Need advice on SA revolver.

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
I want to buy a SA revolver for the following purpose:
1. SD
2. Fast draw shooting competitions
3. Collection

Which caliber, size, finish and make would you recommend? Budget is up to $5,000, but doesnt have to be expensive as money left over will be spent on something else. The reason to state budget to show that I dont want compromise on any aspect for funds sake.

Thank you

 

[Old Fuff]

Fast draw competition can mess up a conventional Colt or identical clone pretty fast. For that reason I believe most competitors use highly modified Rugers. I would personally prefer the Ruger for self defense, as internal parts breakage would be less likely. That said, I believe they're better choices for that purpose. Colt's (if you can afford them) are the better collectable.

 

[wally247]

Buy a Ruger Vaquero/New Vaquero for the SD and competition role and with the leftover cash buy something collectable.

I think most fast draw competitions require a .45LC but I could be wrong.

 

[cpt-t]

The Ruger Vaquero in a 45LC IMHO is just about perfict for Me and my Son. We have several and we have never had a problem with any of our Rugers. We like the SS models in 45LC. We use the to Cowboy Action Shoot, To Hunt with, and to just Plink with. Again IMHO a Ruger Vaquero in 45LC for SD is hard to beat, if you shoot a SA well. And you really have to work at it to dammage a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero. And with your buget you can several Rugers and the leather to match.
ken

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, a Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt is probably what you should buy for fast draw. You will also want to have work done in it to help you go fast! lol (mine however does not have that work done) Here is a photo of an original Bisley Vaquero in .45 Colt and 2 New Vaqueros in 38/357, none have been modified.

 

[PRM]

I have a Colt SAA .45 LC that I sent back to the Custom Shop a few years back and had a .45 ACP Cylinder fitted to it. The .45 ACP is the way to go in the larger caliber if yoy want to shoot a lot $$$.

I am partial to Colts, but Uberti and Ruger make a fine revilver.

One of my favorite SAs for carry is the Cimarron Lightning in .38 Special. Its 20% smaller than the full size SAA so its lighter and easier to carry. I also like the traditional shape of the "birds head grip." Cimarron closely copied the shape of the original Colt Lightning. The pre-ban elephant ivory grips were my personal upgrade.


http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/cartridge-revolvers/lightning-model-p-jr/lightning-1.html

 

[Manny]

Bob Munden, who unfortunately passed away last December, was the King of fast draw and a very talanted gunsmith too. If you can find one of his customized guns it will meet every criteria you have. Also his shop will still be performing work as well.

http://www.bobmunden.com/

 

[Greg528iT]

I'm surprised that there has not been a SD and SA incompatibility comment. So I will. If you are proficient with your Single Action, self defense wouldn't be an issue. A highly proficient shooter could probably shoot faster than a novice with an autoloader. I won't say don't do it.. but I will say, if you want a SA for SD.. make sure you practice MORE than you might with an easier, DA or semi auto.

I really like the Rugers for their toughness.

 

[bannockburn]

I would definitely go with a Ruger Vaquero mainly for their inherent design strengths and reliability. A Colt would be the better choice in terms of being the better collectors piece.

 

[Old Fuff]

I'm surprised that there has not been a SD and SA incompatibility comment. So I will. If you are proficient with your Single Action, self defense wouldn't be an issue. A highly proficient shooter could probably shoot faster than a novice with an autoloader. I won't say don't do it.. but I will say, if you want a SA for SD.. make sure you practice MORE than you might with an easier, DA or semi auto.

There are at least two issues you didn't mention.

1. "Fast work" requires two hands.

2. If the issue isn't decided within 5 or 6 shots (depending on what model revolver) you are going to have a real problem with a fast reload.

 

[Mr. D]

Get a Ruger.

I carried a New Vaquero for self defense for a while. I would feel very confident using that gun for SD, but I have practiced a LOT with it. On the other hand, it can really be a chore to carry, at least for a smaller guy like me. It is doable, but there are a TON of compact and semi-compact handguns that are a lot easier to carry - smaller and lighter. I have a feeling that even a 1911 would carry easier, but I don't know for sure.

SA revolvers are also harder to conceal well.

~D

 

[snakeman]

ruger blackhawk tuned 45 colt/45 acp covertible. adj. sights are a big plus for sd and comp

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

xxx

 

[guitarguy314]

I would have to agree with snakeman. I have a ruger blackhawk convertible in 45. Awesome gun, and not very expensive.

 

[CraigC]

1. SD
2. Fast draw shooting competitions
3. Collection

IMHO, these three purposes are incompatible so you really need three different sixguns.

1. A sixgun for self defense can be virtually anything. Although most would lean toward a short barreled model like the Ruger Montado, Colt Sheriff's or similar replica.

2. Most fast draw competitors use highly modified Old Model Blackhawks converted to fixed sights and usually with an aluminum barrel. Which precludes it from any other use.

3. While people collect lots of things, to me, the only thing worthwhile would be 1st or 2nd generation Colt's or any of the guns from the blackpowder era. Very, very few 3rd generation Colt's are a good investment. Despite the predictions of Colt fans, USFA's are skyrocketing in value because they are no longer made. While you can certainly shoot and enjoy a collectible, you won't be doing any fast draw with it and maintain its value.

1. "Fast work" requires two hands.

Not really.

2. If the issue isn't decided within 5 or 6 shots (depending on what model revolver) you are going to have a real problem with a fast reload.

If you believe in carrying a Glock 9mm with three spare magazines, you probably shouldn't be carrying a single action. Most gunfights are over with in 2-3 shots. If I can't get it done with 5-6, then another 5-6 won't make any difference. I never carry a reload anyway. So even an Officer's model 1911 only gives me one extra shot.

 

[Cosmoline]

We should probably clarify that there are two main types of Vaqueros out there. The old Vaqueros are very large and heavy. Ideal for shooting +p loads. They are often great for custom work because they have so much extra steel to work with. The NEW Vaqs from the past few years are considerably lighter weight and handle much more like a Colt SAA.

 

[mec]

with that kind of money, a ruger for the tough stuff and a recent colt .45 for moderate shooting-because its a colt.