Based on this "family pic", what Single Action? Colt SAA vs Ruger New Vaq

[IsoMAcK]

Hi.

Seeking advice from fellow High Roaders. Here is what I have accumulated thus far for my photo-worthy pistols/revolvers. Based on what I have in my "family pic", which SA revolver do you think I should go with? I shoot them all, and this will always apply to any handgun I own. Period. So, Colt SAA or Ruger New Vaq?



So I am currently looking at either a Generation III Colt SAA, or a Ruger New Vaquero, both in .45 colt. I am buying this for the caliber for reloading. As another option, I have access to an engraved, Beretta Stampede, but I have not handled it yet in person. Anyway, I always have good luck with Rugers, via a highly accurate, Bisely .22lr that I reluctantly traded (for a Winchester 1892) but I have a possible, "good deal" for a the Colt SAA through a friend of mine. Is the "un-turned" Colt Generation III SAA worthwhile as an investment, or should I go with the Ruger since I will likely give in to shooting it? My problem/dilemma is that I will definitely end up shooting it, and since the Colt has no turn marks, yet I am on the fence...

The Colt is almost exactly twice as much as the Ruger, and I worry that some day I will regret either getting it, or not getting it. I look forward to any of your opinions. What to do... Thanks!

 

[jfrey]

I've shot Colts and own a pair of Ruger New Vaqueros. I'd go with the Ruger. You pay a heck of a lot for the name Colt. They sure don't shoot any better than the Ruger.

 

[franco45]

I just bought a 44 spcl. Sheriff's model Ruger. While it is actually a New Vaquero it is earmarked as a Vaquero because it was a special run for Lipseys.
I am extremely happy with this 6 gun. Another thing to remember is that you can carry 6 rounds in a Ruger due to the transfer bar safety.

 

[mortablunt]

Ruger, unless you want to pay more for the brand name.

 

[TennJed]

Since you said you are reloading I would defiantely look at the Ruger "original" vaquero and not the new model. It is just called Vaquero but is affectionately know as the old model or original.

It is built on larger frame and can handle much more stout "ruger only" loads. My opinion is that even if you think you will primarily load lighter rounds it is nice to have the versitlity of the larger frame. You can push loads to basically the same (some say higher) levels than the 44mag.

I am assuming you do not have anything against buying used. The used Vaqueros in 45 colt are fairly common and as a general rule Ruger's single actions are built well engough that you should not have any hangups about buying one used.

I have a 7 2/2" model that is more accurate than I am

 

[BCRider]

Ruger makes a very fine SA. But they are not the original "4 click" actions. If you value that historical aspect then Colt, USFA or one of the Italian imports is the way to go. With Colt getting the nod for the little horse on the side. The Beretta Stampede is actually a Uberti since Beretta bought them out and the Uberti folks are making all the SA Beretta guns. It may have been Uberti making them before the takeover as well. I'm not sure on that part but it seems to be the gist of what I've read.

On the other hand if you're looking at stout full power loads I'd suggest you find a Blackhawk in .45Colt. Or an original Vaquero. They are much more able to withstand the pounding of full power loads.

 

[CraigC]

I would suggest whichever one you like best.

Despite rhetoric from folks who never owned one, you're now getting more than "just a name". Colt has been producing a very good sixgun in the modern SAA for the last couple years. Superior to any 3rd generation sixgun produced prior.

Other than rare variations and factory engraved guns, 3rd generation SAA's are a poor investment. They've been $1200 for as long as I can remember and the new $1200 guns are much better than the 20yr old $1200 guns.

The third option I would urge you to consider is US Firearms. USFA produces a better sixgun for less money in their standard single action. About $200 less. Not only are they very fine fitted and finished on the outside with much more vivid case colors but they are as finely fitted and finished on the inside. They don't need an action job. I don't know how the new Colt's are the traditionally, they've been rough on the inside. Not so with USFA, all you need is lighter springs and you'll enjoy a crisp 2lb trigger and an action that feels like butter on glass. Step up to the Pre-War model and you'll spend as much as for a Colt for a sixgun that is easily head & shoulders above. These guns are made very close to the original 1st generation guns with authentic and gorgeous charcoal bluing. They are even packaged like the old guns, versus Colt's bright blue plastic box. Folks will say they are "just a replica" but so is the Colt. USFA gives you more sixgun with much more of that Old West allure, Colt just gives you a name and they charge extra for it.

For what it's worth, Colt has also resurrected the New Frontier.

Ruger also makes a very good sixgun in the New Vaquero. You don't get the authentic finishes like on the USFA and Colt. Nor do you get the hand-polished appearance because they're polished in a tumbler and come out somewhat rounded off. You don't get a traditional half-cock action either but you do get a very robust, very well made, fine shooting sixgun for the money. If you want to shoot heavy .45Colt loads, I'd suggest a Blackhawk over the large frame Vaquero.

 

[TennJed]

craig...i always like your post and respect you opinions...i have a question on your last comment....why would you suggest the blackhawk over the older vaquero for stouter loads?...i have both and have loaded both pretty heavy and cant tell a difference myself...they seem to have the same size frame....again i know you are very knowledgeable on this and was wondering why you perfer the blackhawk?

