eastsunshine
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- Apr 21, 2009
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what is the best single action revolver i can get in .45lc or .44 mag
im looking for an accurate, strong, long lasting gun
im looking for an accurate, strong, long lasting gun
single action revolvers
- Thread starter eastsunshine
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
1. Freedom Arms.
http://www.freedomarms.com/
2. U. S. Fire Arms.
http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/single-action-revolver.asp
3. Ruger Blackhawk & Super Blackhawk.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FASubType?type=Revolver&subtype=Single Action
The Freedom Arms is the best single-action made today.
The U.S.F.A. is the best classic Colt copy made today. But it is not as strong as the other two.
The Ruger is cheapest, and a very fine & strong gun for the money, but it ain't no Freedon Arms.
rc
http://www.freedomarms.com/
2. U. S. Fire Arms.
http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/single-action-revolver.asp
3. Ruger Blackhawk & Super Blackhawk.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FASubType?type=Revolver&subtype=Single Action
The Freedom Arms is the best single-action made today.
The U.S.F.A. is the best classic Colt copy made today. But it is not as strong as the other two.
The Ruger is cheapest, and a very fine & strong gun for the money, but it ain't no Freedon Arms.
rc
Beagle-zebub
Member
I think it's worth asking whether you are thinking of shooting only standard .45 Colt rounds, or Ruger-only loads, which are in the same class with the .44 magnum. Colts and copies thereof are NOT capable of handling Ruger-only .45 Colt loads, but they aren't as big and heavy as the Ruger Blackhawk or Freedom Arms 83--many people think they're "handier," and for just that reason.
COSteve
Member
Best - Freedom Arms model 83 Premier grade (hold on to your wallet).
Best value - Ruger Blackhawk.
Best value - Ruger Blackhawk.
Virginian
Member
Caveat... If you like the feel of the Freedom Arms. They are not the classic single action grip, way more so than a slightly oversized Ruger grip.
For standard 45s, a Colt or a USFA. The USFA lovers will tell you how well made they are, and they are nice, but the Colt still says Colt on it and that is worth $s down the road.
For 44 Magnum, or hot 45 Colt loads, Ruger is it for me. As you may have guessed, I do not like a modifeid SAA grip shape to include Freedom Arms, or Ruger Bisley, or Colt Bisley. I have made three different attempts to learn to like the FA over the years and I just can't do it. No question it is manufactured with excellent quality control and tight specs.
For standard 45s, a Colt or a USFA. The USFA lovers will tell you how well made they are, and they are nice, but the Colt still says Colt on it and that is worth $s down the road.
For 44 Magnum, or hot 45 Colt loads, Ruger is it for me. As you may have guessed, I do not like a modifeid SAA grip shape to include Freedom Arms, or Ruger Bisley, or Colt Bisley. I have made three different attempts to learn to like the FA over the years and I just can't do it. No question it is manufactured with excellent quality control and tight specs.
TheVirginian
Member
If you don't mind departure from the traditional, the Ruger Old model Vaquero suits that bill. For a traditional gun, a Colt or a USFA is tops. You can only get the Colt in .45LC, not .44 Mag. The USFA can be had in .44-40 or .44 Special, but not .44 Mag. The only reason that I would even suggest a Ruger is the capability for .44 Mag.
-Bill
-Bill
Harve Curry
Member
Virginian,
Are you sure you cannot get 44 special from Colt?
I did simply by asking. When I ordered it from Colt I called by phone. The person I spoke to said to follow up with a letter and 50% down, so I sent a letter detailing what I wanted, what I was going to do with it, and what I expected it to do.
They have to put a heavier then normal spring for the trigger/bolt because of a Conneticut law. I replaced it with a lighter spring and that is all of done to it. The price was comparable to prices I see now.
Are you sure you cannot get 44 special from Colt?
I did simply by asking. When I ordered it from Colt I called by phone. The person I spoke to said to follow up with a letter and 50% down, so I sent a letter detailing what I wanted, what I was going to do with it, and what I expected it to do.
They have to put a heavier then normal spring for the trigger/bolt because of a Conneticut law. I replaced it with a lighter spring and that is all of done to it. The price was comparable to prices I see now.
Hawk
Member
Might as well throw STI and Turnbull into the stew.
I believe the Turnbull "Open Range" is still largely USFA parts but with more "Turnbull" in the mix than their previous "Cowboy Classic".
Both are of the "classic" pattern quite unlike the Thoroughly Modern Millie Freedom Arms or Ruger.
I note that ATF is listing Gary Reeder as a manufacturer. Whatever he's putting out should be in the running for "best".
And, in deference to those that have been there and done that: Colt.
I believe the Turnbull "Open Range" is still largely USFA parts but with more "Turnbull" in the mix than their previous "Cowboy Classic".
Both are of the "classic" pattern quite unlike the Thoroughly Modern Millie Freedom Arms or Ruger.
I note that ATF is listing Gary Reeder as a manufacturer. Whatever he's putting out should be in the running for "best".
And, in deference to those that have been there and done that: Colt.
