Battle of the SASS Revolvers: Colt SA Army vs Ruger Vaquero

The Colt SA Army and Ruger Vaquero are two popular options for those looking to wet their feet in the world of Single Action Shooting Sports. With a variety of wheelguns at their disposal, what is it about these two that is so appealing for SASS shooters?
Introduced in 1873, the Colt SA Army was immediately adopted by the U.S. Army. Colt manufactured the guns until 1941 when production ground to halt in order for the company to better support the mounting war effort. At the close of WWII, the SA Army’s design was deemed obsolete with Colt closing the book on the SA Army. The revolver’s story, however, wasn’t over just yet. The 1950s gave rise to many western themed cowboy shows, resulting in the resurrection of the SA Army due to high demand. Colt introduced its second generation of SA Army in 1956 and continued churning out the revolver until 1974 when Colt, again, pulled the plug.

[@brianmoore1164]

As a third option, I would recommend Standard Manufacturing. USA made, all steel forgings and machined billet, no castings, proper old school case hardening instead of the fake chemical type, and hand fit and finished to a level that Colt has not produced in decades.

[@Leverguns50]

The Ruger vaquero is one of my favorite guns, thanks for sharing with us

[@MrIdasam]

I'm a "black gun" guy, but I love the Ruger New Vaquero. I just picked up a SS model in .357., just like the one that he's holding.

[@EricDaMAJ]

@Yousef Keagan I don't.

[@neganrex5693]

I love the Ruger vaquero to and it is my favorite of all of them for the simple reasons because they don't cost as much so more people can enjoy them with out going bankrupt, made out of better steal for them brick busting hot loads you can't put in any other Colt look alkies and Colt it's self, never had a Ruger brake down at all unlike the others and great out of the box for fast draw if you are willing to put a little more English in it. The problems with Colt is you must treat them with TLC and the company charges to much for that little Pony on the handle to be worth it. Me and my friends call the Colt six shooter the High Point of peacemakers. LOL. What sold me on the Vaquero is I got a 1956, 3.57 mag Black Hawk that was made on the very first day they started making them and the thing it never seen was a day it needed to go to the gun smith to get fixed and it's been shot and fast drawn a lot. It even has the same fire pin and 90 % bluing still on it. LOL.

[@lakeratatouille]

Spaghetti westerns and Italian manufacturers. Makes sense 🍝

[@kevlarhorne]

Bleau Hartley very underrated comment

[@ramonedetroitguam6075]

...and it makes for the best romances

[@blueduck9409]

😅

[@EricDaMAJ]

One of the Uberti importers (I forget which one) makes a replica of Clint Eastwood's gun from _The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly_ so it's appropriate. They used to sell a replica of his poncho too. You have to get your own snowflake donkey though.

[@ahmedsaeedmob771]

I see what you did there Take your upvote

[@Mk-uh4jo]

I truly love the look and feel of the real Colts and even their Italian clones, I love the feel and sound of the action with the distinct clicks and am used to the half cock to load and unload. Saying that the Ruger is probably the better gun, stronger, safer especially with six loaded and so easy to load and unload by simply opening the loading gate. I have both, a Ruger and a Cimarron 1872 Open Top and a Uberti 1873 Colt in 22 LR. I enjoy them all. Great video, Thanks!

[@Gunscom]

Happy you enjoyed it Mk.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Sturm, Ruger & Company truly answered the call for the renewed interest in the SAA with their Bearcat, the Single-Six and ultimately the Blackhawk, filling the void Colt had abandoned. Those 50s heydays of Westerns in the post WWII era created such a huge nostalgia that stands the test of time, design & purpose to this day.

[@louisfourie7756]

People who bought those guns in the 60 s wanted to experience times of gallantry

[@jimmyruger7529]

very informative for 5 minutes. Im a Ruger collector, but did not know all the details and years that he explained about the Colt history. I bought a Vaquero new in the box at a show 2 weeks ago for $500. had NO problem getting an offer for $ 600.

