Looking for a saddle and hunting gun

[MaxP]

You say that without mentioning what it would cost and how long it would take. There is a warranty issue as well.

And you continue to act as if this is some radical or revolutionary solution. Without doing a bunch of research, with just a phone call to Jack Huntington, he quoted me $325. That is a cut, crowning, remounting the front sight, providing a taller front sight blade where required, barrel refinishing (if blued), and return shipping included in the price. Keep in mind this is a full-service job and others may be considerably cheaper, but keep in mind you can put Huntington’s work up against anyone’s. Gunsmiths exist for this type of work. While it’s there, might as well spring for an action job ($125 for a single-action) as it will be better than any out-of-the-box revolver ever made.

Use your gunsmith! It will turn a good gun into a great gun just for you.

 

[RealGun]

$75.00 +/-. What warranty ? I've been having it done for 40+ years. I have several. It may take a couple of days depending on the gunsmiths work load. Ruger has never called me and said not to do it any more.

My gunsmith experience is quite different.

 

[RealGun]

And you continue to act as if this is some radical or revolutionary solution. Without doing a bunch of research, with just a phone call to Jack Huntington, he quoted me $325. That is a cut, crowning, remounting the front sight, providing a taller front sight blade where required, barrel refinishing (if blued), and return shipping included in the price. Keep in mind this is a full-service job and others may be considerably cheaper, but keep in mind you can put Huntington’s work up against anyone’s. Gunsmiths exist for this type of work. While it’s there, might as well spring for an action job ($125 for a single-action) as it will be better than any out-of-the-box revolver ever made.

Use your gunsmith! It will turn a good gun into a great gun just for you.

But that doubles the investment in the gun, and customizing all my guns is not one of my hobbies. I would not expect to get anywhere near that investment back if I sold the gun. It just works better to deal with the models that are offered or which can eventually be found in time.

 

[onegunred]

I must be lucky, my gunsmith is a retired police officer, has a shop in his back yard, driving to his house is less miles than going to UPS or FedEx. His prices are very reasonable. As far as the warranty aspect, when I buy a new gun I will shoot it and hope. If all is good and I want it altered, it takes a ride. My gunsmith does not have a name that people drool over but he is good, real good.

 

[MaxP]

But that doubles the investment in the gun, and customizing all my guns is not one of my hobbies. I would not expect to get anywhere near that investment back if I sold the gun. It just works better to deal with the models that are offered or which can eventually be found in time.

Would it surprise you to know that I have never lost money on a single custom revolver I’ve sold? NOT a one. On most I’ve made some money.

Also, are you planning on selling it? If you are going through the trouble of making it truly your own and to your liking, who cares about resale value????

For those who’ve never dabbled in customs I would highly recommend it. You’re missing out on something special. I know they cost, but if it’s a known custom builder, you won’t lose money.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

As a saddle gun I kinda vote for none of the above. I’m no horseman but I have a lot of family who is. A short barreled magnum revolver is going to be very very hard on the horses ears of the gun is fired from horseback. I would opt more for a non-magnum that is peppy and tosses a heavy bullet. 38 is a bit small, 41 is just out of the equation here, 44 special or 45 colt will do it though, and in the same guns you mentioned in the original post. You could buy the 44 mag and use specials while mounted, then quickly swap when dismounted, but that’s not the best option. Ruger makes a .45 convertable that would be awesome for this role. Get a nice spare cylinder pouch and swap loaded cylinders between 45acp while mounted, to a very peppy 45colt while dismounted. It’s the best of 4 worlds... low pressure round doesn’t harm the horse, high pressure capable for dismounted hunting, cheap common ammo in the .45acp cylinder, and a reloaders dream in the 45colt.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/795018924

First of all, don't shoot from horseback -- that only works in the movies. Dismount quickly and shoot from a solid position.

But I agree with the recommendation for the .45 Colt -- that's what I carry.

 

[RealGun]

First of all, don't shoot from horseback -- that only works in the movies. Dismount quickly and shoot from a solid position.

But I agree with the recommendation for the .45 Colt -- that's what I carry.

So, the cavalry never shot from horseback? I would leave it to the real horse people but would expect that one picks or conditions a horse for such things. All I know is that black powder shooters at CAS matches have some seriously loud guns.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

First of all, don't shoot from horseback -- that only works in the movies. Dismount quickly and shoot from a solid position.

But I agree with the recommendation for the .45 Colt -- that's what I carry.

