The single action revolver, so named because a trigger performs the single action of firing the weapon after the hammer is manually cocked, is a simple, dependable, and highly effective design that’s synonymous with sidearms of the Old West—the Samuel Colt-designed Peacemaker being the most widely known example (see page 96 for more of that story). Recently, gun manufacturers have begun producing authentic, fully-functional single-action pistols based largely on Colt models that were produced between 1873 and 1940. Long popular with cowboy shooters and more recently so with a wider audience of single-action aficionados, here are six models for anyone looking to get their hands on a piece of the real Wild West.
CIMARRON EVIL ROY
available in .45 Long Colt, .357 Magnum, and .44-40 calibers
Cimarron’s best-selling revolver to the cowboy action shooter; there have been 17 World Championships won with the Evil Roy
$649 ………………………… http://cimarron-firearms.com
COLT MFG. CO. INC. SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER
available in .45 Long Colt, .32-30, .357, .38 Special, .44-40, and .38-40 calibers
Introduced in 1873, the Colt Single Action Army revolver is the gun that started it all.
$1,300 to $1,500 ………….. http://coltsmfg.com
RUGER NEW VAQUERO
available in.357 Magnum and .45 Colt calibers
The predominant single-action cowboy pistol in use today by competitive shooters, the New Vaquero is available in polished stainless steel
or a blued finish.
$659 …………………………. http://ruger.com
RUGER JOHN WAYNE CENTENNIAL VAQUERO
available in .45 Colt caliber
This limited edition model features a blued finish with detailed scrollwork and John Wayne’s signature in 24kt gold on the barrel. Checkered
walnut grips include a carved “JW” on each side.
Price varies ……………….. http://ruger.com
TAURUS GAUCHO REVOLVERS
available in .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers
Available in a variety of finishes and barrel lengths, the Gaucho line features an integral transfer bar, Taurus Security System, and a “Four
Click” cocking action.
$536 ………………………… http://taurususa.com
U.S. FIRE ARMS NEW RODEO II
available in .45 Colt and .38 Special calibers
Based on a 1871 design by William Mason for Colt, the Rodeo II is finished in satin nickel with burlwood grips.
$605 ………………………… http://usfirearms.com