Shopping for a "cowboy" gun!

Prof Young · February 25, 2023, 11:48 AM

I have a couple hundred rounds of 45 colt in the ammo closet, which makes me think it may be time to have a single action revolver to shoot them. I'm starting my search. This will be a fun-gun, range toy only and I don't need a high quality, really expensive, keep-it-forever-and-hand-it-down gun.

I kinda wish Heritage made one, but I suppose their inexpensive construction may be too much for higher calibers

Thoughts and suggestions welcome.

Life is good.

Prof Young

gbclarkson · February 25, 2023, 12:24 PM

Cimarron and Taylor's & Co. make single action revolvers in the $5-600 range.

44caliberkid · February 25, 2023, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbclarkson

Cimarron and Taylor's & Co. make single action revolvers in the $5-600 range.

Good advice, you might even find a used one for $400 or less. Most of their guns are made by Uberti, another good choice. Heritage did have a center fire, I think they were Pietta’s. But I don’t see them listed anymore.

Pahoo · February 25, 2023, 01:03 PM

Quote:

I have a couple hundred rounds of 45 colt in the ammo closet, which makes me think it may be time to have a single action revolver to shoot them.

Just when I thought I was the only one that looked for a firearm that I had a bunch of ammo for. Simular to learning how to swim before buying a pair of trunks. I "had" the same problem and found a used Taurus for $300, that fit the bill quite well. I believe this was a Goucho. Pietta or Uberti, would be my next suggestion and won't break the bank. Don't ask me why but am shopping for an 1875 "Outlaw. ......

https://gunwatcher.com/

Be Safe !!!

Hellcat1 · February 25, 2023, 01:58 PM

Agreed that the Uberti/Cimarron/Taylor's is a good choice, especially if you're just getting into these and aren't looking for a higher end investment/shooter. I've got a few Ubertis, in addition to some "real" Colts, the latter of which I'm afraid to shoot because they're more of investment/show pieces. I've got one Uberti/Taylor's gun in .357 Mag., along with these two Ubertis that I shoot a lot, in .45 Colt:

Frank

**Aguila Blanca** · February 25, 2023, 03:29 PM

I have owned SAA clones made by both Uberti and Pietta. I rate them equal in terms of fit, finish, and function.

Nevmavrick · February 25, 2023, 05:16 PM

I bought an Uberti "Thunderer" .45 Colt with spare .45 ACP cylinder about a year ago, and it would be quite difficult for me to be happier.
I am a handloader so that extends my enjoyment.
I bought it new, and the price was well worth it, and affordable.
I have ordered and now use an El Paso Saddlery holster and belt, though a bit expensive, fits well and, of course, is ready to last.
I fit a regular Colt plowhandle grip on it to replace the "birds head" eventhough the origional was easy to shoot.
The frame is a "black powder" style, but there is nothing wrong with that.
Have fun, and I'll see you at the range.
Gene

oldbear1950 · February 26, 2023, 06:05 PM

I have an Uberti EL PATRON, 45 COLT, WITH 5 AND 1/2 INCH BARREL, just remember if you carry it, load one, skip a chamber, and load the other 4, just like a COLT.

It has a trigger job from the factory, and WOLFF springs thru out. It also shoots amazingly good. I too am a reloader and as long as I keep to standard pressure loads is ok

cdoc42 · February 26, 2023, 10:38 PM

I have a Taylors/Uberti Checkered Gunfighter in .45 Colt

https://taylorsfirearms.com/hand-gun...873-single-act

I love it. It brings back the day, about 69 years ago, when I pretended I was Hopalong Cassidy with 2 holsters holding cap "pistols" and riding my "horse" that was a front porch bannister with a rug for saddle......

Hawg · February 27, 2023, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbclarkson

Cimarron and Taylor's & Co. make single action revolvers in the $5-600 range.

Cimarron and Taylors don't make anything. They're importers. Uberti and Pietta both make great guns.

Armybrat · February 28, 2023, 07:37 PM

Ruger New Vaqueros are a bit more, but very nice….

https://www.ruger.com/products/vaque...mages/5158.jpg

RoyceP · February 28, 2023, 08:15 PM

My Cimmarron / Uberti. Highly recommended.

Drm50 · March 1, 2023, 01:42 AM

Expense rules Colt ot leaving Ruger as good alternative. Adjustable sight model is best.
I never buy anything with a name that sounds like it should come with bread sticks.

bamaranger · March 1, 2023, 12:45 PM

Been there....had a chance to buy a quantity of .22 Hornet ammo, cheap, but no rifle in my safe chambered for the Hornet......I still wish I had bought the stuff.

