Single Action Under $600

[Blueduck]

I'd like to have a nice cowboy type single action 45 Colt. Nothing fancy just a high quality gun that will shoot well for many mnay years for under $600. I'm sure varients of this thread are plentifull but everything in this area seems to keep shifting around...

First I heard Ruger new Vaquero was the way to go, then recalls and months after introduction my FFL just shakes his head and says he doesnt know when he could get one.

Heard good things about USFA, then I heard prices have jumped so high people are buying italian guns again and just having them worked on rathe than pay the new prices.

I've heard various things about Cimmarons,EMF's, Umbertti etc., everything from great to some are good some are trash, to they are all made by the company anyway.

Arrrgg! Can anybody shed some light on the current makers??? Only thing thats dead out to me is Colt.

 

[Frandy]

Would you consider one of the Beretta Stampedes (made by their Uberti division)? Mine is .357 and though I've only shot around 600 rounds through it (200 .357 and the rest .38), I'm quite happy with it.

http://products.berettausa.com/frame_tabellaprodotti_2002.asp?sgmt=38&Model=Stampede - Blued

Mine:

Frandy

 

[joab]

Look at Uberti
They pretty much make the guns for every body else anyway
They regularly sell for around $450

Uberti

 

[sfhogman]

Check out this Taurus. I've never shot one but it's sure purty.
http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus_Gaucho.htm

 

[ID_shooting]

Nothing wrong w/ a Blackhawk IMO. If you don't mind used, there should be many Vaqueros out there for well under that. I just got my wife a used SS Blackhawk in .357 for under $300 for mothers day.

 

[Majic]

Get an older Vaquero. The market is full of them.

 

[joab]

I forgot to mention I just bought an old model Ruger Vaquero with an action job for $379.
The big difference between these and the other clones is the size.

old Rugers are just a bit bulkier than the new ones and the others. That and the transfer bars

 

[mutt]

under 600 /

Check out the USFA site. Seems I recall two of their six guns under 600. Said that the interior parts were same excellance in all their six guns.. Just that the finish might be different. Saw one that looked old but was new ,thought I might could afford......................MUTT

 

[Bayou Boy]

I have an Interarms Virginian Dragoon in .45 Colt. It looks almost just like the pic of the Beretta posted above only with wooden grips. Very tight action and smooth as butter. It's for sale actually. PM me if you're interested.

 

[cookekdjr]

I'd like to have a nice cowboy type single action 45 Colt. Nothing fancy just a high quality gun that will shoot well for many mnay years for under $600.
You want a Ruger. If you are partial to Colt SAA's, look at the new Vaquero. If you just want a great cowboy gun, look at the old Vaquero's.
Nothing will last as long and run as trouble free.
USFA is making better colts than Colt is, and the new Taurus shows promise.
But when it came time to spend my money I chose a Ruger (and I've bought 3 Ruger single actions in the last 60 days).
-David

 

[Stainz]

Does it have to be a fixed sight and suitable for use in the 'Cowboy Action Shooting' events? If not, consider the special production Ruger 5.5" SS Bisley Blackhawk, available now as a convertible with a cylinder for .45 ACP's and one for .45 Colts. Additionally, you will find that many gunsmith's will install a free-spin pawl quite reasonably, leaving you some of your dough for ammo. You could save some dough and buy the .45 Colt-only version, as they appear to still be in the supply system. Have your dealer try AccuSport Distributors for either version.

If you don't like the Bisley style grips - or SS - you can always opt for the standard catalog Blackhawk .45 convertibles (same idea, two cylinders) blued - in 4.6" or 5.5". The standard Blackhawk grip is similar to the Colt & clones - jus a bit wider. Again, the free-spin pawl addition helps. The adjustable sights are a boon as well. And... the ability to shoot $10/box ammo from Wally World (Try to find .45 Colts...) is a boon, too. Good luck!

Stainz

 

[caz223]

Buy a used vaquero for less than $400, then with the money left over, get an action job, check the chamber throats, recut forcing cone, and polish the warning off the barrel. (It will be about $200 for a stainless gun, blued guns are more.)

 

[countertop]

Does it have to be a fixed sight and suitable for use in the 'Cowboy Action Shooting' events? If not, consider the special production Ruger 5.5" SS Bisley Blackhawk

I am about to get one (probably this weekend). I've never shot Cowboy Action before but was interested in doing it. Why aren't they suitable? Will I not be allowed to shoot if I show up with one? Is there a prohibition on these?

 

[SDGlock23]

Ruger Blackhawk

You do well getting a Ruger Blackhawk. You can get blued or stainless ( a little extra ). You can get a new blued one for just over $300, a convertable ( 45 Colt + 45 ACP ) for $350, or stainless for about $375...at budsgunshop.com. Here's mine, and yes the grips are extra.

 

[joab]

Why aren't they suitable?

They aren't authentic

Will I not be allowed to shoot if I show up with one?

In modern class

Is there a prohibition on these?

Yes except in modern class

SASS Rules: All guns to be originals or copies of a design made prior to 1900.
Handguns = Single action only, .32 caliber or larger.
Rifles = any lever or slide action with exposed hammer in a "pistol caliber" .25 or larger.
Shotguns = Side by Side or exposed hammer pump of 20 Gauge or larger.

"Frontier" class will use percussion revolvers and must use double shotguns.

All CAS Main Match guns must fire only lead bullets, no jackets or gas checks.

Pistol ammo must be under 1000 fps velocity and rifle ammo under 1400 fps,

Shotgun ammo is to be low brass field or target loads, number 4 shot or smaller - NO HIGH BRASS OR MAGNUM LOADS.

Those with adjustable sights shoot in the Modern class while fixed sights shoot Traditional (two handed) or Duelist (one handed).

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Id highly recomend a usfa they are top shelf guns. Id take one over the new vaquero in a heartbeat. Im a big ruger fan but to me the old vaquero just feels better in the hand then the new one. Nice thing with the old ones is that they can handle heavy loads also. Try what i did take a stainless vaquero (old) and swap the stainless grip frame for an aluminum one and do the same with the ejector rod housing and you end up with a gun thats as light as a newer one and alot stronger.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

USFA Rodeo prices still seem to be in the $500's at dealers. MSRP is just over $700, but MSRP and the price you pay are rarely the same.

Still the best way to go. Here's mine: