I have had hankering recently to get a single action sixgun, for when out fishing or camping. My pretty blue S&W and 1911 are best left at home, and my Glock 20 seems rather much for a small walk in the woods - especially when open carrying. Plus, I have an affinity for Western style pistols. With Colt Model Ps costing well over a grand, is the Ruger the only other quality game in town? I used to shoot a .30 Carbine New Model Blackhawk as a kid, but it seems there has been several changes to the Blackhawk and Vaquero line the past few years. I prefer to stay in the .357/.38-40 on up range, and do not want the big ole Super Blackhawk. Any recommendations?

I really like my Ruger New Vaquero 5 1/2" .357 mag. It's wearing Grashorn elk.

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SWCA #1917

Sounds like you've pretty nearly made your mind up, but might I suggest the Ruger Bisley Flattop in .44 Special? AAMOF, I think they are now also offering the std B'hawk F'top in .44 Spl. Check 'em out.
No, I don't own any stock, but I sure enjoy my Bisley.


Larry

Yes,I suppose my biggest decision is what Ruger SA to buy, either a Blackhawk or the Vaquero. While I like the the Colt style of the Vaquero, the Blackhawk has many more options. I wear large gloves, so the Bisley is always in my mind as well. That being said I prefer the smaller Colt sized Rugers, I know at some point all Blackhawks used the large frame.

There are other options out there in the SA world besides Ruger. Problem is they are in the same cost range as a Colt. The various Italian replicas are pretty good, but generally not as durable as the Ruger offerings. Some are very close to a real colt without the high price, if "closest to a Colt" is your main requirement. A good import can be had in the $500 range.

I have big hands, and do love my SA's. I find the standard grip works well with all but really heavy recoiling loads. For that, the Bisley grip frame works well for most people. Thicker grips on a standard grip frame can also help - they made a big difference for me on my flat top .44 magnum when shooting heavy loads.

At one point, all Blackhawks used the .44 sized frame, but now various Blackhawks are available with the smaller .357 sized frame. The flat top .44 specials are among them, and would be an excellent choice, especially if you are a reloader. The New Vaquero models are very slick looking revolvers, that also use the smaller frame size. My only issue with them is being fixed sights. Great if your gun shoots to POA with your favorite load, not so great otherwise, or if you like to shoot a variety of different loads.

Larry

I have the 4-3/4" Talo edition Ruger Vaquero and its hard to beat but I also own an Uberti Cattleman (no-frills model) which has been a good one.
The Uberti was 1/2 the price of the Ruger.

I think a rifle/revolver combo in .38/357 is hard to beat. I'm very fond of my Uberti SAA, it looks good, shoot good, and did not break the bank.

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- Change it back -

I'll toss in my vote in for the Ruger mid frame .44 Specials. From mild to wild the .44 Special can get er done, I have four of em and they all are very good shooters.

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Stay safe people!

Hard to go wrong with a Ruger....

I have had a New Vaquero for about three years. Its a stainless model with the 4.75 barrel and in my favorite chambering, .45 Colt. Its a partner with my 625-9 Mountain Gun and Henry Big Boy and Marlin Cowboy Competition Carbine, all in .45 Colt...For a field/hiking/camping/utility revolver, I like stainless. The fixed sights work for me since I stick to my standard handloads throwing a 250 gr LSWC at 850 fps that shoot to point of aim in the Ruger...I had a Blackhawk Stainless in. 45 Colt and it was a fine pistol but bigger and I never needed to adjust the sights so I traded it. I have a pair of Uberti Cattleman revolvers that are handsome and have been trouble free. They lack the load of rubbish stamped on the side of the Ruger's barrel but also lack the transfer bar so they are five shooters for field carry and are blued...For purely functional reasons, I prefer the Ruger. For aesthetics, I like the Ubertis. My Colt New Frontier is a safe queen now.

The Single Action revolvers made by Weihrauch in Germany are generally quite serviceable and also fairly inexpensive. They are imported by EAA.

Using Pietta parts Heritage also sells big bore Single Actions.

For even less money, circa $200 on sale, you can buy a Cap N Ball 1858 clone from Pietta via Cabelas. Converting it to take cartridges doubles the price.

I only have one single action revolver and it's the aforementioned Ruger Bisley Flattop .44 Special. Shoots like a laser with a mid-range 240 grain LSWC slug. One of my favorites.

