I know the Bearcat is better than the Wrangler, but at three times the price? Ouch!
Single action revolver for small hands
- Thread starter COREY
- Start date
I know the Bearcat is better than the Wrangler, but at three times the price? Ouch!
Thank you Jeff. How are you doing these days? - dan
As I mentioned, about 5/8 th's the size of a regular SAA. - dan
Corey: At first glance, the Uberti Stallion in .22 seems like a good choice. The only problem that could arise, is that these revolvers feature a ten round cylinder(vs six in the Ruger Single Six, etc.)....which runs afoul of SASS rules, regarding number of rounds to be loaded per firearm. This could become an issue....particularly at a SASS-sanctioned match. I have not encountered this scenario at any match. But....something to be aware of.
Is it possible your daughter could handle a Stallion chambered for .38 Special? One with no longer than 4 3/4" barrel would likely be easy enough for her to handle. With very mild loads, this revolver would likely be quite manageable, too. Particularly when using a two-handed grip. As you already mentioned, she'd iikely grow out of a .22 in 3-4 years, anyway. Also, you might consider a revolver fitted with "birdshead" grips. These smaller sized grips are often preferred by female shooters and others with small hands.
If a .22 is your only option right now....the Ruger Wrangler would still be a good choice. Six round cylinder. No problem with rounds loaded. About the only problem with the Wrangler is that the chambers are recessed, which would make it very hard to check the revolver's loaded status, at the loading table(Load 5 rounds only. Empty chamber under the hammer). This could become an issue...but not impossible to overcome. Food for thought.
Here's a tip: Put a small dab of paint, etc.. on the front edge of the .22 Wrangler's cylinder, so it marks one of the chamber locations. This chamber becomes your "No load" chamber. Very easy to check, when loading. Cap-and-ball shooters often do something like this, as a reminder to leave one cylinder unloaded.
Al
Is it possible your daughter could handle a Stallion chambered for .38 Special? One with no longer than 4 3/4" barrel would likely be easy enough for her to handle. With very mild loads, this revolver would likely be quite manageable, too. Particularly when using a two-handed grip. As you already mentioned, she'd iikely grow out of a .22 in 3-4 years, anyway. Also, you might consider a revolver fitted with "birdshead" grips. These smaller sized grips are often preferred by female shooters and others with small hands.
If a .22 is your only option right now....the Ruger Wrangler would still be a good choice. Six round cylinder. No problem with rounds loaded. About the only problem with the Wrangler is that the chambers are recessed, which would make it very hard to check the revolver's loaded status, at the loading table(Load 5 rounds only. Empty chamber under the hammer). This could become an issue...but not impossible to overcome. Food for thought.
Here's a tip: Put a small dab of paint, etc.. on the front edge of the .22 Wrangler's cylinder, so it marks one of the chamber locations. This chamber becomes your "No load" chamber. Very easy to check, when loading. Cap-and-ball shooters often do something like this, as a reminder to leave one cylinder unloaded.
Al
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I had thought if downloaded rounds in 38, but after the weekend I am not so sure. Young gent was shooting on the weekend with tje exact birdshead gripped guns mentioned. His father had downloaded some rounds for him, but they were erratic and one stage the bullet had to be knocked out of the bore of the rifle. Never had been one to use downloaded rounds before and that concerned me a bit.
Downloaded is an understatement, if the bullets don't have enough energy to make it out the barrel.
Try one with 38 Special wadcutters. Very light recoil, quite accurate (they use them in bullseye matches). - dan
Dan belisle came up with a good idea. Wadcutters, matched with a small dose of Bullseye powder have been a mainstay for target shooters, for decades. Worth considering. Though only for revolver.
One caveat: SASS rules clearly state that wadcutter bullets may not be seated flush, or below the case mouth. So if you go this route, be sure to seat bullets so that some lead is exposed. Another good choice, is a roundnosed flat point bullet, of between 120-130 grains. When matched to a suitable powder charge, these can be very mild.
If you can cast your own bullets, Lee features a mould to produce a 105-grain bullet (358-105-SWC), that is capable of surprisingly light recoil, when matched to suitable charges of fast burning powder(Bullseye, Clays, Red Dot, Trail Boss, Tightgroup.....etc.). The 105- grain bullet is quite accurate from a revolver, too. Likewise, the 125- grain mold (358-125-RF)....which is suitable for both revolver and rifle. I have loaded many thousands of both these cast bullets, with complete satisfaction. Worth considering.
If you'd rather buy than cast: DRG 130- grain truncated-cone flat point bullets(Listed as: RNFP) are a good choice. Cactus Plains .38 cal, 130 gr. RNFP bullets are another option......these too, are excellent bullets. Bullet Barn has several offers, too. Including: .38/105-gr. wadcutter. .38/148 wadcutter. Plus: .38/105 TCFP BB. (Have not tried these...but favourable reports from those who have).
Al
ps: Read your post about the Ruger NV Bisley. Barrel lengths? Has your daughter tried these? How do they fit her hand? Can handle them comfortably when dry-firing, etc.? May be a good choice, in the future. Most female shooters of my acquaintance who favour Ruger revolvers, seem to prefer the 4 5/8" barrel. Well balanced in the hand.
One caveat: SASS rules clearly state that wadcutter bullets may not be seated flush, or below the case mouth. So if you go this route, be sure to seat bullets so that some lead is exposed. Another good choice, is a roundnosed flat point bullet, of between 120-130 grains. When matched to a suitable powder charge, these can be very mild.
