Shopping advice for a revolver

Cleftwynd

Cleftwynd

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
NW Ontario
I am tentatively shopping for an older style revolver in a classic caliber, 38 to 45. I would like something like a Vaquero, or frontier styled six shooter, not too large and very high in quality, craftsmanship and finish. I like color case hardening, and traditional lines. I never really got into the restricted stuff much even though I have had a RPAL forever, and have owned quite a few modern autos.

I am just looking for suggestions from you gents that play a lot with these things for your opinions. It doesn't have a purpose other than a toy to play with on paper and admire at home. The smoother the action and nicer the feel the better!

Regards, Bill


If I find someone that has what I am looking for, and would like a tricked out 22C, I wouldn't have to sell the glock to fund my new toy!!
 
Rugers are very strong, well built guns. A few Colt copies are pretty decent revolvers for the money ( I will let others tell you which one they prefer). I personally prefer Colts but they are very expensive and harder to find. Depends on your budget!
OK
DSCN0687.jpg
 
I always had toy 1873 SAA pistols growing up as a kid playing Cowboys & Indians with my friends and even own a replica but never owned a "real" one... till today. :)

Just picked up the Ruger New Vaquero 4.62" stainless in .357 from P&D 'cause they've got THE best prices on them right now at $580!! Fit and finish is amazing. I originally wanted the 5.5" version and thought I wouldn't like the 4.62 but P&D were sold out of the 5.5" model. I really like the 4.62" version after handling it in person. I may get a cheaper Pietta in .45LC with a 5.5" later on.

Here she is...
8383125890_3b9c1f05f8_b.jpg
 
Buy the Colt. There is one for sale in the EE and Prophet River has one (or had one yesterday). If you have the money then go for the real deal. My reasoning is that at some point in the future if you decide to sell it the Colt will still be worth something. Although excellent reproductions and built very well, the Rugers, Piettas, Ubertis are a dime a dozen.
 
One thing about the Rugers is that they have their own design action. At least that is so unless you find a really old 3 screw model. The older Colts and modern reproductions from Pietta and Uberti have the original "4 click" hammer Colt action so in a way they are a more faithful copy of the Colt than what Ruger makes. With the Ruger opening the loading gate disconnects the cylinder bolt (the stop finger that rises up into the cylinder notches). With the old style true Colt action when you open the gate it does nothing. Instead you have to go to half #### on the hammer to allow the cylinder to spin for loading. For some of us this old style action is a big part of enjoying the historical part of having and operating these guns. For others the lure of a more modern gun pulls them.

Quality wise the copies from Pietta and Uberti are very good these days. Ruger internals are definetly a little more nicely made than the Italian clones. But these days not by a whole lot.

If the budget can afford it and you enjoy shooting this style of gun a proper Colt is expensive but not prohibitively so. On the other hand if you just want to have some giggles at the range here and there get a Uberti or Pietta. If you find that you REALLY like the style of gun then sell it and get a Colt if you must. Or just enjoy the copy for the taste of the old world that they provide.
 
I agree with Armorman, if you can afford a real Colt SAA, go for it! If I had the $$ to spare, heck, I'd buy two or three! :)

If you like the Ruger and the only downfall is the lack of the half-#### to reload and the 4 click sound, Power Custom makes an upgrade kit for the New Vaquero. The good folks at Hi-Cal (site sponsor) can order them for you. It's not cheap at about half the cost of a Pietta.
 
Considering $2,500 into my last glock, I don't think a colt SAA is too pricey at all. And I do want traditional, not modern upgraded look-a-likes.

I'll keep my eyes and ears open and see what happens.
 
I opted for the pocket book friendly pair of shooters route. The first, an older model 5 1/2" Ruger Vaquero in 45 LC.

RugerVaquero45LC-1.jpg


Added a John Wayne style gun belt.

BigIron.jpg


And, a 4 5/8" SS convertable, 45 ACP/45 LC

45LCRugerBlackhawkSS-1.jpg


And had a copy of a Bainchi Lawman holster made up for it.

SSRugerBlackhawk45LC.jpg
 
Trinimon said:
I always had toy 1873 SAA pistols growing up as a kid playing Cowboys & Indians with my friends and even own a replica but never owned a "real" one... till today. :)

Just picked up the Ruger New Vaquero 4.62" stainless in .357 from P&D 'cause they've got THE best prices on them right now at $580!! Fit and finish is amazing. I originally wanted the 5.5" version and thought I wouldn't like the 4.62 but P&D were sold out of the 5.5" model. I really like the 4.62" version after handling it in person. I may get a cheaper Pietta in .45LC with a 5.5" later on.

Here she is...
8383125890_3b9c1f05f8_b.jpg
Click to expand...

Really nice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom