Author Topic: Best buy in an entry-level SA .45? (Read 3675 times)

azmark · « **on:** September 28, 2007, 07:50:03 AM »

Heritage Arms? Uberti? Taylor? Cimmaron? EAA? There are so many companies that make SAA clones in the $300-ish price range that it's overwhelming. Considering quality of the product and customer support, what is considered to be a "best buy"?

Steve P · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2007, 08:18:42 AM »

If not looking for a Colt clone, I would get the ruger BH or Vaquero. You can pick up lightly used ones for $300.

Steve

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2007, 10:34:24 AM »

are you looking for an authentic colt copy or just a blaster. A hunting gun or a plinker. If your not looking for a authentic copy of a colt and want a good hunting gun a used blackhawk would be hard to beat. If you want an authnetic colt copy id go uberti. A new small framed ruger 45 vaquero would be a good compromise if you want to buck up for some more money.

azmark · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2007, 11:42:36 AM »

It's not so much that I really have to have the clone; I do like the way they look and feel. I've priced used Blackhawks and people seem to be prety proud of them. When the price gets down near that of a new Uberti, they seem to be pretty worn. I do like the idea of having a warranty and I don't need to load it heavy so I don't necessarily need the strength of the BH. The gun will be an all-around gun. Fun, self-defense, whatever. The .45 colt should make for a good snake gun too with a load of shot. Is there any reason to shy away from the brass grip frame? It looks nice and I would think it would be plenty strong to stand up to standard .45 loads.

fowler · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2007, 01:52:47 PM »

Letting cheap be the deciding factor in buying anything is never a winning combination. Cheap is never good and good is never cheap. I am not saying what to buy or not buy but if you want the Ruger then wait a little bit, save a little more and get it. Settling will never make you as happy as getting what you really desire. Now if you like the Uberti and the value to the Ruger is not there then get the Uberti or whatever and be happy and content. But if a couple hundred dollars is keeping you from what you really want you can get there. I have always felt that if something costs ore then there is a reason for it or they would not succeed in business today. Look at USFA, they make the best Colt style single actions ever made and they charge for it, are they that much better than the others? They must be or they would be closing their door pretty fast. I on the other hand am trying to take the step from Rugers to Freedom Arms and full blown customs and that is a far tougher step but I will get there soon enough.

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2007, 02:04:46 PM »

Ruger

azmark · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2007, 03:16:56 PM »

I wouldn't say that "cheap" is the deciding factor for me. If price were everything, I would just find the least expensive gun and be done with it. Oftentimes, inexpensive means cheap, but it's not always the case. Name recognition can push up price more than manufacturing costs. Supply and demand, right? I just want to be an informed consumer.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2007, 03:20:20 PM »

The best value for the dollar in a single acion revolver is the same now as it has been for more than 50 years. Ruger.

kennisondan · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2007, 07:13:59 PM »

the advice to look at the used Ruger Super black hawks or black hawks was dead on in my opinion... best value and most bang for the buck has been ruger for a long time, in my book.. I would never be afraid to get a used Ruger instead of a new import unless the style was what I wanted.. for real use and longevity and trouble free operation for ever... or close to it.. I would go to the ruger every time..
you can find one fairly cheap just keep looking, and do not settle. I bought two in the last year for 300 or really close to it.. in great shape and they shot great too.. good luck and just get what you want if you really want the look and style of the uberti or other guns, heck, get it... but bang for the buck is ruger, and a poll of the shooters here would probably show that is the opinion held by most. Just my two bits.
dk

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #9 on:** September 29, 2007, 01:36:08 AM »

I would think youd have less to worry about in the warantee dept with a used ruger then you would with one of the italian clones even new.

azmark · « **Reply #10 on:** September 29, 2007, 02:12:49 AM »

That may be true; I expect that possibility would be less today than before with a Uberti since Beretta (Benelli USA) has bought them.

Graybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2007, 03:19:41 AM »

Have you checked out the posts on the Benelli website? The only manufacturer that seems to have a worse track record on warranty than them is Taurus.

