Author Topic: What would a realtime westerner choose in 1880 if... (Read 524 times)

deadmarsh · « **on:** January 21, 2004, 07:12:34 AM »

the Ruger Vaquero was available to them. Would they choose a Colt 73, a Rem 75 or the Vaquero? My bet they would go for the Vaquero for obvious reasons. What do you guys think?

Dead

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2004, 08:06:41 AM »

Couple of thoughts on this:

Probably like today they would be using whatever the other, more experienced pards were using in the area. Nothing like having others who know what to do when something goes wrong. And we humans tend to want to be part of the herd or group--at least when we start out.

Second, and this is me today, too, is the cost. Would I like to be using real Colts? Think so but the prices are such that I won't ever know.

Next comes parts availablity and costs.

Finally, OK--this is more than a couple of thoughts, depends on the advertising and how good it is/was at the time I "needed" the firearm.

CR

DzrtRat · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2004, 08:26:26 AM »

I really don't think that the men and women of yesteryear were any different than men today. They used what was available, and were only limited by technology and availability of guns at the time.

Had they had the technology, a good number of them would likely have been carrying Glocks and AR-15's!

~Rat

Big Hext Finnigan · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2004, 11:02:10 AM »

Howdy,

I think that cost and availability are the most important factors.
Two points to consider:
The Remington is generally accepted as a stronger, superior design to the Colt. But the Colt was better marketed, more widely available and somewhat less expensive. Also the Colt was cheaper when sold to the Army, resulting in a wide distribution.

The Ruger is a fine gun for CAS, even more so because of it's durability under the stress of rapid firing. But shooters from the cowboy age did not shoot much, they carried mostly and used them rarely, so again, cost becomes the main factor.

Good question.. Adios,

D R Greysun · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2004, 12:04:35 AM »

No dought they would pick a Rooger, a shooter with six safe rounds would be first choice.
D R

44 Man · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2004, 08:34:14 AM »

Colt sold many open top conversion because of the price. I understand they sold for about $12 against over $20 for a SAA. Just like today, buy the best you can afford. 44 Man

Roy Cobb · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2004, 12:03:07 PM »

Well given the price difference between a Ruger and a Colt these days I would say likely a ruger on cost alone, There were many fine firearms available besides a colt revolver...... Colts were cheap then not like now....