I'm considering purchasing my first revolver, and after some initial research have focused on the western style single action revolvers, probably 5 1/2 inch barrel, possibly 45 colt caliber. This would not be used for hunting or self defense, just target shooting which I greatly enjoy; occasional target shooting judging by the cost of ammunition. I like the looks of the western style revolver, particularly in stainless or nickel, and would like to have a larger caliber; my semi-autos are 9mm and .22.
I had a chance to handle a new blued Colt Cowboy, and a used stainless Ruger Bisley-Vaquero at a shop this week; both felt good in my hands, and had fairly smooth triggers, at least to my novice hands. I didn't see much in this forum about the Colt western style revolvers, at least for the last month and a half, but a lot about the Rugers. I've looked at the Colt and Ruger web sites, which raised some questions. For example, other than cost, what is the difference between the Colt Model P's and the Cowboy? Are the Model P's aimed toward the collector? Ruger lists 'Single Action', and 'New Model Single Action', but the differences are not obvious to me. And, are there other choices?
I had a chance to handle a new blued Colt Cowboy, and a used stainless Ruger Bisley-Vaquero at a shop this week; both felt good in my hands, and had fairly smooth triggers, at least to my novice hands. I didn't see much in this forum about the Colt western style revolvers, at least for the last month and a half, but a lot about the Rugers. I've looked at the Colt and Ruger web sites, which raised some questions. For example, other than cost, what is the difference between the Colt Model P's and the Cowboy? Are the Model P's aimed toward the collector? Ruger lists 'Single Action', and 'New Model Single Action', but the differences are not obvious to me. And, are there other choices?