Shane Jahn

Dual cylinder revolvers are nothing new. Ruger currently catalogs a couple of Blackhawks with 45 Colt/45 ACP and 357 Magnum/9mm cylinders, as well as the Single-Six in 22 LR/22 WMR. Nighthawk Custom’s top shelf Korth Mongoose sports a 357 Magnum and 9mm cylinder that is easily exchanged to make a two-for-one gun. If we account that 38 Specials can be fired in the 357 cylinders, we can call it a three-in-one gun, which further justifies the upper-investment price of such a fine revolver.

Bill Ruger’s original Blackhawk we now know as the “Flattop,” is one of the undisputed classic single-action revolvers. The XR-3 grip frame nestles in the hand like that of the famous Colt Single Action Army. Aesthetically the Ruger resembled the Colt somewhat, but it demonstrated a good adjustable rear sight and a ramped front, something Colt didn’t do until 1961 with the New Frontier.

The guys at Dodson Guns in Alpine, Texas are aware of my wheelgun affliction, especially when it comes to Ruger single actions. Occasionally they will notify me when a used hogleg wearing the famed Phoenix bird brand shows up.