, a shot with a handgun, over 500 yards. And while it was not hit with the first shot, the fact that it was even hit is incredibly impressive to me. And his series of videos has inspired me to try my hand at it. I thought about using one of my Smith and Wessons; however, I have decided to go a different route. I recently acquired a Ruger New Model Blackhawk in 45 Colt, with an additional 45 ACP cylinder. I plan to do most of this work with the 45 Colt cylinder, but nothing is stopping me from playing around with the 45 Auto, either.
I know I am a decent shooter, but 500 yards is quite far for me, so what I am going to do instead is do a handload workup, sight the gun in, and work around 100 yards to start with. And once I get comfortable there, I will then stretch the legs on that gun more. Now, Chauncey does not always do his fancy shooting with the same gun; he will switch it up from time to time, and it is quite likely that I will do the same. The gun that he does a lot of his shooting with is a Ruger New Model Blackhawk, 4.6-inch barrel, chambered in 41 Magnum. While the 41 does have an advantage in theory over the 45, if I have learned one thing from Chauncey, it is that these guns are far more capable than what we give them credit for.
Here are some parameters for my particular situation. First, my gun is slightly modified. The first modification is a trigger and hammer from Power Custom. This gives me a “half cock” notch for reloading, which the new Blackhawks do not have, but it is a feature I prefer due to my time with SAA clone pistols. I have another upgrade planned, and that is a set of sights from Fermin Garza, particularly his long-range sights. For those who are unfamiliar with Fermin, he builds sights that are among the best in their class, offering both front and rear sights. He is incredibly knowledgeable with general gunsmithing. One of the things he stresses is uniformity of cylinder throats. This is another service that he provides. For those curious, head over to his website fermincgarza.com and find out more. I also highly recommend calling him to talk. He is incredibly knowledgeable, and the first time he and I talked, we talked for over half an hour, and it was like talking to an old friend. I cannot recommend him enough. But other than the cylinder throats, I don’t want to do any fancy modifications to the gun to increase its accuracy. The sights do not increase the gun’s accuracy; rather, they increase my ability to see the target. And I do not plan to lighten the trigger at all. The only trigger job this revolver will get is several thousand rounds down range.
The bullet I want to use for this is a 255 Grain hardcast SWC. I have some on hand until I get my own batch of them cast up. I plan to run them between 1000 and 1250 feet per second, but I also have a load that will push them to around 1550 feet per second. That is a load I do not see myself shooting thousands of rounds, though. I will use standard pistol primers, likely W231, Titegroup, Unique, or HS-6. Unique is preferred, but due to the current shortage, I won’t be able to get too far with that. I have taken some inspiration from the writing of the late, great John Linebaugh. He did some testing and recommendations for loads using W231, HS-6, and H-110/W-296. I am using these loads, as well as some Accurate NO 11 FS. I believe that with these powders and the combination of either 250/255 grain bullets or 310 bullets, I can get just about anything done. And there are plenty of people with a lot more experience who agree.
So I have some inspiration, I have supplies, and I have some excellent knowledge to start everything off. With that being said, I cannot wait to share this journey with you all. If you have any experience with long-range six-gunnery, share it down below.
Until next time, friends
Chuck