If I were to buy just one SA revolver....
- Thread starter valnar
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A Ruger, they are bascilly over built (will handle hot loads), tough, can safely carry 6 rolls due to transfer bar system, and come in 3 different grips to satisfy your needs. I have a pair of Vaqueros regular grip in 357. Now looking at a pair of Bisley's, like the Consecutive number serise... They are a good value for the money!
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
Jim March
Member
Valnar: early reviews of the Beretta Stampede show it to be the clear "other choice" in transfer-bar SAs. Go to the forums at www.sassnet.com - you can use the search function even without being a member. Look for "stampede" in the main forum. LOTS of highly positive reviews.
NOTE: the Stampede isn't as strong as a Ruger, but it does come very close to the handling characteristics of the Colt SAA and should match it for strength. Translation: in 357, too much of the very hottest 125s or heavy hunting loads might hurt it (I'd treat it about like a K-Frame S&W) and in 45LC, a jacketed 200grain @ 1,100 or hardcast 260 @ 1,000 are about as hot as you should ever go and then not a massive diet. However, if most of your practice is in 38/38+P or 357/45LC Cowboy loads and you load it hotter for occasional woods duty or even CCW, you'll get a very pleasant little critter with better handling than most Rugers for most people's hands.
Errr...well, there IS another choice: the Freedom Arms 97 series, which means major $$$. If I had $1,500 I'd jump on the '97 in 357.
NOTE: the Stampede isn't as strong as a Ruger, but it does come very close to the handling characteristics of the Colt SAA and should match it for strength. Translation: in 357, too much of the very hottest 125s or heavy hunting loads might hurt it (I'd treat it about like a K-Frame S&W) and in 45LC, a jacketed 200grain @ 1,100 or hardcast 260 @ 1,000 are about as hot as you should ever go and then not a massive diet. However, if most of your practice is in 38/38+P or 357/45LC Cowboy loads and you load it hotter for occasional woods duty or even CCW, you'll get a very pleasant little critter with better handling than most Rugers for most people's hands.
Errr...well, there IS another choice: the Freedom Arms 97 series, which means major $$$. If I had $1,500 I'd jump on the '97 in 357.
mcshot
Member
For the money I'm most impressed with the J.P. Sauer Western Marshall.
mc
mc
One all around shooter/plinker.. Ruger Vaquero.
One really nice cowboy gun.. save up for a Colt.
One really nice cowboy gun.. save up for a Colt.
Jim March
Member
Dr. Rob: I'm not sure that's true anymore, about the Colt SAA.
I really think the USFAs have kicked Colt's butt, while being made in the original Colt building! And their marketing strategy just rocks: produce a great basic shooter with a plain-jane finish @ $500, or let people order them as fancy as desired and still come in cheaper than an SAA, in a gun that needs zero "tuning and tweaking", feels like an SAA, etc.
http://www.usfirearms.com/
Colt just doesn't care anymore. These guys DO.
I really think the USFAs have kicked Colt's butt, while being made in the original Colt building! And their marketing strategy just rocks: produce a great basic shooter with a plain-jane finish @ $500, or let people order them as fancy as desired and still come in cheaper than an SAA, in a gun that needs zero "tuning and tweaking", feels like an SAA, etc.
http://www.usfirearms.com/
Colt just doesn't care anymore. These guys DO.
Ah Jim you forget.. I have a thing for the little horse logo.
Also, the Colt will always be a Colt, its value likely won't change much. Of course it costs twice as much too.
The best thing about the Ruger is it can be had in 44 mag..no Colt or clone can handle that pressure in the same sized pistol.
meaning I can load up a 240gr flat point at a ultra low 750fps for cowboy and plinking.. or load a HOT 300 gr hornady XTP compressed fire breathing elk stomper. ( I COULD, not that I would)
One BIG complaint about Rugers is the grip size. The grips is really tiny for a magnum. The super BH grip frame on a vaquero upper would be cool, but a little bit larger than your "real' cowboy guns.
Still the grip on the Ruger can be improved with skinnier grips eagle 'gunfighter" grips are a LOT thinner and alllow you to wrap more of your hand around the pistol.
