Estimated studying time: 8 minutes
Lipsey’s honors John Taffin with a Ruger Blackhawk Flattop Bisley in .45 Colt with a .45 ACP cylinder. We shot actual .45 Colt and .45 ACP masses, checked chrono and teams, ran leather-based, and requested if this tribute actually earns the title Excellent Packin’ Pistol.
One other Legend Misplaced, A Sixgun Worthy of His Title
Legend is a phrase that we don’t hear or use very a lot anymore. It appears we have a tendency to just accept mediocrity as the brand new normal. They go away a long-lasting impression on their world and people round them. As Dan Brown wrote in Inferno, “As long as they converse your identify, you shall by no means die.” Sadly, there are fewer and fewer which might be nonetheless with us. Names like Cooper, Clapp, Keith, Rauch, and others are fading from the collective reminiscence of many within the capturing neighborhood.
In March of this yr, we misplaced one other, John Taffin. Taffin’s first article was revealed in 1967, however most of us will keep in mind his nice articles in American Handgunner and Weapons Journal. His affect was felt all through the trade. Taffin authored a whole bunch of articles and revealed 5 books. His ardour was giant bore revolvers, reloading, and handgun looking.
Some years in the past, he coined the phrase Excellent Packin’ Pistol. Taffin most well-liked a single motion revolver for many of his wants. He valued the power, ergonomics, and flexibility of the fashionable SA revolver, and he was particularly keen on the Ruger Blackhawk. Launched in 1955, the Blackhawk was Invoice Ruger’s reply to an improved and stronger model of the venerable Colt Mannequin P single motion.
🛒 Test Present Value for Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt on GunsAmerica
The New Excellent Packin’ Pistol: Lipsey’s Taffin Blackhawk
Earlier this yr, Lipsey’s introduced a brand new pistol to honor the life and legacy of John Taffin. The brand new pistol is a becoming tribute to Taffin’s imaginative and prescient. It’s based mostly on a Blackhawk Flattop Bisley and is obtainable in .45 Colt with a .45 ACP conversion cylinder. Supplied in each 4 5/8” and 5 ½” barrel lengths, the brand new pistols can be found in each stainless and blued fashions. Moreover, the pistol options customized, fancy walnut shares from Tyler Gun Works. In a long-lasting tribute to Taffin, the serial quantity on all the weapons has a JT prefix.
First Impressions: Bisley Stability, Tyler Wooden, Clear Set off
After a number of months, I used to be capable of acquire a 5 ½ inch stainless Ruger Blackhawk Flattop Bisley for this evaluation. Upon unboxing, I instantly observed the brushed stainless end, which is complemented by customized shares from Tyler Gun Works. The pistol has no noticeable sharp edges or machining marks. The motion cycled easily with no grittiness, and the one motion set off broke cleanly at 2 lbs. 12 oz. The Bisley body has a traditional look and supplies a extra snug grip underneath recoil in comparison with the normal Colt design. Moreover, the entrance of the cylinder has a black powder chamfer, which eases re holstering and provides a conventional contact. I anticipate the blue variations are of equally prime quality.
Vary Time: .45 Colt Authority, .45 ACP Versatility
For ammunition, I reached out to Steve Shields, of Excessive Desert Cartridge, and Ted McIntyre of Misplaced River. Each are nice individuals who focus on optimizing calibers for particular makes use of. They’re additionally hunters and shooters. They offered me with three particular masses for the Blackhawk. Shields despatched me a .45 Colt 250 grain plated flat nostril TMJ load and a .45 ACP 230 grain plated TMJ. McIntyre despatched me a load that I’m positive would have put a smile on Taffin’s face. It’s a 270 grain, Keith model semi wadcutter. The chart under displays our chronograph and accuracy testing.
Cylinder Swap
On the vary, there have been no surprises with both the pistol or the ammunition. Swapping cylinders was simply achieved, and having much more .45 ACP ammunition than .45 Colt, I actually admire having that possibility. The 40+ ounce pistol, mixed with the Bisley body and Tyler shares, absorbed the recoil in wonderful style. I need to admit that the Misplaced River load spoke with resounding authority and could be preferrred for the big recreation present in McIntyre’s house state of Alaska. The milder Excessive Desert load is ideal for the Southeast, the place I reside.
The rear sight on the Blackhawk is Ruger’s confirmed Micro design that’s totally adjustable. The entrance sight is a tall, black, ramped blade with a serrated face. It’s pinned, making substitute a quite simple course of. The sights present a crisp image, however I would favor a contrasting entrance sight for taking photographs in diminished lighting circumstances.
The Barranti Connection: Excellent Packin’ Leather-based
A particular pistol deserves some particular leather-based, and Mike “Doc” Barranti is the place to go. Doc has partnered with Lipsey’s to provide a commemorative holster. The Barranti John Taffin Commemorative No. 5 holster is a beautiful, open prime, scabbard whose design dates again to the Nineteen Twenties and George Lawrence Firm. It’s an open prime design with a single integral belt loop and a rawhide retention strap. The pure tan of the leather-based is about off by white stitching, and Doc has stamped Taffin’s likeness on the rear of the holster. If you order your holster, Doc may even stamp the holster along with your particular person serial quantity. If you order your holster, don’t forget to order a cartridge slide on your reloads.
Remaining Ideas: A Becoming Sixgun For Taffin’s Legacy
First, I want to lengthen my because of Jason Cloessner and the Lipsey’s crew for offering the pistol for this evaluation. Second, the Excellent Packin’ Pistol is a superb addition to Lipsey’s line of unique pistols and is the proper tribute to Taffin and his legacy. Lastly, it’s nice to see that the capturing neighborhood nonetheless appreciates single motion revolvers just like the Blackhawk. The Lipsey’s Excellent Packin’ Pistol may be discovered or ordered at any of Lipsey’s sellers nationwide.
Ruger Blackhawk Taffin Excellent Packin’ Pistol Specs
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Rob has been writing for the firearms trade for over 40 years in addition to 38 years of regulation enforcement expertise. With over 1,000 revealed article, he enjoys bringing a historic perspective to a lot of his articles. An ardent revolver fanatic, Rob understands the sensible software of the “artwork of the revolver.” In lots of articles, Rob consists of ballistic testing information of lots of the in style private protection masses.
When not on the vary, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time together with his household, is energetic in his native church, and networking with an ever increasing group of like minded shooters.
Expertise
40+ Years writing for the firearm’s industryRetired Lieutenant with a big Georgia regulation enforcement agencyAvid shooter and each day practitionerConsultant within the firearm’s house
