Cowboy pistols

[Stan_TheGunNut]

I recently went to a cowboy action shooting match, and enjoyed watching quite a bit.  I'm interested in getting more involved, and have been looking at some single action pistols.  It looks like Ruger makes one, as well as Colt.  I'd like to hear your thoughts on these pistols, as well as any others that might be available, and what price range they are in.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Stan

[Mikey]

Stan, ya ol gun nut you.  If you prefer the more authenitc look, then Cimarron Arms, EMF or Aldo Uberti are 3 manufacturers that make 1873 Colt and 1875 Remington copies.  Colt makes the Colt Cowboy but it ain't naywhere near the top of the list and I'm not gonna pay $1800 for an 1873 Colt, period.  The other makers I mentioned are all in the $4-500 range and come with a myriad of finishes and configurations.

I would get myself back to another match and ask a buncha questions of the shooters regarding what they have and what they prefer.  In all the cowboy matches I have been to I have always found the participants to be wonderfully forthcoming about their choices and with their advice.  Well, there was one exception and she was there for a fashion statement, not the competition (cause nobody had a nose bigger than her's - lol).  HTH.  Mikey.

[Prof. Fuller Bullspit]

Stan,

Check out the Cowboy Action forum here on the list.

As for pistol choices you noticed that there are two main categories. Rugers and Colt "types". A lot of the Colt guns you saw were probably Italian made clones or copies of the venerable Colt single action.

There are a few other choices including Shoefields and several types of cap and ball pistols.

For most people the choice is between Rugers and the Colt types. You will hear many opinions, strongly held ones, on each!

Rugers are a bit larger and heavier than the Colt types. Some people find this size troublesome others don't. Rugers tend to be a bit more reliable (meaning that they don't break as often and will typically last through more rounds than the Colt types) although there are exceptions to every rule.

The Colt types garner more 'style points' and many find that they point better and handle better than Rugers.

Take the advice offerred by Mikey and get back to a Cowboy shoot and ask a bunch of questions. You will find cowboys are friendly and will probably stuble over themselves to let you handle their guns to get a feel for what you like. Be prepared to have the virtues of each extolled at length!

Don't forget you will also need a shotgun and a rifle.

[bigjeepman]

Stan ...

I have never been to one of the cowboy action shooting contests but they sure sound like fun. There was one within 50 miles of me last year but I had the date messed up and missed it.

Anyway, I have a .45 cal Ruger Vaquero in a 5.5" barrel with case-hardening. I love this caliber and this pistol. My son and I have boar hunted this caliber with my Marlin 1894 Cowboy and it dropped both boars (each weighing over 220lbs) dead with one shot. Next boar hunt, I will be using my Vaquero as I have practiced enough with my reloads to get fairly efficient at hitting what I am aiming at.

My point is I like the Ruger because you can shoot some hot loads in it if you ever want to use it for hunting. When I bought it, I knew it had this capability but never thought I would ever hunt with it, but, I want to now.
If you are going to shoot "cowboy loads" only, I would certainly advise you to attend more shoots and see why others are using what they have bought. I am looking at a Beretta Stampede in a 7.5" barrel as my gunshop has this in stock along with several other Ubertis. They all look well made and really feel good in my hand. I believe you will find there are many choices and you will find the one just right for you.

What caliber are you interested in?

[Stan_TheGunNut]

Thanks for your thought's.  I checked out the websites for Uberti, and the others listed.  I'll take the advice offered and go to another cowboy shoot (I went yesterday, but it was IDPA, which is also fun), and ask those guys some questions.  I would like to get a pistol in 45 LC.  Right now, I'm thinking that most if not all my shooting would be at targets, with light target loads.  I have never hunted with a pistol.  

Thanks again.
Stan

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Howdy Stan,

Come on over to the Cowboy forum  http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=71

While we don't have all the answers we can give you some good advice.  

Good suggestion on going to another one and asking questions.  That way you don't have to make the same mistakes--just new ones.   :grin:

ÇR