Pietta vs Vaquero
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CGN Ultra frequent flyer
45 Long Colt is expensive for plinking.
Have a Vaquero in 357. Was able to put a round through a golf ball at 15 yards ish. Golf ball came straight back and hit me in my support hand. Could have been my face….
Have a Vaquero in 357. Was able to put a round through a golf ball at 15 yards ish. Golf ball came straight back and hit me in my support hand. Could have been my face….
powdergun: A Pietta single action revolver would make an excellent choice for your needs. Good build quality. Very reliable and well priced. If authenticity is important to you, the Piettas are closest internally and externally, to a Colt single action. Plenty of aftermarket parts available.
Though outwardly similar, Ruger revolvers mainly differ internally. Transfer bar allows for all six chambers to be loaded safely. Very robust. Heavily favoured by cowboy action competitors in particular, as the Ruger revolvers stand up well to the long, hard use seen in the sport. Accurate, very reliable and plenty of aftermarket parts also available.
Both makes available in various barrel lengths and calibers, including: .45 Colt.
It really boils down to preference. Try to handle....and if possible shoot....samples of each, before buying. There are some minor differences in operation and handling between the two, which may tip the scale one way or the other for you.
Based on price alone, a Pietta would likely be the best choice, in my opinion. I own and regularly use(cowboy action) both revolver makes. No hard preference. Though admittedly, I do like how close my Piettas feel, compared to a pal's original Colt single action.
Al
ps: If your local gun club hosts cowboy action shooting, this is the best place to try out both revolver makes. CAS enthusiasts as a whole are very accommodating, when it comes to folks wishing to try out various guns. Just ask.
Though outwardly similar, Ruger revolvers mainly differ internally. Transfer bar allows for all six chambers to be loaded safely. Very robust. Heavily favoured by cowboy action competitors in particular, as the Ruger revolvers stand up well to the long, hard use seen in the sport. Accurate, very reliable and plenty of aftermarket parts also available.
Both makes available in various barrel lengths and calibers, including: .45 Colt.
It really boils down to preference. Try to handle....and if possible shoot....samples of each, before buying. There are some minor differences in operation and handling between the two, which may tip the scale one way or the other for you.
Based on price alone, a Pietta would likely be the best choice, in my opinion. I own and regularly use(cowboy action) both revolver makes. No hard preference. Though admittedly, I do like how close my Piettas feel, compared to a pal's original Colt single action.
Al
ps: If your local gun club hosts cowboy action shooting, this is the best place to try out both revolver makes. CAS enthusiasts as a whole are very accommodating, when it comes to folks wishing to try out various guns. Just ask.
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When I went looking for a single action about 10 years ago, I went with the Vaquero just because of the transfer bar. Let’s face it I don’t think being able to carry an extra round is that big a deal, but I do like the added safety.
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- glaslyn saskatchewan
If you're going to shoot 45 lc, you're going you want to roll your own. Low pressure means you can re-use your cases for a very long time.
As far as plinking goes, I'm pretty sure reloading is going to be required for anything not 22 soon enough. And even then, with the cost of components and shipping options literally disappearing, our sport is in serious jeopardy.
Have a pietta, great gun for the money.
Ruger is just a huge step up in quality and thus longevity.
And being able to load to twice the pressure is nice for versatility.
You won't regret having either.
As far as plinking goes, I'm pretty sure reloading is going to be required for anything not 22 soon enough. And even then, with the cost of components and shipping options literally disappearing, our sport is in serious jeopardy.
Have a pietta, great gun for the money.
Ruger is just a huge step up in quality and thus longevity.
And being able to load to twice the pressure is nice for versatility.
You won't regret having either.
Not an issue as I have a good stockpile of powder. Just need some more primers and lead but I am good for 2k rounds for now. I picked up a miroku 1873 in 45 colt and am thinking a single action in the same would be nice to go with.
Tough choice considering the price difference. lol...
Tough choice considering the price difference. lol...
