Pros and Cons of different SASS handguns

[Cheyenne Ranger]

:-)
 I'm looking kinda hard at SASS and wanted to get opinions on Colts vs Rugers vs "others."  My wife has expressed a mild interest so we could be talking about 4 guns =  a fair amount of $$.  Already have a Marlin lever action in .357 so was thinking along that caliber.  Hate to go the wrong way...
thanks
walt

[Coso]

It's mainly a personal preference between the different manufacturers and calibers.  I don't think you can go wrong between the various cowboy calibers if you have fun shooting the one you choose.  The .357/.38 is slightly cheaper to shoot, depending on if you reload.

I shoot Ruger Vaqueros in .357, mainly because they're relatively cheap and they're reliable and stout.  If you go to a shoot, there are usually people who are willing to let you borrow or try out various guns to see what you like.  Ruger makes the Bisley and the regular grip, so try them both as well as the Colts.  Some people shoot with birds head grips as well.  Would recommend sticking to a single caliber if possible, as it is one less thing to think about, although I've seen guys walk up with pistols of two different calibers and a rifle in a third.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Thanks, guys,
Already have a Marlin lever action in .38 and have been shooting 38/357 in USPSA and wife has expressed some interest.  Figured I would keep it simple and have one caliber plus the shotgun.  Going out tomorrow to view/shoot a friend's guns.  
Walt

[A62Rambler]

I shoot a pair of Cimarron R-M conversions in 44 Colt. I didn't start out with those. I only mention this to support what others have said. It's more about personal preference than anything. I'm not a Ruger fan but that's because they don't feel right in my hand. Rugers are fine guns though! Colt's are out of my price range so I buy clones. I have handguns from Cimarron and AWA and have been happy with them all. Some are better for one reason or another but it is more my personal tastes than manufacturer. I would highly suggest attending a shoot or two and asking to try a few rounds in several of the guns you think you want. You might find that you like one and hate another. You can then decide for yourself which is worth the money. Sorry I was so long winded on my first post but I do love SASS.  :grin:

[ButlerFord45]

I have Colts, Clones, and RV's, each has it's advantages, the RV's are Built tank tough, you can dry fire them all day long and all that happens is you get to work on sight picture, trigger control, and smoothing of the action from the use. They are however bigger, most noticably in the grip, Eagle Gunfighter grips help a lot if this is a problem.

The clones are my learning tools, if I screw them up, oh well, lesson learned.

The colts are the dream of an eight year old boy finally realized.  Nothing, wait let me capitolize that  NOTHING feels like a colt!

Something to consider for the wife:  Ruger vaqueritos, the 32H&R mag on the single six frame, I know, they're not 357, but just a little something thrown in for thought.


Butler Ford

[Capt Hamp Cox]

Wife (Texana Trueheart) and I both shoot 5 1/2" Ruger Vaqueros (RVs), she .38/357 and I, .44 Spc/Mag.  Both of us shoot Marlin carbines (in our respective handgun calibers) and SxS SGs, hers is 20 ga FOX Model B, mine is 12 ga variant of the Stevens Mod. 311.  I started CAS with low end Uberti clones in .44 Spc and loved the way they shot and felt in my hand.  Only problem was that they kept breaking - hand springs, hands, and even one bolt (the part that locks the cylinder in place each time the hammer is cocked).  That is when I switched to the RVs.  They don't feel as good, and are heavier, but they seem to shoot forever without any breakdwowns.  I did, however install Wolff spring kits in my two and it really made a significant improvement in hammer cocking ease and lighter trigger pull.  The Marlins were also selected for their reliability.  For what it's worth, I reload both of our handgun/rifle calibers with Hogdon TITEGROUP, and love the way it shoots.  I wouldn't be able to keep both of us shooting, however, without my Dillon RL 550.

[ButlerFord45]

Cpt'n
     Those Wolf springs make a world of difference in a ruger's action!!!!  I'd recommend them to anybody before spending big bucks on an action job.


Butler Ford

[deputygene]

A gun most newcomers overlook is the ruger BlackHawk. These are SASS legal guns. You can find these by the truckload in .357 caliber, and they can be found used dirtcheap. In my neck of the woods they can be had for $200 - $250 each, and you can usually get that out of them. Their sights can be easily adjusted so you can zero and rezero easily as you strive for the perfect cas load. A great buy, and they seem to hold up forever.

[Cuts Crooked]

And now fer a really different opinion!  :-D

I shoot Uberti 1875 Remington Outlaws!  Uberti is currently the only source for Remington reproductions and they are available in a pretty good range of calibers, including .357/.38. The Remington is, to my notion, the best gun out there for Duelist style, point shooting, and for those stages calling fer "shoot from the hip". They have a natural "pointability" factor or something!

Another gun that I really like fer CAS work is the Open Top Colt clones. These are available from Cimmeron in .38 Special. I have one based on the 51 Navy frame and it's a sweet shooting lil gun!

And finally, there are the Remmie conversions out there. With a cost factor of around $400.00, with purchase of the C&B pistol and the conversion cylinders. A bit pricey but they sure are cool! And they handle like the 75 Remmies! However, in .38 Special you will have to be a reloader to get the most out of them because they require a hollow based bullet to fit the bore diameter properly.