[@AliasMark69]

I bought last week a gun like the one you have. Mine is made by A.Uberti - Italy- Mike Harvey- Cimarron Custom Finished Detailed Model-P-5.5" 357 MAG OM CB.... (P=Peacemaker...OM=Old Model. CB=Charcoal Blue. made in 2021) It is the most Perfect, Flawless Beautiful Revolver I have ever seen. Hand polished. Custom trigger and hammer springs with 1.2 pound release, no slop. It is the most "Authentic" model PAT 1871 Original made by anyone. 4 clicks, safety position, half cock, cylinder moves/locks, trigger locks. Screw for cylinder pin hold, with adjustable positions for hammer stop safety, Original thinner site blade and "V" grove. Round "Bullseye" cartridge remover knob, Rosewood One piece grips,no screws, I put the Clint Eastwood Silver Rattlesnakes on the grips. It is solid and flawless. It looks awesome. I have the Eastwood holster, poncho, hat, shirt, vest, boots, spurs, neck scarf in my tribute display.

[@richardflaherty2373]

Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to create this informative video. I have a Henry rifle in 45 Colt and wanted to get a revolver in the same caliber. Your video was helpful.

[@blueduck9409]

You can not go wrong with the Ruger. Its built like a tank. It will easily handle the plus p loads, if you need it to fight a pack of angry grizzly bears, but will also be pleasant for target or competition. The Ruger is about $650 ish compared to colts outlandish several thousand dollars. The Ruger is far stronger than the colt, and will handle alot more wear and tear than the colt. The choice is yours, and they are both good pistols, but for the money i think the Ruger is a better deal.

[@Valor_73737]

At about 12 years old I learned to shoot a handgun with a 1st Generation Colt SAA made in 1904. I carried that gun for many years, and it saved my life in Jan, 1973! I became aware of its collector value and semi retired it in the late '80s when I bought a 3rd generation Colt SAA which I still carry daily! I do have a Vaquero, but it is the first generation model on the Blackhawk frame and slightly bigger and heavier than the Colts. The advantage of the Vaquero is the ability to safely carry 6 rounds compared to the 5 in the Colts. The disadvantage, besides the weight, is the ejector rod does not quite clear the empty cases from the chamber as the Colts do. I am not sure if the new, slightly smaller Vaqueros have that problem!

[@leonvanderliner]

That is quite something to think about if it saved your life in 1973. I can only imagine how that went down. It's also a bit uncanny since I believe they went into production in 1873. To think this old gun would be such a help 100 years later!

[@Valor_73737]

@@leonvanderliner I never thought about the 100 year connection! Yes, they did go into production in 1873! Starting in about 1901 they were upgraded to handle smokeless powder. The black powder models have a screw in the front of the frame to hold the cylinder base pin and a round ejector rod tab. The Old Colt is chambered in .38 WCF, or as .38-40. That was the original cartridge for the Winchester Model 73! Bullet is actually .41 caliber, 185 gr., and was originally over 40 gr. fffg black powder. Still my number 1 favorite firearm. I still shoot it from time to time, but its newer sister in .45 LC is my everyday carry gun. The incident in '73 was an encounter with an armed home intruder in the middle of the night in the dark. He missed, I didn't.

[@neganrex5693]

I have a 1884 Colt 45 six shooter my kids named Trump ( Trump 45 ) that has the name of the ranch it once belonged to and the cowboys used for an emergence brake on out of control Horses if needed. It now is only good for show and tell and I allow people from time to time to shoot it so they can say they shot a real wild west cowboy gun that was used by a real life 1800's cowboy. Getting these old guns always make sure if you don't no what you are looking for show it to a gun smith for the ok before you pull that trigger because nasty things you don't want can happen.

[@Valor_73737]

@@neganrex5693 Your Colt is black powder only!

[@neganrex5693]

@@Valor_73737 That is what I was told before I got it and that's what I always used when i made it's loads. The people that shot it always thought it was cool to watch the smoke come out of the barrel. The problem with that is it's hard to see what you hit after the second shot and the wife makes me clean it outdoors because she thinks it smell like a beer fart. LOL.

