**Updated** Which SAA and Caliber?

December 13, 2021, 02:31 AM

sns3guppy

I like the Ruger single actions. There are a lot of options available for them.

.45 Colt is a versatile cartridge. If you reload for it, you can exceed .44 magnum with it, or you can make docile light loads that are as gentle is light .44 special.

You can also carry all six chambers loaded, safely.

If it doesn't need to look like a single action army, then the Blackhawk is more practical, stronger, and has better sights.

Two of my favorite Vaqueros are a 3" .45 Colt birdshead, and a Montado. The Montado was discontinued.

Super black hawk hammers. Eagle gunfighter grips. Shims.

December 13, 2021, 04:31 PM

Jim Watson

If I just wanted a "range gun" I would get the Lipsey Ruger .45/.45 Flattop.

I think any caliber smaller than .44 gives a heavy and unbalanced revolver. And I already load .45 ACP.

December 13, 2021, 04:41 PM

bigwagon

Barrel length and caliber have a big effect on the balance and handling of a SAA. For me, the perfect combination is 45LC and 4.75 inch barrel.

December 13, 2021, 06:47 PM

SigSentry

Recent events have increased my interest in a 4 click clone (case hardened) but I haven't searched one out lately. I've been happy with a Blackhawk and Vaquero example. Finding another Vaquero to complete a brace has proven difficult unfortunately.

December 13, 2021, 08:16 PM

2PAK

Thanks for the responses! Some great looking pics as well. I'm not a reloader. I will spend up to $1,500. It doesn't need to be a Colt SAA to scratch my itch.

Ideally, I'd like to get the Ruger Vaquero Bisley .357 stainless but that seems like a pipe dream now after checking into it. Unable to find anything close to it online, at various LGS or rumors of it in the wild. It's probably going to be a long term search.

There is a .357 1873 Pietta Gen II at a LGS but that's about it locally. Nothing online for the above Vaquero, Bisely or otherwise.

Cheers.

December 13, 2021, 10:28 PM

rmfnla

I could never go with Ruger because of their warning info on their barrels, especially in something like an SA revolver.

December 14, 2021, 02:13 AM

92fstech

quote:
Originally posted by rmfnla:
I could never go with Ruger because of their warning info on their barrels, especially in something like an SA revolver.

My 3-screw has a very obvious billboard on the side of the barrel (no warning label, though, just manufacturer's info). On my New Model, there is a warning, but they hide it on the bottom of the barrel in a very small font...I actually had to go pull it out of the safe and look at it before posting this just to be sure, if that tells you how much I've noticed it. I agree the warning label is stupid, but if it has to be there, I actually prefer them doing it the new way over stamping the side of the barrel like the older ones.

Thankfully it doesn't affect how they shoot, and IMO they're still a nice looking pair (Uncoverted 3-screw .357 Magnum on top, New Model .45 Convertible on the bottom):

December 14, 2021, 08:26 AM

got2hav1

I like Uberti , this example is the Competition El Patron. It is a 4 click , like the Colt . .45LC in stainless. Good shooter.

December 14, 2021, 09:12 AM

Modern Day Savage

Just wanted to thank everyone for the great SAA manufacturer/ model and caliber discussion. I'm making notes and trying to get up to speed on them, so keep that info and photos coming.

quote:
Originally posted by sns3guppy:
[SNIP].45 Colt is a versatile cartridge. If you reload for it, you can exceed .44 magnum with it, or you can make docile light loads that are as gentle is light .44 special.[/SNIP]

Whoa! No kidding?

I've been going back and forth between whether I'd want an SAA chambered in the legacy and iconic . 45 LC cartridge, or the more practical for my purposes of . 44 mag... but if it's true that pumping the . 45 LC up to . 44 mag performance is possible, you may have just solved my dilemma.

Any commercially available . 45 LC w/ .44 mag performance...or you gotta crank out your own to hit that mark?

