Tell me about cowboy guns...

[BullsEye10x]

I've decided to add at least one decent single action revolver to my collection. I don't want to spend thousands on a Colt SAA or anything, so I've been looking at Ruger Vaqueros and a few of the imports (Beretta, Uberti, Cimarron, etc...). The Rugers are sounding good right now, because I could get one centerfire gun and a Single Six model to go with it for cheap practice.

What are some quality brands that will hold up to a lot of shooting, and what should I stay away from?

I'm leaning towards something in .45 Colt or maybe one of the .44 flavors. I reload now with off the shelf components, but would eventually like to start casting my own bullets as well. A cowboy action rig seems like a fitting way to get into that

 

[RugerBob]

I have a Vaquero and a Blackhawk both w/7 1/2" barrels.both 45 LC. Since thats what I have ,Thats what I would recomend. No probs and great warrenty. The Blackhawk has a 45 acp cylinder with it. A friend of mine has 2 Taurus Guachos that he really enjoys. Seems to be no probs w/them either. I have had no other experience with other brands. I load and also cast my own. Good luck, Bob

 

[Virginian]

I have been happy with two Cimarrons and several Rugers. If I had to give my unqualified recommendation to a single action, it would have to be Ruger. Any of them will outlive you.

 

[Pilot]

Can't go wrong with the Rugers. I chose a USFA Rodeo because at the tiem it was closely priced to the Ruger and on par with Colt quality. It is a true SAA clone where Rugers have a transfer bar system. Current prices are around $600 I believe. I paid $450 NIB about 2 years ago.

http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/rodeogun.asp

 

[stevek]

I have a pair of Ruger New Vaquero's in 45 LC, and my wife has a pair of Uberti Stallion's in .38/.357, They have all been great fun to shoot.

 

[rcmodel]

In theory at least, any of the clones, as well as a real Colt stand a higher chance of breaking at some point then the Rugers.

Ruger uses all coil springs in all it's guns.

The Colt & clones all use flat lief springs in the hammer and locking bolt, and the bolt itself is a flat spring that is more prone to break.

Properly fitted & timed, the lief springs will run several lifetimes. But most clones, and newer Colts are often not properly fitted.

rcmodel

 

[Z-Michigan]

The Rugers are wonderful. I have a Single Six and am planning to get a Vaquero and/or Blackhawk before long.

No experience with the others. However, some reading here prevented me from buying a Gaucho from CDNN, which has them at fairly good prices right now.

 

[Jim March]

There are three "Colt near-clones that have transfer bar safeties" Beretta Stampede (including all variants), all Rugers made after 1973 with the "New Vaquero" being by far the most "Colt-like" in terms of feel, and the Taurus Gaucho which has a poor rep for quality.

Transfer-bar-based guns, single or double action, can all be carried safely fully loaded. They're "drop safe". The original 1873 Colt action was definitely not, nor are it's "true clones" by Uberti, USFA, Colt themselves (2nd/3rd/4th gen) and many others.

The Ruger New Vaquero is built on a new "mid frame" and are of exceptional quality by any standards, better than many years of Ruger production in the larger frames. It first shipped in 2005. In 2006 Ruger came out with a "50th Anniversary Blackhawk 357 Flattop" that remains the only adjustable-sight "mid-frame" since 1972. Mid-frames are optimized for the 357 caliber but when set up in 45LC, can't handle the 44Magnum-class "45LC+P" loads.

In a gun of the same strength class as a post-WW2 Colt SAA, including Ruger mid-frames, the hottest ammo you can run is in 357, up to 800ft/lbs energy. In 45LC you top out at around 500-550ft/lbs. It's all about cylinder wall strength.

The large-frame Rugers aren't bad guns but they're oversize on a "44Magnum-class" frame. If you need or want big power, cool. Otherwise the mid-frames including the startlingly nice 50th 357 Blackhawk are likely to be a bit more accurate out of the box, at least on average. Better production process on the cylinder is the main thing...

If you want a really pretty finish, Beretta's "delux" series are the best-looking of the transfer-bar based guns. And the Beretta guns are overall not bad at all in any other category. I went Ruger because I like to alter guns and the aftermarket parts swap situation on Rugers is seriously varied . But full kudos to Beretta and the "Marshall" variant looks absolutely sweet.

 

[Colt46]

Rugers don't have real 'color case' finishes

Not really sure what it is, but they have a poor reputation for durability. If you want dependability and great factory service you should think the New Vaquero. If you want real beauty and history you might go with USFA. They're supposed to be better than current generation colts.

 

[Hawk]

The woods are full of cowboy guns these days. Assuming Mr. Taffin's eulogy for CAS was premature this probably won't change much in the immediate future.

I haven't heard good things about Ruger's case color either but it's easily avoided. Stainless is an option as is hunting down the special run of "all blue" with faux ivory grips or one of the John Wayne models. The JW is getting up there in price but still well shy of Colt / Turnbull / STI / Freedom Arms.

