Looking into a Rodeo

curdog · April 05, 2009, 07:30:11 PM

I am thinking about getting a Rodeo. I would like to know how accurate that the .45s are. I'm not looking for one to shoot in matches but intend to carry around the farm. So I would like to be able to hit a groundhog at 25-30 yards. I wish they made them in .357 so I could get more boolits per pound and still have plenty of punch.

Doc Sunrise · April 05, 2009, 08:10:32 PM

Using factory loadings the 3 Rodeos I have shoot point of aim at 25 yards. If you are interested in how well built USFA guns are and the why and what USFA does to make their guns accurate, read the April 09' Handloader Magazine article by Brian Pearce, I think it is issue #259. He goes into great detail about the reasons USFA guns are accurate as well as some of the loading tryouts he did. You won't go wrong, unless you decide to get something else.

curdog · April 07, 2009, 11:39:54 AM

Doc what kind of rounds are you shooting. I plan on shooting 255 swc if I get one.

Doc Sunrise · April 07, 2009, 10:08:18 PM

I shoot the Winchester and Ultramax factory loads of 250 gr. flat nose.

curdog · April 08, 2009, 01:08:22 PM

Which length of barrel do you guys perfer 4 3/4" or 5 1/2". Is there any advantage to the longer barrel. I like the short ones for carrying around on the back 40.
Curdog

Marshal Deadwood · April 08, 2009, 03:30:58 PM

I 'used' to think anything less than 7 1/2 was anemic...but I gotta tell ya,,I've got a love affair now with the 4 3/4s ! Just LOVE them.

The 5 1/2 is super too I'm sure, I was personally just never smitten with the 'in between' length. For CAS, I shoot a 7 1/2 from the cross draw and a 4 3/4 from the hip.

Works good for me.

MD

Doc Sunrise · April 08, 2009, 06:29:28 PM

I have been very impressed with my Rodeo with 4 3/4" barrel in accuracy, but out in the back 40 I have to think a little longer tube like the 5 1/2" might be able to reach out and touch something with a little more accuracy and velocity. But as John Wayne would say, "I use my sixgun to get to my Rifle."

curdog · April 08, 2009, 07:06:18 PM

Any thing past 25 yards and I'm looking for a rifle.

Tjackstephens · April 12, 2009, 09:46:08 PM

Curdog, I love my 7 1/2. It shots to point of aim at 25 yards. 200 grain flat points over 4.8 grains of Clays. That's what I shoot at CAS. I have found AA#5 to be very accurate in 45 colt. Have not worked up a load for the USFA though. For out and about I have a 4 5/8 gunslinger, shoot Black Hills 250 grains in it, accurate at 25 yards. When hunting or just out it sure carries better. At any rate a USFA is hard to beat. TJ

Skeeter Lewis · April 19, 2009, 09:19:21 AM

They're as accurate as the Premiums.

Skinny Preacher 66418 · June 01, 2009, 10:47:26 AM

Quote from: Skeeter Lewis on April 19, 2009, 09:19:21 AM
They're as accurate as the Premiums.

And their action is like greased butter compared to an Italian copy. These Rodeos are very nice, it is the finish that saves the $$$ over a polished/blued/case hardened premium...not the quality.

curdog · June 03, 2009, 10:02:29 AM

I did get a rodeo with a 4-3/4" barrel. It has a very nice action on it. I'm not used to the light trigger pull and I shoot a round off a little soon sometimes. I have had it to the range only twice so far but I do enjoy it. I haven't found a load that I like yet. But I'm working on it. I want a good load that works with my swc bullets. I plan on carrying it during deer season.