Ruger Vaquero vs Uberti Cattleman (modifications)

[CaliforniaPhotographer]

Hello gents and ladies,

I'm looking to purchase a set of 6 shooters to try my hands at cowboy action shooting. I'm curious to those who have or currently own pistols they shoot or compete with, especially modified guns.

I understand the vaquero is the safer open with the transfer bar safety.
My inquiry is based on modified guns: shorted hammer pulls, tuned springs/triggers etc.

What are your experiences with revolvers, modifications and gunsmiths. I'm looking for practical hands on experience.

I have large hands, am 6'3 and have already settled on my rifle and shotgun choices.

I know this is a Ford vs. chevy question, I'm trying to figure which is best once modified, and what has worked for guys with larger hands.

In advance, thanks for the input, (and to the ***** talkers, bring it on) 🤠

[Lead Waster]

I would recommend the New Vaqueros (smaller than the original Vaquero), as you said, it has the transfer bar safety.

I looked into it and although the "authenticity" might be a bit higher with the SAA clones, I think that for the money, the Ruger is a better gun anyway.

You can probably modify both to do what you want, and Ruger will have aftermarket support that fits. I believe it uses wound springs versus leaf springs for some parts too. Just my opinion, I also have a pair of New Vaqueros, but don't do cowboy action very much (at the moment).

If you check the cowboy websites, I think the Rugers are a more practical choice, BUT if you MUST have the 4 clicks, then get the Uberti. Me, I'd like to safely load 6 rounds when I'm NOT at the cowboy range.

[MissiontoMars]

New Vaquero would be my choice. Built like a tank, better aesthetics, transfer bar safety.

Happy hunting.

[Dynamic]

I think its a better bang for the buck to go with Uberti,

What are you going to end up using for rifle and shotgun ? What caliber ?

[omega]

Ruger Vaqueros are heavy, and dont have the "Old West" weight & feel in my hands

they feel like heavy magnums because of the frames & cylinder are heavier

on the one I owned with the 7" in barrel and immitation Ivory Grips, I also had a replacement steel ejector tube on mine , not the aluminum one

one thing about Rugers is they can handle hot loads since the frame on mine was the same as used on the Ruger .44 magnum

[smle-man]

I own an old model Vaquero, and new model, and an Uberti/Cimerron from the 90s.

The Uberti is more traditional but the metal in mine is soft. it has broken some internals over the years and I had to replace the cylinder pin screw - it flattened from attempting to hold the cylinder pin in place.

The NM Vaquero's grip frame is a bit skimpy and unless I hold it just right, the trigger guard raps my finger. The OM Vaquero has a larger grip frame and is more comfortable to shoot but heavier.

If you do a lot of shooting with the Uberti, get two, one to shoot and one to tune. The Ruger will keep chugging along. Just my experience.

BTW I don't do cowboy action shooting, just weekend plinking.

[M76]

IMHO Rugers hold their value, Ubertis not so much...both are fun to shoot...
The Cattleman appears more "authentic" but the Vaquero is more solid...

[Kingair001]

And what about the

EMF Alchimista II

Cimarron Eliminator C

Check those [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[plumbum]

Just an option, but the Ruger .44 Magnum Vaquero is still built on the (Super)Blackhawk sized frame, big and beefy.

[MrTokarev]

Vaqueros feel chunky to me. My berreta stampede (made by uberti) feels just right though.

I don't know about the need for the extra strength if you're just shooting standard or cowboy loads out of it. And my berretta also has some kind of transfer mechanism so the safety issue may be overblown.

I would feel both and get what you wanted based on what felt best. As for low resale, that's a plus for the inertia as you can get used ones pretty cheap. Mine was $350 used.

[MrTokarev]

Uberti, not inertia.

Or an old model black hawk. I've shot one of those and it was a lot less chunky than the modern vaquero. I'd only get an older, three screw, single action, ruger though.

[Lead Waster]

Another thing to keep in mind ... the .45 Colt models are LIGHTER than the .357 models. Same outer dimensions but ... bigger hole for .45 makes for a lighter barrel (and cylinder too). However, .357/.38 is cheaper, even if you reload.

[tmh1]

For large size hands, the New Vaqueros will most likely feel better than the Cattleman. The Cattleman has the shorter 1873 SAA grip frame while the New Vaqueros have a longer grip frame more like an 1860 Army. On the shorter grip frame guns my pinky is dangling underneath the grips, not the most comfortable way for me to shoot.

I've got a set of the SASS model of New Vaqueros (which lasted me all of 2 matches before having to be repaired by Ruger - another story). They are also very heavy. I've settled in on Cimarron Eliminator C's currently (Pietta built). Have a pair of Uberti Cattlemen (Taylor's & Co.) but don't like the shorter grip frame. Gonna try some EMF Alchimista III's (Pietta), which will have an even larger grip than the Eliminators (might work well in my XXL hands).

Don't discount the quality of the current Italian made replicas - they are significantly improved over 10 years ago. Uberti's used to be a little better than Pietta's, but now they are about equal.

[CaliforniaPhotographer]

Thank you for all the input, I really appreciate the collective knowledge all of you brought to the table. I lucked out and while on a trip to Sacramento the past two days was able to swing by their Bass Pro Shop and handle all options. They had both the New Model Vaquero in 4.62" barrel and the Ruger Vaquero Bisley model with the 5.5" barrel, as well as multiple models of the Uberti pistols. The Bisley model felt the best in my hands, the grip being an instant selling point. I think the Uberti is a better looking gun with the case hardened finish but I can only imagine the finish is susceptible to wear from holstering and drawing.

I ended up purchasing a set of Long Hunter tuned 357 Ruger Vaqueros Bisley guns from a gun store that had a pair of very lightly used guns with holsters and extra leather for $1,250.00. They arrive Tuesday to my FFL of choice, Gunfighter Tactical.

My dad gave me a 3screw Blackhawk in 44 mag with a 7.5" barrel, it's probably my favorite gun to shoot of everything I have ever shot. I want to try my hands at cowboy action shooting so the pair of Bisleys should get the job done.

I'm ordering a Uberti 1873 short rifle with a 20" barrel slicked up by Cody Conagher. The case hardening finish on the rifle looked amazing and I'm looking forward to having a lever gun in 357. I have a Winchester model 94 in 30-30 and love shooting it. Going to close out the old west collection with a model 1897 pump action shotgun also slicked up by Cody.

I wish San Diego had a Bass Pro Shop in County, I feel like I died and went to Heaven in that Rocklin store. I'm definitely going to have to make the drive to Rancho Cucamonga soon to visit their Bass Pro Shop. Anyone who has one in their area is blessed, I could spend all day (and all my income) there!

Thanks again for your thoughts and advice!

��

[MFortie]

Where will you be shooting - South Bay with the Dulzura Desperados?

I've been meaning to go to their 'Sunday School' and try my hand at CAS. Always seem to have a conflict though!

I have a pair of OM Vaqs, a pair of Colt SAAs (3rd gen), and a pair of 1858 BP Rems (with conversion cylinders) I want to try out.