44 Man · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2007, 01:19:39 AM »

Ok, let's get honest here. I love my Rugers for 'hunting' guns. They are bull strong and trouble free. But I agree with azmark, they don't have the feel of the SAA 'clones' at all. Balance, heft, and feel are very different. Most any of the clones (except EAA, those feel like the Ruger) have a much better balance and feel to them. The 'feel' is one of the reasons that I always passed on the 'old' Ruger Vaquero's. Now the 'New' Vaquero is another animal. It's still not quite the same feel as a SAA, but it's a long sight better than the old Ruger's were. I like mine and plan to add another very soon. It is still a little early, but if you can find one used, they will set you back about $350. For that money you can buy a new Heritage Big Bore by Pietta. I'm very impressed with that gun, especially for the money involved. It does have a transfer bar and the trigger sits a little forward like the Ruger does. That does not bother me at all, but some folks want the more traditional looking trigger.
I recently picked up a used Uberti for under $200 (see .357 to 44 conversion thread). The action is not as smooth as some but I like the gun very much. You had asked about a brass grip frame and I have to say it used to be found on the 'cheaper' guns. If you don't care about 'authenticity' a brass grip frame is fine, and I like the looks of this one. I now have a Gaucho (used) on layaway that will be only $250 out the door, and it has a very smooth action. A little bit ago I bought a nice EMF Hartford for about the same money. These bargains don't come along every day, but they are there if you watch and wait for them.
If you are talking least amount of money period, the dull finish Uberti's are the way to go. Good, serviceable gun fur the money. I know several people who have them and like them. If you need a shiney looking gun, (I do!) that brings us back to the Heritage Big Bore. I may just talk myself into one of these yet! 44 Man

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2007, 09:02:31 AM »

Ruger. It'll outlast you and definately outlast the Italian clones. Ruger will also be able to service your used BH more so than the clone makers could. Don'y skimp. Ruger

snuffer#1 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2007, 11:12:42 AM »

Ruger, HANDS DOWN! I've got 2 BH. One is a 45 colt 7.5 barrel an a 6.5 357 mag. Use both for hunting!

warrior1 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 15, 2007, 10:51:18 AM »

i will say ruger,but close behind is a beretta. i've handled their single action revolvers and it has some strength
behind it.

Fred McIntire · « **Reply #16 on:** October 15, 2007, 04:30:29 PM »

Go to www.GunsAmerica.Com and search for Ruger Blackhawk. I think you will be surprised how affordable a new Ruger is.

Good luck!

FourBee · « **Reply #17 on:** October 15, 2007, 04:44:21 PM »

For that price range I'd go with the Uberti, but check out the EMF by Pietta. I would have gotten one if I knew EMF were carrying them.

Throckmorton · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2007, 01:14:25 PM »

I have 2 Ubertis'(about 10years old) and one 35 year old blackhawk that looks like H e l l.
The uberit's prolly won't make it to the thriy year mark,and will never be the quality of the old Blackhawk.
'old' Blackhawks just keep on shooting!!!!!

warrior1 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2007, 03:26:40 PM »

azmark, you might want to take a look at auction arms item #s 8277800,an uberti cattleman,and item#8279970
ruger bisley hunter.
i do not have much exposure to fixed sights,but i recently obtained a cimarron model p 44 special put 50 rounds thru it todaywith no issues. i would have shot more,but i left another 50 rounds home. you might want to check budsgunshopco online out of kentucy theyhave some decent prices which most of the time includes shipping.
lastly, if you need to layaway for your next gun there are a couple of better known shops here in mich with 1 year layaway.

good luck on your search.dan

Graybeard · « **Reply #20 on:** October 20, 2007, 06:02:09 PM »

I decided that cheap wasn't really best so have decided to go with an FA97 .45 Colt with 7.5" barrel. It will arrive next week I think.

I've come to the conclusion that in the long run the cheapest is really not the best and that buying for less money really is poor economy and that getting the best up front is actually cheaper in the long run.

Huh, what he say?

azmark · « **Reply #21 on:** October 28, 2007, 01:56:12 PM »

Can the .45 Colt be handloaded economically? I'm hearing from auto guys that the .45 ACP is affordable if you load it yourself and I'm wondering if the same can be said about the .45 Colt.

Graybeard · « **Reply #22 on:** October 28, 2007, 05:56:56 PM »

You can load the .45 Colt as cheaply as the .45 acp. Cheaper actually as you don't lose as many cases with a revolver as you do a splattermatic.

