Looking for SAA's.

[Cmdr. Gravez0r]

I'm mostly a rifle guy but I think SAA-style revolvers are super. I don't need a super nice one, basically one that goes bang everytime and I wouldn't feel guilty about slogging through the swamp with it. (We have a lot of those in VT).

Basically need an inexpensive one. What make should I look for, new or used?

 

[average_shooter]

If you want a modern SAA-copy that looks similar on the outside, but is modern on the inside Ruger's lineup might suit your needs. Otherwise, Uberti makes some decent more closely representative examples, chiefly their "Cattleman" line.

The Rugers have a transfer-bar system which allows for safer carry with all 6 chambers loaded, whereas the Ubertis should be carried traditionally with five chambers loaded, hammer down on the empty chamber.

 

[sonier]

easy one, ruger blackhawk. 400 range at pawn shops for blued, almost bought a stainless steel for 450 it was 357 mag. those guns you can beat up there tough.

 

[BCRider]

If you're not after a more traditional style then I'd say a Blackhawk as well. The key feature being the adjustable sights that allow you to shoot a wider range of loadings and not have to involve using "kentucky elevation" like you would require with the fixed sights of a Vaquero or faithful cowboy replica.

And to help keep the cost of plinking down and allow you to experiment with some cool BIG FLASHBANG loads I'd suggest the .45Colt option. A mid weight bullet pushed by a mid range charge of H110 or 2400 would really light up the world.... And then meanwhile you can also download to cowboy action type loads that would not scare the meakest new shooter. The bigger cases and bullet weight selection just has a lot more versatility then the .357 options. But if you don't want to reload then the cost of ammo would kill the pocketbook. IN that case the .357 version is the clear winner by a country mile. And the range of .38Spl's from gentle target wadcutter on up to the major .357 Magnums isn't all that shabby. Maybe not the versatility and range of the .45Colt but it's nothing to sneeze at.

 

[sw282]

Colt makes a real nice one. I really love my 45 Colt 5 1/2''. Fits my hand and is not big and bulky like the Blackhawks

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If you think the Blackhawks are too big, get a Vaquero.
They're reasonably priced, even new. I just bought a Blackhawk new for $449.