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Offline Not the 10th Man

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Need SA revolver suggestions
« on: October 22, 2010, 12:13:41 PM »

Hi y'all!

           So...I've got a terrible, awful, case of the "I wants" for a Freedom Arms Model 97 in .45 Colt for a daily carry, woodsknocker kind of gun.  Champagne tastes and beer budgets as they say though...

I might need to find something to take the edge for awhile.  Here's a list of parameters I'm after:

Lightweight!  As light and compact as I can get a centerfire gun, while staying affordable.

I want it to be either .45 Colt, or .357 Magnum.  Reason being is that neither of these two cartridges have ever done me wrong, and I have a couple truckloads of brass and bullets for each of these calibers.

The standard Ruger Blackhawks don't feel that great to me- (and that's the reason for single action desire) I've never handled a Vaquero, etc.

I'm not really in love with all the Colt clones out there.  If one comes along that's hell bent for durable, and a quality weapon, great, but that's by no means necessary.  I'm more into a working tool than I am nostalgia here...

It's gotta be fairly affordable.  If it's 1K or more, then I'd might as well keep grinding my teeth and stay true to the path of my model 97.  If it's less than that, Maybe I can spend a little cash to scratch the itch.

Thanks for your thoughts!
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Offline Bigeasy

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2010, 01:25:52 PM »
The Colt Clone type guns are about the lightest .45 S/A guns out there.  If the standard Colt / Ruger grip frames don't feel good to you, you might want to look at a 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 inch Ruger Bisley.  There have been several production runs of this model, with quite a few available on Gunbroker.  The grip is similar in feel to the FA revolver.  Another option might be buying a regular Blackhawk in .45, and replacing the grip frame with a longer, Superblackhawk grip frame.  The Bisley Vaquero's are nice, if you can live with fixed sights.  Or, maybe a standard .45 Blackhawk with the aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing, along with a set of custom grips that can make a big difference in feel.

Larry
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Offline sureshot2040

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2010, 01:28:09 PM »
if you dont have any trouble seeing fixed sights on a sa go for a stainless ruger new vaquero
they are the same size as the colt clones and i dont think you could swing the hammer big enough to break one
from what i read from you this is the only answer
sureshot
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2010, 06:53:41 PM »
I love the New Model Blackhawk I got and I found one that was a convertible with the .45 acp.  8)



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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline Blackhawk44

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2010, 06:54:28 PM »
USFA Rodeo.
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Offline tomray

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2010, 03:54:15 AM »
Quote from: Blackhawk44 on October 22, 2010, 06:54:28 PM
USFA Rodeo.


Yep..............That was going to be my suggestion too........

Tom
NRA LIFE
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Offline quasne.inc

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2010, 05:28:23 AM »
I didnt like the standard blackhawk grip at all.  But I love the one on the 5 1/2 in barrel stainless bisley conversion I ended up buying.  They are not that common, so I had to wait awhile to find one at a decent price.  Its anything but light, but its a blast to shoot.  I just have to find the right holster for it and its going to be my woods gun. 
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2010, 07:50:16 AM »
If the sights are stainless too I cant get good enough sight definition to do other than pretty much point and shoot, so I go first for dark sights and adjustable. For an affordable SA that aint got questions about bein' strong, its Ruger. I very much am liking my new (to me) New Model 50th Anniv.,.357, BH. The grip frame is like the old Colt's Mdl P, and if it is too small to fit your hand there are oversize grips available (or do like me on a fall walk-about and wear 'kid' gloves).
I too have modest capabilities and have had to pick & choose, and compromise, through the years a lot.
With 20-20 hindsight I often (but not always) would have been better off saving up a little longer to get what I thought I really wanted. The kicker there is, what you think you want, and what you really want, aint always the same thing! (and I dont find that out until later).
Would I like your FA 97 choice, probably.....would it do me anymore satisfation than my Ruger, doubt it.
But for a light, always there, easy to pack and not notice until I want it, it is neither. Thats my little S&W, J frame .38spl. Mdl.442 Airweight, but thats another forum.
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Offline TMAKER

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2010, 03:27:49 PM »
Untill a year ago I hated Ruger blackhawks and I shot a friends  Bisley. That grip changed everything for me. I now have 2. 45 and a 44 hunter ;D
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2010, 12:48:51 AM »
one thing ive learned is if your heart is set on a certain gun no other will really do. Youll end up eventually buying the fa anyway so why dont you save for a little longer and get what you want.
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Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2010, 01:59:21 AM »
I agree with Lloyd. Keep your eye on Gunbroker, in case one surfaces there that you can afford.
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Offline SwampThing762

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2010, 08:40:46 AM »
I am putting my vote in for a Ruger SB in 44 Magnum, in case you want to get into hunting with a handgun.

