Rodeo with Race Groove Competition Package

Ringo Maverick · March 12, 2006, 08:06:10 PM

Anyone own one of these hot rods yet? I recently bought a brace of Rodeos for my junior shooter.(45lc....he's a BIG eleven year old!) and are they ever nice! Especially nice after they both passed through the hands of my dear friend and career gunsmith for an action job. Which brings me around to the point; I have owned the SAA from USFA (a pair) and this new Rodeo with Race Groove thing has me thinking. However, since I get my 'smithin for free....I just wonder if the other enhancements would be worth the money, or should I just buy more standard Rodoes and have the actions worked. Sorry to ramble, but there is one more thing...........I hate to complain, but when USFA wants me to pay $100.00 for what I used to get for free....as in the color case hammer....well, that just don't seem quite right. Not bad enough to tear the blanket or anything...just doesn't seem right.

Capt. John Fitzgerald · March 12, 2006, 08:31:22 PM

Ringo,
Wecome to the USFA forum!
If you are really happy with the action jobs on your Rodeos then you probably won't want to spend the extra money on the "race groove model."
The purpose of the race groove is to allow the shortening of the spur on the bolt. This, in turn, shortens the contact time between hammer and bolt and relieves a bit of resistance to the hammer when cocking. Personally, I don't think that the amount of resistance caused by the bolt is all that appreciable. The race groove also insures cylinder lock up during fast, and forceful, cocking of the hammer. This comes into play if you are "fanning" the hammer - something I would never do anyway. You sometimes see these modifications done to guns used in fast draw competition.
I don't believe that the race groove modification is SASS legal (someone correct me here if I am wrong).
CJF

Ringo Maverick · March 12, 2006, 08:38:45 PM

Now you see there? THATS why I hang out here! Thanks so much Cap'! This narrowes it down to deciding between the Rodeo or the SAA....I had a pair of the USFA SAA a few years back, and I hate to admit it, but Little Ringo's Rodeos shot better (point of aim)out of the box than did my MUCH more expensive SAA's. Maybe a fluke, but one things for sure; It's time for Ringo to buy a pair of USFA pistols for himself! Any suggestions? And whatever I buy will be used for SASS/CAS. Thanks, Ringo Maverick

Doc Sunrise · March 13, 2006, 03:54:02 AM

Howdy Ringo,

You know you want USFA SAAs, now the question is finish. Any of the USFA SAAs will treat you right, but for shooting without worrying, I like the Rodeos. Mine have stood up a lot of shooting, and the finish is durable and great for no glare in the sun! If you have the opportunity, USFA Premium SAAs that are Case Colored Blue, are beautiful! And again if you have the opportunity, one piece walnut grips made at USFA are absolutely perfect! My last Gunslinger with one piece walnut grips felt like the beautiful curves of a woman! But for shooting that may be too smooth. USFA SAAs will treat you right.

RRio · March 20, 2006, 08:41:50 AM

Forget the "Race Groove Competition Package". IMHO, it's one of USFA's few dumb ideas. They don't have many dumb ideas, but that was one of them.
If your gun is correctly timed, it is not needed.
It was done back in the Fast Draw days for fanners, but I never liked it then, either.
As I remember, I do beleive it was outlawed by SASS this last time.

Dirty Dave Duehring · April 20, 2006, 12:34:17 PM

It looks like I should have done more research...

Last year I ordered a pair of Rodeo's with the race groove job. It took 8 months to get them.

This was part of my plan to build up my gear as the budget allowed.

Now that I missed the part about the action job not being legal, I'll have to wait until I can afford two more guns.

Bummer..

RRio · April 21, 2006, 01:55:16 AM

Quote from: Dirty Dave Duehring on April 20, 2006, 12:34:17 PM
Now that I missed the part about the action job not being legal, I'll have to wait until I can afford two more guns.

Action jobs are legal, it is the elongated groove on the cylinder that I believe SASS outlawed.

Dirty Dave Duehring · April 27, 2006, 01:44:13 PM

Rawhide,

Thanks for the reply.

I understand that, but I've got the grooved cylinders.

Do I have any other options? $:-\$

Going through the process of having new cylinders made by USFA would probably cost as much as a new pair of colt clones...

Actually, I'm going to call them and check pricing. I'd love to have a pair of 45ACP cylinders as well...hmmmm.

Dave

RRio · April 28, 2006, 11:29:56 AM

You might be okay at local matches, if you explained your situation about the cylinders, but you'd be stopped cold at a SASS santioned match.

According to their site, you'd be looking at $210 ea. for new cylinders. Give Gary Granger a call there at USFA and see what he can do for you. I bought my second USFA from Gary, and he is a stand-up guy. You might also mention CASCity, it might help. $:-\$

RRio

Dirty Dave Duehring · April 28, 2006, 02:29:51 PM

Rawhide,
Thanks for your help!

I'll take your advice.

Beans · April 28, 2006, 09:36:54 PM

copied from a simular thread on the SaSS wire. I'm not the author

REVOLVER CYLINDERS
• Centerfire and rimfire cylinders may have no less than five and
no more than six chambers.
• The front of the cylinder may be beveled.
• Unfluted cylinders may be fluted.
• Lead in grooves may be cut or extended.
• The revolver may be altered to allow the cylinder to spin in
either direction.
• Cylinders may be rebored, lined, or sleeved to any of the
approved revolver calibers provided industry safe limits are
maintained.
• Cylinders must be made of steel or iron only.

Page 13 of the latest online Shooter's Handbook

Sounds like the race groves are approved for SASS santioned matches