Author Topic: Best SAA .45 for the money? (Read 4825 times)

sherppa · « **on:** April 01, 2012, 02:44:25 AM »

Greetings,

Waiting for my tax return, trying to decide on which SAA .45 to by, help would be greatly appreciated. I have three catagories to work from:

$500 for pistol, holster and buy bunches bullets.
$1000 for pistol and buy a nice rig to carry it and less bullets.
$1250 for a really special pistol.

I can justify each one of the above options, I just would like some friendly assistance.

Your thoughts?
sherppa

kynardsj · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2012, 06:21:38 AM »

Find a used Ruger Blackhawk, Superblackhawk or Vaquero in whatever caliber you're happy with and don't look back. You won't be disappointed.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2012, 06:33:51 AM »

I found a Used Navy arms Schofield a few years ago for $500.
It was used but looked brand new.
It is a top break and you can not use HOT hunting loads.
The top break dumps all 5 or 6 rounds at once. The cool thing is that it uses the M25 HKS speed loaders giving you the fast reload at the range.
The down side to the Schofield is the thumb latch. With 6 rounds in the chambers and the hammer on half cock the holster has pushed back on the latch to have a Barney Fife moment of drawing and having the barrel droop. And unlike the little brother S&W No1 babay russian I have it does not have an inbetween safe setting.
I have found some 45 Smith ammo that works well in the gun the Colt rounds you need to dump the gun upside down. That said a skeet bag on your off side hip is a fast place to dump brass and retain them quickly and easily for reloading.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2012, 08:08:21 AM »

It depends on what you want it for... $:-\$

I've said if I were to ever buy another SAA it would be a USFA. Hands down, no question about it.

Then I bought a Uberti '51 Navy Richard's conversion.

And like McWoody, I really like the Schofield!

But they aren't SAA's so for one of those I'd still get a USFA, hands down, no question about it.

Unless I found a really, and I mean a really good deal on a Colt SAA... $:-\$

Now, if your actually meant a "Single Action" revolver, for daily carry in a number of scenarios, then I'd agree on the Ruger... a 4 ⁵/₈, Blackhawk Flat top from Lispey's!

painted horse · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2012, 02:37:11 PM »

Boy, lots a choices out there...but my advice would be, for 1000 bucks you can buy a nice Ruger BH, SBH, SBHH, nice leather AND still have money left over for quite a bit of ammo. Hard to beat any Ruger, tuff guns. The BH has adjustable sights, stronger than ALMOST any other SA,very affordable and they shoot good too. If you're looking for more "traditional" style, (fixed sights, normal 45 colt loads) my experience is that Cimmeron's are very nicely done. Another one to look at is the EAA Bounty Hunter, not as "pretty" maybe, but well made in Germany and a very stout Single Action. It's also less expensive yet and one of the few brands not made by Uberti..thats neither a plus or minus, just a fact..good luck pickin one..

Duke0313 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2012, 06:01:27 PM »

+1 for the Ruger...very hard to beat for the cost!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #6 on:** April 02, 2012, 01:49:19 AM »

buy yourself a black hawk or a vaquero depending on which level of loads your looking for and maybe have an action job done on it and you have about the best utility gun in 45 colt you can buy. Spend the rest on ammo or making ammo and really learn to shoot it.

sherppa · « **Reply #7 on:** April 02, 2012, 02:32:54 AM »

Thanks for the responses!

The Ruger BH or Vaquero are rising to the top. The Schofield is realy cool though. Has anyone tried the Cimarron Cavalry? That one has caught my attention. How strong are the Uberti frames?

thanks again,

sherppa

guzzijohn · « **Reply #8 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:05:26 AM »

I really like my Uberti "El Patron" so far. Paid $500 new. Looks and shoots great. It comes from the factory with Wolf Springs, action job, wider sight picture and front sight and trigger job. Has very nice Walnut checkered grips. The target picture was the first five shots out of the box using Magtech 200gr at 50" with a non-rested two hand hold. Currently I use 8gr. Unique over a round nose 230 gr. lead bullet.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #9 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:29:25 AM »

I would look at Rugers ( model you like) , add some custom stocks or grips to your taste . Then if more is wanted talk to one of the Gun Smiths that do custom work to Single actions and add a few touches like beefed up cyl pin , more solid sights , maybe a barrel band with front sight or such. Engraving is always a nice touch . With Ruger in 45 Colt you can also get the 45 ACP cyl. Then you can shoot both LC and auto. While at the smith have the cyl shaved and 45 auto rim will work well. Lots of options . I would also mention depending on model(frame size ) there are more potent loadings aval that can be fired in the Ruger. And with SS or blue you have the option of steel grip frame on the SS model and alum. on the blued model . Plow or Bisley grip shape also.
one word in rig GALCO ! El Paso has nice work/hunting rigs.