I'd also avoid Beretta's (or anybody else's) bright blue. Reports here are that it's on the fragile side. I believe they're calling it "charcoal" blue but that might may be a misnomer - it looks more like nitre or "fire" blue.

AWA is putting out an "Ultimate" with Turnbull case color and aftermarket springs for a bit more than a USFA Rodeo or Beretta deluxe. Then there's Cimarron/Uberti, just plain Uberti, EMF and no doubt a potfull of others I'm forgetting. I believe Armi San Marco is now AWA international.

Pietta fits in there somewhere.

I'm not aware of any brands that should be avoided although the Gaucho has been nominated by some - some swear by it, others at it. I have no experience with it. I haven't found much on the EMF but that might be a good thing - shooters tend to be vocal when something lets them down.

Stay clear of any real old used Italian stuff - some of it didn't last well.

Should you change your mind on Colt there seems to be a general consensus that they're putting out top shelf stuff now. Prices have declined - some time ago for Colt, more recently for USFA - I wouldn't let "resale" inform any portion of the decision but that's just me.

SAA pattern things are multiplying like lab rats - they're everywhere and, seemingly, most are pretty good. Heck, there's so many, Colt isn't even the highest priced anymore.

 

[Jim March]

True. The finish is the cheesiest part of a Ruger NewVaq/Vaq when "blue".

Some all-blue distributor special NewVaqs without the fake case colors have shipped - those are tasty. The 50th 357 is all-blue. They didn't dare desecrate the John Wayne NewVaq with fake case. Ruger's bluing is decent, it's the fake case that blows chunks.

You could also go stainless .

 

[Jim March]

Stay clear of any real old used Italian stuff - some of it didn't last well.

Yeah, early Italian SAA clones had complaints of soft metal. In Uberti's case this changed over five years ago, maybe as long as ten. Recent production Piettas have a good rep as well.

Beretta bought Uberti not long ago - the Beretta SAs are made by Uberti to Beretta spec, adding the transfer-bar safety or equivelent in the case of the Laredo break-top.

 

[raveneap]

There are any number of "cowboy" guns out there to choose from. I had a Uberti Cattleman in 45LC and it was excellent. Now I've got the Ruger New Vaquero in .357 mag and a Single Six convertible in .22LR/mag. They are both excellent. It's my second single six and I don't think you'll find a better .22 single six for plinking in the price range. And the New Vaquero is outstanding also.

 

[Virginian]

There are Colts, Colt clones, and Rugers. You can spend as much money as you like on the first two categories. I used to have Colts, but went to clones because of the money factor. The newer Cimarrons, when equipped with a Wolff wire trigger spring, only have a flat mainspring left. Everything else is coil.
The Ruger single actions, whether in Blackhawk, original Vaquero, or New Vaquero are all very well engineered revolvers made of excellent materials, backed by as good a manufacturer's reputation as you are likely to find anywhere. The only difference between them is style as far as I am concerned. They are not true clones to me because the Ruger design is an improvement over the original Colt design. Worlds tougher. They did preserve the look. The New Vaquero is just smaller to be handier in Cowboy shoots with mild loads. I like the bigger older Vaqueros that can handle the groundpounder loads without a qualm. They fit me better and I like the way they feel better. After years of hearing raves about the old flat top Rugers, I got a 50th Anniversary 44 only to find I like the XR3-Red gripframe best. Now I gotta refit the cotton pickin' thing.

 

[wyocarp]

I mostly shoot my colts but I have a pair of Great Western II guns that are extremely accurate in .45 LC.

 

[def]

I think the New Vaqueros look real good- I'm saving up for one right now.

 

[Jim March]

Let me fill in the situation on Ruger SA cylinders.

Large-frame Ruger SAs had their cylinders reamed on a machine with six bits at once, doing all six bores. This led to cases where the bores weren't identical; it appears it was difficult to check these machines and they didn't do so often enough. Variances between bores led to accuracy problems and the rise of entire businesses custom finish-reaming Ruger cylinders:

http://www.cylindersmith.com/

Even then, the best way to get tight 45LC cylinder bores on a Ruger was to buy a 44Magnum model, ream the cylinders custom and swap barrels.

The NewVaq (and 50th Anniversary 357) cylinders are reamed on a machine doing one bore at a time in sequence. Variances between bores are eliminated, and because that one bit is easier to check, the bores we are getting are better quality.

That's the biggest improvement in the mid-frames, however others are evident. We're seeing less windage screwups too.

When I picked mine out in 2005, I did "the checkout" on three possibilities, all blue/fake-case, all 357. All passed with flying colors; I picked based on barrel length (one 5.5" model excluded) and the fake-case pattern. When it was time to shoot mine it proved the checkout to be a good predictor of accuracy, doing 2" @ 25yds with factory loads it liked and windage dead on.

