Single action army clones - suggestions?

[Sandcut]

Howdy, y'all!

I've been thinking about getting a Colt SAA clone in .357 magnum for quite a while. Having recntly bought a Ruger Wrangler, I remembered just how much I like the style. I used to have an Uberti Lawman in .45LC, but it was too expensive to shoot.

One of my LGSs has a Traditions .357 magnum with a 5.5" bbl and the oversized grips and it appears to be made very well. I've almost bought it a couple of times.

https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/c...rontier-Series



My question is: what are some decent, inexpensive SAA revolvers out there? Not just single action, like Ruger Blackhawks, more like real SAAs, like the Vaquero.

Photos help. What you like/dislike. Where you got it. How much was it.

Thanks

[rkrcpa]

If the Vaquero is in the running then I would get a Vaquero, no question. Can't beat the value of a Ruger.

[jthrelf]

Uberti cattleman II or El Patron hands down. Smooth actions and they look very nice. The floating firing pin is a nice feature though not 'correct' - more correct than a transfer bar though!

[MattMPA]

I have an Uberti E Patron in .357 that I particularly like. Fit and finish is exceptional and the action is very smooth. I would agree with jthreif about firing pin.

I also have a Ruger New Vaquero .357 that's a special Talo edition if memory serves. It's polished stainless with special grips with a star pattern.

Both are very good in their own way, and it's a bit hard to describe, but the Uberti feels more like a sports car, while the Ruger is heavier and bigger.

My suggestion would be to get a feel for either...you can't go wrong either way.

[Ronin]

For sheer ruggedness and reliability, Ruger Vaquero all the way. You're going to pay more, but I think it's worth it. For something a bit closer to the original SAA, any Uberti/Cimarron 1873 clone will work. Both are made at the same Uberti factory in Italy. Cimarron QCs the Uberti guns once they reach the US, hence the higher price. Before the pandemic, you could find used Uberti's for $400 pretty easily. Not sure about now.

[Ecclectic Collector]

The real question here is do you want something fun that is more historical in weight, handling qualities or just the appearance of the old west.

Both Uberti and Pietta made single actions are very nice guns. They are retailed by a variety of wholesalers, each whom has something to offer. Cimarron or Taylor and Company are both good in that regards. Even their low end budget line (plainer finish) are authentic in that you get a gun that has the right feel and uses the majority of parts an original Colt Model P has in its design. The balance on a Model P is different than the Ruger which to me is heavier and clunkier. On the other hand it is hard to find fault with the sheer ruggedness of Rugers.

I like the .38/.357 caliber as well because it is fun to shoot, easy to reload for and off the shelf ammo costs about half of what .45 LC or .44-40 costs.


Here is a link to Cimarron's Pistolero page: MSRP is under $500
https://www.cimarron-firearms.com/pi...-4-3-4-in.html

Here's Taylor and Company's basic gun at MSRP $503
https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/hand....html?___SID=U

[Hoppy]

I’ll throw in 2 cents. I have a Ruger new vaquero stainless 4 5/8” .357.
Great revolver. They are smaller than the original vaquero, (I had one) supposed to be closer to the SAA.
Still one of my favorites.

[Brick]

If you get really lucky and stumble across a USED U.S. Firearms Rodeo or anything scarf it right up!

[Ecclectic Collector]

Just loving all the affection for the single action! There is just something about them....