Time to re-evaluate handgun choice

[jrdudas]

I am new to CAS and after extensive research decided to buy a Stoeger 12 Ga., a Marlin 1894, and Ruger Vaquero's.  I have acquired the rifle and the shotgun, but am rethinking the Rugers.  As you know, Ruger just changed to a new design for the Vaquero.  I checked at my local gun store today and they said the old design is no longer available from their supplier, and the new ones are out-of-stock and on backorder.  I got a price quote; $469 each plus tax.  So, if they were available that brings the cost up to roughly $1000.  That's just too steep for me.  While I am impressed by what I read about the Ruger, there must be other guns out there that will fit my needs.  I don't see myself being very competitive because I am really more interested in accuracy than speed.  Having said that, I'm thinking that the Ruger may be the Cadillac of the SA's and maybe there are less expensive SA's that will still have acceptable performance.  So, can anyone recommend other manufacturers for SA guns.  I will be shooting .38 Special.

Thanks in advance, 

JR

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Try looking at the ones being brought in by Charles Daly, made by Pietta. Generous rear sights, from what I've seen of them and what pards have posted, quality is pretty good..........Buck

[Silver Creek Slim]

If you are not set on brand new guns, used "old" Ruger Vaqueros are available for $350 or less. Check the Classifieds on the SASS Wire. http://sassnet.com/forums/
You may also want to check at the Bounty Hunters from EAA. You should be able to get them new for about $350. http://www.eaacorp.com/handguns-witness-revolvers.html
Taurus also has a single action revolver, the Gaucho. The street price should be below $400.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=GU2
And, then there are the Colt clones made by Uberti and Pietta. They are sold by EMF, Cimmaron, Charles Daly, Uberti, Cabela's, etc. Some models sell for under $400 new.

Hope this helps.

Slim

[jrdudas]

Thanks for the info.  I visited my local shooting range today (also a gun shop) and their price for the Ruger Vaquero (if they had it) is exactly the same.  Seems like the dealers will be holding the line on the Ruger's at least for a while.  I am certainly not opposed to getting the old style Vaquero, but I can't seem to find them either.  Actually, I am surprised that with the growing interest in CAS, there are so few SA revolvers in the gun shops around my home.  Perhaps I am suffering from tunnel vision with regard to shooting sports and there is actually enough business for the local guys without stocking up on CAS guns.  I had equal trouble finding a SxS shotgun, and my lever action Marlin when I was shopping for them.  Finally found the shotgun I wanted at Dick's Sporting Goods in Cincinnati (about 130 miles), and drove about 50 miles in the other direction to find the rifle.  Paid for it in advance and waited for it to come in on the truck.

JR

[Four-Eyed Buck]

JR, you been up to Fin-Fur-Feather? There's also CAS shops in the New Phila. area and one in Strasburg. Other direction, how close to Wheeling are you? Cabela's might be worth a look......Buck

[jrdudas]

Four-eyed Buck,

The distance to Wheeling is about the same as Cincinnati, about 120-130 miles.  I got my rifle at Buckeye Outdoor in Hebron, and while they have a lot of guns there seem to be only a few SA revolvers.  Where is "Fin-Fur"; seems like I've seen that name on a billboard somewhere.  Maybe north of Mansfield.  With the number of folks who are interested in CAS I would think a smart gun shop owner would load up on CAS stock.  My local gun shops will order anything I want, but I want to be able to get the feel of it in my hand before I put down their 50% ordering fee.

Thanks for the suggestions,

JR
   

[tarheel mac]

You also might want to "haunt" the SASS wire forums too...You don't have to be a member to look at it, and I picked up both my EMFS for total of $650 bucks...There ARE some good deals there if you're patient

[Four-Eyed Buck]

JR, it's on SR-250 just east of I-71 in Ashland. once there, can't miss it, it's almost like a Cabela's in miniature. All kinds of CAS guns there, reloading stuff, ammo, etc.. Just north of Mansfield...there's a couple good ones in my area, If yer up to a field trip, I can be Guide.............Buck

[jrdudas]

Four-eyed Buck - Thanks for the offer; I might take you up on it if I don't have any luck finding something local.  I did see a Ruger Blackhawk today at a resonable price.  If I understand the rules, you can only use it in the modern category unless you are shooting in the Senior division.  I plan on shooting in the Senior division.  Does that mean that I can use in most events, or is the Senior division limited to the Modern Class.