On edit: it's possible the large-frame cylinder build process has recently been revised to the one-bit method. I have no idea either way.

 

[garyhan]

After doing a lot of research on this subject, I decided a new Vaquero was then only sensible choice. When I went to the gun shop, I ended up buying a Uberti. I could not resist the the feel. We'll see if I regret not making the logical choice.

gary

 

[bluetopper]

I've been looking hard at getting S/A also and I think I may get me an EAA Bounty Hunter. To me they seem to be the best bang for the buck.
Reviews have been great that I have read.

 

[JustinL]

I bought a stainless Beretta Stampede .45LC from CDNN last fall for all of $400. After a couple hundred rounds the firing pin broke and it went out of time. Beretta repaired it for free and even paid for the shipping. I haven't had a problem since.

 

[BullsEye10x]

Good info here, thanks!
I compared the Beretta Stampede, New Vaquero, and an Uberti Cattleman at Gander Mountain today (I won't buy there, but they are good for window shopping). As I expected, the Ruger was definitely the sturdiest of them all and had a pretty slick action for a new gun. Beretta was OK, but not too impressed with the Uberti

Also saw that CDNN was advertising Charles Daly 1873 SA's for $329. These were all-steel guns; they had some brass trimmed ones as well for $269, but I'd prefer a stronger metal for shooting .45LC. Both seem like great prices! Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[Big Boomer]

If you are going to go single action, Rugers are great. I'd get a Blackhawk, I own one and love it.

With the blackhawks you have the options of going from mild to wild if you reload. Vaqueros are a bit more fragile so you can't shoot those 45 Colt +P's in them.

If you really want a couple of nice firearms try freedom arms they make VERY nice revolvers if you can afford such. Also take a look at magnum research they make some nice single actions as well if you are into the "Big Boomers"

 

[Catherine]

Ruger...

Blackhawk 45Colt.

Ruger in any caliber from 22LR to whatever!
I think that people who LOVE S/A REVOLVERS will still buy them whether it is in vogue or not. I know that I will still BUY and SHOOT them! Mine are NIB, new model ones although the older ones are sweet too.

I don't belong to any CAS or SASS group although I have seen some of these 'shoots'.

I bought my single action revolvers because I LIKED them in strength, in looks, in simplicity from A to Z, in cleaning them, in shooting them, history, etc. They are straight shooters and I PREFER a single action revolver OVER any other gun too! (I love lever action rifles too!)

I like these firearms but don't own one yet:
http://www.usfirearms.com/
I would like to see one in person.

Freedom Arms is nice too. I don't own one but my husband had 2 of them. He sold one and kept another one. He has custom made, regular, old and new ones in you name it!

I am an open carry lady and like my Ruger S/A and 'other' firearms in a Triple K leather, western style belt/holster or in a Uncle Mike's shoulder holster. I use 2 holsters on my Triple K outfit... one for my 45Colt - Blackhawk and one for my Ruger 22LR of the day.

Mine were bought between 1998-2001 - NIB - New Models from Ruger.

My next purchases will be in another lever action rifle and in another single action revolver.

Best wishes.

There are some sweet b/p (Black powder.) single action revolvers too.

Best wishes!

Catherine

 

[Jim March]

These were all-steel guns; they had some brass trimmed ones as well for $269, but I'd prefer a stronger metal for shooting .45LC.

Grip frame strength really isn't that big an issue in SAs. The grip frame doesn't get beat up. Ruger has shipped more SA grip frames in aluminum than any other metal(!) including large-frame 45LCs that can take 44Magnum-class bullet energy. They also shipped some brass grip framed 44Magnum SuperBlackhawks and those held up well.

Only complaint I ever heard on the aluminum was, some guy managed to break one but it wasn't from recoil, it was from dropping it.

So the low-end Italian guns coming out with brass grip frames, or for that matter the aftermarket Ruger grip frames by MKTechnologies (formerly QPR) should be fine. (The aftermarket brass grip frames are easy to fit with basic hand tools and are popular for that reason.)

Mind you, there may be OTHER reasons to snub a lower-end Italian gun...just sayin' a brass grip frame alone isn't enough in my book to discount a gun.

 

[bones507]

I have almost all revolvers save for my Beretta 92 and a few rimfires. That said it wasnt till Dec 2007 that i got my first Cowboy gun, a single six with the 22 mag cylinder also. Since then i have gotten two Blkhwks, one in 45 Colt with 45ACP cylinder and the other is 357 with the 9mm cylinder. I love them both !!! I favor the 45 cause its what The Duke shot !! Actually i have back issues and cant be bending down and picking up brass, but the guns are accurate and they will make you take your time shooting them as opposed to a traditional wheel gun simply for the fact that it takes more time to reload them so you want to make every shot count, at least that how my brain works.
I seriously enjoy them, i havent gotten a cowboy holster yet and i guess my wife will get me the Rooster Cogburn rig for Christmas if i hint enough.