When I acquired my 1906 Colt SAA, in 45 Colt, I shot the revolver and liked doing so but was worried about too much use so I searched for the closest clone that would feel the same in my hand and pull from the holster the same as the Colt. I acquired a slightly used Pietta, in 45 Colt, with the same barrel length. It's as close as it gets and works like a charm. I've had absolutely no trouble with it at all. Has the firing pin in the hammer, 4 clicks, weight, feel the same as the Colt.
- Location
- glaslyn saskatchewan
Find a deal on a pietta and see if it's your thing.
You can always upgrade later, but I think you'll be happy with the pietta.
You can always upgrade later, but I think you'll be happy with the pietta.
I've had Pietta's in .45 Colt & .357/.38 - good value for the money. No longer have any of them, though.
What I've kept is a 2nd gen Colt SAA in .357/.38 and an old model Vaquero in .44 Mag.
I don't have anything in .45 Colt at the moment, although I'm all set up to load for it, if I need to.
Old model Vaquero:
--------
NAA.
What I've kept is a 2nd gen Colt SAA in .357/.38 and an old model Vaquero in .44 Mag.
I don't have anything in .45 Colt at the moment, although I'm all set up to load for it, if I need to.
Old model Vaquero:
--------
NAA.
Attachments
I have owned Pietta, Uberti and Ruger. For authenticity, Pietta and Uberti are the same. Out of the box, i preferred the Uberti, overall smoother than Pietta, but i may just had a really good Uberti or a bad Pietta...
Ruger is built like a bank vault, way stronger than the other 2 and, for me, more reliable out of the box.
Best advice: try them first!
Ruger is built like a bank vault, way stronger than the other 2 and, for me, more reliable out of the box.
Best advice: try them first!
If you handled both side by side it probably wouldn't be a difficult choice at all. Better still, buy both and shoot them side by side. If you buy smart, you'd lose very little (if anything) reselling the one you like least.
If you can't do either of the above: All accounts I've seen say that the Ruger is more robust and will handle a high round count more easily, and the Pietta will feel slimmer and more like an original SAA.
If you're sharing ammunition with your 1873, higher pressure tolerance of the Ruger is probably irrelevant, right?
By the way, I think we're all assuming you mean a "new" Vaquero (the original Vaquero is great for many reasons, but heavier still).
Try searching the SASs or Cowboy Action forums. The general consensus seems to be that the Pieta is preferred over the Uberti by a small margin for those that prefer to shoot the clones. I shoot cowboy and most of my guns are Rugers. New Vaqueros in 38/357 and the originals in the 44/45 calibers.
Most of the "feel" issues are mostly dependant on the grips. If wood, I do a bit of work on them to get the comfortable feel i want. The ugly hard rubber grips fit best for me, but they are ugly.
I have one Colt and a Uberti, and in my experience they will break something, usually the trigger/bolt spring. The Pieta is a clone and has the same design, they will break as well, IMO. The Rugers are built rugged, simple and don't need the same hand fitting a clone does. The design is such that they are assembled without any special fitting as it is not required. Quality control is decent and the chance of getting a lemon are less than with a clone. A plus is that there is a warranty depot in Canada. They have helped me with parts and solving problems. Some Pieta parts are stocked in Canada, Uberti parts are available and I order mine from the US.
Bear in mind that Cowboys use their guns and run them fast. A torture test of sorts, and as a rule, Rugers will last a long time, thousands and thousands of rounds before they are worn out. They are also a bit easier to work on and tune. Coil spring kits are available, and there are different hammer choices. Out of the box the triggers are not as nice as a clone. The Colt style trigger is smooth and light. The Ruger a bit more utilitarian out of the box. Tuning will improve it but the transfer bar is attached to the trigger, it has a small influence on the smooth part of the operation. In addition the Rugers use better screws, the NA standard for screws is a bit better than it is for European screws.
I prefer the stainless Rugers but own the blued and case colored ones as well.
Unless you are going to compete or prefer the SAA look, why don't you get a Ruger Blackhawk. I have several and having sights that are adjustable is a God Send for plinking. Getting a load that shoots to the sights can be a challenge, sometimes a nightmare. One of my Blackhawks has dual cylinders, one in 38/357 and the other in 9mm Luger, also a plinkers wet dream. A Blackhawk with a 45 Colt and 45 Auto cylinder would be fun.