The only thing I don't like about the Blackhawk is the sights; both front and rear.  It looks like the rear sight can be removed, and I could just live with the front sight.  Other than that difference, the Vaquero and the Blackhawk look very similiar to me.  What do you think.

JR

[Four-Eyed Buck]

The RV's are a redesigned Blackhawk, basically. Senior's are not restricted to Modern only. Let me know, and what in particular you're interested in..................Buck

[Standpat Steve]

Howdy JRDudas,

Ruger Vaqueros are not so much the "cadillac" of CAS guns, as they are the International Harvester of CAS guns. See if you can't find them used in your area.

[dglordi1]

 8)Dear Pard,
      Get yourself a "Gunlist" paper and check out the prices there, also Gunbroker.com
might be a help to you. Good luck, stick with the best. You won't be sorry.
I've been using Rugers since 1972.


Natchez

[jrdudas]

Well my dilema is solved.  I found a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 at a fair price and bought it.  It's the old style (as opposed to the new style that is either just out or will be coming out) and this one is blued.  I thought about getting my second one in stainless but the price was significantly more, so I'm sticking with the blued.  The store (Gander Mountain) only had one Blackhawk in stock so they called around to their other stores and found a second one.  It should be at their store in a week or so.

In addition to their regular weekend shoots, my local CAS club has a shoot on the second Wednesday of each month, and I went today.  As it turned out most of the regulars went to a regional match somewhere so I was able to practice with the few folks that showed up.  The shooters who were there today were very helpful and friendly, and the Blackhawk performed well.

I was able to piece together a belt and a couple of holsters, and a makeshift cart.  Now if I can just find a good source for CAS ammo I'll be all set.  The shooting is a lot of fun, but the opportunity to associate with other folks who enjoy western history and western lifestyle might be the best.

JR
   

[Buck Bradley]

If you're looking for some reasonably priced .357/.38 ammo for CAS, check out a local gun show.  Usually a number of vendors will sell reloads of many different calibers and some sell ammo specifically for CAS shooting........about $11/100. Try to find ammo with brass casings and a 125 or 130 grain bullet.  This seems to be the most common offering.........at least it is in Texas.  Good luck in your CAS efforts.  And remember - accuracy first and the speed will come with experience.  You might also buy some Snap Caps so that you can practice at home shooting at targets on the wall, practicing your hand position, how you draw your guns or handle your long rifle and how you load and handle your shotgun.  Read some CAS books.  There are plenty on the market.  Get them from Amazon.com and save yourself some money for your ammo.  All the best.

Buck Bradley
Texican Rangers
Alamo Area Moderators
San Antionio Rough Riders

[BlaiseNSaddles]

Heritage has a couple of choices also (I have Rugers and love them) some Pietta parts ones assembled here in the US callled the Big Bore Rough Riders with very reasonable prices.

A bit smaller in .32 H&R is the Regular Rough Rider.  At $229 MSRP with most places selling them for less the $200 is a real easy way to get equipped.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I don't think I would characterize Rugers as Cadillacs. If you've ever taken one apart and seen how they work, I'd call them a real hard working pickup truck inside. I'd even call the 'old style' Vaqueros Mack tucks. If anything is in the Cadillac class it would be real Colts and USFA.

It can be hard to find Cowboy guns, the sport has not taken the rest of the shooting world quite so much by storm as we would like to think. Sometimes you have to put in some extra effort to find what you need. There are 2 or 3 shops, each about an hour away from me, that I frequent, that usually have a decent supply of Cowboy guns. There are a few other joints I frequent, and I make it a habit to attend as many gun shows as possible. If you want to catch fish, you have to cast a wide net.

I understand exactly where you're coming from about the scarcity of New Vaqueros. I have been looking for a pair of New Vaqueros in 357/38 for Mrs Johnson for over a year now, they just do not exist in my state. If some don't show up soon, I may have to bite the bullet, cross the state line, buy them in Maine or New Hampshire, and then pay to have them shipped and transferred to a local FFL. All of which will raise the price a lot. There really is no incentive for dealers to lower the price on a product in high demand.

There are still plenty of used 'Old Model' Vaqueros on the shelf around here, as well as a few still new in the box. Used to be, you could pick up a used Vaquero for $250 around here. Now they are going for around $350. It is simply the law of supply and demand at work.

Widen your net and keep looking.