i happened on the existence of the ruger wrangler talo birdshead model a couple of weeks ago while browsing online. i like ruger single action revolvers but with regular plowhandle grips. i sold off a new vaquero 45acp and a bearcat shopkeeper years ago because of their b.h. grips. i already have and like the regular wrangler.
well, santa swung by early with a wrangler b.h. model. after a quick cleaning i took it to an indoor shooting range last week with federal automatch and cci minimag ammo, and a ruger bearcat and sr22 for comparison. i kicked myself for leaving behind my single six and regular wrangler.
the wrangler b.h. rates 9/10! my random thoughts:
3.75” is sized well, balances nicely in the hand, better than the inch longer regular wrangler, but not as comfy as a single six.
it ate everything fine, as to be expected. i had some ftf with federal in the sr22, also to be expected.
at 20’ was consistently grouping in 3-4” clusters, 3-4” to the left of my point of aim, but that is likely on me more than the piece.
the loading gate and cylinder rod were a bit sticky-tight, but pre-shooting oil and wipedown, and 150 rounds fixed alot of that.
the edges of loading gate and grips are sharp to the feel, but applying bit of fine sandpaper and grip tape solved these issues.
the wrangler b.h. is a way better shooter than the bearcat, even with the latter’s target grips. the wrangler b.h.is slightly bigger and less concealable, if the bearcat wears its regular grips, but the former is a much more pleasant and fun piece. if i were choosing one i would happily get the wrangler b.h. and save $300 bucks over a bearcat.
the wrangler’s stiff loading gate is part of a reload system that permits a free-spinning cylinder and allows the hammer to remain down while reloading. no need to cock the wrangler’s hammer to reload then decock a hammer on chambered round as in the bearcat, which is a huge safety plus and makes any wrangler an excellent training tool.
the included desantis ambidextrous, cross- and strong-side draw, holster is a well-made gem, also fits a ruger blackhawk & single six, and a s&w k-frame.
santa got mine for $264 taxfree, free shipping to my ffl, who charges $20. i subsequently saw them advertised under $250 (now out of stock, of course).
the sr22 remains my overall favorite semiauto pistol, even chambered in lowly 22lr. i can see a time in my over the horizon future when it becomes my primary defensive handgun. ten 550mph, 10” deep, reliable, handy, accurate, clustered, ice pick jabs to center mass at 20’ will then serve my humble needs.
any ruger wrangler is a fine piece, its smaller talo birdshead & holster package is even better if one is planning to carry it around alot. if you don’t have a 22lr plinking handgun, or not yet any single action revolver, a wrangler will serve you well.
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