Some of my Rugers have had multiple owners, and they aren't any the worse for it, save for one that was neglected. My Colt and clone were new, and the clone is still waiting for warranty parts.
Nitro.
Most of the "feel" issues are mostly dependant on the grips. If wood, I do a bit of work on them to get the comfortable feel i want. The ugly hard rubber grips fit best for me, but they are ugly.
I have one Colt and a Uberti, and in my experience they will break something, usually the trigger/bolt spring. The Pieta is a clone and has the same design, they will break as well, IMO. The Rugers are built rugged, simple and don't need the same hand fitting a clone does. The design is such that they are assembled without any special fitting as it is not required. Quality control is decent and the chance of getting a lemon are less than with a clone. A plus is that there is a warranty depot in Canada. They have helped me with parts and solving problems. Some Pieta parts are stocked in Canada, Uberti parts are available and I order mine from the US.
Bear in mind that Cowboys use their guns and run them fast. A torture test of sorts, and as a rule, Rugers will last a long time, thousands and thousands of rounds before they are worn out. They are also a bit easier to work on and tune. Coil spring kits are available, and there are different hammer choices. Out of the box the triggers are not as nice as a clone. The Colt style trigger is smooth and light. The Ruger a bit more utilitarian out of the box. Tuning will improve it but the transfer bar is attached to the trigger, it has a small influence on the smooth part of the operation. In addition the Rugers use better screws, the NA standard for screws is a bit better than it is for European screws.
I prefer the stainless Rugers but own the blued and case colored ones as well.
Unless you are going to compete or prefer the SAA look, why don't you get a Ruger Blackhawk. I have several and having sights that are adjustable is a God Send for plinking. Getting a load that shoots to the sights can be a challenge, sometimes a nightmare. One of my Blackhawks has dual cylinders, one in 38/357 and the other in 9mm Luger, also a plinkers wet dream. A Blackhawk with a 45 Colt and 45 Auto cylinder would be fun.
Some of my Rugers have had multiple owners, and they aren't any the worse for it, save for one that was neglected. My Colt and clone were new, and the clone is still waiting for warranty parts.
Nitro.
As a follow up to nitro-express's comment about bolt/trigger springs. Replacement wire bolt/trigger springs are readily available for the Colt clones(Pietta, Uberti, etc.). The wire springs are easy to swap in. Plus, far more durable and reliable than the original-design flat springs. These can be ordered through Rusty Wood Trading.
As mentioned, the Ruger Blackhawk is also a good option. Very durable, accurate and well built. Though not seen as often as the Colt clones and Vaquero pistols on the cowboy circuit, a fair number of competitors run these guns with good success.
No question, Ruger revolvers are extremely durable and hold up well under the hard use seen in cowboy action. That's why they are the overwhelming favourite, among competitive shooters. About the only issue I've had with my Vaqueros, was a broken transfer bar. Luckily, it broke during a practice session last October, and not during a match. Have no idea how many rounds cycled through that revolver(a main-match revolver that sees plenty of use) before it failed....but in the many thousands. Replaced the transfer bar and the gun went right back into service.
Al
As mentioned, the Ruger Blackhawk is also a good option. Very durable, accurate and well built. Though not seen as often as the Colt clones and Vaquero pistols on the cowboy circuit, a fair number of competitors run these guns with good success.
No question, Ruger revolvers are extremely durable and hold up well under the hard use seen in cowboy action. That's why they are the overwhelming favourite, among competitive shooters. About the only issue I've had with my Vaqueros, was a broken transfer bar. Luckily, it broke during a practice session last October, and not during a match. Have no idea how many rounds cycled through that revolver(a main-match revolver that sees plenty of use) before it failed....but in the many thousands. Replaced the transfer bar and the gun went right back into service.
Al
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Thanks for making those points. In my Uberti (Taylors Smoke Wagon) I replaced the flat spring with the wire one. There is a bit more fitting. but it does look like a improved option.