If you can cast your own bullets, Lee features a mould to produce a 105-grain bullet (358-105-SWC), that is capable of surprisingly light recoil, when matched to suitable charges of fast burning powder(Bullseye, Clays, Red Dot, Trail Boss, Tightgroup.....etc.). The 105- grain bullet is quite accurate from a revolver, too. Likewise, the 125- grain mold (358-125-RF)....which is suitable for both revolver and rifle. I have loaded many thousands of both these cast bullets, with complete satisfaction. Worth considering.
If you'd rather buy than cast: DRG 130- grain truncated-cone flat point bullets(Listed as: RNFP) are a good choice. Cactus Plains .38 cal, 130 gr. RNFP bullets are another option......these too, are excellent bullets. Bullet Barn has several offers, too. Including: .38/105-gr. wadcutter. .38/148 wadcutter. Plus: .38/105 TCFP BB. (Have not tried these...but favourable reports from those who have).
Al
ps: Read your post about the Ruger NV Bisley. Barrel lengths? Has your daughter tried these? How do they fit her hand? Can handle them comfortably when dry-firing, etc.? May be a good choice, in the future. Most female shooters of my acquaintance who favour Ruger revolvers, seem to prefer the 4 5/8" barrel. Well balanced in the hand.
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Thousands of CAS shooters are using low powered .38 rds, so low that you cannot let a rifle be the last gun fired in a stage as the reports will not register on the timer! The bullet hitting steel makes more noise than the report of the rifle. They bounce off wood and don't always disintegrate on steel. Easy to handle in a revolver.
Generations of PPC shooters have fired MILLIONS of rds of .38 WC ammo in their highly tuned revolvers with no issues.
dogzilla: My thoughts, too. Pietta 1873 357/38 revolver with 4 3/4" barrel, also good. Marlin 1894( after very careful examination, if new)...would be another lightweight, fast handling rifle.
Some of the nicest rifles for the cowboy game are the Model 1873's being produced by Miroku-Winchester. Match ready, right out of the box. (See today's Sass Wire Forum, for repeat of Deuce Stevens' video, as he unboxes a new Winchester 1873, wipes off the oil and gives it a quick cleaning....then goes straight into a match with it. A real eye opener). No bs, either....I own one of these. Ready to go....as advertised. I've made a few minor tweaks, since then. That's all. Runs like greased weasel s*it. My only beef with these rifles is that replacement or aftermarket performance parts aren't as easy to find, as Uberti. But, that is improving.
Another excellent choice: Miroku.Winchester Model '92. Expensive, yes. But still priced competitively. Superb quality, inside and out.
Sharps'74 is right on. In rifle especially. But no reason not to go with light loads, otherwise. Just take care getting a good balance between energy and low recoil. Shot PPC for several decades. Once you hit that 'sweet' load, its all gravy.
Al
Some of the nicest rifles for the cowboy game are the Model 1873's being produced by Miroku-Winchester. Match ready, right out of the box. (See today's Sass Wire Forum, for repeat of Deuce Stevens' video, as he unboxes a new Winchester 1873, wipes off the oil and gives it a quick cleaning....then goes straight into a match with it. A real eye opener). No bs, either....I own one of these. Ready to go....as advertised. I've made a few minor tweaks, since then. That's all. Runs like greased weasel s*it. My only beef with these rifles is that replacement or aftermarket performance parts aren't as easy to find, as Uberti. But, that is improving.
Another excellent choice: Miroku.Winchester Model '92. Expensive, yes. But still priced competitively. Superb quality, inside and out.
Sharps'74 is right on. In rifle especially. But no reason not to go with light loads, otherwise. Just take care getting a good balance between energy and low recoil. Shot PPC for several decades. Once you hit that 'sweet' load, its all gravy.
Al
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Right now she is 4ft tall. I have given her my Rossi 92 carbine and it is a bit too big yet. Going to start her with a Henry 22 youth and a couple 22 revolvers. I like tje idea of 38 light loads, but I want smaller and lighter for now so she does not get discouraged.
Corey: Good for you, for taking this approach. To grow the sport of cowboy action shooting, new shooters need to be encouraged....not discouraged. As your daughter becomes familiar with her firearms, how the sport works and begins to compete, it can only grow her self-confidence, will and drive to succeed. When she's ready(And she will let you know! Likely sooner than you might think.) to progress to larger caliber firearms....the transition should be a smooth and natural one. Keep up the good work.
If possible, you (and your daughter), should consider participating at the 2021 SASS Eastern Canadian Championship. The event will be right in your area(Grenville Fish & Game Club). This will be a great opportunity to see how major SASS events are organized and run. Plus, participate with some of the sport's top competitors. The experience will be invaluable. For both of you.
Al
If possible, you (and your daughter), should consider participating at the 2021 SASS Eastern Canadian Championship. The event will be right in your area(Grenville Fish & Game Club). This will be a great opportunity to see how major SASS events are organized and run. Plus, participate with some of the sport's top competitors. The experience will be invaluable. For both of you.
Al
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I had an Uberti Cattleman in 22 for a while. Same dimensions as the regular SAA's but the 22 made it a dream to shoot..that, and coupled with the 12 shot cylinder made it great 
Still, it was a bit small for my hands so it went to a new home. Nicely finished but getting up there in price.
dB
Still, it was a bit small for my hands so it went to a new home. Nicely finished but getting up there in price.dB
