Hello All,
I've spent the past few days going through the archives and firgured it was about time I introduce myself. I recognize a few names here from other forums. My number one reason for signing up here was for the FA forum. My heart is with Rugers, however on another forum my interest was peaked in the FA model 97 in either 45Colt or 44Spec. I've been reading the FA section in Mr. Taffin's
Single Action Six Guns as well. Everything I've read really has me excited about the model 97 in 44 special with a 4 1/4" barrel.
I'm looking for a packing pistol to carry while out in the pasture or on my hip while hunting. And to use as a hunting gun. I have a Lipsey 5 1/2" flattop 44 spec, one Ruger 357 flattop being converted to 44 spec with a few bells and whistles, and am waiting on a Lipsey 4 5/8" 44 spec flattop. Though all of those guns are/will be nice, I think I can find "a better mouse trap" for a packing gun. In reality, my guns see more range time than they see as a working gun if that helps paint a better picture. Currently, my packing pistol is a 4 5/8" super blackhaw in 44 mag. We'll see how my 5 1/2" 44 flattop works out and then when i get the other new model flattop 44 specials.
I have pretty much decided the FA that would meet my "needs" best is the 4 1/4" 97 in 44spec. since I am not an extremely experienced reloader, I feel that I would be even more limited than others in which bullets/weights I would be able to shoot in a 97 chambereed in 45Colt. And I do not cast my own bullets.
As nice as the 44 specials are on the Ruger new model flattop platform, I think I still want something lighter/ more compact. I am also beginning to feel more comfortable that I could run the FA hotter than I could with the medium frame ruger platform. I do have an old model 357 that is just sitting in the corner of the safe, begging to be converted. While not more compact than the other new model Ruger 44 specials, but with the aluminum grip frame and ERH it would be lighter than the new model flattop platform. I have reached the point that I 99% know which FA I want.......though there is still a 1% possiblity that I might go with the 5 1/2" barrel.
I am now at the point of deciding whether to convert the Old Model to 44 spec or go with the 97 in 44 spec. Truth be told, I'll probably end up with both, I just need to decide which one I want to move on first. Luckily the gunsmith I use doesn't ask for money till he's through with the project. This allows his customers to get a gun in line and save up the money during the wait.
For me, need really has nothing to do with this purchase. It's all about want
Probably one of the biggest selling points on the 97, for me at least, was reading references about holsters and how similar in size the 97s are to Ruger single sixes,,,,,,,,posts stating both revolvers will fit in the same holsters more or less. That gives me a good reference for the size of the 97. I have never held one and nobody around me has one. I probably need to travel a little way and at least handle one before I move ahead with this purchase.
Any way, no real questions right now. The archives have been very helpful. Just wanted to introduce myself.
~c.r.
