From the Vault: Custom "Doc Holliday" Ruger Blackhawk

Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem talks with Bobby Tyler about a special, very custom Ruger® Old Model "three-screw" Blackhawk® built in Bobby's shop, Tyler Gun Works. His customer wanted a single action with a bird's head grip, and Bobby found a Power Custom replica of the Colt 1877 Lightning grip frame that was ideal. (The Model 1877 Lightning was Colt's less-than-successful first attempt at a double-action revolver.) The donor gun was a factory original Blackhawk® convertible in .45 Long Colt / .45 ACP. It received a full action tuning job, muzzle crown, and Fermin Garza front sight, with custom, one-off full-coverage engraving by Rocky Sharp (Bobby explains what this means). Even the screw heads are engraved! The beautifully fitted grips are made of mammoth ivory that gives the look of traditional elephant ivory without the legal issues. The equally exquisite holster is by Rob Leahy of Simply Rugged Holsters, nicely lined to protect the gun's royal blue finish and color-cased receiver. How does this "Doc Holliday" special shoot? Despite its small size, recoil is pretty modest, says Bobby, and this little rascal is accurate!