You mentioned the transfer bar replacement, I also replaced one that was a bit out of spec, not broken. But it does illustrate that for the most part, any piece inside a Vaquero can be replaced with little or no fitting or timing. A bit of blueprinting sometimes, that's it. In a clone, you'd better understand how it all works, after all, those 4 clicks don't just happen on their own, someone has to fit the pieces to make the clicks click when they should.
I had my Smoke Wagon out again today, it does bring a smile to my face, and I'm at peace because if *when) it fails I have my original Vaquero to fall back on.
Here's one other point, nobody makes a left hand SAA clone. The trigger is offset for shooting with the right hand. I shoot double duelist, a SAA clone in the left hand doesn't feel correct. The Vaquero on the other hand (pun intended) is OK, as the trigger is centered.
I seldom use my Blackhawks, but I'd have a hard time parting with any of them. My 2nd Generation Colt New Frontier is a sweet piece, smoother than any clone I've held, but it has inherent issues. With adjustable sights and the 7.5" barrel, it is a hand held rifle.
Bottom line, they are all a bit flakey, some just less than the others. After all, not a new invention. I'm a revolver man, but I do enjoy my 1911 for wild Bunch.
I plan on taking my Cowboy shooting hobby out the end. I slow down a bit each year, but I compensate buy buying something new to experience. My calibers include 38/357, 44 Spl/Mag, 44-40, 45 Long Colt and 45 Auto. If I get bored there is still 38-40 and 32-20. 32-20 is a rifle only caliber as a 32-20 handgun is way to dangerous to be anything but prohibited.
Nitro (aka Big Boston)
It's a fair commitment, but Cowboy action shooting is a good hobby. What other hobby lets you shoot handguns, shotguns and rifles all at the same stage.
The picture is of "Barky", my 44 Mag. One in 45 LC would double the fun. \
My pair, Barky in 44 and Baby Barky in 357. Most of my favourites have nick names. Big Tony, Little Tony, Smoke Wagon (actual model) and so on.
And the Gambler, sold a few years ago.
A gun with a bit of character or history adds to the fun factor.
You mentioned the transfer bar replacement, I also replaced one that was a bit out of spec, not broken. But it does illustrate that for the most part, any piece inside a Vaquero can be replaced with little or no fitting or timing. A bit of blueprinting sometimes, that's it. In a clone, you'd better understand how it all works, after all, those 4 clicks don't just happen on their own, someone has to fit the pieces to make the clicks click when they should.
I had my Smoke Wagon out again today, it does bring a smile to my face, and I'm at peace because if *when) it fails I have my original Vaquero to fall back on.
Here's one other point, nobody makes a left hand SAA clone. The trigger is offset for shooting with the right hand. I shoot double duelist, a SAA clone in the left hand doesn't feel correct. The Vaquero on the other hand (pun intended) is OK, as the trigger is centered.
I seldom use my Blackhawks, but I'd have a hard time parting with any of them. My 2nd Generation Colt New Frontier is a sweet piece, smoother than any clone I've held, but it has inherent issues. With adjustable sights and the 7.5" barrel, it is a hand held rifle.
Bottom line, they are all a bit flakey, some just less than the others. After all, not a new invention. I'm a revolver man, but I do enjoy my 1911 for wild Bunch.
I plan on taking my Cowboy shooting hobby out the end. I slow down a bit each year, but I compensate buy buying something new to experience. My calibers include 38/357, 44 Spl/Mag, 44-40, 45 Long Colt and 45 Auto. If I get bored there is still 38-40 and 32-20. 32-20 is a rifle only caliber as a 32-20 handgun is way to dangerous to be anything but prohibited.
Nitro (aka Big Boston)
It's a fair commitment, but Cowboy action shooting is a good hobby. What other hobby lets you shoot handguns, shotguns and rifles all at the same stage.
The picture is of "Barky", my 44 Mag. One in 45 LC would double the fun. \
My pair, Barky in 44 and Baby Barky in 357. Most of my favourites have nick names. Big Tony, Little Tony, Smoke Wagon (actual model) and so on.
And the Gambler, sold a few years ago.
A gun with a bit of character or history adds to the fun factor.