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My first Ruger SA was this SS Blackhawk in 357 Mag


Didnt really care for the look of target sites on a SA revolver so picked up these Birdshead Vaqueros in .357 Mag instead

I gave my son a Ruger Bisley Flat top 44 Special for his 13th birthday 4 years ago. I have had to substantially increase my reloading rate since then. He had it apart within a few weeks and polished everything up and learned all about it. I would look no further for a great revolver. This advice from a diehard double action shooter.
Scott

If a Ruger, I'd personally hunt down an Old Model Ruger (3-screw) in 357.
Again it's just a personal choice as I like the older action style w/o the transfer bar action. The short bbl version in 357 will do most anything you need it to do in the woods plus will shoot 38's for fun.

The o/m 357s are Colt SAA frame size so no un-necessary bulk.
I could do w/o the adj sights,so I have one in the work rotation now to convert to fixed sights or maybe the flat top type w/a simple dovetailed rear like the early Single6.
It's already been drilled and tapped for a scope so no loss.

A decent quality import shouldn't be overlooked either IMO. Some very nice revolvers can be bought especially on the used market for little money compared to a Colt. Lot's of calibers out there too. They each deserve a close in-hand examination though.

I bought like new but used Cimmaron/Uberti Colt 1872 opentop SA repro for $250 in 44sp. The for-runner of the Colt SAA, it's a favorite of mine now. The only thing I replaced inside was the overly heavy bolt spring w/a SASS type wire spring for about $6. Blunted the sharp firing pin a bit and eased the loading gate spring.
The tiny sites are hard on the eyes,,but I look good shootin' it!

I've got Colt SAAs and Bisleys,,but there's always room for other revolvers.

Although I carry several modern-day SD weapons at all times... I also am always within arm's distance of an SA pistola. ALWAYS.

Just can't seem to keep away from 'em.

Ruger New Vaquero gets my vote. I was impressed with the fit/finish compared to earlier Vaqueros and can't go wrong with a .38/.357 Mag be it lighter target loads or hot 357 loads.

My Ruger New Vaquero allows me to safely carry six rounds. Unless I'm mistaken, the only other western style SA revolver with a transfer bar is the Beretta Stampede. Maybe that has changed over the years.

The beretta stampede seems to be a nice gun with a fair price tag, never had one but they look good. But as others have said, you can't go wrong with the ruger.
I like the 629 mountain gun for the back woods, very light to carry but not at all light on recoil.

An old model, three screw midsize frame Blackhawk is a good choice, if unconverted it will only be safe to carry with the hammer on an empty chamber. Mine happens to be a Flattop, but the newer midsize frames had the hump to protect the rear sights.



There are several Blackhawk Flat top models from Lipsey's. These are the same size as the original flat top .357. A mid size frame, identical to a Colt in size.

They are new models so they have a transfer bar so they are safe to carry 6 rounds. I have one that is a convertible .45colt, .45acp, I have never even put the colt cylinder in it, but it is a hoot to shoot with acp, and a 1911 magazine can be used to carry a reload. Just thumb them in right from the magazine.

Ruger® New Model Blackhawk® Distributor Exclusives Single-Action Revolver Model 5242

If you go onto Lipsey's sight you can see them all, any one of them would be a fine choice.

Ruger - Blackhawk Series - Blackhawk Flattop - Lipseys.com

My first handgun was a New Model Blackhawk .357, I was very fond of it until I got the midsize frame guns. They are not a lot smaller, but so much handier.

I also like the older (Pre 73?) pre transfer bar actions and as an added bonus they "Click" 4 times like the old Colt SA's spelling out C.O.L.T. instead of the modern two or three click action,
Be aware that there is a safety trade off in that if loaded with 6 rounds they can fire if dropped on a loaded chamber,
If you do decide to look for an older Ruger that has not been modified perhaps safer to do the old load one, skip one then load 4 so it carries on an empty chamber.

My single action revolvers would be the very last guns that I would give up. I love them that much.

Ruger New Model Bearcat - .22lr
Ruger Single Six (vintage 1957) - .22.lr
Ruger New Vaquero - .357
Ruger Old Vaquero - .45 Colt
Ruger Blackhawk - .45 Colt
Ruger Super Blackhawk - .44
Uberti 1873 - .45 Colt

I know there are better defensive weapons, but if I could only have these seven plus my Marlin 1894, I'd be more than happy to make do.

Another vote for the Ruger New Vaquero.



Though I did just look at the same configuration in a Beretta Stampede, and it was a really nice gun.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

If fixed sights will meet your needs the new vaquero should be a good choice. If, like me, you prefer adjustable sights than the nod goes to the flattop. Both are made on the smaller 357 frame. In my case I chose the .45 flattop which will throw a 280 grain SWC at 950 fps and does a fine job on snakes up close with CCI shot shells.