BGRooster1 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2012, 06:49:30 AM »

That's a loaded question , pun intended .
So much depends on what you plan to do with it .
If size and weight are not an issue , get the Blackhawk .
If you want a more packing friendly revolver , get the New Vaquero .
If you want to shoot high power rounds , get the Blackhawk .
Adjustable sights , able to load all six chambers . New or used .
Any more questions to be asked guys ?

sherppa · « **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2012, 07:39:06 AM »

Great Questions!

It would be for range and trail carry. Prefer the .45, and like the looks of the 7.5 inch barrel of the classic SAA. Though a 5.5 inch barrel may be more practical.

guzzijohn · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2012, 08:19:18 AM »

Quote from sherppa:
" Prefer the .45, and like the looks of the 7.5 inch barrel of the classic SAA. Though a 5.5 inch barrel may be more practical."

I don't think that you will miss extra barrel length at all. I have owned a BH .357 with the 7.5 barrel for years and outside of the sights being better on the BH, I don't miss the extra barrel length and it is handier.
GuzziJohn

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2012, 10:32:56 AM »

I own a 7.5'' BH and it ain't near as carry friendly as my 4 5/8 BH unless you're carrying in a shoulder or crossdraw holster.

I'll be getting another BH when I buy my next one and it'll be stainless.

HWD

jimster · « **Reply #14 on:** April 03, 2012, 02:13:24 PM »

I think Blackhawk or one of the flatops...they have adjustable sights, you can shoot whatever you want through those and move your sights to POA for any load. That will make you very happy to be able to adjust your sights to your loads.
I would not blame you for going for a USFA either....got one of those and it is a SAA and "really special pistol".

dstegjas · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2012, 02:55:53 PM »

Ruger's are tough to beat for the price. A well made gun that can take a beating. The Vaquero is the older model with the larger frame in 45LC. The SBH is a 1971 vintage in .44 mag. with a 7 1/2" barrel. Both are great shooters.

Jim

cwlongshot · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2012, 03:01:10 PM »

Last year I picked up a used US Firearms Rodeo. I have been impressed with it. I have owned a couple others from them and every one was a quality firearm.

I also picked up a used Colt SAA Its the inexpensive (as colts go) matte finished model and was under 500$ It too is a nice shooter and still a Colt.

The clones or some of the clones are quite nice and shoot well enough. The Rugers are also good shooters, but I find them not as good as they once where. I also dont like the product as much as I did when Bill was running the place....

I would suggest you go with the Colt even if you have to save a bit longer, one thing many have learned is you never regret a quality firearm.

CW

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #17 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:08:40 AM »

You had better luck with Colt than I have . I have had 4 - 2 NF and 2 SSA 3 were 45 Colt and 1- 44. One on a BP frame ( screw to hold pin in) . The best shooter was a 43/4 bbl NF shame the bbl was twisted to far left ( I would expect better from a $1200 dollar gun. A 44 and 45 SSA were new manf. nither were great shooters and finish wasn't great for a gun costing that much.
Like the op said best for money , so I still say Ruger wins that race hands down .

cwlongshot · « **Reply #18 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:09:15 AM »

I also have a USF blk powder frame gun 5.5" but it's one of there first. I am lucky enough to be local to the companies and have dealings with them. I bought this one during a tour we got of the plant. They offered a good price and the ability to SE it built and I took them up on it!! It's a real beauty with deep blk/bluing and pretty figured one piece walnut grips.

But by and large I buy older firearms.

I agree a older ore '76 or even a "Liberty Ruger" would be another good choice. Like most guys I prefer the "3" screw models.

One of my favorite for shootin' and carrying is a Mitchel!!! 4 1/2" brass frame walnut gripped gun. It's a wonderful shooter and since rebuilding it with colt parts has been perfect. I got it it w as a basket case with a peeked frame from dry firing and badly out of time from the soft Italian parts (its actually Uberti made) the prev owner bent the front site to site it in left/right. I laughed and said I would remove the barrel and correct it. But decided to leave it as the gun does have a "pitina" all it's own and the bend is slight and adds to the look IMHO.

As with many of you SA's and 45 COLTS are near and dear to me!

CW

Greg B. · « **Reply #19 on:** April 06, 2012, 06:04:20 AM »

By the best you can afford or save up for and what you really want. From my reading Peacemaker Specialities can build you a top quality Colt without the problems that some members have mentioned. For price I think the Ruger Blackhawk is the best. They are strong, reasonably accurate and have adjustable sights. One thing about buying what you want is that at least as you get old, like me, these things will be a continual source of enjoyment.
Greg B.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** April 06, 2012, 06:14:44 AM »

That says alot about Colt

buy it then have it rebuilt

. Same was true of the ACP

sherppa · « **Reply #21 on:** April 06, 2012, 12:23:32 PM »

thank you!

