Single Action Revolvers

CCantu357 · Sep 6, 2015

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?

xray97 · Sep 6, 2015

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

lebomm · Sep 6, 2015

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

CCantu357 · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Fishinfool · Sep 6, 2015

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

jack the toad · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Faulkner · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Vulcan Bob · Sep 6, 2015

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.

silentflyer · Sep 6, 2015

Hard to go wrong with a Ruger....

Frizzman · Sep 6, 2015

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.

GatorFarmer · Sep 6, 2015

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.

cadmike · Sep 6, 2015

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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Engine49guy · Sep 6, 2015

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

CScott · Sep 6, 2015

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

2152hq · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Hellraiser · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Valmet · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Ranger514 · Sep 6, 2015

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.

andy g · Sep 6, 2015

357

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.

eveled · Sep 6, 2015

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.

Single Action Revolvers

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