[@SlickSixguns]

Owned and shot both I prefer the new vaqueros for competition as they have stronger springs and are quite customizable for speed of the game if I want to be more traditional and historically correct I would choose a Colt SAA that does not mean they can’t be fast I just see more options with a vaquero

[@southernexposure123]

Thanks. You answered all the questions I knew I should ask at this point in time,

[@lennie2651]

I shot sass for 6 or 7 years back in late 80s to early 90s.we shot like they would have back in the day,no slicked up guns ,then some decided winning was every thing.now people get up tight if they don't win.the fun was gone.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

I plan on getting a Ruger Vaquero or Blackhawk and when I do I won't mess with it. Just learn to shoot like a man, or real cowboy would have. My other Ruger revolvers have stock triggers as well.

[@carolannesparkman6938]

Thanks for the video!

[@MarkMphonoman]

Very informative video. Thank you. 👍

[@MrIdasam]

I just happened to be sitting here holding my Ruger New Vaquero when I clicked on this.

[@jimmyruger7529]

they are very sweet, I sold mine only to buy a new Marlin 357 Mag. on sale. however I still own 2 of the Ruger SP101 and 1 of the very first year Security--Six from 1972. One can not go wrong coming home from a gun show with a RUGER !

[@Elvis68spec]

Go Colt, go! I'm a Hughe Colt Fan! Great video!

[@deniscleaver7544]

Great report, thanks

[@Lex10999]

Great video. Thanks

[@axelfoleyt]

Great high quality video

[@braysanborn6000]

Years ago the "old" Vaquero was to large , Colt cost to much so I bought consecutive # Uberti Cattlemans case hardened In 357, slicked them up..eventually engraved and griped them in Stag . I think they are beautiful shoot great and they have been great guns to me for several years .Still love these things ! To each thier own .

[@DavidHBurkart]

Uberti and Piettas are highly crafted, as well-built as anything this side of the pond. I would agree the Rugers are inheremtly stronger overall, but for action shooting loads it all comes down to personal preference

[@sonnyshoup1929]

I have an “old” Vaquero and I like the extra strength that comes from more Steele.

[@glennhummell7676]

Hey Skinny, just found this, good review pard !

[@nachos_70firebird66]

Couldn't afford a Colt Single Action went instead with a Ruger Super Blackhawk . 44 Magnum

[@randallbyrd1973]

I like the Ruger.,Awesome video TY for sharing

[@terrysmith8714]

Thank you. Cheers

[@Gunscom]

Our pleasure!

[@kennethtodtenhagen6087]

Colt is a great brand and I do love them but I could not justify keeping a gun that I sold for 3k. I had a 3rd gen, I also have a Cimmaron, a Taylor Drifter with octagon barrel, and a Ruger new Vaquero. If I was blindfolded and you gave me the Colt and the Taylor, I couldn't tell them apart(other than the barrel), fit and finish, action, weight all the same. The Cimmaron is a Pietta, excellent fit and finish but the trigger was like breaking a 2x4(having that rectified now), and the Ruger. The Ruger fit and finish is flawless, the action is precise, the lock up is right on and it is beautiful (stainless with mahogany grips), the only thing I don't like is the grips are too thin and cannot seem to find replacements the don't have a weird design. The Colt was beautiful no doubt but it was a problem child. Broke 2 springs, 1 pin, and had it lock up at half cock and it wouldn't move, nothing moved. It would not come apart either, I had to hand it to my gunsmith loaded in between chambers at half cock.. $480.00 later(repair and polish gouge on cylinder from lock up), I was afraid to take it to the range but I did and timing was off. I had it fixed and traded it for a Colt Python AND a Anaconda. I will take my Ruger and my imports over any Colt saa, hands down, never had 1 issue with any of them and have run hundreds of rounds through them. If I was going to put them in order of quality and accuracy: Ruger, Taylor by Uberti, then the Cimmaron by Pietta (we will see once they finish with it). Save your money boys and it will save some serious embarrassment at the range.

[@stepabove2136]

I've got them all but to me there's nothing like holding a colt.

[@chillios2222]

without guys like you history would be getting buried forever, thank you guys for what you do

[@Vincerama]

Ruger modified the Vaquero into the New Vaquero. The original Vaquero was larger than a Colt SAA since it was originally a blackhawk. The NV is smaller and more Colt like in it's handling. Also important is that the Rugers have trasfer bar safeties, which makes it safer to load all six rounds in the cylinder. I believe one of the more modern Colt SAA verions had a transfer bar too, but I'm not sure when that was.