St762
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2010, 12:04:28 PM »
Just this past weekend I handled, for the first time, the Ruger Bisleys in the bigbores. That Keith/Croft grip is certainly an improvement on the original Colt's Bisley (IMHO and hand). and I think I may have another case of lust. Of course, those on this forum who have mentioned these was a big reason I took another look. I could see me having one, yes I can..........
So, if you havent done so, check them out.
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"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline tacklebury

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #13 on: October 25, 2010, 01:06:25 PM »
Yah, the grip is a little small for my hand, although I've gotten pretty accustom to the drop pinky method and don't mind it too much now.  If you really hate them though, you can order a steel grip frame in bisley and it's not too awfully difficult to fit the frame to the blackhawk.  A lot of guys at the Ruger forum modify them and I'm considering a dragoon frame for mine, which keeps the grip style, but makes it bigger.  I'm pretty happy with it though, gotta get a new set of grips, but that's gonna wait till after deer seasons are over.  ;)

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=8&categoryId=19558&categoryString=649***20766***9142***19532***
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #14 on: October 25, 2010, 01:12:38 PM »
Not the lightest but feels good in the hand.
Single action.
Easy to load and un load.
Even takes a #25 speed loader for a S&W M25 in 45 colt.
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #15 on: October 25, 2010, 02:01:49 PM »
You dont see those everyday....very nice!
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"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline tacklebury

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #16 on: October 25, 2010, 02:51:58 PM »
Love the S&W Mcwoodduck.  ;)
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline hillbill

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #17 on: October 25, 2010, 03:00:54 PM »
im with tacklebury on the ruger i just got one like his and love it.it does need a better set of grips but thats about all id change.buuuut if you have your heart set on a FA then just save up and git what yu want.or sell sumpin yu dont shoot and get it.






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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2010, 07:09:58 AM »
Quote from: tacklebury on October 25, 2010, 02:51:58 PM
Love the S&W Mcwoodduck.  ;)
That one is a Navy Arms Copy (Uberti), it is in 45 Colt but likes 45 Schofield better.  - They eject the longer colt round mostly extract.
I was trying to use it for a handgun shoot where you need to reload twice and having the colt loads hang up was a problem, also the reason I know the #25 speed loader will work.  I used to shoot a steel challange / IDPA type shoot at my old club and when I would win the next month I would shoot a revolver.  This was an idea to slow me down a little.
I do have a 5 shot real S&W top break in 38S&W.  It is a single action too.  Dad has his great grandmothers S&W 32 top break  but it is double action.
The story is she ran a boarding house and it was either in her apron or under her pillow.
See.
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Offline Not the 10th Man

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #19 on: October 27, 2010, 08:36:40 PM »
I sure do appreciate all of the great suggestions out there.  Too many times, I've asked for for input on forums, and wind up with..well...I'll just say I end up witnessing a severe lack of reading comprehension.  I appreciate all of y'all that have read my query, and responded in kind- There's alot of great, thoughtful ideas so far.

So...I have done a bit of soul searching, and reached a conclusion or two-

The reason I was originally so interested in the FA mdl. 97 is because of the perfection of FA products.  Bear in mind, I'm looking for a regular carry gun, something that I will be carrying into town and country, etc.  It occurred to me that anything but the FA would ultimately be a disappointment.  If I can't afford the FA 97, then I'd might as well carry a Glock, Taurus, or whatever.  So...basically, I'm working my butt off trying to learn to handle my model 83 as good as possible, and saving all my pennies for the model 97.  When the time is right, it'll happen for me.  Until that time, I'll just stick with what I currently own.

Before a friend consented to let me steal that model 83 from his possession, the Ruger SS Bisley with the 5.5" bbl. and the .45 ACP cylinder was my dream gun.  I still think it would be a great gun to have, but...I could not pass up the deal I got on that FA 83.

Thanks again, for all the helpful suggestions- there were some really great ones.
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Offline oregoncoyote

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Re: Need SA revolver suggestions
« Reply #20 on: October 28, 2010, 08:56:37 AM »

i'm interesting in the same sorts of handguns and have been wanting a 3.5" FA97. until then, i'm carrying these two 45s:

Ruger Montado 3.75"





USFA Storekeeper 3.5"





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