I'm a rock solid Colt guy, but there are advantages to the ruger. First off is COST. The Ruger will cost you half what a real Colt will. They also have the transfer bar ignition, and a reputation for durability. Fit and finish are another matter. If cost were no object I'd go with the Colt EVERY time, but I understand that economics have to be considered. And the Ruger vaquero would seem to meet your needs for a lot less initial cost. Trade-in value (if you later deceide to trade up) is probably a little better for the Ruger than the other clones.
Help choosing a SAA
- Thread starter bnjtown
- Start date
Crunchy Frog
New member
gak quoted and commented: Crunchy Frog said
"'I don't think any one makes a clone (by my definition) with the firing pin on the hammer.'
You had me 'til this statement. Are you sure you meant that? MOST Ubertis, Piettas and USFAs would meet your definition--unless I missed something, enitely possible. Most USFAs have slightly larger cylinders, but are otherwise pretty close."
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to guns with transfer bars. I edited my post.
"'I don't think any one makes a clone (by my definition) with the firing pin on the hammer.'
You had me 'til this statement. Are you sure you meant that? MOST Ubertis, Piettas and USFAs would meet your definition--unless I missed something, enitely possible. Most USFAs have slightly larger cylinders, but are otherwise pretty close."
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to guns with transfer bars. I edited my post.
1858 remmy
New member
saa
Id just go with a newer colt...or a repro. if you want 6 go with a vaquero...i happen to be a traditionalist and only load 5
Id just go with a newer colt...or a repro. if you want 6 go with a vaquero...i happen to be a traditionalist and only load 5
Wow, this is great how much good info yall are giving!
I am gonna go check some out this weekend.
I am open to looking at a new vaquero for sure. Dont really wanna shell out the cash for a real deal colt right now. I would like to stay as close to the "old style" look and feel as possible though.
Truthfully i just need to buy one and see what i do and dont like about it and make sure the next one is exactly what i want. I have plenty of auto's but the 22 revolver i have (not a cowboy style single action) gives me the most joy of any of them. A little more bang makes for a lot more fun though.
does the 4 5/8 barrel have and draw backs compared to the 5.5? Accuracy? I doubt i would ever use it for anything other than fun but need all the help i can get in that category
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I am gonna go check some out this weekend.
I am open to looking at a new vaquero for sure. Dont really wanna shell out the cash for a real deal colt right now. I would like to stay as close to the "old style" look and feel as possible though.
Truthfully i just need to buy one and see what i do and dont like about it and make sure the next one is exactly what i want. I have plenty of auto's but the 22 revolver i have (not a cowboy style single action) gives me the most joy of any of them. A little more bang makes for a lot more fun though.
does the 4 5/8 barrel have and draw backs compared to the 5.5? Accuracy? I doubt i would ever use it for anything other than fun but need all the help i can get in that category
...Have a couple of S.A. in 45 colt and wanted to get one in 357. Ended up with this Uberti birds head look good and shoot very well. Found it used at lgs for $360.00.http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81147&stc=1&d=1336149436
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Bmjtown said:
"does the 4 5/8 barrel have and draw backs compared to the 5.5? Accuracy? I doubt i would ever use it for anything other than fun but need all the help i can get in that categor."
I'd say not enough to matter on accuracy between the two, especially as you say if mostly for "fun." Especially for some of our older eyes, the 5.5 sight radius (with any caliber)--and thus acquisition--is a bit better. OTOH, especially on an all-steel .357 to me every additional oz really counts, and my 5.5 Ruger NV is just that must heftier than the 4-3/8"--especially on the hip trompin' all day--that I wished I'd opted for the shorter, but not enough of a difference that the "shoulda got a..." is earth shattering though. But even that's not critical enough if you otherwise just like the 5.5 better. I'm normally a 5.5" fan, for overall balance especially with the big bores, and I like the 5.5 looks regardless, so even with the .357 it's a close call. This is truly a very personal, visceral "buy what you like"-- what feels and looks most right to you--distinction that has to be made.
There's no question the 4-5/8" naturally just carries (and draws) that much better as you'd expect. Same dynamic is true of any increment up or down. The 4-5/8" (4-3/4" Colt) is historically supposedly the "gunfghter's" choice and that certainly extends to the CAS'ers. OTOH, the 5.5 is hard to beat as a great "compromise"--dirty word to some, but also describes an overall utilty of "not too short, not too long" for a whole array of duties. If planning any hunting at all (or let's say of at least 30% duty), which is usually reserved for the adjustable sight Blackhawks, etc, but fixed can and are used..., I'd opt for the 5.5. If it helps, Clint's SAAs (first two Spaghettis) were 5.5s.