[@johnharris8191]

"If it is not a Colt, it is just a copy"

[@scvandy3129]

When viewing the two models in profile the first thing I notice is the placement of the trigger on a Colt Single Action Army is nearer the rear the trigger guard whereas the Ruger Vaquero's is closer to the middle. Re the latter this might present a problem when gloved hands OR extremely large hands' large trigger / index fingers compromise the shooting experience. You will also notice the difference in trigger's placement within the trigger guard with some of the contemporay Italian Colt Single Action Army clones whose internal adjustments eliminate one of the four, traditional, century-and-a-half old 'clicks' -- when pulling back the hammer. Speaking of differences relevant to purists and/or Cowboy Action Shooters 20 inches was the barrel length on the carbine version of Winchester's infamous 1873. Then, why oh why, is nearly ever contemporary '73 clone manufactured with 19" barrels? In contrast the 20-inch barrel on carbine versions of Winchester's Model 1892 are duplicated -- 20 inches -- with the Italian and Brazilian clones. What in the world -- U.S., Italy, Brazil -- is behind those differences?!

[@JoseyWales44s]

Then there is the Vaquero vs the New Vaquero, which has more in common with the Colt SAA in terms of dimensions than the Blackhawk.

[@rexcaspian9665]

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[@vivaanezequiel9787]

@Rex Caspian instablaster =)

[@rexcaspian9665]

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[@rexcaspian9665]

@Vivaan Ezequiel It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my ass !

[@vivaanezequiel9787]

@Rex Caspian No problem :D

[@thomasdissell9990]

love them both

[@enricomandragona163]

No mention of the new Frontier!!??

[@mrd9720]

I can't afford a colt unfortunately. So i opted for a heritage 22 and 45.

[@anotherrandomtexan25]

They're actually pretty decent especially for the price! N besides practice is more important anyway!

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Didn't know they made a centerfire single action, so I checked out Heritage's site. Very interesting.

[@nasajetpropulsionlaborator8727]

bum. did you pay for it using ebt?

[@nasajetpropulsionlaborator8727]

@@anotherrandomtexan25 dont lie to him. heritage sucks balls. their frames are made of pot metal that cracks after 500 shots

[@nasajetpropulsionlaborator8727]

@Robert Thompson do you want me to apologize for not being a poor piece of shit? not all of us are bottom of the barrel genetic dead ends

[@maxswain4011]

filmmaker Sergio Leone visited the Uberti factory in the 1960s to procure replica Civil War and Old West revolvers for use in all his Western films including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West and that's good enough for me!

[@HighFalutinTootin]

Love both pistols

[@Jeff-fc3tw]

I chose the Vaquero because it has a Transfer bar making it safe to carry 6. Also price.....

[@0neDoomedSpaceMarine]

I really love that Cowboy movies brought the 1873 back from the dead.

[@bobsradio6025]

I don't compete in Cowboy Action events, but I do work on my guns. Therefore I prefer the Colt type (Uberti) because it is so easy to take apart and reassemble, besides many of the parts are interchangeable with the 1851, 1860 & 1861 Colts. Since I do not compete, the Ruger I prefer is the Blackhawk with adjustable sights for several reasons. One reason being that I have Henry Big Boy rifles in .357, .44 & .45 LC and Ruger Blackhawks to pair up with them. So I like both the Uberti Colt clones and the Ruger Blackhawks, but not the Vaquero. One of these days I may introduce my Uberti clone to my mini mill and put adjustable sights on it, but I would NEVER do that to a real Colt. I know better than to ruin it's value.

[@neganrex5693]

The vaquero is a stronger gun than colts and cost less. The colt has a little horse on the handle and cost more than it's worth. Yep i take my vaquero and 56 Blackhawk ( that was made the very first day Blackhawk came of the line ) out for a fast draw and leave my colt hanging because it will fall apart again. Never have that problem with Ruger's. If you love given your money to a gunsmith than stick with the little horse on the handle. No wonder cowboys in the 1800's never had in real life a high-noon fast draw gunfight but if they had Ruger's they may have had one or two in wild west history.