This x100

Do not shoot from horseback.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

So, the cavalry never shot from horseback? I would leave it to the real horse people but would expect that one picks or conditions a horse for such things. All I know is that black powder shooters at CAS matches have some seriously loud guns.

You can train a horse to do or stand for all kinds of things.
Back then, they didn't really care about horses hearing or health as much.

Doesn't make it a great idea.

And one of the most effective uses of cavalry is to get them to an advantageous location quickly (by use of horses), dismount and engage the enemy from said postion.

I use a whip from horseback but the sound breaks at about 8-9 ft away from the horse and the sound is directional.

Damage to horses ears is as real (or worse) as it is for humans.

I am all about sacking out a horse for safety (we used to shoot clays in the field and the horses would come out and stand next to us lol) but not damaging their hearing on purpose or putting a rider at unnecessary risk.

 

[MaxP]

So, the cavalry never shot from horseback? I would leave it to the real horse people but would expect that one picks or conditions a horse for such things. All I know is that black powder shooters at CAS matches have some seriously loud guns.

The cavalry rides in helicopters now.....

I think the emphasis should be comfortable carry on horseback but a capable hunting piece. The horse is merely providing transportation.

I agree - dismount, and then shoot. You’re probably not even going to get an opportunity to shoot off of the horse while hunting anyhow.

 

[35 Whelen]

My Dad and I used horses and mules for hunting and packing out elk. Once a prospective buyer of one of his mules inquired: "Can you shoot off of her?" To which my father quipped: "Yep, but I wouldn't shoot on her if I were you."

I think shooting at game off of the back of a horse with a revolver is a pipe dream. If you miraculously happen to get a deer to stand still within revolver range, you'll effectively be shooting offhand, IF the horse stands perfectly still.

I personally would pick a .44 Special or 45 Colt. I know it's more fun to talk about the necessity of booming magnums being required for killing deer, but they really aren't necessary in my experience. I personally prefer Colt style repros because of their ruggedness and simplicity. But, I know most handgunners prefer adjustable sights, so I would suggest a Ruger Flat Top Blackhawk in either .44 Special or .45 Colt loaded with a heavy SWC. Folks like to recommend heavy revolvers, and they're fine so long as you're riding your trusty pickup or home perusing the forums in your recliner, but once afield, the lighter weight of the Flat Top Ruger's are greatly appreciated. Any way, either caliber will provide plenty of power and accuracy beyond 50 yds., but it's up to YOU to make accuracy at those distances a reality. It talks lots, and lots of diligent practice.

I bounce back and forth between a couple of 4 3/4" Uberti's; one in 44 Special and one in .45 Colt. They're typically load with cast SWC's of 255 gr. and 290 gr. respectively and are plenty accurate to 75 yds. to hit the vitals of a deer.

35W

 

[onegunred]

Story has it that some idiot jerk named Custer, back in the late 1800s was riding his horse and fired his service revolver at buffalo, well he shot his horse in the head. Dumb real dumb, you know his final fate.

 

[farm23]

I have and ride horses and drive tractors. I do not shoot from horseback but do shoot from the tractor. I have ridden for over 70 years and not once shot from my horse. I probably could have but never have. In Georgia we would hunt quail from horseback but never shot from the horse. Get a 44 or 45 fixed the way you like and be happy. The cost is small when spread out over the years.

 

[Catpop]

I have and ride horses and drive tractors. I do not shoot from horseback but do shoot from the tractor. I have ridden for over 70 years and not once shot from my horse. I probably could have but never have. In Georgia we would hunt quail from horseback but never shot from the horse. Get a 44 or 45 fixed the way you like and be happy. The cost is small when spread out over the years.

Well I have shot a 35 Remington 336 Marlin from a quarter horse back in the 1960s—- and it is an experience I never intend to repeat!
However, I have since shot a number of deer from a bulldozer while clearing land and that experience was much more pleasant- to me and to the bulldozer!

 

[Birdhunter1]

I ordered the 7 1/2" Blackhawk from Grab a gun in 45 Colt yesterday. I probably won't pick it up till Monday of next week.
Now on to dies, bullets, brass and other stuff!

 

[RealGun]

I ordered the 7 1/2" Blackhawk from Grab a gun in 45 Colt yesterday. I probably won't pick it up till Monday of next week.
Now on to dies, bullets, brass and other stuff!

You wrote in part: "240gr in the 45 Colt with 15xx fps". That Blackhawk's grip is not very friendly for pushing 45 Colt that hard. It makes my knuckle hurt just thinking about it. I would think loading the top end of SAAMI spec should do just fine. Power Pistol is a favorite there.

