Ruger Birdshead 45LC or Montado?

[awpk03s]

Anybody have one of these Ruger sixguns in 45 Colt? Don't ask me why, but I really feel like a Birdshead grip frame and a 3.75" barrel would just be a hoot to shoot. This may be my next gun, but it will be a real search to find an original Old Vaquero with Birdshead grip and 3.75" barrel - or just buy a Montado and have swap the grip frame out.

So, if anybody has one, please let me know how you like yours!

[shooter]

I have the Old Model Vaquero with a 3.75" bbl, but it has the regular grip frame. I absolutely love it, but can't speak too much for the bird's head grip frame. I don't like them personally, but as far as the utility and handling of that size gun goes, you can't beat it, IMO. I know that probably didn't help all that much, but good luck in your search. You will be happy with whatever you decide, I'm sure.

[RaisinRiverRon]

I agree with Shooter, I have a regular gripframe Sheriff's Model in .45. Like that I can use "Ruger Only" loads if I want to (kinda a handful though ). Never really liked the birdshead or bisley gripframes. Kinda like a hotrod, horsepower to weight ratio can't be beat. Carries nice in a Mernickle PS2-BL. Thought about picking up an aluminum gripframe and ERH for it to make it a little more lite.

[pokey]

like the others so far i much prefer the regular grip frame.
if you have an opportunity to shoot the birdshead before you
purchase, it would be a good experience.

here's how i know,[ not as short as you want though ]

bellygun1.JPG

[Noah Zark]

I looked at a stainless Montado and a USFA Rodeo Storekeeper side by side and bought the USFA because I could NOT see the sights on the stainless Montado, particularly the rear sight. In contrast, the USFA Storekeeper's sights jumped out at me, and it went "click" four times if I cocked the hammer slowly; an added aesthetic benefit.

Point: Regardless of the grip style, first check the sights of the Montado if it's stainless.

Since then I bought a used 3.5" Cimarron Thunderer with birdshead grip in 45 Colt and I LOVE IT. You might take a look at that one.

Noah

[L_Kilkenny]

I really like (and I mean A LOT) my .32 Birdshead Ruger but don't know if I'd feel the same in a bigger caliber. Might not make a difference but it might. As for the sights.......Yes, the Ruger Stainless sights can be a bit of a chalenge.

LK

[Paladin]

Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt, 6 shooter one of my favorites in the woods. (Middle)
A custom 5 shot for heavy loads in .45 Colt with a slightly longer cylinder for heavy bullets (Bottom).
They both fit my slightly smaller hands better that almost anything else. Recoil can be a bit abusive with the hot loads in both but they shoot better than I do with both having adjustable sights. The Thunder (TOP) was one of my cowboy action guns that made me go after the others because it felt good in my hand but I did not like the sights much.