[@jsmith7013]

I don't own a colt ssa but of course wish I had one. I do however have many ruger vaqueros (not new model) and just love the high gloss stainless. I also appreciate the fact that the ruger if needed will digest pretty much anything including large bullets with plus p loads. Great guns. I wish colt would get their heads on and produce the same quality they did decades ago. No reason why they can't bring the saa back. Colt has been going downhill for a while. Too bad to crap on their own history like that.

[@blueduck9409]

My vaquero bites my finger everytime. Thats the only thing i do not like about it. Other than that, its highly accurate, extremely rugged, reliable. Bill Ruger really knew what he was doing. He was a very gifted engineer.

[@SLAMTRON]

Hi John, I own a set of unfired 5.5" barrel Uberti SASS in .45 LC with lowered, wider (maybe short stroke?) 4-click hammer, and wish to sell them, I just don't know where best to list them.

[@Gunscom]

Let us make you an offer. Go on our site. There's a section there where you can submit.

[@acegunner7025]

Ues arms list or gun brokers. Dont take 30% from most places who wany to buy and resell it

[@walksfletcher]

Cowboy Shooting actually started more then 35yrsago.

[@michaelstoeckel2954]

apparently, it started in the 1800s ;-)

[@villyvassel6295]

Elvis action shooting the king loved guns,

[@jeffreyelliott622]

Although not a Colt SAA revolver Colt also made a clone of they're own catering to the cowboy action shooting sports and it was called the Colt Cowboy Colt .45colt !!! It was a single action revolver shooting 6 shots in 4 3/4 , 5 1/2 and also the 7 1/2 in barrels !!! It was made for only 5 years during 1999 to 2003 !!! This model is going up in value as well if you find one new in box for $1600 to $1800 dollars you're doing good !!! And the 3rd generation Colt .45 SAA today is running in the $2500 to $3000 dollar price range !!!! I was happy to pick both of mine up years ago for $800 dollars and $1000 dollars !!! So I feel pretty good with that investment purchases !!!! Oh yes and I did have a former world champion fast draw gunsmith trick out my Cowboy model !!!! And the best for the SAA model was tricked out by the late great Bob Munden himself before he passed away !!!!

[@scottscheuerman6170]

Better than wearing out a colt which I believe holster wear is lot worse than shooting them the Italian clones have got better over the years I love my colt single action army’s and would rather use a Pietta or Uberti for my cowboy action guns 3rd generation guns like you said are getting more pricey all the time

[@eileenmccort2035]

Whats the difference from a SASS Rugar to Rugar that does not say SASS on it?

[@vincentlok8894]

Ruger made some "SASS" Vaqueros that come in a pair, with consecutive serial numbers, and they says "SASS" on them, but they also have a different lower hammer spur. I think they are hammers form the Ruger "Montado". In anycase, the hammer spur is lower and wider than standard Vaquero hammers. Some find it easier to shoot one handed with the lowered hammers. (You can also buy and install Ruger Super Blackhawk hammers in a New Vaquero to get lower hammers). It's possible that the SASS versions might be "slicked up" inside, but I don't know about that.

[@villyvassel6295]

You can load 6 shells safely in the Ruger,

[@66smithra]

True and note that for Cowboy Action shooting it's a moot point because all revolvers can only be loaded with 5.

[@TommygunNG]

@@66smithra Yeah, fine. Sounds like a concession to the SAA's inexcusable fault. In REAL use, though, the transfer bar hands the competition to Ruger on the first round. And the sixth.

[@66smithra]

@@TommygunNG it’s a concession to reality. That’s the way things were in the old west and SASS tries to recreate the guns of the old west into their rules.

[@TommygunNG]

@@66smithra A reality based on the SAA, which is considered actually to have been a step backward in firearm safety. Some revolvers had provision for resting the hammer between chambers. Nonetheless, there is no excuse in modern times for them to be produced without transfer bars or other comparable safeties. As I recall, the "Colt Cowboy" was a SAA reproduction with one, but was only produced for a few years around the turn of this century. Indeed, if firearms were regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (which they aren't, being removed from its perview in the 1970s due to attempts at backdoor gun control by the agency), such would likely be required in all firearms. I'm surprised litigation hasn't forced something from a "state of the art" cause of action. And to Villy Vassel's point, the Vaquero still has that very real advantage in its intended 2A use. "The Second Amendment ain't about games."

