backpack .45 colt

[rio grande]

Anybody with experience with Uberti Single Actions? Specifically the birdshead grip 3 1/2" barrel 45.
That looks like just the revolver I need for backpacking in the Rockies.  I want big caliber, reasonably light, and small.
Very comforting to carry where there's bears, etc. and where you are definitely on your own.

[Lloyd Smale]

I had a cimmeron thunder in 44 special and it was a fine gun but the companys customer service sucked. That uberti would make a fine trail gun

[fastbike]

I have a Uberti 1873 Cattleman in 45 Colt. The gun is well made and well finished, and shoots well also. It has been prone to the SAA problem of spitting out the cylinder pin but htis can be fixed for cheap money. I have only had limited contact w/ Uberti customer service but they were prompt w/ response to an email question.

Anybody with experience with Uberti Single Actions? Specifically the birdshead grip 3 1/2" barrel 45.
That looks like just the revolver I need for backpacking in the Rockies.  I want big caliber, reasonably light, and small.
Very comforting to carry where there's bears, etc. and where you are definitely on your own.

[timothy]

You might consider the sheriffs model also as the bigger grip will be more comfortable with full power loads. Regarding the base pin jumping, I recomend the old model version that can be tightened manually and comes with both thumb screw and flush fit flathead screw. One other thing since you mentioned bears, I would recomend at least a 4 3/4 inch barrel or 5 1/2 even better which will be more effecient and deliver better velocities plus be able to be shot with more precision.  They still carry very nicely but give a little bit more everything. Good luck

[huntswithdogs]

Do these have to be kept at Colt velocities and pressures? If so then it may not be good bear medicine,though anything is better than nothing. I'd be looking at a Blackhawk. These (the Rugers) can handle those "Fullhouse" loads that may be needed.

HWD

[fastbike]

These need to be kept at Colt SAA pressures. No Ruger loads.

Do these have to be kept at Colt velocities and pressures? If so then it may not be good bear medicine,though anything is better than nothing. I'd be looking at a Blackhawk. These (the Rugers) can handle those "Fullhouse" loads that may be needed.

HWD

[gunblade]

If you're looking for a birdshead grip in a short barreled single action, you might consider a Ruger Vaquero.  They can handle the higher pressure loads and still retain a compact size that's just right for the trail.   They aren't made anymore since Ruger redesigned the Vaquero, but there are usually some for sale on Gunbroker. 

[Lloyd Smale]

that gun should be able to push a 250 swc to 900fps and that will shoot through alot of animal

These need to be kept at Colt SAA pressures. No Ruger loads.

Do these have to be kept at Colt velocities and pressures? If so then it may not be good bear medicine,though anything is better than nothing. I'd be looking at a Blackhawk. These (the Rugers) can handle those "Fullhouse" loads that may be needed.

HWD

[rio grande]

Rugers are stronger, sure, but a bit heavier.  I think I could get a 250 gr. out of a Uberti at 900 (as stated) or even highr. I was thinking 1000.  I agree - up to black bear even 900 should do it.  I like the Sheriffs Model idea - does Uberti make one? And maybe 4 3/4.... standard 1873 if I had to.  Man, they handle great.

[Racer X]

Get a 4-5/8" Blackhawk...that way, you can handle the Ruger Only loads.

[Lloyd Smale]

you may be pushing it to get 1000 out of that short barrel. 850-900 should be doable and have enough power for what you want. Contrary to popular belief not everyone wants a big ruger. Theres just something about how a colt sized handgun handles and ill even throw the small framed rugers into that. Thats probably why 44 special conversion on them are so popular. A guy really doesnt need the power level available in a large framed ruger untill your hunting animals over 500lbs
Rugers are stronger, sure, but a bit heavier.  I think I could get a 250 gr. out of a Uberti at 900 (as stated) or even highr. I was thinking 1000.  I agree - up to black bear even 900 should do it.  I like the Sheriffs Model idea - does Uberti make one? And maybe 4 3/4.... standard 1873 if I had to.  Man, they handle great.
[/quote]

[Howdy Schutem]

  I have and use a 3 1/2" Uberti "New Thunderer" (I think that's what they were calling it when it first came out several years back) in .45 Colt, with checkered Walnut grips. Got it primarily for cowboy action shooting. Needed a bit of a tune up; the barrel needed a slight twist to get on target, and since the cylinder was not as tight as I would have liked I replaced the cylinder pin with a Belt Mountain number. It took about 2 or 3 hours carefully honing the pin with a felt bob on a Dremel Tool, but once in, it helped a lot.
  I ended up not using the gun for cowboy action shooting, primarily because of the short barrel. I do use it once and a while hiking here around home in western Colorado. Carry it in a custom El Paso Saddlery Cross Draw. It is compact, and with handloads of 9 grains of Universal behind 255 gr. Silvercast SWC I can do about 2-3 inches freehand at 15 yards.
  It is not my favorite poking around the mountains and canyons piece however. I have tumbled into a stream in the wilderness area near Independence Pass once, soaking everything, me, my wife, our fannypacks, pistola and so on. It actually turned out kinda fun since my wife and I dried out bare naked on a nice, warm, out-of sight boulder. But that strengthened my fondness for stainless steel. Also the proper "Cowboy Way" of carrying means five beans in the wheel, as the say, if you carry the Uberti with the hammer down on a empty chamber. Depending on elevation, morning dew and condensation can happen about any day of the year.
  Now I more often turn to my Ruger Bisley 5 1/2" 45 Colt in stainless in a custom half-flap cross-draw. It has had some custom work as well. A little more weight, not as compact, 6 rounds of 300 grain Hornaday XTP at about 1,100 fps and more accurate than the fun Uberti.   

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

My thoughts would be for a NEW Vaquero in .45 Colt.

[44 Man]

I would second the 'New' Vaquero.  It is a personal favorite of mine.  Not as big and bulky as the Blackhawk, but the balance well and are only slightly heavier than the Colt style gun.  Also you can carry 6 safely and mine shoots 270 gr cast bullets over 20 gr of 4227 right to the sights.  (that load is top but supposed to be safe in a SAA according to Brian Pearce) That load does 1000 fps from a 4 5/8" bbl and I'd trust it to do anything I wanted. This is my 5 1/2 inch that just got traded for a 4 5/8 but I don't have pictures yet.  (Yes, I kept the grips!)  44 Man

[sureshot2040]

hey 44man
i like the looks of that shooter
im thinking abt getting a 4 5/8 inch one myself
wish the hammer wasnt sooooooooooo long looking
i also wish they made the new vaquero in a birdhead configuration with the 3 3/4 inch barrel
like the old model was
sureshot

[44 Man]

Well, now that old Bill is gone, Ruger seems to be much more receptive to what it's customer base wants.  You will likely see a 3 3/4" birdshead model.  I'm waiting for a .44 spl to come out!  As for the hammer, yes it doesn't quite fit our visions of the Colt, but it really fits under the thumb well.  I to have struggled to accept the looks of it, but it certainly works well and that goes a long ways in my book.  I really like this gun better than the 'old' Vaqueros.  Only if I were going to load up .454 type loads, then would I go to the Blackhawk or old Vaquero.  I'm old enough that I no longer have to have 'the biggest and baddest'.  Enough gun is enough.  44 Man