Which would you buy?
- Thread starter USNRet93
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buck460XVR
New member
Both are quality firearms with good reviews. Comes down to which do you want. What we would buy between the two is really irrelevant.
mikejonestkd
New member
Uberti for looks and feel, Ruger has a slight edge for durability
Pathfinder45
New member
If you want to handload some hot loads, get an older Vaquero, as it is a stronger gun. If you want to stay with standard pressure loads, the New Vaquero is plenty strong enough and in some ways, it's an improved model. If you decide to go with a 357 magnum instead of a 45, then I would recommend the New Vaquero. If you want to be fully authentic, and price is no object, get a Colt made before WWII. If you are going to shoot the living daylights out of it, I can say that I have probably shot over 10,000 rounds through my Vaquero 45 and none of them have been low-powered, target loads.
Actually the New Vaquero is good to 23K pressure loads (Tier 2), so not 'just' for Tier 1 loads. Just an FYI
. Tier 3 (30k Ruger Only Loads) is reserved for the original Vaquero and large frame BHs as stated. I personally like the New Vaquero better as not into 'hot' loads. Plenty strong for any load that I ever will want to shoot in .45 Colt revolver.I just purchased a .44 Special Uberti Cattleman a couple months ago and was a bit disappointed. 'All' (yes all) the screws would work loose after a few rounds (say 30-50). Shot straight though. Trigger pull was heavy and long (action job would obviously help alot) . Just an FYI. My original Vaquero and New Vaqueros screws stay put.
J.G. Terry
New member
I was poisoned by problems with Italian Single actions back in the day. As we speak, I own three old Ruger Vaquero's. I know from experience that those guns are built like tanks. If I wanted something to shoot it would always be the Ruger. I do not shoot maximum loads in the Vaquero's. If I want to load max I go with my SBH or Blackhawk Bisley in 45 Colt.
It's nothing against the new Vaquero or the Italian gun. I don't know anything about them. I'm not up to taking a risk. I have shot many, many rounds in the old Vaquero's. Got my carry license with a 45 Colt caliber old Vaquero.
It's nothing against the new Vaquero or the Italian gun. I don't know anything about them. I'm not up to taking a risk. I have shot many, many rounds in the old Vaquero's. Got my carry license with a 45 Colt caliber old Vaquero.
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TruthTellers
New member
Ruger for the customer service. Dunno how Uberti's is, but if it's any good I'd have more confidence in buying a Schofield repro.
arquebus357
New member
Good choice... I wasn't going to say this but, single action Rugers are a nightmare to work on. The disassemble-reassemble procedure is very tricky. Also, for the older, 44 magnum sized Vaqueros, (2 digit Serial nbr. prefix) the cylinder must be visually lined up with the gate for loading, unloading. A real pain in the butt. Ruger managed to build a modern Colt replica that was more difficult to operate and work on. Oh yeah, you can load all 6 chambers of the Ruger safely. Not a favorable trade off to me.
Jim Watson
New member
Unless for SASS or NCOWS, I would get a Blackhawk for the adjustable sights.
Since you are now looking smallbore, a Ruger Flattop would fit right in.
Since you are now looking smallbore, a Ruger Flattop would fit right in.
Pathfinder45
New member
Since it will now be a 38/357, then I highly recommend the Ruger New Vaquero, or, 2nd choice, the flat-top, Blackhawk. Bird's-head grips are for the birds. Just get the regular grips. The only question worth pondering over is which barrel length to choose.
J.G. Terry
New member
Complicated Rugers
Ruger complications?:The only place on a Ruger SA where you need three hands is putting the main spring assemble back together. The rest of the re-assembly is in the instructions or on the net.
I want something that will last the ages. I have seen too many Italian single actions with broken parts with no replacements easily found. I'll own this is a bias from long ago. I do not want to take a risk on the foreign gun with years of experience with Ruger's. What's the point.
Ruger complications?:The only place on a Ruger SA where you need three hands is putting the main spring assemble back together. The rest of the re-assembly is in the instructions or on the net.
I want something that will last the ages. I have seen too many Italian single actions with broken parts with no replacements easily found. I'll own this is a bias from long ago. I do not want to take a risk on the foreign gun with years of experience with Ruger's. What's the point.
Handled the BirdsHead and disagree..feels REALLY good in 'my' hand. This is a range toy, along with son's own Uberti Cattleman in 45LC, another son's S&W 686.
I'm liking the 3.5inch barrel..good enough for Doc Holiday, good enough for me..
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buck460XVR
New member
Handled the BirdsHead and disagree..feels REALLY good in 'my' hand. This is a range toy, along with son's own Uberti Cattleman in 45LC, another son's S&W 686.
I'm liking the 3.5inch barrel..good enough for Doc Holiday, good enough for me..
This is why I posted what I did in my first post......
....your monies, your gun, your taste....you pick. So many folks in a desire to verify and justify their choices want everyone to own what they do. That's why these type of threads have so many "get what I have" responses. You're obviously looking for a "fun" gun, so get what appears to be the most fun for you. That's what makes it "your" gun, not just the fact you paid for it.