[@66smithra]

@@TommygunNG What in the world are you rambling about? What kind of dork would want a classic SAA to be mutilated with a "transfer bar?" Why did you think Colt stopped making the "Cowboy?" Because no one wanted it! Why in the world would you be calling for the government to Nanny up our classics with lame "feel good" safeties? Hammers resting on notches were the accepted way of carrying firearms for decades and decades. Look at the Winchester lever actions. They all are the same! They used a half-cock notch as their "safety" and certainly weren't drop safe. The SAA is PERFECTLY safe with 5 loaded. If you want a modern rendition, Ruger has filled that niche since the 1950s. The SAA is one of the most beloved guns in history. It has quirks, but that's one reason people love it. If Colt got rid of the classic 4-click action it would go over terribly, and there are millions of originals out there with the classic action already.

[@Khorsathedark]

The powder charges used in Cowboy action are one of the things that has always kept me away.

[@stantrien8106]

It would be cool to one day see a competition that would be to CAS what HEMA is to fencing. It would be about who could get a killing shot on a human target at a realistic distance, not "who can get a round off first by a mico-second and hit a broad side of a barn at ten feet" as in cowboy action shooting.

[@walksfletcher]

@@stantrien8106 Cowboy Shooting has changed enormously since it's inception. In the mid 1990's it all changed as the combat shooters discovered it. Calibers got smaller, bullets & powder charges got lighter. Targets got much bigger and a whole lot closer. The first match I ever shot had 6" rifle targets at 50yrds and 4" revolver targets at 50ft.

[@maximilianullrich7127]

a ruger is like a kuckucks-watch

[@villyvassel6295]

The Vaquero would be my choice,

[@markchambers2812]

I’m looking for a Ruger SA right now in 357/38sp

[@joaofabres8]

A Ruger Vaquero Inox 357 is in the store here in Brazil for 20 minimum wages, a shame.

[@HalloweenStalker666]

I bought a Ruger Single Six 5.50" in .22 LR/ WMR. Next, I'm buying a Ruger Vaquero 4.62" in .357 Already own my modern sp101 & gp100s .357s

[@ozarkliving8754]

I bought a ANIB never fired Colt SAA 45LC John Wayne commemorative yesterday. Ordered ammo this morning and I'm going to take it to Busiek Woods outdoor public range and fire it .

[@shanek6582]

Does colt currently make a gen3 or do they still make a single action at all?

[@charlescomly1]

I know several guys who have gen 3's, they tell me there available by order and can take some time to arive, be prepared to spend around $1300.

[@bibbyman2]

@@charlescomly1 For some reason brand new Colt SAA are becoming available in good numbers and selling at or slightly below MSRP.

[@danielboggan2479]

bibbyman2 the reason is colt is borderline bankrupt

[@danielboggan2479]

Yes colt still makes them. I think you have to order it and wait a good long while though, and have ~1500 you can part with

[@hubertwalters4300]

@@danielboggan2479 I think Colt has been bought by CZ a Czech firearms company.

[@DanSaso]

It’s prettier than a Blackhawk

[@brianwinters5434]

I love the old model vaquero and the blackhawk for their strength and feel. I know this puts me in a minority but to me the colt single action army and the luger are very poor pointers and I do not like the colts feel or handling.

[@TommygunNG]

Three words: Transfer bar safety. Ruger wins. Next video.

[@EricDaMAJ]

It ought to. But some re-enactors really do like the "load one, skip one, load 4 thing" authenticity. Since they're never gonna use it in a real gunfight, I guess it makes no difference. Still odd though.

[@TommygunNG]

@@EricDaMAJ A clerk at gun shop said they were obsessed with authenticity. We both agreed that in terms of appearance and operation, that was totally cool. But when a simple internal alteration could so substantially increase safety... No. Truth is, such safeties should be mandated. But given past efforts at backdoor gun control through safety regs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has no authority over firearms. Aside: As for never using one in a real gunfight, that's not necessarily true of the Ruger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnaZlWuBZp1-sLs

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@TommygunNG I made an observation (some re-enactors prefer authenticity) not a statement that I agree with their preference ("It ought to.") So again, transfer bar safeties are good. Single action pistol is suboptimal for gunfighting unless you have mad skills with them (some do). It's still better than a sharp stick.