TheVirginian
Member
Hi,
I can't say for sure as they may via custom orders. Here is what they show everyone else... http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/revolvers.asp
I was actually just limiting the option to .45LC as the only other caliber the OP asked about was .44 Magnum. Colt does offer it in .357 Magnum.
-Bill
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
If you want brute strength and don't want to pop for a Freedom arms...Ruger Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk. If you want fixed sights, the original, "big" Vaqueros are equally strong, but currently out of print. You can occasionally find one in good shape, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Somebody please start a rumor that Ruger will reissue the large-frame Vaquero. Maybe if there's enough clamor for it, Ruger will respond.
If you want something a bit smaller and lighter in .45 Colt...lately, I've been gettin' cozy with a pair of New Vaqueros, and can't say enough good about'em. Even with fairly large hands, I like the slim grips.
They're accurate...easy to carry...print to point of aim at 25 yards with a 250-grain cast bullet and the long-accepted and well-established favorite load of 9 grains of Unique...and my chronograph insists that the velocity at 15 feet is an impressive 900+ fps from the 4 and 5/8ths barrels. From a 5.5-inch tube, a thousand fps wouldn't be a stretch.
No, they're not recommended for use with the "Ruger Only" load data in the manuals, though I have a suspicion that they're stronger than many believe them to be...but they're not Blackhawks. There's no sense in beating up a fine revolver and shortening its useful service life for an extra 200 fps. For anything short of large or dangerous animals...if you can't git'r'done with a 250 at 950 fps..you probably can't do any better with the same bullet at 1150. If you need more, go with a Super Blackhawk and enjoy all the buck and roar that the .44 Magnum will provide.
Somebody please start a rumor that Ruger will reissue the large-frame Vaquero. Maybe if there's enough clamor for it, Ruger will respond.
If you want something a bit smaller and lighter in .45 Colt...lately, I've been gettin' cozy with a pair of New Vaqueros, and can't say enough good about'em. Even with fairly large hands, I like the slim grips.
They're accurate...easy to carry...print to point of aim at 25 yards with a 250-grain cast bullet and the long-accepted and well-established favorite load of 9 grains of Unique...and my chronograph insists that the velocity at 15 feet is an impressive 900+ fps from the 4 and 5/8ths barrels. From a 5.5-inch tube, a thousand fps wouldn't be a stretch.
No, they're not recommended for use with the "Ruger Only" load data in the manuals, though I have a suspicion that they're stronger than many believe them to be...but they're not Blackhawks. There's no sense in beating up a fine revolver and shortening its useful service life for an extra 200 fps. For anything short of large or dangerous animals...if you can't git'r'done with a 250 at 950 fps..you probably can't do any better with the same bullet at 1150. If you need more, go with a Super Blackhawk and enjoy all the buck and roar that the .44 Magnum will provide.
BCRider
Member
I may be wrong but I think most of the currently available .45LC offerings are aimed at the cowboy action scenario shooting scene with sights and frames that support the old classic strength loads used in a classic manner. On the other hand the offerings in .44 magnum are more focused on guiding this higher energy bullet to do the most damage possible. Now both will put the lead where you aim but one will do so with more damage potential than the other. So which do you prefer?
wheelgunslinger
Member
You are correct, to an extent, BC.
The SAA pattern repops in 45 LC are aimed at the Cowboy shooters who shoot pipsqueak target loads.
There are modern heavier duty weapons produced that fire the 45LC also, and can handle 44 mag+ type loads.
In my opinion, if you really want "accurate, strong, long lasting" then you get a big frame Vaquero Bisley model.
I had one, and it was the Mariusz Pudzianowski of handguns.
I deeply regret trading that one away because it was an absolute work horse.
The SAA pattern repops in 45 LC are aimed at the Cowboy shooters who shoot pipsqueak target loads.
There are modern heavier duty weapons produced that fire the 45LC also, and can handle 44 mag+ type loads.
In my opinion, if you really want "accurate, strong, long lasting" then you get a big frame Vaquero Bisley model.
I had one, and it was the Mariusz Pudzianowski of handguns.
I deeply regret trading that one away because it was an absolute work horse.
TheVirginian
Member
They made my list. If you don't want it, I'll trade you for my AWA... 
-Bill
-Bill
zxcvbob
Member
If you want to shoot .45 heavy loads (like 255 grain bullets @ 1300+ fps) go with a Ruger Bisley. If you want to shoot standard velocity .45 Colts, but maybe push the envelope just a little occasionally, you want a New Vaquero.
Cabela's has a .45 that I think they call "New Millennium", or something hokey like that, that look pretty handy. It's probably made by Uberti.
Cabela's has a .45 that I think they call "New Millennium", or something hokey like that, that look pretty handy. It's probably made by Uberti.
salvo
Member
Freedom Arms Premere Grade 6", this one is chambered for the 475 Linebaugh. I just bought it and it should be here this week
Other than that I really like the Ruger Bisley grip frame for hot 45's and 44Mags. This is a Bisley Vaquero 4 5/8" in .44 Mag.
Other than that I really like the Ruger Bisley grip frame for hot 45's and 44Mags. This is a Bisley Vaquero 4 5/8" in .44 Mag.
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