FourBee · « **Reply #23 on:** October 29, 2007, 07:38:23 PM »

I'm going to try and do some .45 reloading this winter. I covered my Reloading Press a few years back and haven't used it since.

I have to agree with Graybeard, you have to pay for quality. I've only been able to do that a few times. If I had the money, I'd get an original Colt .45, and get it tweaked up. Guess that comes from my childhood days of watching all those westerns.

EdK · « **Reply #24 on:** October 30, 2007, 02:03:36 AM »

I used to think that the best entry-level 45 was the USFA Rodeo - that is when they were introduced and until they jacked up the price. It was never as cheap as the Italian clones but when you consider GB's comments and what you are getting for an additional $100 or so (over the Uberti, etc.) I do think it represented the best buy in an entry-level SA.

kennisondan · « **Reply #25 on:** October 30, 2007, 10:59:08 AM »

I would not hesitate to use the usfa rodeo... I just think that a used Ruger is a better economic deal.
dk

EdK · « **Reply #26 on:** October 31, 2007, 03:38:48 AM »

Can't argue with you Dan. I think the only point in my post was to point out that for a small window of time (so probably off-topic relative to the OP), the USFA Rodeo was a great entry-level choice. When they were introduced I do not recall the exact list price/street price but it was considerably less than they run now. Once USFA got a lot of good press it seemed the prices went up. I'm not talking 5, 10, 15 years ago - just 2, maybe 3. I bought my rodeo used but unfired for $395 and there was not a single mark on it. This was not "stolen" from some widow but rather at a huge gun shop.

I have noticed that used prices have also increased so they are not the deal they once were. Fit and finish completely blows away the Rugers e.g. cyl. throats exactly .4525"/.452" bore, cyl gap .003", lockup as tight as a FA. On the other hand they are not able to take a lickin' like a Ruger. Of course, neither would a Colt... just not the same kind of gun.

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 31, 2007, 01:00:55 PM »

hey pard
i have read all the replies to this thing and they all seem pretty reasonable
but what i want to know is .......what ya gonna do with it??
now i know if you are like me and probably alot of these other fellers once you get a hogleg in ya hand ya just cant help but want to fan it or fast draw it and snatch that hammer back as fast as ya can and believe me from years and years of experience if ya do it much at all with ANY and i repeat ANY clone other than ruger you're gonna be sitting around with a broken shooter.
so iffin strapping one on is gonna make ya go all bob munden on the mirror in the bedroom then ya better be packing a RUGER!!!
seriously i have been praticing fast draw and doing "spinning" and "gun tricks" for 35 years and
i broke everything from colt, uberti, hawes emf then in 93 when ruger finally introduced the vaquero i bought my last sixgun. it has held up under thousands of presentations both thumbing and fanning the hammer
so if you're gonna just carry it and shoot it sensibly then just abt any will work ok but if you're gonna be tough on it then it needs to be a ruger
just my two on it
sureshot

Graybeard · « **Reply #28 on:** November 01, 2007, 05:38:40 AM »

I can't say that I've ever had the urge to do fast draw or spin the gun since I out grew cap guns. What I want from a gun is for it to hit the target when I pull the trigger. If it does this I'm happy with it but if it want then it's not gonna be long until it gets moved on down the line for a new one.

stormspotter · « **Reply #29 on:** February 16, 2008, 03:47:09 PM »

Just signed up here about 15 minutes ago, so I will throw in my 2 cents worth.

I Was also looking for a 45 Colt or two and decided to go with the Ruger New Model Vaqueros. The first I got was a stainless, with 4 5/8" barrel, and I ordered a set of American Holly gunfighter grips from Bearpaw grips.

I liked the forst one so much that I ordered a Davidson's Limited Edition New Vaquero. It's all blued, I don't care for the painted on case colors on the Rugers, and came with a set of Eagle gunfighter grips.

I don't plan on loading anything on the hot side, so the New Models suit me fine. Most of my loads are 260-285 SWC's over 8.0 to 8.5 gr. Unique.

I know these are outside your $300ish price range, but the quality of the New Vaqueros is top of the line.

Do a search on Handloader Magazine and Ruger New Vaquero and you will find a good article on them and some good loads listed.