NEED HELP Cowbow six shooter??? which one

[Countless0]

Anyone have a preference as to the six gun I should look at, Navy Arms, Cimarron,EMF

[C. Cash]

I'm not among the SA gurus here, but I will start off by saying that Ruger makes a stout pistol, but also hear good things about USFA revolvers. I've shot my Rugers much over the years, and except for the turn line on the cylinder, I can't even get them to look used.

[kimwcook]

My thoughts are, what you plan on doing with it will dictate the direction you need to go. You didn't say.

[Griff]

My thoughts are, what you plan on doing with it will dictate the direction you need to go. You didn't say.

+1

With that said, here's a general rundown of the differences:

For resale value: Colt.

For rugged dependability: Ruger, USFA, Freedom Arms. Colt if you get a NEW one. There was a time in the early '90's when Colt's QA was less than dependable and the product reflected that.

For being able to load, pull the hammer, pull the trigger and have it go "BANG" with fair regularity, anything is likely to fulfill the bill. Note, I put the emphasis on the "...with fair regularity."

But, if you're thinking of competing with a SA in something like cowboy action shooting or fast draw, you will have very different needs. For fast draw, I'd only consider a Ruger... and they need modifying to live in that sport, unless you're just going to dabble in it. Then, maybe a stock Ruger would be reliable enough.

For cowboy action shooting, you can probably get away one of the premium models from any of the importers. I'd rate them as EMF's "Great Western IIs" as tops, next the Taylor's "Smoke Wagon", and lastly the Cimarron "Evil Roy's". For most competitors these would probably fill the bill. For very serious competition, even these will need more work, IMO. But... and it's a bigun; with these or a Colt, USFA, or Ruger, you've got the basis upon which to build. For some of the other model imports, I think you'll be spending more to keep them tuned and in working order than you would in buying the slightly higher quality to begin with.

Note, I said "SERIOUS" competition. You CAN buy the el cheapo an' compete... maybe even finish the 1st day without a breakdown. Ain't nothin' cast in stone. But, stock guns are likely to break down. Even under what seems like rather light duty. One day's of competition for my Colt's are 30 rounds apiece. That's likely twice what an original saw in a month, maybe much, much more than twice! And that o' cowboy probably wasn't trying to fire 5 rounds in less than 5 seconds. That's where the substantially increased wear and tear on cowboy guns come from.

Good luck with your new cowboy gun.

[Hobie]

My thoughts are, what you plan on doing with it will dictate the direction you need to go. You didn't say.

+1

+1 and budgeted funds, too.

[two bit okie]

For cas, plinking, and some cases personal defense, the new Vaquero or any of the colt clones should be fine. If you are considering being in territory with unfriendly beasties that can bite back, go with either the vaquero (not NV) or a super blackhawk, or blackhawk in 45 lc or the freedom arms to take advantage of heavier loads available.

I have 4 vaqueros that I shot cas with, and still plink with them. but I have some heavy 3 18 gr hard cast, and some 185 gr Hornady xtp's that would ruin the nv which is a lighter frame.

You need to choose that the end mission is.

[76/444]

Ruger, Ruger, or a Ruger would be my only suggestion.

[O.S.O.K.]

Will add another "depends" - on what you want it for. Since you're mentioning makers of primarily traditional fixed-sight Colt clones, I figure that's what you're after. US Firearms is my first pick followed by Cimaron.

As to what model - really does depend on the intended use(s). I prefer the shorter tubed models for CAS - no more than 5 1/2" long. Most new CAS shooters are choosing 38 Special these days - from what I hear - for cost and low recoil. If you want this for shooting longer range then a 7 1/2 traditional military model in 45 Colt would be cool.

And also consider that a fixed sight revolver will usually need some tuning to shoot exactly to point of aim with your chosen load and once you get it set, that's pretty much what you need to shoot out of it if you want precise sighting. I'm talking about rotating the barrel/filing the front sight - one or both to adjust poi. Sometimes you get lucky and they'll be sighted for standard CAS loads out of the box - or close enough...

For general plinking and hunting, I would steer you towards an adjustable sighted revolver in a caliber appropriate for your uses. Ruger is coming out with a 44 Special flat top that's like the Lipsey's special run from what I hear. A 44 Mag Ruger Blackhawk is very versitile as well. Ditto for the 45 Colt BH - the 44 Spcl and 45 Colts are best if you handload but there are hotter hunting loads available for both...

Here's my Lipsey's Ruger New Black Hawk 44 Special - "flat-top" - I really like this revolver.

[Ysabel Kid]

Welcome aboard. As others noted, all depends on what you are going to use it for, how much, what kind of loads, and your budget. For a strong as a rock working single-action it is hard to beat a Ruger Blackhawk. Over-engineered and built to last forever and a day. If you want a "classic" sixgun, and your budget can handle it, go with the Colt. If you are looking for something economical, I have had very good luck with the Uberti clones.

Good luck!!!

[Hankster]

I think you'll find a lot of those "other name" sixguns all have them made by Uberti.. now if they pay to have "higher quality" parts/assembly done I can't say for sure. My "Navy Arms" 58 Remington is a "Uberti".... And I have a Navy Arms SAA clone by them also. Shoots quite well, to point of aim etc. Love it! Taurus also makes the "Gaucho"... seen good reviews on it, but have not owned or shot one myself....( I DO have 2 dbl action Taurus's one in .22 and one in .357 and have had NO issues with either, and they have been used a LOT) My Father in Law has a Ruger Bisley in 45... it's built like a TANK!! LOL.....