Advice on choosing a single action revolver.

Firstfishman said:
I am looking into purchasing a single action revolver in .357. I am leaning towards the Ruger Blackhawk but wanted to hear and check out some other makes and models.

Thanks for the help!
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It depends what you're looking for....Do you want a solid gun with adjustable rear sights or you want a copy of the real SAA Colts?
 
If you are going to shoot a variety of ammo from the gun then the Blackhawk is the way to go. The adjustable sights ensure that you can tune them to match your ammo over a wide range from soft .38's up to full power .357Mag loads.

If you look into the fixed sight options you'll find that these guns are "one load wonders". The fixed sights limit them to a rather narrow range of loads such that the POI is matched to the POA.

The other difference? If looked at side by side the fixed sight guns have a far sleeker and more streamlined look than does the Blackhawk with the rather squared off lines of the frame and bulky sights sticking up off the gun.

By the way, Uberti lists an adjustable sights model on their website. I've never seen one in any local store or at the local range. But technically it might be an option if you're willing to dig around.

The difference? The Uberti uses the classic old original Colt insides. The Ruger uses completely different internals from the classic Colt action design. Not a big deal unless you're keen on experiencing the more historical side of single actions.
 
Blackhawk is great if you're shooting heavy loads, but the vaquero has a better balance to it IMO. Also the Vaquero chambers index with the loading gate.

If you want adj sights with a smaller frame, then the Blackhawk flat top is nice too.
 
I have a Taylor & Co. Smoke Wagon in .357 with the 5.5" tube and it's unbelievable. Trigger breaks at under 2#, shoots quarter size groups at 15 yards all day long. The Smoke Wagon is a Uberti that is specially selected on the assembly line & imported for Taylor & Co. Winchester, VA. It gets a custom tune and Wolff springs before hitting the shelves.

Might be willing to hook you up if interested send a PM.
 
I have a Uberti El patron ( it's a slicked up model). And my buddy has a Vaquero. Two completely diff guns , we both prefer the Uberti. Better trigger, more accurate and its closer to the Colt. Four clicks, no transfer bar and not quite as bulky as the Vaquero .
 
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Stugotsnutz said:
Sorry if I digress, ...plus 9 mm....?
Understand 357 and 38 special, never heard about 9 mm as well. Are they close enough in size?
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Yes......
MODEL NUMBER: 0318 CALIBER: 357 MAG
GripsBlack Checkered Hard Rubber
Barrel Length6.50"
Overall Length12.38"
MaterialAlloy Steel
Also IncludesExtra 9mm Luger Cylinder
 
Stugotsnutz said:
Sorry if I digress, ...plus 9 mm....?
Understand 357 and 38 special, never heard about 9 mm as well. Are they close enough in size?
Click to expand...

As mentioned the model you can do this with is called the "Convertible". The .45 version shoots .45acp and .45Colt from two different cylinders. The .357 / 9mm model also has two cylinders. But if you read around the small but significant difference in bullet diameter can cause less than stellar accuracy for some owners. Some are just fine while others have an issue with the 9mm performance.

For those of us that reload a Convertible makes zero sense though. It's not that big a deal to get a small and reusable supply of the proper brass. And bullets in either size range don't cost anymore for one than the other.

For what it's worth I'll also toss in a shout out for Pietta. My own cowboy action Piettas have been running like champs now for 8 years without even a single hiccup. And recently a buddy bought two of them and brought them over to take apart and slick up for his own cowboy shooting. Well.... it was already all done other than a slight bit of smoothing and polishing that added up to almost nothing at all. The current production Piettas are some very fine work and come with details that make them suitable for cowboy action or just plain good sport plinking right out of the box. The ONLY downside is that the trigger pull was a touch heavy. But it's surprising how a little dry firing or just going out and shooting will quickly burnish that smooth and smoothen up the trigger.

None of this matters though if the OP wants to shoot a variety of ammo. To do that he'll need the adjustable sights that only come on the Ruger or the one seemingly rare to find Uberti match target model.
 
I went with the new Ruger Blackhawk (flattop) because it was on the original sized frame & gives all the advantages of shooting 3 different cartridges in the same gun. These can be had in blue as well as stainless in the 4-5/8" & 5-1/2" barrel lengths. I just happen to like Ruger like lots of other folks & they are good quality for the $'s



They are fun to shoot, great to admire & fondle too...:cheers:
JMHO.
 
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