Wanting a 45 colt woods gun

DapperDan · January 17, 2018, 02:08:31 PM

I'm looking for a six shooter to carry in the woods and around the house, I live in the boonies and would like something faster to reload then my 1860 army. I don't need Ruger only loads and I really don't need adjustable sights, so any SSA clone will do, I'm set up for 45 colt so that's what I'm gonna stick with. Ive been eyeing the 3.5" barrel with birdshead grip, but keep thinking I could save some money getting a 4.75" with plow handle grips. What's everyone's opinion on this.

Professor Marvel · January 17, 2018, 06:08:34 PM

Welcome my good Tn , you have come to the right place. We are all bored and willing to babble on and on about nothing.
Beard on your criteria I myself would lean towards the Pietta ingredients 3.5 or 4 5/8 . the Pietta are quite good lately and have a replacement firing pin plate, unlike the Uberti... More later, my stupid cell is autocorrect ing me too much. Fuchweasel! Damn you autocorrect!
Yhs Prof marvel

Baltimore Ed · January 17, 2018, 08:03:54 PM

My .45 woods gun was a 1911 for may years. Homemade snakeshot load was chambered, ball in the mag. With a .22 rifle for squirrel. When I deer hunted my sidearm was a Woodsman .22 MT.

Just found you a .357 on GB for 488.00 and a nice .45 for 650.00, 3.5 inch bbls. You probably will have to find a used one to get a .45 under 500.00. Good hunting.

DapperDan · January 17, 2018, 08:42:55 PM

Who makes a 3.5" SSA revolver in 45lc that has the transfer bar and is under $500? Also are the Italian guns subpar to the Ruger? I know the new vaquero I had was a very nice gun but after having my pietta 1860 the quality doesn't seem that different...

Professor Marvel · January 17, 2018, 09:09:11 PM

AH My Good Tn -

Quote from: Tn.45Colt on January 17, 2018, 08:42:55 PM
Who makes a 3.5" SSA revolver in 45lc that has the transfer bar and is under $500? Also are the Italian guns subpar to the Ruger? I know the new vaquero I had was a very nice gun but after having my pietta 1860 the quality doesn't seem that different...

you would have to go and set criteria, wouldn;t you?

3.5" Pietta SAA's
https://www.emf-company.com/store/pc/-Pony-Express-Express-Agent-c73.htm

a wide variety of Pietta SAA's
https://www.emf-company.com/store/pc/1873-Great-Western-II-Revolvers-c64.htm

one under $500
https://www.emf-company.com/store/pc/DAKOTA-II-45LC-4-3-4-292p1375.htm

transfer bar
https://www.emf-company.com/store/pc/1873-Transfer-Bar-Revolvers-c522.htm

these can oft' be obtained cheaper, if one shops around real hard....

but at least there's some ideas.

yhs
prof marvel

DapperDan · January 18, 2018, 09:46:59 AM

Thoughts on the heritage big bore revolvers?

Jake C · January 18, 2018, 10:13:30 AM

Quote from: Tn.45Colt on January 18, 2018, 09:46:59 AM
Thoughts on the heritage big bore revolvers?

I'm pretty sure the Heritage Big Bore revolvers are Pietta made. I believe that they're essentially the same SAA clone/repro that Traditions sells, with the transfer bar safety. If I'm correct, then they're solid guns. Mine had a few sharp edges I needed to touch up, but shot well and was reliable enough. Price was good.

Good Troy · January 18, 2018, 10:29:01 AM

Maybe this is off track, but I've been considering a Redhawk in 45 Colt. Six rounds, 4.2" bbl, SS. It isn't a "cowboy" gun in the historical sense (it is a DA/SA), nor, is it less than $500. But, it appeals to me for the strong cylinder lock, and ease of reloading. I'm considering this for dual purpose woods carry and home defense (currently use 1911). There is even a model that will accept 45 acp with moonclips.

Jeremiah Jones · January 18, 2018, 02:30:51 PM

Mine is a Uberti 1875 in .45LC. I have a large Bowie on the same belt.

DapperDan · January 18, 2018, 06:03:22 PM

What is everyone's opinion on 357 vs 45 colt?

Professor Marvel · January 19, 2018, 12:10:46 AM

Ah My Good Netizens -

Isn't the Ruger Redhawk something llike 65 pounds heavy and comes with carriage wheels?

regarding .357 vs .45 Colt, there are plusses for both:

.357 -
- "does everything" - except take down dinosaurs.
- economical
- versatile - everything from light ( and cheap) .38 spcl to Buffalo Bore Bear Loads
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100

- one can carry a full box of ammunition in belt loops and one's pants won't fall down...

.45 Colt
- "does everything" - except take down dinosaurs.
- not economical unless one reloads
- more variety of loads are available these days than before, but they are pretty pricey
- large cartridges are very pretty and easier to find when dropped.
- "full of history"

if one had to choose and coud only afford one , I feel it's hard to go wrong with the .357.
that's what I did way back when .....

If one can afford it the rugers are almost unbreakable.

regarding the "woods gun".... I think light, powerful, easy to handle, intuitive...
something along these lines:

or this one from Major 2

adn I think Yahoody posted somebut I can't seem to find them...

However, I have no delusions about stopping a grizz - read this missive:
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=108

hope this helps
prof marvel

DapperDan · January 19, 2018, 03:18:59 PM

Do the 3" barrels make that much difference over the 4" guns?

Baltimore Ed · January 19, 2018, 04:46:45 PM

Most of my vaqueros are 4 5/8 bbl. i had a 5.5 inch bbl and found that I could shoot the shorter bbl faster than the 5.5. I eventually had it cut down to a sheriffs model with a 2.5 inch by Jerry Horvath. He removed the bs warning from the bbl and the ejector rod boss. It's dead on but you do have to concentrate. I also have a 3.5 inch with the birdshead grip. I would have to say that i was faster with the standard grip 4 5/8 guns. Just the way they handled, btw I shoot duelist.

DapperDan · January 19, 2018, 05:46:54 PM

If I needed to conceal it (quick trip to the store) is the 4 5/8 barrel that much harder to conceal?

Baltimore Ed · January 19, 2018, 09:16:51 PM

It's not the bbl that prints, it's the grips and grip frame. The birdshead would print the least but a saa is a fairly large revolver.

Dave T · January 20, 2018, 07:49:14 AM

If you want a transfer bar, i.e. six rounds loaded, get a Ruger and be done with it. Although not traditional it will handle most any task you come upon in the woods. And my vote goes for the 45 Colt, with all the qualifiers already stated. If you don't hand load yet, get started! (smile)

Dave

DapperDan · January 20, 2018, 09:09:03 AM

I've pretty much decided on the Ruger in 45 colt, I'm honestly torn between the birdshead and the short spur, if I get the short spur then I'll eventually get a birdshead grip frame

Baltimore Ed · January 21, 2018, 08:57:16 AM

Here are mine. The birdshead with the smooth grips is the new smaller model, the other is the original version. I don't know if you can see the size difference but you sure can feel it when you shoot it. I do like the wide spur hammer of the new model.

DapperDan · January 21, 2018, 10:24:10 AM

Any idea how the nm vaquero compares to a full size 1911?

pony express · January 21, 2018, 01:36:12 PM

Quote from: Tn.45Colt on January 21, 2018, 10:24:10 AM
Any idea how the nm vaquero compares to a full size 1911?

Don't know if it helps, but.... I sometimes carry a 1911 in the same holster I use for a 4 3/4" New Model Blackhawk. Just needs a little more of the hammer thong pulled through top reach over the hammer. So they're close, just that the 1911 is flatter.