Anyone carry a SA in lieu of a Mountain Gun?

mc5aw

mc5aw

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I'm doing some thinking about SAs and whether one might make a good alternate carry gun out yonder. When hiking and exploring wooded areas, I usually have my TR 325 or 624 snub along for the ride, and a 629-1 conversion project (8-3/8" to 4") in the works. I assume the downside of carrying a SA in bush country would be 5-shots in the cylinder and slower reloading time, if necessary. Not having an official "Mountain Gun", I'm curious if any S&W aficionados lug around a trusty SA in the wild. I'm not a fan of Ruger products, but am well aware of Vaqueros and Hawks as SA standards, and am intrigued by the convertible models. I'm more of a Colt or USFA man, having one of the latter in .357. Any SA pistoleros feel like chiming in, feel free to offer up insights, experiences, and advice.
 
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I have some single actions but most are safe queens. I hate to scuff up a $1,300 colt. I do have this uberti made "Cimmeron arms" thunderer. It`s dual clyinder .45 colt and .45 acp. I bought it about 25 years ago and only took it out to test fire once or twice. I think I will start takeing it out some. It`s light and handy. I was going through my old ammo in the garage today and found a lot of .45 acp of questionable vintage and 30 year old reloads. Think I will go shoot it up with this one soon.
It just might be what you have in mind. It also fits that black tooled el paso holster too. I also have some CCI snakeloads. I will start takeing it atv rideing and give it a workout.

ubertiC012399.jpg
 
mc5aw said:
I'm doing some thinking about SAs and whether one might make a good alternate carry gun out yonder. When hiking and exploring wooded areas, I usually have my TR 325 or 624 snub along for the ride, and a 629-1 conversion project (8-3/8" to 4") in the works. I assume the downside of carrying a SA in bush country would be 5-shots in the cylinder and slower reloading time, if necessary. Not having an official "Mountain Gun", I'm curious if any S&W aficionados lug around a trusty SA in the wild. I'm not a fan of Ruger products, but am well aware of Vaqueros and Hawks as SA standards, and am intrigued by the convertible models. I'm more of a Colt or USFA man, having one of the latter in .357. Any SA pistoleros feel like chiming in, feel free to offer up insights, experiences, and advice.
Click to expand...

Sir, FWIW, I prefer a single-action out in the sticks, mainly because of its mechanical simplicity. Unless you've got a "thugs in the woods" problem (some areas do), reloading speed isn't critical. A Ruger SA in .44 or .45 will be a little heavier and longer than a similarly chambered Smith Mountain Gun, which may or may not matter to you.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
While I have a full complement of Mt. guns I also like carrying the new Ruger Flattops in the wild, usually 44 Spec. or 45 Colt. 4 5/8 barrel in Mernicle or ElPaso leather. However my next holster will be one of our own,Lobo Leather, his are absolutely first rate.
 
I just pulled mine out and changed clyinders. Mine is the BP frame. That means you have to unscrew two screws. You must take off the ejector to have room to take out the clyinder pin to get the clyinder out to change the clyinder or clean it. Thats because it`s a 3 1/2" and has a shorter ejector and houseing. It`s not hard but could be a little aggervateing if your shakey or dont have the right screwdriver.
I just checked the uberti site. It seems the grip no longer looks like mine. If you look above you will see mine is a copy of the old colt lightings and thuderers. Also the old 1878 DA army. I used to own both and like the grips. The new uberti thunderer has the ruger looking grip without the hump. (They dont look as good to me.) Usualy on these clones you can find them cheaper than the suggested price. I said I bought mine over 25 years ago. Now I see on the box that I bought it in january of 1996. I gave about a third of what retail is now. I dont see on their site where they offer it with two clyinders but I bet they could fix you up. Just wanted to set my prior post straight. I have been sitting on this gun forever and now I got the hots to try her out!
 
For years, up at a relatively large farm in the woods of northern Michigan, I have relied on a Ruger SA 41 Mag, loaded with Winchester Silvertip 240 grain.

It's carried in a basic high ride Galco belt holster, hung on a cartridge belt that can go over or under a winter coat.

The 41 will handle anything I may need it for, most of the time I'm thinking black bears, feral dogs, coyotes, etc...

Because of the time it takes me to get back on target shooting a magnum, I feel that I handle it as quickly as I would a DA for a follow up shot.

That, plus the simple rugged nature of most SA's, makes it an easy choice for me.

There's a small bit of my nature that just likes the idea of an older style gun out there in the woods, too...

