Bowen Perfect Packing Pistol

[tt66]

I have always been fascinated with the work of Hamilton Bowen and when I had the oppurtunity for this, I jumped as quick as I could.

It started as a 1967 model 357 Blackhawk. I am a 1967 model as well so that was a plus. Bowen changed the cylinder and barrel to .41 Rem Magnum, my favorite caliber. The cylinder has the black powder chamfer and wears the Bowen crest. A standard Ruger .41 barrel and ejector housing were shortened to 4". A new front sight with interchangeable blades was added as well as a Bowen rear sight. It has a Bowen locking base pin. The XR3 RED grip frame was modified with a hidden lanyard pin and the grips are a beautiful pair of walnut crafted by Roy Fishpaw. The grips are marked, dated and serial numbered to the revolver.

To me the most striking feature is the scalloped recoil shield and loading gate. Between that and the 4" barrel, it is a real joy to carry and not to bad to shoot. One of the finer finishing touches is the way he removed the .357 Mag lettering on the frame and replaced it with the correct .41 Magnum designation. It has been shot and has some cylinder rash from riding in a chest holster. To me the cylinder rash is wonderful, now I can carry it as it should be and not worry if it gets another mark or two.

Thank you for letting me share my Perfect Packing Pistol !!

[O M CRAZY]

WOW that's quite a package. It looks great. Is it hard to handle with the powerful 41mag.? I find the standard 4 & 5/8" Blackhawk to be a handful.
O M CRAZY

[67stingray]

That is really a work of art, thanks for sharing. I'm with O M Crazy there I imagine it's more fun to look at than squeeze the trigger on.
Bennett

[flattop44]

Bowen is truly a Master, that is one fine Ruger you have. Thanks for letting us see it.
Bill

[RocDoc]

Can you explain the 'hidden lanyard pin'?

[tt66]

My regular hand load is 7.5g of Unique with a 210 LSW, so recoil is not that bad. Although I wouldn't want to shoot it at the bench all day

As far as the pin, it is pretty neat.

[Tenpoint]

Love it!
Bowen is a Master...
Lanyard pin is a very handy touch. Might do that myself on next project.
Thanks for sharing pics!
Tenpoint

[RocDoc]

Very clever idea, thought the rolled-up lanyard was a bore snake in the pic. Thanks for explaining.

[AZ Gunrunner]

Man o man that is beautiful. I love the. 41 mag and load similar to you. Thank you fur sharing. Stay safe.

[1911shiner]

Very nice!