Need inexpensive single-action revolver ... suggestions for CA legal models?

[ZombieTactics]

I find myself with the need for a traditional single-action only revolver. It will likely be fired very little, and used mostly for non-firing classroom demonstration purposes. It's critically important that this is a standard design with the usual loading gate, etc.

I am not looking for an heirloom or to get into cowboy-action shooting. Inexpensive price is important. Can I get some suggestion from my CalGuns brothers or sisters?

[gorenut]

Ruger's offerings of SA revolvers are regarded as gold standard of quality for your money (Vaquero is the most popular for modern cowboy shooting). They have all the right modern upgrades like transfer bars, etc. I've seen some Uberti ones run for cheaper, but I hear their quality is hit or miss.

Also, as far as I recall, single-action revolvers are all pretty much good to go in CA.

[Vacaville]

You can get a new Ruger Vaquero or Blackhawk .38/357 for around $500. Excellent value.

[dfletcher]

I find myself with the need for a traditional single-action only revolver. It will likely be fired very little, and used mostly for non-firing classroom demonstration purposes. It's critically important that this is a standard design with the usual loading gate, etc.

I am not looking for an heirloom or to get into cowboy-action shooting. Inexpensive price is important. Can I get some suggestion from my CalGuns brothers or sisters?

Is "3 clicks" important - as opposed to the modern day transfer bar?

Pretty much any SA revolver is CA OK, they're exempted from the roster so long as they meet certain OAL requirements.

I would get an older Uberti made SAA - you can find them for $400.00 or so and maybe less depending on age and condition. They're sold under all sorts of brands, Uberti made them and they were sold under various company names. The absolute cheapest one I know of is made by Uberti, has a matte finish all over and used to be marketed by Cabela's for all of $199.00 - that was a few years back, it's now about $350.00 new:

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=116286

Weekend before last I visited Tabors and the SJGE, pretty sure each had one or some other SA revolvers for sale. River City has a few too.

[Tiberius]

You might actually want a non-firing replica - I did a quick google on "replica single action revolver" and found a lot. One site is:

http://replicagunsswords.com/weapons_gallery/home.php?cat=84

I assume these function (revolving cylinder and functioning gate, moving hammer, trigger et cet.) but didn't read that far. These were $160, which is a lot for no bang, but much less than $500. Good luck.

T

[joemoia]

NIB Uberti Hombres are being sold on Gunbroker for $250

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=246854345

[1JimMarch]

Yeah, the "Hombre" is the base model, very plain paint job, still works OK. No safety, so it's five-up carry with the hammer down on the empty chamber. That's probably your best bet. The same thing is available in 357 which will be cheaper to shoot.

Anything with a barrel of 4.75" or more will make the 7.5" overall length regardless of grip type. If the barrel is shorter, it probably needs the standard "plowhandle" grip frame as opposed to a Bird's Head or Thunderer type. For your needs you probably want a 4.75" barrel regardless, because it has a full-length ejector rod. That's the single most common length today.

The original Colt SAA barrel length for military use was 7.5". They later started issuing something shorter to behind-the-lines troops, which became known as the "Artilleryman's" length of 5.5". When civilian sales started the 4.75" "gunfighter" length became popular but was never really prominant until the very tail end of the "old west" period. 3.5" and such were often referred to as "Sheriff's models" or "storekeeper's models".

[Bartin]

Heritage Rough Rider .22lr ~$150

[ZombieTactics]

I am considering some of the cheaper Heritage 22LR models at this time, but all comments so far are appreciated, and others welcome.

[nbkvig2]

+1 on the Rough Riders...or a Puma...both are roughly the same price.

[RedFord150]

I am considering some of the cheaper Heritage 22LR models at this time, but all comments so far are appreciated, and others welcome.

My Heritage RR (HRR) is a month old. So far, I am pleased. The HRR has a safety on the left side of the cylinder. This is very unusual for an SA revolver. Mine has 3 dot fiber optic sights as well. Also very unique.
If you can live with the odd features, the HRR is a good choice for under $200.00. The Ruger is about twice that price.

[gorenut]

At the same time, you can get a used Ruger for a little more. Not sure if you want to deal with pot metal parts on the Heritage Arms.

[resident-shooter]

+1 on Rugers. The value is outstanding.