I have an Uberti Cattlemen in 45 colt. Nicely finished, shoots well and is accurate. ..at least it is when my son shoots it, me not so much....I've even fanned it a few cylinders full without incident.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Thanks for all the replies. While I am mostly a .357 guy, I really like the current .44 Special Flat Top Blackhawks, as some have mentioned. I hope I am correct in assuming they are using the old Colt-sized Flat Top frame of old. I did not realize they were sort of new - I always figured Ruger offered the BH in .44 Special. And those .44 Special Ruger Bisley Models also appeal to me, they seem like they would be the nearest thing to getting that Elmer Keith #5 revolver.

One more plug for Ruger but specifically the Lipsey's flat top convertible in 357/9MM with a 4 5/8" barrel. I bought one mostly for the 9MM option - cheap, plentiful ammo available everywhere. The smaller flat top frame is perfect for the job.

Check out the Ruger Vaquero Montado Edition. It is available in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt. Compact and powerful. Thanks again, Waveform!

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I am a SA man. All kinds. You don't say whether you reload (or, else I missed it==still working on my morning coffee). You also don't say if you are looking for something "historical" or not. You live down South, so bear protection is not likely but do you (or do you plan to?) go up North?

Anything 357 and up should provide enough "oomph" for protection (except maybe for big bush hogs-I've seen it fail on California feral hogs with a large percentage of "Russian" blood).

Your options (Caliber-wise) are 38/357, 44 spl, 44 mag. 38-30 and 44-40 (if you can find them), 45 Colt and 454 (and other beasts). I have guns in all those calibers and a variety of configurations. Historically, my favorites are 41 long Colt and 45 Colt in Colt SA's and Colt Bisleys. Colt Bisleys are a totally different animal from Ruger "Bisleys". Colts are now pretty much delegated to collector status and you seem to dismiss them from consideration, anyway.

The "clones" are nice, hold up well and many Colt parts are available. Metal seems softer. I have had good luck with Uberti's under several different names.

Now, to Rugers. The "rhinoceros" of SA hand guns. Built like tanks, especially the Old Models. Unconverted Blackhawks are five shots. I carried a 45 Colt Blackhawk all the time I was in grad school and guiding on wild hogs and for a few years up here in "Grizzly Country". Now I have a custom SBH by Reeder in 454. One of my favorites is an OM Blackhawk in 44 mag (an original flat-top-NOT a SBH). BTW, the older Rugers appear to be much better quality than the newer "Lipsey" models (either from Lipsey or Ruger).

The Vaquero's are nice. I have a custom one being made up in 38-40. But they don't offer nearly as much as do the Blackhawks. Despite imitating a Colt SAA, they aren't one. They are stronger and hold up better but they don't feel the same. In the conversion models (357/9mm, etc), the adjustable sight really comes in handy if you change calibers a lot. BTW: I never have. My 45 acp cylinder has never been fired.

As you may guess, I am not a fan of the Ruger Bisley. I don't find it as comfortable or pointable as the Colt Bisley. The exception is with hot loads. I had a custom Bisley Vaquero in 45 Colt (3.5" barrel) that I carried for big bears and it significantly reduced recoil with "Ruger Only" loads.

Bear, thanks for that detailed advice. I do not reload right now but it is something I plan to get into. I pretty much have settled on getting a Ruger of some sort. They are affordable, practical, and still some what historical for my taste. With 95% of my trips being in the South, a .357 should do fine. But I didn't realize Ruger brought back the .44 Special Flat Top. If that uses the old Colt sized frame, I may look into it as well.

Not sure if these are still being made,but they CAN be found. I have Rugers,Cimarrons,Colts and others,but these guns are by far the closest to the original SAA's in my opinion. Fit and finish are EXCELLENT! The charcoal case coloring is done by Doug Turnbull,arguably the formost expert at restoring old Colts,and the action is tuned at the factory to a degree that puts Colt in second place,again imo. They are a little pricey for a "replica",but worth it to me. YMMV. This one is in .45 Colt,but I also have a shooter in .357 Magnum that is superb.



f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I have old and new model Rugers, the NM Bisley Flattop is a sweet revolver.

I have a matched pair of the AWA's in .357 with 4.75" barrels that came to me in a trade about 3 years ago. Both in excellent condition, actions tuned, and sights regulated for 25 yards with .38 Special ammo.

Not only are the AWA's excellent shooters, they are an almost perfect duplicate of the 2nd Generation Colt SAA's. I have tested parts (cylinders with bushings included) in two original Colts and they are drop-in perfect fits.

The way I traded into these I have less than $600 in the pair. Have been using them for display and advertising photos with some of my western holster rigs.