Len
 
Ron H. said:
Sir, FWIW, I prefer a single-action out in the sticks, mainly because of its mechanical simplicity. Unless you've got a "thugs in the woods" problem (some areas do), reloading speed isn't critical. A Ruger SA in .44 or .45 will be a little heavier and longer than a similarly chambered Smith Mountain Gun, which may or may not matter to you.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
Click to expand...

That's my thinking as well, Ron. Five rounds of a large SA caliber should suffice in most woods situations, without the necessity to reload.

Merrill ... How has the Cimarron/Uberti held up for you? I've read that quality-wise the Italian imports have greatly improved over the past few years. I've owned two Cimarrons in .357; although I didn't shoot them much at all, they impressed me as nice repros.

It looks like a quality SA in .44 or .45 is now on my wish list ... behind the Colt New Agent and vintage S&W .22 Kit Gun. :)
 
I bought mine in 1996. I have only been out with it on one or two occasions. It`s as new in the box. So I cant really attest as to how they hold up. I own 4 colt single action armys, another uberti commemertive that I dont shoot and another clone san marcus or whatever. Just looking at the gun the fit and finish is top notch. I also own 3 various ruger single actions. Here is the clones and one of two of my colts to compare.
ubertiPO.jpg


DakotaSA11287.jpg


267-1.jpg
 
I just looked at that last picture of my two colts. The wood griped one on top looks like something is wrong with the gun on the clyinder. There isnt. I think its a reflection of my wifes camera when she took the picture.
 
My Beretta Stampede .45 Colt hikes around with me carrying 255's at an even thou. on the clock. My 625-6 gets time in the woods also, but loaded MUCH heavier for old tooth and claws. SAA's have a certain appeal that makes me very happy. I know of a fella that carries one for CCW. Bash it if you want to, but I'd not want to cross him up. He does know how to use it, and well at that. Here is my Blackhawk convertible .45 Colt/acp also.
IMG_1536.jpg

IMG_2639.jpg
 
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I've hunted hogs in Cali and elk in eastern Wash, Idaho, Montana and mulies in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. I've mostly carried Ruger SA,Old Models in 41, 44, or 45.

My first gun was an old model single six. I grew up on SAs. I have several DA, and also Colt SAs.

I agree==if it has teeth and/or claws and a tendency to fight back, I want a Ruger, Old Model Blackhawk in 45 Colt loaded to about 1200 fps with a 300 gr hard cast. As a wildlife biologist who has done research on bears, been charged, and lives where there are a few grizzlies, I'll agree with the old time State trooper who told me=="After you shoot five, someone will be dead".

BTW You can carry 6 in the newer Rugers with the transfer bar.
 
I own a Uberti blackpowder frame 4 3/4" SAA clone in .45 Colt.

Really it ain't too bad .45!!

I've been known to pack it around despite it's 'tactical retro-ness'
 
Don't the Ruger SA revolvers all have transfer bar safeties on them now? That would give you the ability to load 6 would it not?

I have a Model 57 Mountain Gun now but I am looking at picking up a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 soon as well.
 
All rugers have a transfer bar safety now. (and for a very long time now)
You could ALWAYS load six in a SAA. Just let the hammer rest between chambers. The brass cases will prevent the cylinder moving around, and when you need it, you have six shots.
 
feralmerril said:
I just pulled mine out and changed clyinders. Mine is the BP frame. That means you have to unscrew two screws. You must take off the ejector to have room to take out the clyinder pin to get the clyinder out to change the clyinder or clean it. Thats because it`s a 3 1/2" and has a shorter ejector and houseing. It`s not hard but could be a little aggervateing if your shakey or dont have the right screwdriver.
I just checked the uberti site. It seems the grip no longer looks like mine. If you look above you will see mine is a copy of the old colt lightings and thuderers. Also the old 1878 DA army. I used to own both and like the grips. The new uberti thunderer has the ruger looking grip without the hump. (They dont look as good to me.) Usualy on these clones you can find them cheaper than the suggested price. I said I bought mine over 25 years ago. Now I see on the box that I bought it in january of 1996. I gave about a third of what retail is now. I dont see on their site where they offer it with two clyinders but I bet they could fix you up. Just wanted to set my prior post straight. I have been sitting on this gun forever and now I got the hots to try her out!
Click to expand...

Not with mine. I got it in December of 98. There it is in the front of the pile-o-guns.

Pile-o-guns.jpg


Open the loading gate, push the ejector all the way in, like you are ejecting a cartridge, and the finger-piece will hit the little curve in the ejector shroud and swerve around the cylinder pin. Now, pull the pin, release the ejector rod, and the cylinder comes out. Only got to take out the cylinder-pin screw.


Oh, and the Thunderer is still made with the hump. At least, according to Cimarron. They say they designed it, and Uberti makes it only for them.

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/Specialty/ThundererStd.htm
 
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