45 lc revolver
I hope to someday own a cowboy gun in the 45 lc caliber.
So far what i have seen in my price range($500)is the old and new model Ruger Vaqueros and a Uberti 1873 cattleman.
I plan to shoot it alot.
Can someone give a comparison of the old vs new Vaqueros and the Uberti?Thank you.
So far what i have seen in my price range($500)is the old and new model Ruger Vaqueros and a Uberti 1873 cattleman.
I plan to shoot it alot.
Can someone give a comparison of the old vs new Vaqueros and the Uberti?Thank you.
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Well the rugers are built like a tank, the new vaquero cant take the heavy loads that the original could, but should out last you. The uberti are well made guns, and are of the original design. Probably not as tough as the Ruger, as my uberti has gone tits up, brass frame is ruined. If I could only get one, then it would be the Ruger. 0 -
The biggest difference would be that Ruger uses a transfer bar firing system and the Uberti, nearly all of them anyway, use the older "4 clicks" action. There are other differences, I think that's probably the first one to decide on. If you like those cowboy "clicks" as you thumb back the hammer that's something not found on the Rugers. There is an aftermarket hammer made by Power Custom for the Ruger that has the clicks, don't know how well it works.
Uberti manufactures SA revolvers and other companies brand them. I suppose some are entry level quality and others are higher end, my guess is Uberti manufactures to specs/quality required by the seller.0 -
The Uberti I got (one of those Teddy Roosevelt lazer engraved jobbies) has a funny issue. Even though she's stainless she'll start pin pit rusting. Maybe they used low number stainless to flash engrave? All I can say is (in the Dos Equis guy voice) keep her oiled up to the point of over saturation [:D].
The thing on my gun is the hammer is too long or the grips too small. In my right hand the web will have the hammer sit like she's going to bite me. Now in my left hand no problem with clearence. I may have to slap on a bit of something to the frame to lower my center of hold. Then cocking the hammer back with the thumb might be a reach. I wonder if a different style hammer will solve this?
Also the cylinder rod/safety is tricky to get out of safe. I may just grind it down so I don't have to deal with it. Basically I don't have finger nails or the bit is greased up so it makes the task difficult. One less in the chamber (old school) would make things a lot faster.
Uberti makes cowboy style guns for other Italian companies. And the funny thing is some times the same gun from another company is cheaper. Even though they're both Uberti.
I've been eye balling the Uberti's Schofield at my some what local gun shop.0 -
the difference is where u cannot see it.on the inside.ALL of my ITALIAN made guns..read Uberti... show early wear on the metal parts,my 40 year old ruger does not.
Ruger is hands down the winner for durability.
If u can find an unconverted 3 screw ruger that fits ur budget,the non transfer bar kind,that would be the direction I would go.
<hate> T bars,I do0 -
Some personal thoughts:
I don't know just how long it took you to build up the $500 slush-fund. Reason..If you are not thinking of selling your purchase, best you go with a brand that won't show signs of [early-relative] wear, as the Ubertis have indicated in the prior post.
The gun wears, and, so, you had, what? A few years of useage, and then, nothing!
I'd go with a USFA Colt replica, or continue saving, and get a 2nd Generation Colt. The 2nd generation Colt SAA's all use the 'SA' suffix after the SerNo.
What I'm getting at is, is to pay extra now, and have something you can use for life. In the grand scheme of things, that's where the bargain truely lies. Best, Joe0 -
There's an argument to be made for the USFA that givette suggests, but it's not a durability one!
The Ruger will outlast them all.
Old 3 screw if it's unconverted and you like the clicks and only loading 5 chambers routine.
An old Vaquero if you want to shoot lots of full loads, or
a new Vaquero if you have no desire to turn it into a 45 magnum and like the slender (i.e. more original Colt like) profile of the latest revolver.
Good luck.0 -
Thank you all for sharing your knowledge.
I think a vaquero would be best for me.The only question is do I look for an old or new model.
Is the cresent shaped piece on the rod the easiest way to tell an old from new model?
On GB I see very few with case colored frames.Do both models have some with case coloring?
Just viewed GB auctions.I notice on pics.close enough to see the writing on the frame-new vaqeuro.Do all new models have this?Thank you.0 -
Easy to tell the difference, the New Vaquero is marked New Vaquero and is about 3/4 the weight and size. 0 -
The heft and feel of the New Vaquero is quite close to the original 'Cowboy Gun'. Because of this, you must load to 'off the shelf' pressures.
If you are not loading, then just buy Remington, or Winchester right off the shelf..and you can imagine the 'feel' of the originals when you pull the trigger.
I mentioned USFA because they are exact copies (like the Uberti's), and are slightly less expensive than Colts, and are of much better durability than Uberti's. In fact, they have been regarded as of equal quality to the Colts..at a slightly less price. Joe0 -
I have an old model Vaquero and a Colt New Frontier (flat top with adjustable sights) the Ruger is a 5 1/2" the Colt a 7 1/2". Each has its positive and negative aspects. When I really get down to the bottom line I shoot the Ruger all the time and the Colt sits. I have been buying Ruger single action since hangfire was a high school kid working at Gene's Trading Post and I was a rookie teacher. I NEVER had one go bad on me. The coil-type springs are much more durable than the leaf types in the Colts and clones and Ruger just over-builds everything - the New Vaquero is lighter and probably should not be expected to take the high pressure loads the old model or the Blackhawks do. If it were me, I would find a good Old Vaquero and start enjoying it. 0
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