December 14, 2021, 09:21 AM

lyman

Colt,, well, because it's a Colt,

I have a 3rd gen, 44 spl, 5-1/2" that shoots like a dream,
it will hold its value,

Ruger's are nice, know a handful of SASS guys that use them, but they are Rugers,,, built like tanks and to me, they seem heavy,
I don't care for them, but that is me, they make great firearms,

if I was getting a clone, Uberti,
I have a small frame SAA type in 22lr that is slick as a whistle, and a fine looking revolver,

full size, I have a Cimarron in the shop that is nice but the Taylor's are just a bit better, and the Taylor Tuned actions are very very nice,

sold a couple to a friend , he absolutely loves them

December 14, 2021, 09:29 AM

92fstech

quote:
I've been going back and forth between whether I'd want an SAA chambered in the legacy and iconic . 45 LC cartridge, or the more practical for my purposes of . 44 mag... but if it's true that pumping the . 45 LC up to . 44 mag performance is possible, you may have just solved my dilemma.

Any commercially available . 45 LC w/ .44 mag performance...or you gotta crank out your own to hit that mark?

No they are not (except for maybe some boutique manufacturers like Buffalo Bore)...and for good reason. Hot loaded .45 Colt loads are typically referred to as "Ruger Only" loads. They'll blow up a Colt or some of the clones. You're not supposed to shoot them in the New Vaquero, either. But a a large frame Blackhawk (and I imagine a Freedom Arms, although I have no personal experience with these, so be sure to do your own research before going that route) is built to handle the pressure.

Ammo manufacturers don't want the liability of some of these hot loads getting into a gun not designed for them, and it's a totally legitimate concern. There are stories out there about Elmer Keith blowing up a Colt SAA playing around with hot loaded .45 Colt....and plenty of more recent anecdotes as well. If you are going to handload them, it's imperative that you label them well and ensure that they never end up in a gun that's not designed for them.

December 14, 2021, 09:57 AM

Modern Day Savage

quote:
Originally posted by 92fstech:
quote:
I've been going back and forth between whether I'd want an SAA chambered in the legacy and iconic . 45 LC cartridge, or the more practical for my purposes of . 44 mag... but if it's true that pumping the . 45 LC up to . 44 mag performance is possible, you may have just solved my dilemma.

Any commercially available . 45 LC w/ .44 mag performance...or you gotta crank out your own to hit that mark?

No they are not (except for maybe some boutique manufacturers like Buffalo Bore)...and for good reason. Hot loaded .45 Colt loads are typically referred to as "Ruger Only" loads. They'll blow up a Colt or some of the clones. You're not supposed to shoot them in the New Vaquero, either. But a a large frame Blackhawk (and I imagine a Freedom Arms, although I have no personal experience with these, so be sure to do your own research before going that route) is built to handle the pressure.

Ammo manufacturers don't want the liability of some of these hot loads getting into a gun not designed for them, and it's a totally legitimate concern. There are stories out there about Elmer Keith blowing up a Colt SAA playing around with hot loaded .45 Colt....and plenty of more recent anecdotes as well. If you are going to handload them, it's imperative that you label them well and ensure that they never end up in a gun that's not designed for them.

Thanks for quick reply and excellent explanation. I was aware that the Colt and some clones were vulnerable to "hot loads"... but there is rarely a discussion of what constitutes a "hot load" and the performance difference between one that is "safe" vs. one that will kaboom the gun.

Coming at my problem from a different approach, if I wanted an SAA with . 44 mag. performance, are there, or have there ever been SAA chambered in . 44 mag? Not that I've spent significant time researching it yet, but in browsing a few SAA clone websites I haven't found one yet, but maybe I'm just not trying hard enough?

December 14, 2021, 10:05 AM

rmfnla

quote:
Originally posted by 92fstech:
quote:
Originally posted by rmfnla:
I could never go with Ruger because of their warning info on their barrels, especially in something like an SA revolver.

My 3-screw has a very obvious billboard on the side of the barrel (no warning label, though, just manufacturer's info). On my New Model, there is a warning, but they hide it on the bottom of the barrel in a very small font...I actually had to go pull it out of the safe and look at it before posting this just to be sure, if that tells you how much I've noticed it. I agree the warning label is stupid, but if it has to be there, I actually prefer them doing it the new way over stamping the side of the barrel like the older ones.