EDIT: especially if you plan on shooting a lot of "full house" (ie hot) .357 loads, the 5.5 does help with noticeable muzzle flip, but again we're talking "minutes'" here--and not degrees'--worth. Still, an additional factor for some in favor of a longer barrel.
"does the 4 5/8 barrel have and draw backs compared to the 5.5? Accuracy? I doubt i would ever use it for anything other than fun but need all the help i can get in that categor."
I'd say not enough to matter on accuracy between the two, especially as you say if mostly for "fun." Especially for some of our older eyes, the 5.5 sight radius (with any caliber)--and thus acquisition--is a bit better. OTOH, especially on an all-steel .357 to me every additional oz really counts, and my 5.5 Ruger NV is just that must heftier than the 4-3/8"--especially on the hip trompin' all day--that I wished I'd opted for the shorter, but not enough of a difference that the "shoulda got a..." is earth shattering though. But even that's not critical enough if you otherwise just like the 5.5 better. I'm normally a 5.5" fan, for overall balance especially with the big bores, and I like the 5.5 looks regardless, so even with the .357 it's a close call. This is truly a very personal, visceral "buy what you like"-- what feels and looks most right to you--distinction that has to be made.
There's no question the 4-5/8" naturally just carries (and draws) that much better as you'd expect. Same dynamic is true of any increment up or down. The 4-5/8" (4-3/4" Colt) is historically supposedly the "gunfghter's" choice and that certainly extends to the CAS'ers. OTOH, the 5.5 is hard to beat as a great "compromise"--dirty word to some, but also describes an overall utilty of "not too short, not too long" for a whole array of duties. If planning any hunting at all (or let's say of at least 30% duty), which is usually reserved for the adjustable sight Blackhawks, etc, but fixed can and are used..., I'd opt for the 5.5. If it helps, Clint's SAAs (first two Spaghettis) were 5.5s
.EDIT: especially if you plan on shooting a lot of "full house" (ie hot) .357 loads, the 5.5 does help with noticeable muzzle flip, but again we're talking "minutes'" here--and not degrees'--worth. Still, an additional factor for some in favor of a longer barrel.
Last edited:
Crunchy Frog
New member
First, either barrel length will work; remember there is less than an inch difference.
When I started cowboy action shooting I borrowed a friend's "backup" guns which are New Vaqueros with 5.5 inch tubes. .357 of course, and we load light to medium powered .38 Specials for cowboy.
I think the 5.5 inch barrel is great for a .44 or .45 caliber revolver. In .38-.357, remember that the outside diameter of the barrel and cylinder is the same as the big bores', but the bore and chamber is smaller. This means more steel. I decided I preferred the shorter tube with the .38-.357 chambering so that's what I went with when I bought my own revolvers.
The Rugers are great. Very rugged. Pretty good resale if you ever decide to sell it.
If you want a traditional style revolver (no transfer bar) and cost is a consideration, check out the Uberti Hombre revolver. I has a brass grip frame and a matte black finish. Otherwise it's the same as the more expensive Ubertis. Only available in the 4 3/4 inch barrel, in .357 or .45 Colt. There's a dealer on Gunbroker who has been selling them for $250 each; Academy Sports has the .357 available for about $279. That's a great single action revolver for the price.
When I started cowboy action shooting I borrowed a friend's "backup" guns which are New Vaqueros with 5.5 inch tubes. .357 of course, and we load light to medium powered .38 Specials for cowboy.
I think the 5.5 inch barrel is great for a .44 or .45 caliber revolver. In .38-.357, remember that the outside diameter of the barrel and cylinder is the same as the big bores', but the bore and chamber is smaller. This means more steel. I decided I preferred the shorter tube with the .38-.357 chambering so that's what I went with when I bought my own revolvers.
The Rugers are great. Very rugged. Pretty good resale if you ever decide to sell it.
If you want a traditional style revolver (no transfer bar) and cost is a consideration, check out the Uberti Hombre revolver. I has a brass grip frame and a matte black finish. Otherwise it's the same as the more expensive Ubertis. Only available in the 4 3/4 inch barrel, in .357 or .45 Colt. There's a dealer on Gunbroker who has been selling them for $250 each; Academy Sports has the .357 available for about $279. That's a great single action revolver for the price.
