Single action revolvers

[Archaic_Entity]

I'm looking to do a good set-up that's involving some older Western style pistols. I'm probably not going to go with anything original (due to monetary constraints), but what I was wondering is... What would be a good set-up for gun slinging?

Now... I wouldn't use these pistols as my carry guns, I've already got that. I'm just looking for something that's well balanced enough that slinging it wouldn't be too hard. In general, what would I be looking for in a revolver to do that? I'm thinking I'll eventually do an entire Western set-up. Coach gun and leathers and everything. So I'm open to a whole bunch of suggestions. I'd also just like something comfortable to hold, preferably in a .40 cal or something to that effect.

I am a bit of a novice to revolvers, except that I've shot a couple and understand how they work... but I am leaning on the experienced people. Just to sum it up. Something of the Old West era in style, well balanced for slinging, comfortable to hold. I may mix and match pistols, too. Have like an 1858 Remington Navy in one hand and a 1847 Dragoon in the other, but I'm not sure how well that goes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ar15_dude]

I have experience with the following, and I have added comments to each:
- Ruger single six: cheap to shoot 22, I have hunted squirrels with it, great for beginners
- Ruger Super Blackhawk: strong 44 mag, adj sights, not very "authentic"
- Uberti SAA copy: reasonable quality cowboy pistol in 45 Colt
- Chapperal SAA copy: better quality cowboy pistol in 45 Colt
- Colt 1851 Navy copy: cap and ball, fun but needs cleaning too often!

Although they are built strong, the Rugers don't have the same feel and action due to the transfer bar safety. I always "load one, skip one, load four" so I don't need the transfer bar safety apparatus. I like good copies of Colt Single Action Army, with four clicks as the hammer is cocked. I also like real cowboy calibers like 45 Colt rather than 44 mag or 357 mag.

Hope this helps you some.

[Archaic_Entity]

Originally Posted by ar15_dude

I have experience with the following, and I have added comments to each:
- Ruger single six: cheap to shoot 22, I have hunted squirrels with it, great for beginners
- Ruger Super Blackhawk: strong 44 mag, adj sights, not very "authentic"
- Uberti SAA copy: reasonable quality cowboy pistol in 45 Colt
- Chapperal SAA copy: better quality cowboy pistol in 45 Colt
- Colt 1851 Navy copy: cap and ball, fun but needs cleaning too often!

Although they are built strong, the Rugers don't have the same feel and action due to the transfer bar safety. I always "load one, skip one, load four" so I don't need the transfer bar safety apparatus. I like good copies of Colt Single Action Army, with four clicks as the hammer is cocked. I also like real cowboy calibers like 45 Colt rather than 44 mag or 357 mag.

Hope this helps you some.

It definitely does. I'm definitely going for the feel of the weapons, and I definitely prefer cowboy calibers. If it's .45, then I'd rather go with that.

[obijohn]

when i shot sass (cowboy action), i shot a pair of ruger vaqueros, a 94 winchester (all in .45 colt) and an imported side by side 12 ga. loved the setup. while it is true that the rugers don't have the feel of the saa (and clones), they are truly robust pistols. after i slicked them up a bit, i couldn't ask for better.

[Archaic_Entity]

What seems to be the preference on blued and stainless? Do the stainless hold onto fingerprints and become a pain to clean? Or does it not matter as much. I'm, so far, looking to the blued if that's the case.

As for barrel lengths, would anyone recommend the 7.5 inch ones? Or am I going to expect a pain in the *** draw if I'm shorter than 7'?

So far, I'm looking at the Uberti and the Ruger Vaquero.

[Old Salt]

The 7.5" were the original Colt size, used by Pat Garrett when he shot Billy the Kid (while the Kid was asleep). The 4.75 or civilian model is the favorite of fast draw experts and was used by Bat Masterson, Billy the Kid and many others.

[Archaic_Entity]

Originally Posted by Old Salt

The 7.5" were the original Colt size, used by Pat Garrett when he shot Billy the Kid (while the Kid was asleep). The 4.75 or civilian model is the favorite of fast draw experts and was used by Bat Masterson, Billy the Kid and many others.

I gotta admit, my whole inspiration for doing this is actually Doc Holliday. I recently got into a Val Kilmer kick, and always enjoyed Tombstone. But I watched it recently, and decided that I would rather be a cowboy than anything else. Haha.

From what I can gather, he has nickel-plated pistols with ivory handles, which can be done with the Uberti and the Ruger models. I'd assume he was carrying either the 4.75 or the 5.5 inch Colt models, but I'm not 100% sure. I do know that Wyatt Earp carried a friggin' 10" barrel, friggin' ridiculous.

Anyway, thanks for the info!

[Old Salt]

By the way I just picked up a used never fired New Vaquero today, at Plainfield Shooting Supplies. $389.00 plus tax, to give you an idea of what you can pay. PSS, Fort Liberty and Bradis have the best used prices that I have seen. Unless your rich avoid Gander Mountain. They charge more for used than most others do for new Ruger cowboy guns.

[VN Vet]

I have a 5.5 and a 7.5 Uberti and a 4.75 Colt all in 45 cal. The Ubertis is just fine and at a reasonable price. I like mine. Of course, the Original SSA Colt can't be beat if you can go the price.

I joined the SASS this past week. I don't know how much I'll partipate, but I'm excited about the adventure in going to a few activities. There is a local group in Daleville, IN. I'll join them later.

PM me and let me know what you are planning to do with your western interest. aybe we can go to Daleville. I think there are three groups in Northern Indiana and a two down around Evansville. Check out the SASS for groups nearer to you.

Go have some fun. I am planning to also. My SASS name is Fatman Dan.

[Old Salt]

The Buntline Earp had was a gift from Ned Buntline, the writer. It wasn't his normal carry piece.