Best brand cowboy action type pistol?

[Roboshred]

Fella's I'm thinking of buying a SAA type pistol to shoot on a semi regular basis. This will be a plinker not a safe queen. I don't want to spend $1200 on the Colt but would consider their cowboy version or a Uberti;EMF; Cimmaron etc.. What do you guys suggest for the best quality/price. The calibers I'm entertaining are 45 Colt,32-20;357.. Any objective feedback will be appreciated. RB

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'd get a Ruger, but that's just me. (likes the 44 mag option)

The Beretta Stampede looks really nice, royal blue and case colored is gorgeous.

 

[Josey]

I would go Ruger myself. The EMF/Great Western II is a nice SA pistol. Gibbs/Navy Arms are good quality. There are Colt, Remington, S&W and other types or styles of SA pistols. Black Powder and cartridge conversions or cartridge options. I would not suggest the Beretta Stampede or AWA though. They are not too solid in reputation and function.

 

[sgt127]

If Bill Ruger and Sam Colt were competitors....Colt would be known for their fine buggy springs. You can't kill a Vaquero.

 

[Iron Mike]

Cant go wrong with a ruger got five ,love em

 

[GySgt]

Ruger

 

[seadog]

I am sold on Rugers too, but a USFA Rodeo is calling my name every time I go into the local shop. They are nice guns.

 

[HogRider]

If you want the most durable and also a great value for your money go with the Ruger Vaquero!

 

[Majic]

Rugers are tougher, but bigger and heavier. True SAA and the clones are better balanced. The better clones, such as the USFA, command higher prices then the Italian models, but they show quality.

 

[vwfool]

I've had 3 Italian ones, both Colt and Remington clones. I liked them all, but when I buy my next one I am going to get a Ruger. Good price, good caliber and style options, and odds are you won't ever have to worry about knocking it around or wearing it out.

 

[Tom C.]

I use Ruger Blackhawks and shoot in the Modern category. I much prefer the nice sights and I like sighting in with a screw driver and not a hammer and file. Of course, they are also indestructable and I can use hotter loads for other applications.

 

[edwardyoung]

http://www.usfirearms.com/usfapages/USrodeo.asp

Lots of people say USFA is better than a real Colt.

 

[Hutch]

'Nother vote for the Ruger. Got a pair of Bis-quero .44's, and a pair of Blackhawk .357's. Tough as a cockroach, reliable as a stone axe.

 

[Jim March]

As long as it's a recent-production USAF (no Italian innards) it's a good gun - if you can deal with five-up carry (no safety). That's all you need for SASS/CAS (the rules are set up so that true sixshooters like the Rugers and Stampede still have to be loaded five-up).

If you want six-up carry and SAA-type handling, the Stampede is interesting.

But the Rugers are the toughest, bar none.

 

[maytom]

I'm partial to the Rugers myself.

 

[Baron Holbach4]

Without question, Ruger makes the best cowboy-style revolvers.

 

[popeye]

I've got an AWA Peacekeeper 4 5/8". It's pretty nice but I'm gonna sell it or trade it on a Ruger stainless .44 in 7 1/2" If I can find one. I've got a 3 1/2" stainess in .357. I like the stainless cause you can sand off the barrel idiosy and polish it out.

 

[Frenchy]

Well!...When I used to shoot Cowboy Action, it was with a stainless .45 Vaquero. Strong, accurate and just plain fun!

 

[dmftoy1]

Hey, this is off topic a bit, but I really would like to start doing this. Is it true that you need 2 pistols? I have one, and was set to buy a rifle and shotgun, but if I have to pick up another pistol/rifle/shotgun that's a bigger chunk than I have.

Just curious.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Trebor]

When I was thinking about getting into CAS a couple years back, almost EVERYONE I talked to reccomended getting Ruger revolvers. The consensus was that they'd last longer with fewer problems than any of the other brands. Some of the people had tried Rugers first and stuck with them, while others had tried the various Italian guns before giving up on them and getting Rugers. One guy even switched from new production Colt SAA's to Rugers because he kept having problems with the Colts. (I believe he sold one Colt and have enough to pay for both Rugers, btw).

To Dmftoy1: Yes, you need two revovlers for all CAS shoots that I am familiar with. Find a local CAS club in your area and talk to some shooters for more info before you lay out serious cash for hardware. You should find that they'll be willing to help out a new shooter. You might even arrange to borrow a gun while you save up to complete your gear. (In my experience, their more willing to help you out with a loan for the match if you have ALMOST everything you need but still need that second revolver or one of the two long guns. It's harder to get guys to loan you a complete rig.)

 

[dmftoy1]

Thanks! I guess I need to keep saving! I'm gonna try and pick up a Marlin 1895 for christmas this year, and maybe I can get a double barrel shotgun for Valentines day.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Holiday]

Dave, in CAS you must use a pistol caliber rifle. A Marlin model 1895 can't be used except in side match long range stuff. Unless you really meant a M-1894, in which case I apoligize. Check out the SASS website for the complete rules.

www.sassnet.com

 

[Nick96]

RUGER!!!

Some are pretter. Some cheaper. Some more expensive. But none better for everyday durability, accuracy and fun use.

If Colt were smarter - they'd drop the price of their 1873's and sell thousands more.

The brand name will take you so far. But all other things being equal - price sells. And the Ruger is equal or superior the Colt in every way - at a fraction of the price.

Many of the Italian copies are good though (equal to the Colt) - so they are an alternative if you wish to send some of your money off shore.

I prefer to buy American - so Ruger is the only practical alternative to an original Colt SAA for me.

 

[Jim March]

The USAF is now just as American as Colt or Ruger. They're built in Colt's original factory, in fact .

So there really are three American SA choices, not two.