Ruger Opinion

pretty simple, I think
if you most enjoy SA, buy SA
if you most enjoy DA, buy GP
if you like to mix it up, GP
it's not like one is superior to the other, they are both fine revolvers
it's about whatever you want to do with it
either one can get it done (all the rest that 357 can do, which is plenty)

(you didn't say if you already had one or the other already covered, meaning your own guns, but if not, the "other" seems the obvious choice, that's all)

Neither. Go for the Blackhawk unless you need to go with fixed sights for some other reason than practical outdoor uses.

.45 Colt

for some odd reason or other, that one don't look quite same to me as your average std model off-the-shelf at LGS Blackhawk there, McGunner

(my eyes must be getting worse)

very very nice

Just when I thought I knew everything, I am stumped.

What the heck is a Ranch Pistol?

well, it's a lot like an "assault weapon"
(aka any weapon you assault somebody with... a baseball bat pretty much qualifies)

and a Ranch Pistol is whatever pistol you use around the ranch
because it suits your personal preferences
nothing wrong with that

something not being an assault weapon, or a Ranch Pistol, might be something in that a tad off the bullseye.. but whatever works for you, works for you

If it is a Ruger you can't go wrong GP 100 is a great gun I love mine and I have 10 different Ruger pistols they love hot loads no fear.

Click to expand...

couldn't have said it better myself!

I have both and love both. A ranch gun should be single action though, to be true! Tho my gp100 (kgp141) is so bada$$!

I just got back from shooting a couple of my Rugers. A Lipsey's special Vaquero (it is actually a New Vaquero but on this model it is stamped Vaquero) in 44spcl. and a 3 inch SP101 in 357 mag. I got nothing for ya" I enjoy both of them as well as my other Rugers.

I'll go against the grain a bit, since I have owned, or still own, examples of most of the handguns discussed here.

I've got a GP100, 4 incher, that is an excellent sidearm. I had a 6 incher as well but gifted that to my son. My hands are on the smallish side so I had to find a set of the older-style rubber grips with the wood inlay panels. It is accurate and dependable, but a bit largeish so I can't really fire it one-handed. Can't grip it as securely as I wish. Two-handed in no problem, but for trail work I want something I can shoot one-handed if necessary.

I've owned a bunch of Blackhawks and they were my favorite 'woods and trail' gun for many years. I had a .45 convertible and mostly shot 45ACP through it, with excellent accuracy. When I went into mountain country - bears and such - I used the 45 Colt cylinder and never felt undergunned, even with factory lead loads.

These days I have several New Vaqueros and they are my favorite overall. Robust and dependable, I never feel undergunned with either the .357 or .45 version. Since I handload, I can shoot anything from powderpuffs to bunker busters in the .357. The .45 I can load mild or warm. The warm load could easily take deer-size and larger game. Most of all, both my New Vaqueros are quite accurate, particularly at the distances I tend to use them. That is all I can ask of any firearm. I have the polished SS versions and am wanting to have them buffed out to a satin finish, as these are working guns and not BBQ museum pieces. Moreover, these are small enough that I can grip, and shoot, from either hand.

Definitely go with a Ruger - shoot several examples of each and then you'll know what works best for you.

Ron in Texas

Cant go wrong! Great fire arms and wonderful company who stand behind their products.. I love my gp100..

Maybe a photo will help you decide? I just picked this up yesterday.

Its a tough choice. The Vaquero is beautiful and fun to shoot but does not have the best sites. The GP100 is a bit more versatile and you probably will get more practical use out of it. I have a Vaquero and love it, btw.