Thankfully it doesn't affect how they shoot, and IMO they're still a nice looking pair (Uncoverted 3-screw .357 Magnum on top, New Model .45 Convertible on the bottom):

Agreed.

Nice looking pair, BTW; love the grips!

December 14, 2021, 10:08 AM

rmfnla

quote:
Originally posted by got2hav1:
I like Uberti , this example is the Competition El Patron. It is a 4 click , like the Colt . .45LC in stainless. Good shooter.

I love this, but I'd want a 5-1/2" and it appears the SS only comes in 4-3/4".

December 14, 2021, 10:58 AM

92fstech

quote:
Coming at my problem from a different approach, if I wanted an SAA with . 44 mag. performance, are there, or have there ever been SAA chambered in . 44 mag? Not that I've spent significant time researching it yet, but in browsing a few SAA clone websites I haven't found one yet, but maybe I'm just not trying hard enough?

Not that I know of, but take that with a grain of salt as I don't have a lot of SAA knowledge. I've always been more of a Blackhawk guy (heck, even my single-six has adjustable sights, lol), not because I wouldn't love an SAA, but the Ruger does what I need better for a lot less money.

I've read that the original large frame "old" Vaqueros (not to be confused with the smaller New Vaquero) could handle the Ruger-Only .45 Colt loads, but I'm not sure if any of them ever left the factory chambered for .44 Mag.

So long story short, I don't know

December 14, 2021, 02:45 PM

sigarms229

On the top is my Uberti .357 with the birdshead grip. Absolutely love it.

On the bottom is my Uberti 12shot .22lr. It's ok, don't shoot it much, I keep it for the looks more than anything and I do like that it's built on a fullsize frame.

December 14, 2021, 02:51 PM

2PAK

^^^
Sweeeeeet looking pistols!

December 14, 2021, 03:20 PM

Snake207

One of the things member BigBoreShooter was known for was his birdshead Vaquero in 45LC. It was an absolute blast to shoot, so much so that I wanted one myself.

I ended up getting the Talo edition in 45ACP, only because I reloaded 45ACP already and didn't really want to mess with a new caliber.

December 14, 2021, 11:44 PM

yucaipa

quote:
Originally posted by 92fstech:
quote:
Coming at my problem from a different approach, if I wanted an SAA with . 44 mag. performance, are there, or have there ever been SAA chambered in . 44 mag? Not that I've spent significant time researching it yet, but in browsing a few SAA clone websites I haven't found one yet, but maybe I'm just not trying hard enough?

Not that I know of, but take that with a grain of salt as I don't have a lot of SAA knowledge. I've always been more of a Blackhawk guy (heck, even my single-six has adjustable sights, lol), not because I wouldn't love an SAA, but the Ruger does what I need better for a lot less money.

I've read that the original large frame "old" Vaqueros (not to be confused with the smaller New Vaquero) could handle the Ruger-Only .45 Colt loads, but I'm not sure if any of them ever left the factory chambered for .44 Mag.

So long story short, I don't know .

The "old model Vaqueros" (1993-2004) were built on what used to be called the "super blackhawk" frame/cylinder and were offered in 44mag. The "new model vaqueros" (2005 - present) are currently only offered in "talo" model #10596 and #10598 in 44 mag.

NEVER reload any "new model vaquero" (2005 - present) in any caliber to "Ruger only loads"

December 15, 2021, 06:22 AM

nra-life-member

Stay with Colt - it will keep it's value and traditionally has increased in value.

The 45LC is my 1st choice. I would considered adding a 357 Mag - only because keeping it feed is more affordable.

If I were to order a Colt from the custom shop - I would get a 45ACP cylinder to go with the 45LC - again because of access to ammo.

Another idea if you like Black Powder - you can always get a replica BP pistol and get a conversion cylinder (several conversion cylinders out there) to shoot 45LC or 38LC. depending on the BP caliber you get.