OK, back to SA revolvers. If you're willing to shop a bit (well, maybe a good bit) and go the used route, there was a line of SA revolvers imported in the 1960's-70's by an outfit called "Hawes" that marketed a family of cowboy revolvers. The models had assorted colorful names, Western Marshal, Frontier Marshal and so on. The revolvers were made by JP Sauer and Sohn in W. Germany and quality was very good.

The ones I've seen and handled were all in .357 or .44 mag, but supposedly they were also chambered in .45 Colt.

My Dad had a fixed sighted model in .44

Straitshot · March 1, 2023, 01:13 PM

Uberti has suppled Colt with lots of parts for their Colt SAA's over the years. Cimarron and Taylor along with former USFA convienced Uberti and Pietta to up their game and today they build some of the best single action revolvers available. Currently the only other manufacturer that makes a better revolver is Standard Manufacturing and it is three times the price. I have owned and shot them all and for the money Uberti is as good as they come. I slightly prefer the Uberti over the Pietta but either are good.

tazbigdog · March 1, 2023, 08:44 PM

I have this one.

Stiofan · March 1, 2023, 09:38 PM

So the Colt replicas are well represented here, I've always had a hankering for the 1875 Remington Outlaw, and both Uberti and Taylor's make one. Just another option, and a bit more rarer if you ever chose to resell it. I have to say, I'm a fan of the old western tv shows and Movies, and when I saw a Remington I gave the show props for authenticity.

jar · March 2, 2023, 09:23 AM

One of the Colt SAA clones I bought a half century or so ago. It was made by JP Sauer I believe and is 45 Colt.

Hawg · March 2, 2023, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiofan

So the Colt replicas are well represented here, I've always had a hankering for the 1875 Remington Outlaw, and both Uberti and Taylor's make one.

They're both made by Uberti. I looked at one at my LGS and they feel awkward to me. When I saw this Richards Mason I forgot all about the Outlaw.

Straitshot · March 3, 2023, 10:27 AM

I have a cople of 1871 open tops, but really like that Richard/Mason conversion.

bamaranger · March 3, 2023, 02:21 PM

The revolver displayed in post 18 is one of the Hawes "Marshal's" to which I was referring to earlier, manufactured by Sauer. It appears identical to my Dad's, which as I advised was in .44 mag.

jar · March 3, 2023, 08:52 PM

And the 44Mag version:

I also have one in 38spl/357 with a spare 9mm cylinder but the one I shoot most often is a Ruger Wrangler 22LR.

Schlitz 45 · March 4, 2023, 09:35 AM

When I was shopping for a cowboy pistol I my got hands on every thing I could for a few months before I plunked down the cash for a New Vaquero. Wanted something strong & safe that would last & not have to modify to make it fully functional. Not cheap but for me a great value.

RGRacing · March 4, 2023, 02:45 PM

Sometimes you just have to see one that speaks to you. I saw one like tazbigdog's pic in faux case hardened and had to have it. It is my first and love it. It shoots like a dream.

Ruger Vaquero Shop Keeper.

arquebus357 · March 4, 2023, 04:06 PM

Ruger single actions are good strongly built guns However, if you are one of those folks with a penchant for taking things apart they aren't for you. I had one of the large older Vaquero that was a nightmare to load and unload as it didn't register for the chambers. DUH.

February 25, 2023, 11:48 AM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,514	Shopping for a "cowboy" gun! I have a couple hundred rounds of 45 colt in the ammo closet, which makes me think it may be time to have a single action revolver to shoot them. I'm starting my search. This will be a fun-gun, range toy only and I don't need a high quality, really expensive, keep-it-forever-and-hand-it-down gun. I kinda wish Heritage made one, but I suppose their inexpensive construction may be too much for higher calibers Thoughts and suggestions welcome. Life is good. Prof Young

February 25, 2023, 03:29 PM	#6
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	I have owned SAA clones made by both Uberti and Pietta. I rate them equal in terms of fit, finish, and function. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

March 1, 2023, 12:45 PM	#14
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,800	used Been there....had a chance to buy a quantity of .22 Hornet ammo, cheap, but no rifle in my safe chambered for the Hornet......I still wish I had bought the stuff. OK, back to SA revolvers. If you're willing to shop a bit (well, maybe a good bit) and go the used route, there was a line of SA revolvers imported in the 1960's-70's by an outfit called "Hawes" that marketed a family of cowboy revolvers. The models had assorted colorful names, Western Marshal, Frontier Marshal and so on. The revolvers were made by JP Sauer and Sohn in W. Germany and quality was very good. The ones I've seen and handled were all in .357 or .44 mag, but supposedly they were also chambered in .45 Colt. My Dad had a fixed sighted model in .44

March 1, 2023, 08:44 PM	#16
tazbigdog Member Join Date: March 7, 2011 Location: AZ Posts: 59	I have this one. __________________ "It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." Julius Caesar

March 3, 2023, 02:21 PM	#21
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,800	post 18 The revolver displayed in post 18 is one of the Hawes "Marshal's" to which I was referring to earlier, manufactured by Sauer. It appears identical to my Dad's, which as I advised was in .44 mag.