US Firearms looks cool, but they are way behind on the 'Lightning" rifle, though it seems like rather than make them from Italian parts they are b doing the whole thing here.
The USF pistols are very pretty and functional. Nothing wrong with them at all.
Also, the Colt will always be a Colt, its value likely won't change much. Of course it costs twice as much too.
The best thing about the Ruger is it can be had in 44 mag..no Colt or clone can handle that pressure in the same sized pistol.
meaning I can load up a 240gr flat point at a ultra low 750fps for cowboy and plinking.. or load a HOT 300 gr hornady XTP compressed fire breathing elk stomper. ( I COULD, not that I would)
One BIG complaint about Rugers is the grip size. The grips is really tiny for a magnum. The super BH grip frame on a vaquero upper would be cool, but a little bit larger than your "real' cowboy guns.
Still the grip on the Ruger can be improved with skinnier grips eagle 'gunfighter" grips are a LOT thinner and alllow you to wrap more of your hand around the pistol.
US Firearms looks cool, but they are way behind on the 'Lightning" rifle, though it seems like rather than make them from Italian parts they are b doing the whole thing here.
The USF pistols are very pretty and functional. Nothing wrong with them at all.
farscott
Member
I do not believe the "Big, clunky" part of this statement to be true. The FA Model 83 actually carries very well since it is not much bigger than a Colt Model P. It is considerably stronger than the Colt, but much of the strength increase is due to modern materials and tolerances -- and the five-shot cylinder. It is much easier to carry than a Ruger Redhawk and no harder to carry than a Ruger Blackhawk.
If I could only have one single-action, my choice would be the FA Model 97 in .357 Magnum. These are very nice, six-shot revolvers with craftsmanship that is obvious to the eye and performance that justifies the price tag.
While at my FFL for other reasons this morning, I handled and pretty much decided I LUV the USFA .45!!!!That'll pro'bly do it for me!!!!
On a side note, while talking with a "prosperous" older gentleman, he was there to acquire a new belt and holster for his Vaquero. He ALSO was EXTREMELY impressed with the USFA, but not a buyer;nor was I (impeccable, but $499 on consignment). As I watched he dropped $331 for his rig!!!!! Leads me to wonder what I'm wishing for.....
On a side note, while talking with a "prosperous" older gentleman, he was there to acquire a new belt and holster for his Vaquero. He ALSO was EXTREMELY impressed with the USFA, but not a buyer;nor was I (impeccable, but $499 on consignment). As I watched he dropped $331 for his rig!!!!! Leads me to wonder what I'm wishing for.....
For the price and the looks, I'm getting the Stampede. The Ruger is nice, but I made up my mind. Thanks for all the replies.
I may end up with an adjustable sight Blackhawk one of these days, but for ol' time fun, the Stampede is as close to a Colt as I want to get, with a transfer bar to boot (sorry Colt fans, I consider that a good thing)
-Robert
I may end up with an adjustable sight Blackhawk one of these days, but for ol' time fun, the Stampede is as close to a Colt as I want to get, with a transfer bar to boot (sorry Colt fans, I consider that a good thing)
-Robert
Jim March
Member
Anybody looking for a non-transfer-bar SAA pattern needs to read this:
http://www.usfirearms.com/pdf/guntests0703.pdf
It's a reprint of a Gun Tests Magazine comparison of five guns: a brand new Colt SAA, an original 1904 SAA, the AWA Peacekeeper (basically an Italian clone that's imported unfinished and given a top-notch finish and action job here in the US), a Uberti and the USFA Rodeo.
With the caveat that the finish is rather plain, the Rodeo is literally the best out-of-the-box shooter tested, and is enthusiastically awarded the "best buy" title. The new-production Colt is the WORST shooter, and some of the mistakes such as the grossly overpolished front sight blade make it unsuitable as a shooter without really serious re-work.
In stark contrast, the Rodeo was clearly built to win SASS events right out of the box, with sights that are as good as possible while keeping it within it's class and excellent feel and accuracy.
Now, the Vaquero and probably the Stampede are better "woods carry/plinking/utility guns" with the Ruger being tops for critter defense. But for CAS/SASS, the Rodeo is just IT.
