Low-end SA's

[hunman55]

 :)I'm looking to buy a SA Colt replica or near replica. The Taurus LOOKS good but I've read on this forum about problems and not much info on the Gaucho has come through. I've also read about the Rough Rider line from Heritage Mfg. It looks like a decent revolver for the money and potential accuracy is as good or better than the high dollar guns or so I've read. Would like some suggestions from you guys on a SA 45 in the $350/$450 range. Hunman55

[safetysheriff]

approx' 1 1/2 years ago i bought a Ruger Super BlackHawk in 7 1/2" barrel'd stainless steel for $419 plus tax at a gun show here in n.e. Ohio.   i'd ordered it by phone from Gallipolis Gun and Archery who comes to our shows up here.    What a Firearm!    i'd expect a .45 Long Colt in Ruger's BlackHawk  to cost less, especially if it is blued.   

i'd shop around and be patient!   you'll find one if your area supports some decent shows and some decent vendors.......or maybe in a good pawn shop if you know what you are looking at.   you can sometimes even find one by talking to a local public servant (police or fire dept.) to see who has an FFL that will help you out.   i've done that, too, with great results.       

i would not hurry into the purchase of something so valuable as a good revolver.   and i wouldn't settle for a Colt replica or a Taaaaa.........Taaauuuuurrr.........      (I CAN'T SAY IT) when a Ruger is available within your price range.

Happy New Year to you,

ss' 

ps:   i'd expect that the people at IHMSA don't have many contest winners using the lower-end revolvers -- in that class of competition -- with Rugers being out there.   

[Luckyducker]

The best fit and finish Colt SAA clone I have seen is the Uberti, though I can't remember the model name of it.  This is the newer one that came out since they were bought out by Beretta.  This was probably two years ago when they hit the market and they were very reasonably priced at the time but I haven't priced one since.  The quality of these will put the Rough Rider to shame but I haven't seen the Gaucho.

[Lloyd Smale]

 I used to brag up cimmeron arms guns but after a runin with there service dept. i wouldnt recomend them to anyone anymore. Personaly id buck up a few more dollars and buy a usfa rodeo. They can be found used in great shape for around 500 bucks and are an extreamly well made gun.

[Ken ONeill]

The Taurus is nicely finished, and some of the local cowboy shooters are happily shooting them.
For my own use, I wouldn't consider anything but a Ruger in this price range. There are a lot of them out there. I'd look and shop.

[2 dogs]

My Big Brother bought a New Vaquero 357 and a Single Six 32 and they are both excellent shooters!

[Luckyducker]

A friend of mine bought two of the old Ruger Vaqueros as a matched pair, the color case hardened finish.  He hasn't had them over six months and they each have had a part failure.  I don't remember what happened to the one that broke first but the other one broke the hand.  Ruger sent replacement parts for both of them but these are certainly not the revolvers that Ruger built their reputation on.  These were the end of production before they started the newer version Vaquero.  BTW, in case there is any question, he never fanned these pistols.

[Lee Robinson]

Gotta go with the Ruger in that budget. Contact BassProShops if you have one in your area...and you can get it for less than $450. If you use a Bass Pro Shops credit card for the first time, you will get an additional 10% off.

[Camel 23]

another vote for Ruger

[Lloyd Smale]

I guess i just consider a ruger a colt copy even in the new form.

[Swampman]

In the old form, the Ruger wasn't really a Colt copy.  The newer version is a little closer.  I think the Italians make the best Colt clones.  Some are better than Colts.

I like Ruger's adjustable sighted guns.

[jimster]

If your looking for a Colt replica, or near replica, My vote goes for USFA "Rodeo" or the newer "Cowboy" model, which is polished blue. You can find the Rodeo's for what a nice Uberti goes for sometimes, and I agree with Lloyd on they are really well made. Anything from Uberti would be next on my list for a Colt Replica, cause I'm thinking since you mentioned a replica, you need to have those 4 clicks and loading at half cock and all that neat Colt replica stuff.  I just put money down on another Colt replica, it's an Evil Roy model from Cimmaron, it was used, they had $450 on it, and next to it was a new Rodeo for a bit less than $550, but it was in the wrong caliber so I grabbed the Uberti.
I hope I don't have a run in with the service dept at Cimmaron like Lloyd did....I hate it when something like that happens, this will be the first Uberti from Cimmaron I'm buying, the others Uberti's I bought were from EMF.

[hunman55]

Many thanks for the info, guys. You have all been a help. Ruger seems to be winning. I already own five ,from a cut-down Bearcat to a custom 454. I really want a traditional looking SA, 7 1/2 barrel, fixed sites, in 45Colt. The used market is probably my best bet. More suggestions are welcome. Thanks again. Hunman55

[ggeilman]

I am going to be looking for a Colt SAA clone myself sometime this year. Would prefer the Colt, but can't afford the price tag. Ruger seems a better gun, but less like a SAA it seems?

[Swampman]

I wouldn't say it's a bettter gun, just a different gun.  You should look at some of the Italian copies.  They are every bit as nice as a Colt, maybe nicer.  The Colt blackpowder revolvers were made in Italy, and marked Colt.

[ggeilman]

Besides Uberti, what else should I look at as far as Italians?

[hunman55]

Ggeilman, I'm no expert on Italian single actions, but the Uberti is probably the top of the line,especially in finish. There is Pietta and San Marco and these for the most part are decent shooting guns. It's just that they aren't quite finished as well as a Uberti. Others on the forum can probably add to this. Thanks. Hunman55

[OLDHandgunner]

Go with the Ruger. You can buy a nice used Ruger at a gun show that's in your price range. Look around a little. Talk to the folks that shoot in the cowboy shoots. They will tell you what guns hold up the best for them. I prefer the Rugers.

