Recommendation? Ruger Revolver

[The Zieg]

The Zieg been thinking about this a lot. If I lived in one of the Free States of America like you do I would look strongly at the Colt Delta Elite or something similar. Can't get one here in The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia but if I could it sure be at the top of my short list and I think our needs and wants on this are similar. Be a great boonie gun on the ranch.

Yah, I agree. Still, I'm in a wheelgun state of mind (a Billy Joel parody just waiting to be written!). I'm starting to lean towards a Brazilian contract 1917 I've been eyeing. The S&W model 1950 is also a great candidate with its underlug. Both are available in S&W's Classic series (with the lock, but I don't mind) as well as originals floating around shows and shops and online. I guess I just agree with the arguments that if it's .45 ACP I want to shoot, then I should look for a dedicated revolver in that caliber. And who says reasoned arguments are dead?

And of course, a Horsewright holster will have to be on the gear list once the gun appears.

Zieg

 

[BladeScout]

The 1917 in .45 Colt is a beast of a revolver and good looking to boot.

Be aware that some revolvers in the British 455 calibre was at some point imported and converted.

 

[The Zieg]

The 1917 in .45 Colt is a beast of a revolver and good looking to boot.

Be aware that some revolvers in the British 455 calibre was at some point imported and converted.

Good reminder! But if I go 1917, I'll stay away from anything with UK proofs.

Zieg

 

[BladeScout]

They should be okay - just be aware of the fact, that some were brought back and converted.

Collectors might care.

 

[Scott321]

The Zieg been thinking about this a lot. If I lived in one of the Free States of America like you do I would look strongly at the Colt Delta Elite or something similar. Can't get one here in The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia but if I could it sure be at the top of my short list and I think our needs and wants on this are similar. Be a great boonie gun on the ranch.

I am a 10mm fan, and have the S&W 1006, and a Kimber Eclipse. It started when I rented a Colt Delta Elite, but never purchased one because of their prices (not too much, I just found great deals on the other two used over the last 20 years).

I have rented the Glock 20, but haven't yet got around to picking one up... 20 years later. If only H&K made a full size 10mm, I would be all over it.

 

[Scott321]

... Any reason to stay away?

Zieg

I have an older, 7 1/2" blued Redhawk that I picked up used at a very good price. As much as I like the look of the wood grips, I find the ugly Pachmyer grips much better while shooting 44 Mag. I have a feeling the previous owner had a trigger job and put only a few rounds through it before selling it because it was mint and the trigger pull was smooth as silk. I love that gun, but IIRC, I heard that a few from the 80's had barrel issues... I haven't had any issues with mine.

It's a thicker, heavier revolver than its competitors, if you don't mind that. I don't regret my purchase in the least. One of these days I'll pick up a second with a shorter barrel, and also a S&W in 44 to keep her company.

 

[The Zieg]

Happy New Year! To close this thread, I thought y'all would like to know what I ended up with. Yes, I got a revolver. Yes, it's in .45 ACP.

That's right, it's a Model 1917 S&W Brazilian contract revolver, sometimes called the M1937. No inspection marks, reassembled in armory so numbers are not matching, great bore, no flame cutting on the top strap, no issues with the forcing cone, and parkerized somewhere along the way. It shoots well and the trigger pull is heavy, but it's very smooth. Almost no end shake and the cylinder gap looks just fine (though I have not put a feeler gauge in to measure it).

Someone did a trigger job along the way and while it did not harm the double action pull, the would-be gunsmith damaged the single action let-off. He probably filed it down too much where the sear meets the trigger. Touching the trigger in SA causes it to jump off the sear and the rebound spring pushes it into your finger, letting the hammer sink without a real strike. I will probably avoid future problems by simply ordering a replacement trigger. They're out there.

As for the price, I did well. Three sets of grips (including originals), lanyard loop (owner had removed it), holster (owner made), ten full moon clips, and shipping to my local shop for under $550. I'm very pleased, even with the hitch in the SA.

While I'd have loved the Ruger Redhawk convertible, I think this period piece is what my collection and shooting desires called for.

Zieg

 

[Horsewright]

Congrats my friend! Let me know when you are ready for a Rangeflap. Might have to long trot over, that looks like fun to shoot. We were processing some late calves on Saturday. The wife was carrying her Colt Mustang:

I went with the Smith Mod 36:

 

[The Zieg]

Congrats my friend! Let me know when you are ready for a Rangeflap. Might have to long trot over, that looks like fun to shoot. We were processing some late calves on Saturday. The wife was carrying her Colt Mustang:

I went with the Smith Mod 36:

Dave, I think I'll have to commission something different from you for this one. The flap holster I'll be using will likely be the period holster from 1917. From you, I'm thinking some kind of pancake OWB or maybe a cross-draw. I've been wearing it cross draw style in the holster it came with, and that's been OK, but I'm also thinking a small-of-back rig might work, too. What do you think?