 

[Rail Driver]

I'd get the Colt, but I'm partial.

 

[CraigC]

Sights. Squared-off, black, adjustable sights. Fixed sights are okay on some guns, like those the strength level of the Colt SAA. Because I'm basically only gonna use one load in it, a 250@900fps. But with the broad range one can use in a large frame Ruger, up to 32,000psi, I'll take adjustable sights every time. The sight picture you get with adjustable sights is also greatly more conducive to accurate shooting.

 

[Loosedhorse]

Those all look like shooters. New Vaquero would fit better in your collection--unless you can find an old Vaquero: now THAT's a shooter!

Also think hard on USFA--great suggestion.

 

[raveneap]

Have to agree, you pay a lot for the Colt name. I've got two Vaqueros, one "Old" in 44-40 and on "NEW" in 357 mag. They're well made and fun to shoot. I'd like to have a Colt SAA too but the cost holds me back.

New Vaquero



Original Vaquero

 

[g.willikers]

Which one should you get??
What kind of question is that for a true collector of shootin' irons.
It's all too obvious - get them both.

 

[HDCamel]

If you just want a shooter (and don't care about brand names) then the Italian imports are closer to original Colts while the Vaquero is a more modern gun and both are cheaper and of equal or greater quality than a new Colt SAA.

I don't really like the balance of the Vaqueros (new or old), so I personally would go with the Stampede. Engraved or not.

 

[CraigC]

...both are...of equal or greater quality than a new Colt SAA.

Completely untrue.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sights. Squared-off, black, adjustable sights.

Reason enough for a Blackhawk.
I curse the marketing genius at Ruger who concluded they could leave off the adjustable sights, raise the price, give it a cowboyish name, and sell a barge load.

 

[Pilot]

When I asked myself this same question a few years ago, I instead chose a USFA Rodeo. It has the four clicks, and quality of a Colt, but is just not as pretty as it has a black matte finish instead of the nice Colt blueing/case hardening.

If you want to spend the money, get the Colt. If not check out a Rodeo. Nothing wrong with the Ruger though, but I did want the original SAA style lockwork.

 

[Tallinar]

I've never owned a Colt SAA, but I've owned several Ruger New Vaqueros in various chamberings. I've been completely satisfied with the performance of each one.

Regarding "old" vs New Vaquero, it depends on what your preferences are and what you plan to do with it. If you have no desire to shoot highly stout loads, or you want a gun closer to the dimensions and feel of the SAA, then the New Vaquero would be a better fit. However, if you want to load highly stout loads and just want something SAA'ish in appearance but don't mind a bulkier gun and grip frame, "old" Vaquero may suit you better.

Personally, standard pressure loads in .45 Colt can accomplish anything I want to accomplish with a handgun (lighter 250gr loads for cowboy shooting, and 250gr loads at 800-900 fps for target shooting or carry - that's it). If I had aspirations to handgun hunt or do long range pistol competitions, I'd go with a Blackhawk over an old Vaquero any day because of the adjustable sights.

So I guess I'm pretty much with Craig on that:

Fixed sights are okay on some guns, like those the strength level of the Colt SAA. Because I'm basically only gonna use one load in it, a 250@900fps. But with the broad range one can use in a large frame Ruger, up to 32,000psi, I'll take adjustable sights every time. The sight picture you get with adjustable sights is also greatly more conducive to accurate shooting.

 

[HDCamel]

Completely untrue.

How so? The Colts I've handled (2nd and 3rd gen) were all pretty run of the mill IMO. You're only paying for the horse.

 

[leeroy71]

Personally, I'd buy a Ruger. I also lean toward the Blackhawk (adjustable sights). Although I've never owned a Colt SAA, and have had limited (next to zero) experience shooting them. The name does seem to constitute the price. And "they" do say you get what you pay for. Except no one told Bill Ruger that. He always has given more bang for the buck (pun intended). My Mark II Gov. target is way more accurate than I can shoot it.


Remember guns don't kill people. Husbands that come home early do.- Larry the Cable Guy

 

[CraigC]

You undoubtedly pay a little extra for the Colt name and I contend that USFA builds a better gun for less money but there is also no question that the new Colt SAA's are better quality guns than anything Ruger ever produced. I don't know how they are made but the new Colt at least suggests a level of hand-fitting and finishing that is a foreign concept at Ruger.

Though a case could be made for their 77MKII Magnum rifles, which now retail at $2500.

The Italian replicas tend to be good guns for the money but again, the new Colt is head and shoulders above, quality-wise.

It is up to the individual to decide if what makes them "better" is worth the increased tariff. Which is where objective opinions on the matter become very important.

 

[wgp]

I have an older SAA that a friend gave me (some friend, huh?) and just bought an old-model Vaquero in .45 Colt with the Bisley grip. I have a distinct preference for the Bisley grip so the Ruger was the choice. You'll also find considerable difference in available loadings -- the older Rugers will eat the heavier loadings that the Colts and newer Rugers will not. The reloading manuals specify which loads are for which guns. Something to think about if you reload.