Single Action Question

[Bukowski]

I've been lurking here for quite some time and finally have a question I need a little help with. I've got a few Glocks / HKs etc. and decided to add a single action revolver to the mix. Right now I'm leaning towards the Ruger New Vaquero .357 5 1/2" in Stainless. Any pros / cons / better options I need to be aware of? The gun will be for fun and maybe a little CAS down the road a bit.

[762cavalier]

The Vaquero is a very fine handgun and would fit right in for cowboy action shooting.Great gun for the money. I just purchased a super blackhawk in .44 mag and I love it. It is more accurate than I am.

[drclark]

My girlfriend has been eyeing the same gun for quite some time. As far as I know they are very well built and I have not read anything negative about them. We have been researching alot online, here is a summary of what we have learned.

All modern ruger single actions have their transfer-bar safety system which allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded. The ruger can also be loaded/unloaded simply by opening the loading gate with the hammer down. There is no safety or half-cock notches to deal with. All in all, it is a sensible update to the single action revolver. However, if you are a purist looking for a true clone of a colt SAA, you won't be happy. Some say that the transfer bar system makes the trigger feel a bit "mushy" compared to the non-transfer bar systems.

The ruger also has in integral lock that is hidden under the grip pannels. If you want to use it, you have to remove the grip (and if you use the lock regularly, the pannel has the location to drill the key hole pre marked). As far as I know, I have not read of any issues with the ruger lock malfunctioning. It shouldn't be an issue unless you are opposed to buying guns with an integrated lock on principles.

The fixed sights on any SAA clone are crude by todays standards. You adjust elevation by filing down the front blade. Adjusting windage issues is more complicated. Just keep in mind that POI will shift with different loads. If you plan on shooting .38 and .357 loads, you'll have to set the sights for the load you plan on shooting the most and then adjust your aim accordingly for other loads. If you really want to shoot a wide variety of loads, the the 50th anniversery flat-top is essentially a new-vaquero with adjustable sights.

The last thing is that the new vaquero is built on a smaller frame than the original vaquero. Again not an issue if buying the .357; but, if buying the .45 colt keep in mind the new vaquero will not handle "ruger only" .45 loads where as the original vaquero could.

Comparable options (i.e. same price range with transfer bar safeties) are the beretta stampede and the taurus gaucho. The berettas come in a really pretty deluxe finish (some sort of electric-blue color) in addition to nickel and blue. My GF really like the looks of it but we read that finish was essentially "painted" on and was susceptible to peeling if certain cleaning solvents, etc are used. Though she really liked the looks, she wants a gun that she can shoot regularly with out worrying about it. Also have read that if you ever need to use customer service, beretta can be a pain. I have read that the taurus gaucho is a nice gun, but the quality out of the factory is hit and miss. You can end up with a real lemmon.

There are a number of companies our there that make true SAA clones. Some are moderately priced (uberti) , some are very expensive (USFA). If you are willing to spend the $$ there are also true Colts out there as well. We have not looked into these as much, though my GF has a fascination with real Colts (all colts, not just SAA. Had to pry her away from a python at the last gunshow). Fortunately she is practical minded in that she wants a shooter first before getting a collector piece....

drc

[JTROKS]

Excellent choice. Do you reload?

[tonelar]

Nice run-down Dr Clark...

I was going to mention that I love Single Action Revolvers. None of mine have adjustable sights and I'm in no hurry to have anything regulated. A first time Single Action buyer should wait a good long while before filing sights or rotating barrels.

Mr Bukowski

In CAS as well as the real world, if you can hit a 10" square about 20 feet away, it's good. If you want accuracy, reach for a lever action .357 rifle.

If you are in the SF Bay area and want to try before you buy; hit me up.

[Bukowski]

As always great information! I'm not a big fan of the "color case hardening" I've seen on the modern replicas either. I've shot plenty of practical pistol type events and just wanted a gun that would be capable of some CAS stuff later. Not that having to buy an extra gun would be so terrible Thanks again let's see the store opens at 11AM + 10days....

[JTROKS]

I was just thinking. Do they let adjustable sights in SASS/CAS now?

[bwiese]

Just remember not to run hot 45LC "Ruger loads" in the "New Vaquero" and stay with standard production ones.

The beefy (now-discontinued) full-sized Vaquero (same as full-sized Blackhawk frame) can, however, use these hotter loads. People do all sortsa huntin' with the hotter 45LC rounds in a Blackhawk or (original) Vaquero.

In addition to my fullsize Blackhawk Bisley, I myself own the brother of the New Vaquero, the 50th Anniv.flattop Blackhawk in 357 - built on the smaller frame. This is one of my all-time favorite guns, and very accurate/great trigger. May have to get another one - as well as a double "Duke" holster rig from El Paso Saddlery!

[Knight]

It's already been pretty well established, but I'll say it anyway: You won't be disappointed with Ruger. My Super Blackhawk Hunter I bought a couple weeks ago is now one of my favorite guns to shoot, period.

[tonelar]

So, You're prolly interested in their SS models.. Ruger's CCH is really easy to lose... (i.e. does NOT last).

You can shoot CAS with adjustable sights... in the modern category.

[Knifemaker]

I was just thinking. Do they let adjustable sights in SASS/CAS now?

They always have, just a different class. Modern class as mentioned above.

[Sutcliffe]

Great guns

Will be less prone to parts breakage than SAA and replicas. Only thing I'd recommend is get it in .45 Colt
I've got both calibers and I far prefer the .45
Easy to shoot and those heavy bullets really kick up a lot of dirt.

[JTROKS]

Thanks for clarifying the adjustable sights subject.

Will be less prone to parts breakage than SAA and replicas. Only thing I'd recommend is get it in .45 Colt
I've got both calibers and I far prefer the .45
Easy to shoot and those heavy bullets really kick up a lot of dirt.

I do like the 45 LC it's a very versatile round. Although much preferred round, with price on bullets and other components the 357 will give you lots of shooting.

[Sutcliffe]

Only downside to the .45

Ammo cost! If you reload it will be moot. Otherwise the .357 makes more sense.
Ruger has really tightened up things in their line and I've heard nothing but good about the new vaq's.

[WolfMansDad]

The .45 colt model is lighter and balances better, imho, than the .357 version. I looked at both with the 5.5" barrel and liked the .45 much better. I love mine, but I do reload. Factory .45 colt loads are prohibitively expensive!

My favorite cheap practice loads are 250gr oregon trail laser-cast bullets on top of a light load of IMR700X. I forget the powder weight, but the load is listed in the Lee tables. I got a good deal on the oregon trail bullets last year and as a consequence am shooting for about eight cents per cartridge. With today's prices, I think it would be closer to eleven or twelve cents per.

Home defense loads are speer gold dots. They are not cheap, but I don't do volume shooting with them anyway. They push a 250gr (iirc) hollow point at around 920fps with standard-pressure loads.