I’ve been reading a lot of different articles and forums that some of the Taylor’s and company and uberti revolvers can handle up to 1000fps. Then I read others that say don’t go over 900fps or standard or barely over standard pressure. I’m debating on paying $709 for a Blackhawk vs $598 for a Taylor’s and company/ uberti both 5.5” barrels. I will probably never shoot any high velocity stuff through a revolver since I use my Rossi r92 for easier hot load shooting. A big part of me says just get the ruger just in case I ever would need to go hot (again I don’t think that would happen). The other side is save the money and just get the clone. Thoughts or knowledge I’m missing? I’ve had to put this purchase on hold but am back in the market and now second guessing my original ruger thought.
SAA colt vs ruger 45colt?
- Thread starter Csinn
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ontarget
Member
I have both, and love both.
SAA is more svelte and lighter.
Ruger had much better sights.
You really cant go wrong either way.
If you want to shoot fire breathers in the future just buy another gun appropriately chambered when the time comes.
I never understood why shooters insist on pushing a cartridge beyond its intended limits when we have so many options available.
SAA is more svelte and lighter.
Ruger had much better sights.
You really cant go wrong either way.
If you want to shoot fire breathers in the future just buy another gun appropriately chambered when the time comes.
I never understood why shooters insist on pushing a cartridge beyond its intended limits when we have so many options available.
.308 Norma
Member
I'm not sure that you are "missing" any thoughts or knowledge. However, 10 or 12 years back I had the chance to get myself a genuine Colt SAA, and I could get it in either .44-40 or .45 Colt. I chose the .44-40 because I like messing around with hot, "Ruger Only" loads in my Ruger .45 Colt, and I was afraid that some of my "Ruger Only" .45 Colt loads might somehow end up in my genuine Colt SAA someday.
Not saying that could ever happen to you. I was concerned about it happening to me though.
This is a great point, that is definitely possible even as careful as I try to beI'm not sure that you are "missing" any thoughts or knowledge. However, 10 or 12 years back I had the chance to get myself a genuine Colt SAA, and I could get it in either .44-40 or .45 Colt. I chose the .44-40 because I like messing around with hot, "Ruger Only" loads in my Ruger .45 Colt, and I was afraid that some of my "Ruger Only" .45 Colt loads might somehow end up in my genuine Colt SAA someday.
Not saying that could ever happen to you. I was concerned about it happening to me though.
45 Dragoon
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The Uberti revolvers can handle 45C +p's (23K psi) so don't worry too much. They are plenty of fun to shoot!! The Pietta '73 copies aren't up to the challenge though so don't go there.
I like to shoot +p rounds in 45C and 45acp in my revolvers and find the flatter trajectory makes for extremely accurate shooting.
45C- ROA's, Uberti made Dragoons
(cylinders - Kirst)
45acp- '60 Armies (Uberti's)
( cylinders - Kirst)
Testing soon - Pietta '58 Remington in 45C (Kirst cyl).
Mike
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I have multiples of both. Neither scratches the other's itch, if you get my drift. Different guns for different purposes.
doubleh
Member
I am with Craig C on this subject. I own both and like both. I prefer the BlackHawk for it's adjustable sight for most of my shooting but the old SA Army style is great for steel plinking.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
I think the more relevant question for the Colt vs. Ruger SAA decision is which will prove more durable over years of extensive shooting.
The weakness of the original Colt design is a pair of relatively fragile flat springs -- Ruger designed his SAA with much more durable coil springs. I'm not positive but I believe Uberti uses the original Colt-type flat springs.
I've had several Uberti SAAs and still own one -- they are good guns made from modern materials. I wouldn't shy away from buying another if the urge struck me, despite knowing that a Ruger SAA will be more durable. I've got several Ruger SAAs too.
The weakness of the original Colt design is a pair of relatively fragile flat springs -- Ruger designed his SAA with much more durable coil springs. I'm not positive but I believe Uberti uses the original Colt-type flat springs.
I've had several Uberti SAAs and still own one -- they are good guns made from modern materials. I wouldn't shy away from buying another if the urge struck me, despite knowing that a Ruger SAA will be more durable. I've got several Ruger SAAs too.
.45Coltguy
Member
What Mike said regarding the Uberti and what he said about the Pietta is absolutely spot on. The replicas may need a little research, but, they are fine guns.