[@correctpolitically4784]

@@TommygunNG I would absolutely defend my self home and family with a Ruger 6. I wouldn't think 2x about it.

[@sortedevaras]

I wish I could afford Colt, I can buy two Rugers for same price as a cheap one and it has the best warranty in the gun market.

[@blueduck9409]

Ruger is one of the very best on the market period. Quality is better too.

[@vincentlok8894]

Rugers have transfer bar safeties in them. I think one version of the Colt SAA might have as well, but in anycase, with the Ruger, you can safely load 6 rounds in the gun. With (old SAA) you should load only 5 and leave the hammer on the empty cylinder. I believe Colts also have the firing pin on the hammer? Correct me if I'm mistaken.

[@larryrobinson6914]

Ruger fine gun and much cheaper than colt. Great in loop holster

[@jpb1231000]

Can I use a Blackhawk instead of a Vaquero in matches...

[@maverickfox4102]

I have a Ruger New Vaquero in .45LC.

[@rickmartin9245]

Same here. It's my first SAA. I made a real smart choice in buying the Vaquero. Just about as good as a Colt, but much safer and cheaper without sacrificing quality. Plus you can load and hold six rounds SAFELY!

[@maverickfox4102]

@@rickmartin9245 that’s the reason why I bought it so that I would be able to load all 6 rounds.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

With the Colt you're paying for the name, no thanks.

[@0neDoomedSpaceMarine]

Yeah. Old Colts are fine guns, but the stuff they've been making in the 21st century generally leave a lot to be desired, considering what you pay for them.

[@blueduck9409]

I have heard from reliable sources, that all the Colt parts are made by Uberti in Italy. Colt just goes over them before installing them. ... this would not surprise me.

[@74stevedc]

Not necessarily true hicock 45 compared them, your paying for action fit and finish. A $600 dollar gun and a $3,000 dollar are similar that they both go bang but go about it differently. I don't have either but would like to some day,. Nothing wrong with a $600 gun but to say it's the same or just as good is not the case.

[@barefoofDr]

Give a S&W Number 3 in .45 Colt any day of the week. They are much faster to reload.

[@brianwinters7669]

Roger forever

[@jcall1982]

I sure do love the look of the vaqueros (and the overbuilt hardiness) but I can't bring myself to carry and shoot a single action with a transfer bar (or that silly firing pin safety they put in uberti's these days) These "lawyer parts" take away from the historical cool factor for me. YMMV

[@keiththomas3141]

Thanks for the video. I love single action revolvers. I'd love to own a Colt 1st or 2nd generation, but instead I shoot a Uberti replica but it's a good gun. I'm used to the feel of it and that's what counts. Not interested in Vaqueros.

[@razorseal]

Too bad no Vaquero in 44-40 :(

[@MercyMinister]

The .44 WCF is a very good cartridge and will perform well. However, the cost of factory ammo is very high and reloaders have been told that it is a difficult cartridge to reload. The first part is true. Reloading the cartridge is not difficult at all.

[@walksfletcher]

The Original Vaquero's were made in .44WCF, .44Mag, .45Colt & .357Mag The New small Vaquero is made in .45Colt & .357Mag, with a few in .44Mag

[@walksfletcher]

@Robert Thompson Who cares ?

[@walksfletcher]

@Robert Thompson I doubt it. The 9mm is only an advantage if you don't load your own, a savings that allows you to shoot cheaper 9mm. I can still load .38/.357 at less cost then cheap imported 9mm. Had a Blackhawk convertible for 45yrs. Shot maybe 20rds of 9mm in it. Just don't see the need for it. Sub par accuracy too. Some SASS classes only allow RIMMED ammo too.

[@walksfletcher]

@Robert Thompson We are all entitled to our own opinion. I also have both Old & New Vaquero's in .45Colt. New Vaq & NM Blackhawk in .45ACP/.45Colt. That combination I can see.

[@SuperVorpalbunny]

Once you see an exploded diagram of a Ruger, you will realize why a Colt SAA or Colt Clone is (IMO) preferrable for competition. I can frame strip a Colt SAA between rounds, and the parts failure rate is minumized by its internal minimalistic design. Ruger is a fine revolver, but just my 2 cents.

