I want a good single action revolver. Any suggestions?

[45 Dragoon]

Is that the new firing pin system they introduced around 2016? I’ve heard the manual says to load 5, implying they don’t 100% trust the system. I could be wrong about that.

I genuinely wish there were other options that more closely matched the OP’s wish list. Nothing against Ruger, I just like options.

Yes, the retracting f.P. and as far as I can tell, it seems to work rather well. Some Cowboy shooters say they have problems with ftfs but I suspect it is more about their technique than the safety. When shooting fast, I think some of them have lifted their trig. finger just as f.p. is reaching the primer (Just my theory). I'm sure the "load 5 anyway" is "lawyer speak".

I agree too, it's always best to have options!!

Mike

 

[ontarget]

I call it progress. You don’t have to push the .45 Colt to .454 levels (that’s a 65,000 PSI ceiling), but you sure can make it a more invigorated cartridge by NOT limiting it to 14,000 PSI.....

I guess bias ply tires work, so why step up to radials...

Like I said in another post, I'm not afraid my Uberti will blow up if I go to 14,100 psi. Or more.
My point was that if a person wants a more "invigorating" load, why not pick up a 44 mag?
I'm not saying any of you are wrong about the ability to push some cartridges way beyond specs safely. I'm just saying that if it were only a difference between bias ply or radial tires we would all be driving 1970 vehicles with some sweet new tires instead of our choice of a more suitable model that was built with radial tires in mind.

 

[MaxP]

Like I said in another post, I'm not afraid my Uberti will blow up if I go to 14,100 psi. Or more.
My point was that if a person wants a more "invigorating" load, why not pick up a 44 mag?
I'm not saying any of you are wrong about the ability to push some cartridges way beyond specs safely. I'm just saying that if it were only a difference between bias ply or radial tires we would all be driving 1970 vehicles with some sweet new tires instead of our choice of a more suitable model that was built with radial tires in mind.

So we should probably Load the .45 Colt with black powder only as that is how it started its storied career...

 

[ontarget]

So we should probably Load the .45 Colt with black powder only as that is how it started its storied career...

And at the time I'm sure it was more invigorating than a .36 cap and ball.

 

[Ed Ames]

My point was that if a person wants a more "invigorating" load, why not pick up a 44 mag?

Personal preference? Accident of history?

In my case, my dad had a .44 mag revolver and rifle. When I decided to buy a large bore revolver (and matching rifle) for myself I opted for .454. Why? Just to be a little different, so if we both went shooting together we had variety. Of course that meant I was set up to reload .45-family cartridges, so even more reason to stick with it. Some of the revolvers can also shoot .45ACP which I also already had. It isn’t a strong reason but it has been enough.

I did eventually buy a .44 mag of my own but at this point it’s more expensive for me to shoot that than the .45, so it doesn’t get out much.

 

[Viper1357]

Thank you all. There's some great information in this thread. I guess I'm gonna grab the Cimarron Pistolero right now, and just get the 454 Super Blackhawk for hot loads in the near future.

The Cimarron Pistolero, now that's just my game!


In plain....



Or faux ivory...


"

 

[Bill M.]

One thing that limits the OP options is the desired price. Ruger single actions are both fairly cheap and are very strong. But if you remove the price limitation then there are other options. Freedom Arms comes to mind. Colt guns in the various generations. I just do not know anything about the Italian clones mentioned. They could be options too. I just cannot see taking a chance on them unless one desires the looks or feel. I would buy the Vaquero instead. I expect we all wish for more Ameircan made single action guns in .45 for less than $1000. But it is not likely to happen. Just be thankful that Ruger is still here.

My friends recently acquired .357 Colt SA, I think 2nd generation, has been to the smith for a tune up to make it work slick and to make the trigger acceptable and is going back to try to keep the base pin latched with full loads. That adds up to a twice or 3 times what the OP wanted to spend.

 

[JFrank]

Still, there is nothing wrong with the New Vaquero...

View attachment 924708

That right there is a pretty darn good pistol. Hard to go wrong with a Ruger 45 LC

 

[45 Dragoon]

Hey!!! I just had a great idea!!!
How 'bout a Ruger in .45 LC ?!!! Kaint believe nobody has even mentioned a dang 'ol Ruger!! They are as tuff as nails and fairly in xpensive!! If the OP was wealthy why he could buy ah whole passel of Freedom Arms'es !! That right there would be the thing to do!!! Or, he could buy ah expensive real Colt and have it worked on and still have a gun that wuz weeker than one-ah them Italians'es (since them Italians proof they're guns to higher pressures . . . hope nobody already mentioned any uh this already! Lol)

Dang 'ol Mike

 

[duwayne potter]

I have an EMF Hartford Premier. The color case hardening was done by Doug Turnbull and it's excellent. Trigger is smooth and light. I'd like to find a second one.

 

[KarateHottie93]

Well I got my (first of many) SAA clone! Obviously not in 45 or 454 though. Still...beautiful firearm and feels such higher quality than anything I've seen for the price. Just happened to see it at my FFL this morning and absolutely had to have it. Unfortunately it's only available in 6 rounds of 22LR. Praying for that magnum conversion to come out eventually. I mean this firearm has been out since 2019 so I can't imagine it doesn't happen eventually. Everything definitely seems strong enough to handle it.