Thanks for pointing that out Mike.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I've had traditional sixguns since my very first in 1986. I have since bought a whole bunch more. I've replaced a broken spring exactly twice in my lifetime. Once wasn't even my sixgun but a friend's high mileage Colt Frontier Scout.
1KPerDay
Member
If you care about the experience, the 3 or 4 clicks, the original loading procedure, and the lighter, slimmer feel of an original SAA, get a Colt or Uberti or Pietta. If you don't, the Ruger. Both are quality firearms. If you want to shoot .45 Colt +P+P+P+Pppp+++ the Ruger is the only answer.
Terry G
Member
Both are present's from my Wife. If you enjoy Single action shooting either one would suit you, but the Colt is soo much more expensive that I would get the Ruger or a good clone.
.308 Norma
Member
Ha! I've told the story before about how after I got my genuine Colt SAA and was bragging about it to my wife - I held it up, slowly cocked the hammer back, and asked, "Did you hear that? That spells C-O-L-T."
That's when my Ruger fan wife held her Super Blackhawk up, slowly cocked the hammer back, and asked, "Did you hear that? That spells RU-GER."
.38 Special
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I have both, and as @CraigC notes, they are different guns and scratch different itches. My Blackhawk is a hunting gun: big, strong, ugly, and very functional. The SAA is a much lighter-duty gun - it will handle warmish loads, but there's no sense in really leaning on it.
The OP may consider what, for me anyway, does come pretty close to a perfect compromise: the Vaquero. The New Models are not as big and strong as the Old Models, Blackhawks, etc., but will still handle 1000 FPS .45 Colt loads until the end of time. And of course, they have the coil springs and other modernizations, while still holding onto most of the look and feel of the SAA. These days I find I'm shooting my Vaquero far more often than my .45 Blackhawk or SAA.
The OP may consider what, for me anyway, does come pretty close to a perfect compromise: the Vaquero. The New Models are not as big and strong as the Old Models, Blackhawks, etc., but will still handle 1000 FPS .45 Colt loads until the end of time. And of course, they have the coil springs and other modernizations, while still holding onto most of the look and feel of the SAA. These days I find I'm shooting my Vaquero far more often than my .45 Blackhawk or SAA.
LimaCharlie
Member.
I have first, second, and third generation Colt SAAs in 44-40 and 45 Colt. I have a Colt New Frontier in 44 special with adjustable sights. I have Ubertis in 45 Colt. I have Ruger Blackhawks in 357 magnum, 41 magnum, and 44 magnum. They all have their place and are fun to shoot.
I see no reason to push any gun with +P or +P+ ammo. Go to a larger caliber with standard pressure ammo.
I see no reason to push any gun with +P or +P+ ammo. Go to a larger caliber with standard pressure ammo.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
I am biased towards Ruger. The Blackhawk and the original Vaquero will handle hot (or +P) loads. The New Vaquero will not, but it’s a nice gun if you like the Colt style grip they’re nice.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I spent a good part of the day thinking about this, I guess it's been a while since I did. I get a lot more enjoyment out of shooting the Colt pattern guns, along with the S&W single actions. The New Model Rugers I shoot for more serious business, which is actually a lot less often.
Which is often same/same. The only difference is perception.
For Pete’s sake. I’m always for the historical accuracy of legendary firearms and would and did choose Uberti replicas. These Ruger modern almost replica hot dogs don’t appeal to me in the least. I like to feel a connection to the old west pistols instead of a modern designed heavy duty over built fantasy pistol. However I do respect everyone’s right to like what they like.
NeroM
Member
For me, it is about the sights - which would fit my needs better? Eyes getting a little more mature, Ruger is better. Just plinking, either is fine. Ruger is made in USA and worth the additional $$ - in 10 or 20 years - you won't remember the extra cost - but will be happy with the performance.
Another consideration is a safe action. I worry about heirs inheriting an old fashion single action revolver and not understanding how to load it safely. I own several Ruger SA revolvers. For my family and friends that enjoy them, Colt vs Ruger is a difference without distinction.
.38 Special
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I get that, and tend to fall into your camp. But as a hunter, 325 grains at 1250 fps is wonderfully comforting: the Blackhawk has its place. (Of course, now that I've quit hunting, a case full of blackpowder and a 250 grain RN seems like the peak of western civilization...)
