The following information is presented as best that I know it. If I have missed some specifics or cited any incorrect facts, I apologize in advance.
in 2017, Ruger produced a limited amount of Ruger Bisley Blackhawk single action revolvers in .44 Special caliber with 5.50" barrels.
These revolvers were made specifically for Lipsey's for sale by their dealers, and to my knowledge those dealers were to be the sole source for selling them when they were released.
I have heard conflicting reports, but apparently these revolvers (some with blued finish and some with stainless) were wildly popular and were gone, in many or most cases before the revolvers appeared in gun stores. I have heard that most were pre-purchased from Lipsey's dealers immediately or almost immediately after they were announced.
In any event, I clearly remember lusting after one of these fine revolvers back in 2017 when the forthcoming release was made public. I did quite a bit of groundwork attempting to "get on the list".
Unfortunately that was the same year that I had to have both open heart surgery and spine surgery, both within seven weeks, followed three weeks later by my wife's hip surgery. Any plans for a new revolver acquisition were placed way, way on the back burner.
Since that time, while I wouldn't call myself obsessed with finding one of those revolvers, I have spent a good deal of time looking, researching, and exploring different sources and sales hoping to find one at a reasonable price and in good condition. It's been a frustrating pursuit, to say the least.
Yesterday, my luck changed and I found an UNFIRED new one in the box at a reasonable price and purchased it from Tyler Gun Works in Texas. Closed the deal today, and received notice this afternoon the revolver has been shipped and is due to arrive at my FFL dealer about mid-week next week here in the Phoenix, AZ area.
Over the past several years, I haven't done any shooting at all with a big bore revolver, although I did a significant amount for many years, including handgun hunting. This new gun has got me excited, and I am eagerly looking forward to wringing it out a bit, as it will very shortly leave the ranks of "unfired". The .44 Special is a sweet caliber and lots of fun to hand load for and pack during treks to the mountains and desert.
Photo attached