Ruger Blackhawk Taffin Tribute: Packin’ Perfection

Lipsey’s honors John Taffin with a Ruger Blackhawk Flattop Bisley in .45 Colt with a .45 ACP cylinder. We shot real .45 Colt and .45 ACP loads, checked chrono and groups, ran leather, and asked if this tribute truly earns the title Perfect Packin’ Pistol.

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Legend is a word that we do not hear or use very much anymore. It seems we tend to accept mediocrity as the new standard. They leave a lasting impact on their world and those around them. As Dan Brown wrote in Inferno, “So long as they speak your name, you shall never die.” Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer that are still with us. Names like Cooper, Clapp, Keith, Rauch, and others are fading from the collective memory of many in the shooting community.

In March of this year, we lost another, John Taffin. Taffin’s first article was published in 1967, but most of us will remember his great articles in American Handgunner and Guns Magazine. His influence was felt throughout the industry. Taffin authored hundreds of articles and published five books. His passion was large bore revolvers, reloading, and handgun hunting.

Some years ago, he coined the phrase Perfect Packin’ Pistol. Taffin preferred a single action revolver for most of his needs. He valued the strength, ergonomics, and versatility of the modern SA revolver, and he was especially fond of the Ruger Blackhawk. Introduced in 1955, the Blackhawk was Bill Ruger’s answer to an improved and stronger version of the venerable Colt Model P single action.

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Earlier this year, Lipsey’s announced a new pistol to honor the life and legacy of John Taffin. The new pistol is a fitting tribute to Taffin’s vision. It is based on a Blackhawk Flattop Bisley and is offered in .45 Colt with a .45 ACP conversion cylinder. Offered in both 4 5/8” and 5 ½” barrel lengths, the new pistols are available in both stainless and blued models. Additionally, the pistol features custom, fancy walnut stocks from Tyler Gun Works. In a lasting tribute to Taffin, the serial number on all of the guns has a JT prefix.

After several months, I was able to obtain a 5 ½ inch stainless Ruger Blackhawk Flattop Bisley for this review. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the brushed stainless finish, which is complemented by custom stocks from Tyler Gun Works. The pistol has no noticeable sharp edges or machining marks. The action cycled smoothly with no grittiness, and the single action trigger broke cleanly at 2 lbs. 12 oz. The Bisley frame has a classic appearance and provides a more comfortable grip under recoil compared to the traditional Colt design. Additionally, the front of the cylinder has a black powder chamfer, which eases re holstering and adds a traditional touch. I expect the blue versions are of similarly high quality.

For ammunition, I reached out to Steve Shields, of High Desert Cartridge, and Ted McIntyre of Lost River. Both are great people who specialize in optimizing calibers for specific uses. They are also hunters and shooters. They provided me with three specific loads for the Blackhawk. Shields sent me a .45 Colt 250 grain plated flat nose TMJ load and a .45 ACP 230 grain plated TMJ. McIntyre sent me a load that I am sure would have put a smile on Taffin’s face. It is a 270 grain, Keith style semi wadcutter. The chart below reflects our chronograph and accuracy testing.

On the range, there were no surprises with either the pistol or the ammunition. Swapping cylinders was easily accomplished, and having far more .45 ACP ammunition than .45 Colt, I really appreciate having that option. The 40+ ounce pistol, combined with the Bisley frame and Tyler stocks, absorbed the recoil in fine fashion. I must admit that the Lost River load spoke with resounding authority and would be ideal for the large game found in McIntyre’s home state of Alaska. The milder High Desert load is perfect for the Southeast, where I reside.

The rear sight on the Blackhawk is Ruger’s proven Micro design that is fully adjustable. The front sight is a tall, black, ramped blade with a serrated face. It is pinned, making replacement a very simple process. The sights provide a crisp picture, but I would prefer a contrasting front sight for taking shots in reduced lighting conditions.

A special pistol deserves some special leather, and Mike “Doc” Barranti is the place to go. Doc has partnered with Lipsey’s to produce a commemorative holster. The Barranti John Taffin Commemorative No. 5 holster is a gorgeous, open top, scabbard whose design dates back to the 1920s and George Lawrence Company. It is an open top design with a single integral belt loop and a rawhide retention strap. The natural tan of the leather is set off by white stitching, and Doc has stamped Taffin’s likeness on the rear of the holster. When you order your holster, Doc will also stamp the holster with your individual serial number. When you order your holster, do not forget to order a cartridge slide for your reloads.

First, I would like to extend my thanks to Jason Cloessner and the Lipsey’s crew for providing the pistol for this review. Second, the Perfect Packin’ Pistol is a great addition to Lipsey’s line of exclusive pistols and is the perfect tribute to Taffin and his legacy. Finally, it is great to see that the shooting community still appreciates single action revolvers like the Blackhawk. The Lipsey’s Perfect Packin’ Pistol can be found or ordered at any of Lipsey’s dealers nationwide.