[ggeilman]

I took a look at the Ruger New Vaquero and the Uberti yesterday afternoon at Sportsmans Outdoor. As far as gun shows, our gun shows are a good place to buy guns at a premium, not discount. Can buy a new one cheaper. One thing the salesman did point out is that the Uberti has the firing pin on the hammer which seems inconvenient at best. But the Uberti has more of a selection as far as finishes and handles.

[Graybeard]

The Ruger just isn't a Colt clone. It's a totally different gun with a totally different feel. They have little in common other than both are single actions. They are tough strong guns well suited to heavy use and heavy loads but lack the looks and feel of a REAL Colt where as the clones give you both.

The last time I was in the gun shop I picked up another Uberti in .45 Colt this one a 7.5" apparently made since Berretta took over as the grips on it have the Beretta name on them. It feels just like a real Colt and workmanship appears at least equal. I got it for $280 out the door and while it was sold as used I can't see any evidence it was ever fired. The dealer said it was bought and kept a couple days and returned without firing or so said the buyer and I think that's correct. I've not fired it yet myself.

I've had three previously all with 4-3/4" barrels and all with the EMF name on them. Workmanship, fit and finish on all were fine but all shot to the left for me. I'm hoping this one prints a bit closer to POA than they did. Of them only one was close enough to be suitable for what I intended it but all were close enough for CAS use which is what I suspect most are bought for.

I just got this one to fire up the ton or so of loaded ammo I have left over. OK maybe not a real ton but I have more of it than I'll shoot up in a year or two I'm sure.

I really wanted a .44 Special and still do. He had a REAL Colt in .44 Special but it had the short 4-3/4" barrels that I just don't shoot well as that front sight is too close for me to focus on. It was marked at about $1200, I don't recall the exact price. He also had a 7.5" in .45 Colt priced the same but for the difference between $1200 and $280 with both feeling and looking pretty much identical I just didn't feel the Colt name on it was worth that. But had the 7.5" been in .44 Special rather than the short barrel one it would have come home with me.

[hunman55]

Graybeard, that was a nice deal on the Beretta Uberti. And you are on the money about the Ruger-they are great guns(I've had several) but they just don't have that Colt SA feel. Nothing points like a Colt or a Colt clone, especially with a 7.5 barrel. Thanks to you, Graybeard, and to all of you for your input. And where is that gunshop anyway? Hunman55

[Graybeard]

The Sportsman Exchange
611 Walnut Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901

Steve Andrew is the owner, he is the only one I deal with as he is the only one authorized to make deals this time of year. His second in command Kenny can but Kenny doesn't work during hunting season as he runs a hunting camp here in Bama during deer season.

BTW I was back in there today picking up the Ruger I won at the White Oak Hunt last month and the price on the Colt .44 Special is $1250 and the Colt .45 LC is $1150. The .44 is NIB but over 30 years old.

Steve's phone number is: 256-546-9609 and his fax is 256-549-1680

If you contact him tell him Bill Graham sent you his way.

[ggeilman]

Very nice deal indeed. Best I could find yesterday was a Cattleman 7 1/2 at $409 locally.

[safetysheriff]

if you want a beautiful handgun....many of us feel.....that is a modern rendition of a very decent target revolver look at the Bisley (in blue) by Ruger.    i had one.   it was a beautiful piece, handled recoil very well, and was easy to tune.    it was a .44 mag' in 7 1/2" barrel.    i've never seen a more beautiful revolver.    it was Excellent at the target range!   

but -- beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

ss'   

[ggeilman]

I've seen the Bisley, very nice. It is another option also, Uberti makes one also.

[Old Griz]

I have heard several folks complain about the customer service at Cimarron Arms. I only have one Uberti, and that is the Cimarron Arms 1872 Colt Open Top. I had a bit of trouble getting the exact gun I wanted, but that was Uberti's fault, not Cimarron's. They worked with me and made sure I was satisfied. As much as I like my Open Top, I have a bunch of Rugers, and I do like them best for durability.

Some have mentioned the Rodeo. I don't have a USFA gun, but I've heard they are really fine.  However, I've had one on order since last June. No gun and no responses from Customer Service. So far I'm really underwhelmed. If I don't hear from them after the SHOT Show, they can forget getting my money.

I agree with the others who say get a new or used Ruger Vaquero. My last one cost $415 new. Blued, case colored, ivory grips, 5.5" .44 mag.

[ggeilman]

Decided on a Uberti 45LC New Mexico. Didn't care for the Vaquerro, especially the handle. The Blackhawk was better, but not really an SAA clone. Picked it up for $379.99 at Sportsmans Warehouse. Was undecided about either the 4 3/4" or the 7 1/2", but the 4 3/4" just felt better in my hand balance wise.

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/large/UB-1873CattlemanNMsteel.jpg

[Rogmatt]

IMHO, it is a mistake to call the Rugers, Taurus Gaucho, Ubertis a low-end single action, as they are not low end quality. I think however it is appropriate to call the USFA, Freedom, and Colt overpriced, very nice, but overpriced.
I do think the Heritage Arms however could fall in the low end category.

[jeff]

45 Colt?  Get the  Uberti 1873 very nice in fit and finish. 

Equal to the Colt in looks and finish without the inflated price.

[fastbike]

FWIW, you can get another barrel for the Uberti for about $95.

Decided on a Uberti 45LC New Mexico. Didn't care for the Vaquerro, especially the handle. The Blackhawk was better, but not really an SAA clone. Picked it up for $379.99 at Sportsmans Warehouse. Was undecided about either the 4 3/4" or the 7 1/2", but the 4 3/4" just felt better in my hand balance wise.

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/large/UB-1873CattlemanNMsteel.jpg