Sunday six gun single action question.

[Forum Boss]

I used to compete in cowboy action and have owned a variety of single actions. I can say, for two-handed shooting, the grips of Classic Colts and the Ruger Vaquero and Blackhawk models are too short, and NOT ergonomic.

What you want is the Ruger Bisley Model, it may not look as pretty, but for 90% of adult males, it shoots better. The lower hammer is also easier to employ.

Ruger Bisley Single Action:



At virtually every match I shot someone asked to try my Ruger Bisley and the vast majority said it felt better in the hands and was easier to aim.

I also owned two Italian single action revolvers. They were pretty to look at but both suffered significant mechanical problems — broken internal parts. I love my Uberti Levergun but I would not buy another Italian Single action revolver for any serious competitive use.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I've carried this 3 screw Ruger for more years than I can count. It has taken well over a hundred rattlers and 1 gobbler @ 25 yards, head shot.

When I bought it, there was only the 22 mag cylinder. I shoot the rat shot for snakes at 4-5 feet and they do the job just fine. Not a big bore, but very handy and very accurate.View attachment 1185021

I inherited one of those from my Mother-In-Law. It is from the 1960's if memory serves me correctly. There were two cylinders that I remember she had with it. But after she passed the family went money crazy and I don't know what happened to the second cylinder. The one in the gun was for 22LR, I wish I had the Magnum cylinder.
Contacted Ruger once many years ago and they required me to send the gun back to them to ensure that is was fitted. Didn't want to go through the hassle so never did anything about it. Forget what they said they would charge, plus the FFL to ship and shipping both ways. I just remember I thought the investment was too much.
Would love to find a 22 magnum cylinder for it though.

 

[joshb]

I used to compete in cowboy action and have owned a variety of single actions. I can say, for two-handed shooting, the grips of Classic Colts and the Ruger Vaquero and Blackhawk models are too short, and NOT ergonomic.

What you want is the Ruger Bisley Model, it may not look as pretty, but for 90% of adult males, it shoots better. The lower hammer is also easier to employ

Ruger Bisley Single Action:

View attachment 1185039

At virtually every match I shot someone asked to try my Ruger Bisley and the vast majority said it felt better in the hands and was easier to aim.

I also owned two Italian single action revolvers. They were pretty to look at but both suffered significant mechanical problems — broken internal parts. I love my Uberti Levergun but I would not buy another Italian Single action revolver for any serious competitive use.

Thanks for the input, Boss. I handled a matched pair of Vaqueros back in Delaware. They were fairly priced but the grip just didn’t feel right in my hand and I passed on them. I have big hands and long fingers. I couldn’t get a comfortable hold on the gun.
I’m just a casual plinker so I should be happy with these Ubertis. They have the lower hammer and they are tuned. I do like to “collect” so I’ll see if I can find a Bisley to handle.
I settled on the 38/357, as I have a few thousand reloads sitting on the shelf. I had originally wanted the 45 LC but my practical side won the argument this time.
When I started getting serious, a memory tickled my brain. I thought a fine longstanding member here had a pair for sale a while back. I got lucky. He still had them. They have the larger grip and he gave me a very good price for the pair. I just hope I can hit something with them. I’ve gotten a little rusty with a pistol.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I talked to a member here that has a pair of
unfired Uberti Gunfighters in 38/357. They’ve had the actions and triggers tuned. One thing I noticed when handling the Colts was the “small” grip size. I have big hands and the Gunfighter has a longer grip. I’m going to start with these, get a feel for them and watch the gun stores and shows for some deals.
View attachment 1184951

Josh, I think you are going to like the Uberti SAA's. They have a very good feel to them and in my hand which is bigger than some, fits so nice. The angle is perfect for bringing the gun up on target very nicely.

 

[joshb]

There's a lot to be said for single action revolvers -- AND lever action rifles --- AND the girls who love them. jd

View attachment 1184973

Oh boy! She looks like a handful! You got a rope on that one?

 

[Bill K]

Freedom Arms or Ruger. Very good single actions, and not in the Colt price ranges, more for the everyday shooter, not the collector. Either are solid and well built, will last a life time.

 

[jds holler]

Oh boy! She looks like a handful! You got a rope on that one?

More like she’s got a rope on me. jd

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Question for you Ruger guys. I have some three screws that I don't shoot much at all. Thinking about getting a new model, 41 M. It is not the current crop of new models. it is post three screw model in the yellow box. I really like the 4-5 clicks on the OMs. As far as the new models, what do you guys think of frame strength and accuracy of firearm? One fellow on here wrote that his Ruger SA was his most accurate revolver. Thanks, lots of input welcome. Just now reading some Linebaugh article,,, I think the current New Model BlackHawk frame is pretty darn strong. I wonder how the mid 70s two screw compares to it? Thanks!!

 

[distinguished]

Question for you Ruger guys. I have some three screws that I don't shoot much at all. Thinking about getting a new model, 41 M. It is not the current crop of new models. it is post three screw model in the yellow box. I really like the 4-5 clicks on the OMs. As far as the new models, what do you guys think of frame strength and accuracy of firearm? One fellow on here wrote that his Ruger SA was his most accurate revolver. Thanks, lots of input welcome.

I only have a couple newer Ruger SA's and they shoot well. When they first came out with the Vaquero, the one I have had issues with it binding up due to the transfer bar. I managed to sort it out myself and no issues since. I still prefer the old 3 screw Rugers by far! They just feel better all the way around! Too bad lawyer proofing caused them to not be offered anymore.

 

[Adam in WI]

Well, since the .41 is already a high pressure round; as long as you stick to book data that revolver will still outlast you. The .45 versions were originally hamstrung by weak factory ammo and load data. The late John Linebaugh breathed new fire into those versions. I've tried a few of his loads; the gun will take them fine but it's a darn firm handshake for sure.

 

[mike mccormick]

Yup! I feel the tug! 45 long Colt for sure. I just don’t know anything about them. I want a quality gun, not junk. I’m an open book! I’d like advice from guys that own them! Please! Where are you, LarryDScott? Didn’t you have a pair?

They are good pistols. Have had a couple.

 

[joshb]

They are good pistols. Have had a couple.

Ha….old thread. I got ahold of Larry and bought his 2 Ubertti pistols in 357. My wife bought me an antique belt and twin holster set AND a Stetson. I’m getting in to this Texas frame of mind!

 

[nakneker]

Old thread. That being said I have enjoyed Ruger Vaqueros Gen 1, strong pistol. I also have a couple isles in 41 mag and 45 Colt that are fun to shoot.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Old thread. That being said I have enjoyed Ruger Vaqueros Gen 1, strong pistol. I also have a couple isles in 41 mag and 45 Colt that are fun to shoot.

I may get one of the Vaqueros Gen 1. probably not going down in price any time soon. Good clean firearms are semi hard to find at a decent price!

 

[Papa Charlie]

I have shot a couple of the Uberti's and was very impressed by the quality and the accuracy. It is my understanding that many are built buy Cimarron, which has a very good rep.

Looking to move and there doesn't appear to be any F-Class in the area we are currently considering. Depending on what is in the area, may switch to 3 gun tactical or cowboy. Always loved the westerns and I don't fit on a AR format, but will see what comes up.