[@tundralou]

What’s a REAL Colt SA Army value in great shape i think it’s 1876. The handgrips are too small for a big handed guy

[@villyvassel6295]

Or better the New Vaquero,

[@juancarlosbelletti6335]

Me molesta mucho cuando dicen vaqueros !!1espaguetti!! ESO no se dice porque es menospreciar a los italianos . Su manufactura en materia de armas es MUCHAS VECES SUPERIOR A LA AMERICANA así que no me parece correcto que menosprecien de esa Manera

[@MM-gm2yk]

Standard Mfg SAA are very well built may be the best SAA on the market

[@MercyMinister]

And? This video was not about the Standard SAA.

[@MM-gm2yk]

@@MercyMinister Yes it was

[@enjoypool4052]

Why Colt doesn't update the internals (Keep the 4 click), and keep the external the same is beyond me. Colt should own SASS competition; John Wayne never said "Draw that Ruger!". Although credit Ruger the new vaquero is very nice. To bad Ruger doesn't offer a nicer finish and rubber grips like the Colt.

[@blueduck9409]

You can get rubber grips for the Ruger. I have seen imitations of the Colt style rubber grips,and modern rubber grips by Pachmayer and Hogue. The newer model grips are like a slice of heaven in your hand. Super soft, and absorbent of excess recoil.

[@enjoypool4052]

@@blueduck9409 I hear you I'm just tired of spending X amount of dollars on a firearm knowing I will have to spend more dollars for grips. I do like the older wood grips for ruger I do not like the so called "Gunfighter" grips and despise what they call rubber grips. I do not like the finger grooved rubber grips of any brand.

[@blueduck9409]

@@enjoypool4052 I totally understand. For me, any firearm always includes X amount of dollars on upgrades and accessories. I feel like every pistol needs its own holster, every rifle a saddle scabbard, or some type of cover. Then there are grips, slings, chokes, cartridge belts, pistol belts, ect, ect. It is a hassle sometimes, but i believe it increases the value of any firearm, or collection when you have everything outfitted.

[@blueduck9409]

@@enjoypool4052 and i have seen modern rubber pistol grips with out finger grooves. I dont really care for the finger grooves myself.

[@enjoypool4052]

@@blueduck9409 I often price a firearm by the cost of amunition and accessories. I would pay extra if the main production companies had a one stop full service custom shop services. Trouble I find is there are individual gunsmiths who do offer services, but the wait time is usually a deal breaker for me and a lot of what they offer doesn't interest me. Quite often you might have to send one firearm to more then one guy with long wait times at each stop. I don't feel like I'm asking for the moon here grips that fit your hand, sights that are easy to see and a smooth trigger seem pretty standard requirements to me. Oh, and I haven't started on rifles and what passes for a "custom" rifle smith most of them should call themselves "assemblers" of parts rather then a custom gunsmith.

[@georgegeeseman6652]

You might as well use wax blanks.never understood using a full size strong pistol with girly loads.

[@blooeagle5118]

I'd buy the Vaquero first. If they are the same firearm, you are paying for the Colt name. I can wait to own a Colt.

[@daleweller5193]

Unless Colt has really gone down hill there is no comparison between a Colt and a Ruger.

[@chuckcrooks2114]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Hooooooooooooooooooooo Skinny!

[@TheJoker-xw8zg]

Lol, as much as I hate Colt (mostly for how they treat their customer base)... this isn't even a fair contest. Colt Single Action Revolvers are (*imo*) the more iconic single action revolvers ever made. So as much as I'd love to give it to Ruger, or really anyone but the scumbag corporation that is Colt, but this isn't even a fair matchup. Maybe the Ruger outperforms the Colt in every measurable way... but you don't buy a single action revolver for home defense, you buy it to do some cowboy action shooting. In which case, you'll look much cooler shooting a Colt Single Actions, much as it pains me to say lol.

[@blueduck9409]

I would not hesitate to use my Ruger for home defense. Just sayin.

[@bthompson1767]

Vaquero isn’t close to a colt 1873 uberti is

[@johnsmith-by3yg]

colt colt we heard all that already. all you colt lovers try a blind fold test shooting/ more than colt has 4 clicke clicks