 

[CraigC]

But that doubles the investment in the gun, and customizing all my guns is not one of my hobbies. I would not expect to get anywhere near that investment back if I sold the gun. It just works better to deal with the models that are offered or which can eventually be found in time.

Yes it does, so what? Depends on how bad you want what you want. You can continue to settle for factory offerings or you can get exactly what you want. I just about guarantee if you have Jack cut the barrel to your desired length, fit whatever grip frame you prefer and a set of custom grips along with an action job, you will not regret it.

If you have Bob's Gun Shop from up the street cut your barrel, no you probably won't get your investment back. However, if you have a nationally known gunsmith like Huntington, Bowen, Clements, Harton, Horvath, etc., do the work, you will get your money back if you sell it. For example, I sold this Bisley Vaquero by Clements last year. I got more out of it than I had invested in it, even though it had been to Clements twice with some overlapping work done. All that said, we build custom guns to get what we want, not to sell later.

 

[CraigC]

True cavalry fought from horseback. Dragoons or mounted infantry and dismounted first. The military would not go to the added expense of training cavalry only to have them fight on foot.

If you can accurately and effectively shoot a bow from horseback, surely you can do so with a sixgun. Just takes lots of practice.

 

[d2wing]

I just read a book written by a cavalry officer from the 1800's. They trained to shoot from horses and also hunted on horseback. They also had contests. The horses also had to be trained and selected for it. I am not an expert on either subject but I would not shoot from horseback. If you are willing to train your horse and yourself that's up to you, but not all horses are very steady even with training from what I have read, and my own limited experience. Likesome one said, how much do you like your horse. I have trained dogs not to be gun shy. Once shy, as in someone taking the family dog out without training they are real hard to fix. But they vary a great deal.

 

[Catpop]

I just read a book written by a cavalry officer from the 1800's. They trained to shoot from horses and also hunted on horseback. They also had contests. The horses also had to be trained and selected for it. I am not an expert on either subject but I would not shoot from horseback. If you are willing to train your horse and yourself that's up to you, but not all horses are very steady even with training from what I have read, and my own limited experience. Likesome one said, how much do you like your horse. I have trained dogs not to be gun shy. Once shy, as in someone taking the family dog out without training they are real hard to fix. But they vary a great deal.

My horse was very steady!!! That is until I dropped the hammer! Then you would have thought I shot him!
I guess I had looked at way too many westerns! I was about 12-14! Heck, I thought it was an everyday experience to a quarter horse. Western right? Problem was I guess my horse had never watched any westerns!
I never repeated the performance!

 

[Birdhunter1]

Picked it up this past Tuesday, I’ve cleaned the snot out of it and oiled and greased it and in general slicked it up.
Still waiting for dies, bullets, brass and other oddities to come in. I’m gonna experiment with Speer 250 grains Deep Curl bullets as a hunting load and possibly some 250 gr Hardcast from a local bullet manufacturer.
So far this gun feels great, gotta pick out a holster rig for it too.
In the photo is a .40 cal round that just happened to be in the bench.

 

[Catpop]

View attachment 820860 Picked it up this past Tuesday, I’ve cleaned the snot out of it and oiled and greased it and in general slicked it up.
Still waiting for dies, bullets, brass and other oddities to come in. I’m gonna experiment with Speer 250 grains Deep Curl bullets as a hunting load and possibly some 250 gr Hardcast from a local bullet manufacturer.
So far this gun feels great, gotta pick out a holster rig for it too.
In the photo is a .40 cal round that just happened to be in the bench.

Yeah that 40 SW had me scratching my head for a second or two!
What cal is it? 45 colt?

 

[Birdhunter1]

It is chambered for .45 Colt.

 

[MikeInOr]

I was pretty set on picking up a S&W 625 (45lc stainless) if I could find a used one that I could afford. After spending more than a year keeping and eye out for a 625 I found a Dan Wesson 744 (44 mag stainless) with an 8" barrel for $700 and jumped on it. I figured a 44 mag should be able to pretty much do anything a .45 colt can do.

The 8" barrel on my Dan Wesson isn't really practical for any kind of carrying... especially with the scope that came moounted on it. One of the really nice features of the Dan Wessons is that the barrels are made to be changed out in under 5 minutes by the end user, no gun smith needed. I am having a hard time deciting between a 4" or a 6" barrel for carrying in the field.

 

[murf]

beautiful weapon, birdhunter1. keep the frame screws and ejection rod housing screw tight and it should shoot as good as it looks.

murf