Final point on Rugers: if the goal is to use truly wild-child ammo such as the 300 - 325grain 44Mags and 45LC+Ps, the answer is the Ruger Bisley grip frame.
http://www.usfirearms.com/pdf/guntests0703.pdf
It's a reprint of a Gun Tests Magazine comparison of five guns: a brand new Colt SAA, an original 1904 SAA, the AWA Peacekeeper (basically an Italian clone that's imported unfinished and given a top-notch finish and action job here in the US), a Uberti and the USFA Rodeo.
With the caveat that the finish is rather plain, the Rodeo is literally the best out-of-the-box shooter tested, and is enthusiastically awarded the "best buy" title. The new-production Colt is the WORST shooter, and some of the mistakes such as the grossly overpolished front sight blade make it unsuitable as a shooter without really serious re-work.
In stark contrast, the Rodeo was clearly built to win SASS events right out of the box, with sights that are as good as possible while keeping it within it's class and excellent feel and accuracy.
Now, the Vaquero and probably the Stampede are better "woods carry/plinking/utility guns" with the Ruger being tops for critter defense. But for CAS/SASS, the Rodeo is just IT.
Final point on Rugers: if the goal is to use truly wild-child ammo such as the 300 - 325grain 44Mags and 45LC+Ps, the answer is the Ruger Bisley grip frame.
MagKnightX
Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2003
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I'd have to suggest the BFR. It's supposed to be very accurate, and you can get the .45/70 version, get a spare cylinder, and use it with .450 Marlin as well. Handcannon!
I agree with the Ruger Vaquero or either of the BlackHawks!! Ruger makes one heck of a strong gun for the money!! While not as fancy finished or perfect tolerences as say the Freedomarm's, they'll sure shoot with the best of them!!
Like someone metioned earlier, Gary Reeder sure makes some awesome custom Rugers, and I'd love to pick up one of his fine customs anyday!!
http://www.reedercustomguns.com/
Like someone metioned earlier, Gary Reeder sure makes some awesome custom Rugers, and I'd love to pick up one of his fine customs anyday!!
http://www.reedercustomguns.com/
I have a Bisley .45 Blackhawk, which I bought to have customized - it shoots so darn well, now, though I think I'll leave it alone.
The Fredom Arms revos are works of art - just made like big, fine watches.
The regular Rugers are indeed bigger and less handy than a Colt SAA or clone, although undeniably stronger.
The USFA Rodeo is a nice shooter, and since it has a slightly larger cylinder than a Colt, a little stronger. Bear in mind, though, a USFA with high polish and color case finish will cost you as much as a Colt. Will it hold the same value as the Colt? YGIAGAM
Dad had a Uberti with adjustable sights in .44-40. He was less than amused with the handloads I once loaded for it. Nothing damaged, but...
What I want are one of the Colt New Frontiers - a flattop adjustable sighted 2nd & 3rd generation gun - in .44 Special. Colt looks and balance, and strength to take stiff loads, too.
BTW, the break open Ubertis - the Schofeld and Russian replicas are made from modern steel - and said to be quite strong enough for any sane load. I always did think that #3 Russian looked awfully cool with that spur trigger guard.
The Fredom Arms revos are works of art - just made like big, fine watches.
The regular Rugers are indeed bigger and less handy than a Colt SAA or clone, although undeniably stronger.
The USFA Rodeo is a nice shooter, and since it has a slightly larger cylinder than a Colt, a little stronger. Bear in mind, though, a USFA with high polish and color case finish will cost you as much as a Colt. Will it hold the same value as the Colt? YGIAGAM
Dad had a Uberti with adjustable sights in .44-40. He was less than amused with the handloads I once loaded for it. Nothing damaged, but...
What I want are one of the Colt New Frontiers - a flattop adjustable sighted 2nd & 3rd generation gun - in .44 Special. Colt looks and balance, and strength to take stiff loads, too.
BTW, the break open Ubertis - the Schofeld and Russian replicas are made from modern steel - and said to be quite strong enough for any sane load. I always did think that #3 Russian looked awfully cool with that spur trigger guard.
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