Colt sued AWA several years ago and forced them to make it more plain in their advertising and packaging that these are not genuine Colts. Last I checked AWA is still in business, and in addition to the leaf spring original design they were offering a coil spring version as well, along with copies of the Colt Lightning rifles. All Italian parts assembled and fitted in the US, with color case hardening by Turnbull, as mentioned.

I really like my Stainless Uberti El Patron.

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That's an unreal bargain! Are your guns "Peacekeepers" or "Longhorns"? I have more than that in each of mine!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

A 4 5/8" Super is not that much bigger than a Blackhawk, and .44 mag is a great woods cartridge.

Eric.... didn't even know Uberti had a stainless... that's one fine-lookin' pistola. I would like to buy one like it... if I can find one. Thanks for postin'!

BTW... [email protected]... do you have an email address? (joshin')

That was the case last time I looked but I believe it has changed. (The Beretta Stampede was very nice; I liked my Vaqueros better but maybe because I was used to them.) If they still make them the Pietta SAA replica has a transfer bar and is half the price of a Colt; same for the Uberti "Horseman" I think it's called. These guns come and go, mostly cowboy action shooters use them, so they might not be easy to find. I see from the above there are others, as well.

All good info especially on the AWA's.
However, you will still likely spend $500+
unless you score a nice used one.
Save your Pesos and shop around for a Colt.
They will hold their value.

This was a GB find. The seller had his listing title
somewhat vague and just a stock photo of a 45 colt.
It never drew a bid I took a chance and bid in the
last few hour and got it.

Well... blind hog.. errr... I mean, Xfuzz... you just happened to find an acorn. Just like me....

I stole these consec serial numbered Frontier Six Shooters... it was just obscene. Hate it when I do that.... (not)...

Pic 1.... them boxes...


Pic 2.... the "Acid-etched" barrels... just like the originals back when they was introduced... in 1879...


Pic 3... them lovelies sittin' on their boxes....

Ruger Bisley:
I was in the same boat,few years ago I had no single actions.
Went to the shop looking for something to make into a keepsake. Colts were too expensive and that Ruger Bisley kinda looked funny, until I actually held and fired it, come to find out it was really nice and fit my hand very well. I made a deal on a 5.5in .357 Bisley and a .22/.22mag Ruger 10 shot. Absolutely Love them. I went with the stainless .357 and the blued .22. Even the .22 feel like a high dollar gun in the hand.

They just feel "Right" in my hands, nastalgia, weighty, classy, you name it. Single actions are like Smiths, buy one you'll get hooked.

I have a pair of USFA's that have benn excellent. I've also had a number Colt's and these are every bit as good if not better. Trouble is they're getting about as expensive as Colts these days.

Tom, when Peacekeepers came out, they were extremely expensive. Like about 800 bucks. I believe that's what mine cost - 5 1/2 nickel 45 Colt.

Then Colt sued 'em, because, you know, PEACEKEEPER is absolutely identical to PEACEMAKER, so poor dumb people would buy the 800 dollar gun thinking they were getting a bargain on the 1200 dollar gun.

I don't know if the lawsuit is the reason, but AWA went out of business.

A few months later several AWA-employees started it back up.

And the new Peacekeepers were quite a bit cheaper than the old Peacekeepers.

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I always take precautions

Hey, Wyo... back in the heyday of USFA... they were the stuff of dreams. Don't care what anybody says... (or said).... USFA's quality control was second to none. Some of the finest-made SA firearms on the face of this earth. If you still have 'em... they are gettin' more pricey than Colts. That... is a fact.

USFA... the only firearms I missed out on... mucho regretfully so.

I also love single actions. Always wished S&W would build some.
I also love Rugers.
44 mag

357

45/45c

Here is mine:



With Colt's recent troubles, they may become worth a whole lot more!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Love these single action revolvers

In my opinion, the finest single action revolvers ever made that accurately emulate the Colt SAA were the U.S. Firearms guns. Absolutely impeccable workmanship. This one (the "pre-war" model) was made in 2006 under the old Colt "onion dome" in Hartford. Doug Turnbull did the case hardening, and it puts the genuine Colts to shame. Sadly, USFA went out of business. Today good specimens of their guns have risen in value dramatically as more and more people appreciate how truly outstanding these guns are. If you can find one, nothing's better. Ruger's guns are work horses, but these are thoroughbreds.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

You might want to google Cimarron Arms. They have a wide collection of SA's in various calibers & barrels. Not too expensive. Well made weapons.


Jim

Regrettably I only bought one. 44 SP

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Sure you did