Thinking of trading my Kimber for a single action 6-shooter

W

Withbothbarrels

Inactive
First, hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and am simply introducing myself.

Next, I am really fascinated with single action cowboy six shooters. I have been told about them and have dry fired them before, but never actually shot one.

How is the shooting of one compared to that of a double action revolver or that of a semi-automatic? How are they different? How are they alike?

I've been considering trading my Kimber 1911 .45 for a LC SA six-shooter. Any thoughts?
 
They shoot nice, but don't do it. First, you will lose big money on the trade unless it is person to person. Wait until you can find and afford a new/ used one. In my opinion, a 1911 is a much better gun to have in every way. I prefer a DA revolver to a SA anyway, mainly because of the time to reload and the ability to shoot it double action. I am assuming LC means 45 Long Colt, and a good Ruger only costs about half of what your Kimber probably did.

Do as you wish, but try to avoid any regrets later.
 
Don't do it.

dawico is right, you get killed on a trade in. If you were insistant on a change sell it privately, it's worth the time and effort.

As far as comparing the Kimber to a single action, I don't think you can. I've shot Kimbers and Ive shot single actions in .22, .41, and .44 and it really is a completely different shooting experience.

Get a used single action, or save longer, but you will regret getting rid of the Kimber if you trade it on a whim.
 
You can't go wrong with a good SA sixgun. You can just feel the history when you hold one. One of the biggest differences is that you will have to manually pull back the hammer before each shot. Reloading is also slower because you have to eject each shell one at a time and load them one at a time. It isn't difficult by any means but it is considerably slower.

Another important factor to consider is the cost of 45LC ammo. In my area its about $35/50rds. And all thats available is cowboy stuff. If you want the 45LC learn to reload. It will reduce expenses dramatically. Lee Handloaders are pretty inexpensive.

Overall I'd say don't trade the Kimber unless you are totally unsatisfied. Wait until you can afford a new or used sixgun. That way you won't violate the rule "Never sell or trade anything!!!" You'll be sorry down the road.
 
I agree, you would get crushed on a trade. Either sell the Kimber or keep it.

As far as how they shoot, they shoot like a revolver. That doesn't answer your question, but they aren't much different than shooting any other handgun.
 
i've got a ruger sheriffs model that is awesome to shoot. Very heavy gun with a great trigger, and it does take you back. I opted for 357 for the versatility and ammo cost. I have a 1911, and I could never imagine trading it. find another way to get your single six. Interest rates are low; refinance and put those savings towards your new baby!!
 
I did just that some time ago. I sold the Kimber, which I did not trust, and bought a Ruger Vaquero. I really like the Vaquero.
 
Not to lose money is good thinking. Getting rid of a Kimber is good thinking. Getting a Colt SAA is great thinking.
 
look at the rugers, a well built gun. A little modern in the workings and the look and feel of the old west. Id keep the 1911 and save for the cowboy 6 gun. I have both and love them both
 
Vaquero

You might want to buy a Vaquero-I got rid of my Kimber because it wasn't that reliable.
I think you can get a New Vaquero reasonably-I did.
I also have a USFA 45 Colt SAA which I bought at a very good price-they're better than 3rd generation Colt.
Some time back I bought a Colt 2nd generation 38 Special.It's dirt cheap to shoot and it's a caliber that actually was around for the first generation Colts,albeit not in the 19th Century.
The New Vaquero has a transfer bar safety mechanism,so it's safe to carry a round under the hammer.
Not so with true SAA's.
The trigger on a good SA sixgun should have a "glass rod" effect when breaking.As in snapping a glass rod.
FYI -Ruger case-coloring is applied,not baked in with bone.
 
You better rent one first.

They are REAL SLOW to load next to your Kimber.

And fairly slow to shoot compare to your Kimber.

Yes,you can practice for thirteen years and fire it as fast as a six shot Uzi but here on Planet Earth-shooting a single action revolver accurately is much slower then shooting any semi auto handgun.

Yes,they are fun to shoot but it's an entirely different type of shooting.

Make SURE you want to invest in one by renting one first.

And make very sure what caliber you want to shoot.

You could get a revolver that fires 45 acp rounds in moon clips and actually keep the Kimber when you wanted to shoot a faster firing-loading weapon.
 
I would suggest a Ruger New Vaquero. Keep the 1911 it's more practical for self defense. There is no reason to not own both guns.
 
The Ruger (New) Vaquero is a really nice gun. I have had both new and old and the new ones are right-on with tolerances. Old ones are strong but are a mess tolerance wise compared to the new ones. Get a .45 Colt and learn to reload or get a Blackhawk convertible 45 acp/Colt if you reloaded for your Kimber. You won't be sorry. I get rid of any gun that I don't like or sits around and never look back.
 
Don't trade the Kimber! While I'm not a big fan of Kimber's or even 1911's in general, you will take a MAJOR financial loss in the trade, and Kimber is far more servicable (usable) than the SA six-gun. The SA can be far more accurate and depending on which caliber you choose, more powerful. They have their place, and are extremely good at what they do. I use a .357 mag Ruger Blackhawk with a 6 1/2" barrel, outfitted with a Weaver clamp-on mount and a 30mm red-dot for deer hunting. It makes a perfect tree stand gun. Plenty good inside of 50 yds, but not what I want to pack in a shoulder holster or IWB holster to go to town. Save up and get you a Ruger unless you want a traditional style, get a Uberti, Heritage, or other Colt clone, for that. Magnum Research and some other company even build Ruger Blackhawk style SA's in .45/70, and Ruger has them in .327 Fed Mag, .38/.357 mag/9mm, .357 max, .30 carbine, .41 mag, .44 spl/.44 mag, and .45 Colt/.45 ACP.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top