Zieg

 

[Horsewright]

The Zieg . I'd be hesitant on the small of the back carry with such a guy. However could easily do a strongside pancake. 5" or 6" bbl on that? A pure crossdraw would be interesting too, could do something like one of my California Slim Jim holsters:

 

[The Zieg]

The Zieg . I'd be hesitant on the small of the back carry with such a guy. However could easily do a strongside pancake. 5" or 6" bbl on that? A pure crossdraw would be interesting too, could do something like one of my California Slim Jim holsters:

Oh yes, it's a five and a half inch barrel on this guy. I love the pure crossdraw you have there. You'll be hearing from me on this!!

Zieg

 

[Converge]

I loveeee the look of the Gp100 Match Champion. Would like to get one some day myself.

 

[BladeScout]

Ruger and several other companies make some excellent revolvers.

The 1917 is a nice gun as well, congrats.
I prefer the Colt 1917 over the SW but thats just me.

A couple of tiny revolvers;

 

[The Zieg]

To both Converge and BladeScout, I LOVE Ruger. I inherited my appreciation for Rugers from my older brother when we were in our 20s and 30s. 10-22s, Mark I and IIs, P85s, Redhawks, and so on. It's why I love my SP-101 and was leaning towards the convertible Redhawk. But that whole issue of the freebore in the cylinder when shooting the ACP is what steered me to the 1917. Now I'll have to look at a Colt '17! It's all part of the collection, right?

And doesn't the GP-100 have a seven shot version in .38spl/.357mag? That's what I'd go for there. Combat revolver perfection!

Zieg

 

[The Zieg]

Here is the '17 with original grips.

Zieg

 

[Sonnydaze]

A Linebaugh revolver and/or a Hamilton Bowen revolver would'nt be too shabby ... but I'd 'settle' for a Freedom Arms.

In years gone by, I've visited all three "shops" and owned all three in .45 Colt...fine revolvers...every one. You need to read some of Peter Hathaway Capstick's novels...the most vicarious enjoyment I've experienced...without being there. ...he tells of taking a .45 Colt Bowen (Nimrod model) into the heavy African scrub after a wounded Cape Buff...with no backup other than his tracker with a spear...who stayed well behind him.

 

[bdmicarta]

You need to read some of Peter Hathaway Capstick's novels...
...he tells of taking a .45 Colt Bowen (Nimrod model) into the heavy African scrub after a wounded Cape Buff...with no backup other than his tracker with a spear...who stayed well behind him.

I think Peter Capstick's books are very entertaining reading, but that story sounds very much like a story told by Ross Seyfried.

 

[BladeScout]

Both Capstick and Seyfried wrote interesting hunting and shooting litt.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I think Peter Capstick's books are very entertaining reading, but that story sounds very much like a story told by Ross Seyfried.

Possible...I have eight of Capstick's novels in my library, but none of Ross Seyfried's, although I've admired his writing in various magazines over the years... I might have gotten it wrong...or perhaps Capstick told Ross's adventure in one of his books...
Nevertheless, to think about tracking a wounded buff into the dense thickets, and then have the sucker circle about and wait to ambush you...makes for exciting reading...

 

[Sonnydaze]

Im a fan of the .45 Colt and would take that every day over a .44 Mag but thats just me. I have a shorty Vaq - its fun in .45 Colt.

You didnt state your use for this gun but have you considered the Ruger Blackhawk - its a SA instead of DA?
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Mr. Miculek is a gentleman and just a nice guy to talk to - not that he is a friend of mine but Ive met him through a mutual buddy with whom I bumped into JM at SHOT.

Years ago, my wife "bought" me a full day of trng with Jerry Miculek for a birthday present. I shot 700 rounds of .45 ACP that day with my stainless Colt auto...after Jerry had it throated and buffed at the shop. He's an amazing guy...fun to watch him on the steel plates...
I have a Redhawk, but my favorite is still the old-model (no transfer bar) 3-screw Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt in 4 5/8" barrel. I can load it with 255 gr hardcast @ 850 fps for fun, or up to 1200 fps with a 325 or 350 flathead hardcast...
At one of John Linebaugh's seminars in Tx, where we shot penetration tests, my .45 Colt, 325 flatpoint hardcast @ 1050 fps penetrated 30" of soaking wet newspaper and bone mix...not shabby at all.
I'm also a fan of the .44 Special, particularly in the Blackhawk...wonderful round.
My first revolver was a model 1950 Target in .44 Special in about 1959.