For all the advice, I have Ruger Single Six that is hard to beat. But what if I were to save up a little longer for a Turnbull Colt. I have seen them for around $1200.00. Really, really, nice looking.

your thoughts?

thanks

sherppa

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #22 on:** April 06, 2012, 12:53:18 PM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on April 06, 2012, 06:14:44 AM

That says alot about Colt buy it then have it rebuilt . Same was true of the ACP

YEa that never made sense to me spend $500 on a new gun and then spend another $3 to 500 to make it feed only one type of ammo.

jimster · « **Reply #23 on:** April 06, 2012, 02:07:04 PM »

Quote

thank you!

For all the advice, I have Ruger Single Six that is hard to
beat. But what if I were to save up a little longer for a Turnbull Colt. I
have seen them for around $1200.00. Really, really, nice looking.

your
thoughts?

thanks

sherppa

Sounds like your wanting something very pretty and nostalgic, Turnbull sure does that well. I've been looking at Turnbull's USFA's myself. Save up a little longer yet and have them make a 45 acp cylinder for your single action. Oh gosh...it never ends.

sherppa · « **Reply #24 on:** April 07, 2012, 03:01:34 AM »

Yes, jimster, I think you nailed it!

tacklebury · « **Reply #25 on:** April 07, 2012, 06:34:36 AM »

My choice of single action after doing a lot of research was the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible. I fid the 5.5" barrel to ballance perfectly and the 7.5" are too long for me to comfortably carry. I have a 7.5" ROA and that's the only thing I don't like is the length. If you get the convertible you can shoot .45 ACP or .45 Colt depending on your needs. The acp allows you to shoot much less expensive plinking ammo and then use the .45 Colt for hunting/defensive type applications. Cannot get much more versatility.

There are a lot of aftermarket things you can do if you want to dress it up including different grip frames in steel, s/s or brass, weigand sights etc...

Lotta gun for $500 bucks.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/118/products_id/49721/Handguns/Ruger/Ruger+Single+Action+Revolvers/Ruger%20Blackhawk%20Convertible%2045LC/45ACP%205%201/2/quot;%20Blue%2010463/

supertodd · « **Reply #26 on:** April 07, 2012, 08:28:35 AM »

I also have a Ruger convertible in 45 colt w/ 45 acp cylinder with the 4 5/8 " barrel-I love the 45 colt so much the acp hasn't seen a shell thru it in 5 yrs that I have owned it. Its not as Romantic as a prewar Colt SAA, but it is a packin & shooting gun. Its probably my favorite hangun to shoot. I have three loads for this gun 252 grn lee semi wadcutter with 9.5 grns of Ramshot trueblue, 297 grn cast rd bullet and cci 45 capsules loaded with #12 shot for snakes

gcrank1 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 11, 2012, 03:31:15 PM »

USFA
You pays yer money and you makes yer choice, but it sounds like you 'want' more than a Ruger (and I really like my 50th Anv. 357) and you want better value than an affordable Colts SAA that you will become too 'worried' about to actually carry.

smokehouserex · « **Reply #28 on:** May 11, 2012, 04:00:34 PM »

If I wanted it for "just having one" and occassionally a target shooting I would buy the SAA/Turnbull.
For shooting really hot loads I would choose the USFA.
For hot loads, fun shooting, hunting and everything else, make mine SBH or BH, Old Mod. RUGER'S in your choice of caliber. I've only had 2 OM BH in 45LC and 45LC/45ACP cyl. both were good guns but I sold them because I liked the 44Mag. better, wish I still had them!!! JMO YMV.
HM

AtlLaw · « **Reply #29 on:** May 12, 2012, 05:51:23 AM »

Quote from: smokehouserex on May 11, 2012, 04:00:34 PM

If I wanted it for "just having one" and occasionally a target shooting I would buy the SAA/Turnbull.
For shooting really hot loads I would choose the USFA.

For some reason I thought Turnbull's SAA's were USFA's...

I went to his site and don't see any mention of it, and they do say "manufactured" by Turnbull. $:-\$ $:-\$

But a couple of things bother me about that... One: Turnbull would have to have all that expensive tooling to make not only the SAA, but the 1911, 1886, 1892, etc. and Two: It seems to me that, or more correctly I think I have heard that, an entity can claim to have manufactured a weapon if all they actually do is assemble all the parts; even if those parts were supplied by a third party. As in Colt selling their last generation of Cap & Ball revolvers manufactured from parts supplied by Uberti.

Anybody know anything about this?

It could be a usefull bit of information for the OP in making a selection... SH Rex? You seem to think the USFA is a stronger, therefore a "different" revolver...