February 25, 2023, 12:24 PM	#2
gbclarkson Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: None of yer business, sonny Posts: 440	Cimarron and Taylor's & Co. make single action revolvers in the $5-600 range.

February 25, 2023, 01:58 PM	#5
Hellcat1 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2022 Posts: 118	Agreed that the Uberti/Cimarron/Taylor's is a good choice, especially if you're just getting into these and aren't looking for a higher end investment/shooter. I've got a few Ubertis, in addition to some "real" Colts, the latter of which I'm afraid to shoot because they're more of investment/show pieces. I've got one Uberti/Taylor's gun in .357 Mag., along with these two Ubertis that I shoot a lot, in .45 Colt: Frank

February 25, 2023, 05:16 PM	#7
Nevmavrick Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2010 Location: Sparks, Nevada, near Reno Posts: 183	I bought an Uberti "Thunderer" .45 Colt with spare .45 ACP cylinder about a year ago, and it would be quite difficult for me to be happier. I am a handloader so that extends my enjoyment. I bought it new, and the price was well worth it, and affordable. I have ordered and now use an El Paso Saddlery holster and belt, though a bit expensive, fits well and, of course, is ready to last. I fit a regular Colt plowhandle grip on it to replace the "birds head" eventhough the origional was easy to shoot. The frame is a "black powder" style, but there is nothing wrong with that. Have fun, and I'll see you at the range. Gene

February 26, 2023, 06:05 PM	#8
oldbear1950 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2022 Posts: 291	I have an Uberti EL PATRON, 45 COLT, WITH 5 AND 1/2 INCH BARREL, just remember if you carry it, load one, skip a chamber, and load the other 4, just like a COLT. It has a trigger job from the factory, and WOLFF springs thru out. It also shoots amazingly good. I too am a reloader and as long as I keep to standard pressure loads is ok

February 26, 2023, 10:38 PM	#9
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,772	I have a Taylors/Uberti Checkered Gunfighter in .45 Colt https://taylorsfirearms.com/hand-gun...873-single-act I love it. It brings back the day, about 69 years ago, when I pretended I was Hopalong Cassidy with 2 holsters holding cap "pistols" and riding my "horse" that was a front porch bannister with a rug for saddle......

March 1, 2023, 01:42 AM	#13
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,499	Expense rules Colt ot leaving Ruger as good alternative. Adjustable sight model is best. I never buy anything with a name that sounds like it should come with bread sticks.

March 1, 2023, 01:13 PM	#15
Straitshot Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2011 Location: West Texas Posts: 200	Uberti has suppled Colt with lots of parts for their Colt SAA's over the years. Cimarron and Taylor along with former USFA convienced Uberti and Pietta to up their game and today they build some of the best single action revolvers available. Currently the only other manufacturer that makes a better revolver is Standard Manufacturing and it is three times the price. I have owned and shot them all and for the money Uberti is as good as they come. I slightly prefer the Uberti over the Pietta but either are good.

March 1, 2023, 09:38 PM	#17
Stiofan Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2006 Location: Panhandle, Idaho Posts: 714	So the Colt replicas are well represented here, I've always had a hankering for the 1875 Remington Outlaw, and both Uberti and Taylor's make one. Just another option, and a bit more rarer if you ever chose to resell it. I have to say, I'm a fan of the old western tv shows and Movies, and when I saw a Remington I gave the show props for authenticity.

March 4, 2023, 09:35 AM	#23
Schlitz 45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2018 Location: Colorado Posts: 415	When I was shopping for a cowboy pistol I my got hands on every thing I could for a few months before I plunked down the cash for a New Vaquero. Wanted something strong & safe that would last & not have to modify to make it fully functional. Not cheap but for me a great value.

March 4, 2023, 02:45 PM	#24
RGRacing Member Join Date: September 27, 2017 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 55	Sometimes you just have to see one that speaks to you. I saw one like tazbigdog's pic in faux case hardened and had to have it. It is my first and love it. It shoots like a dream. Ruger Vaquero Shop Keeper. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

March 4, 2023, 04:06 PM	#25
arquebus357 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2016 Location: Atlanta, Georgia area Posts: 455	Ruger single actions are good strongly built guns However, if you are one of those folks with a penchant for taking things apart they aren't for you. I had one of the large older Vaquero that was a nightmare to load and unload as it didn't register for the chambers. DUH.