Hello. I'd like to start out by saying I appreciate that there are people out there who keep tradition alive, and I look forward to learning about and possibly participating in your sport.
Now on to a question I'm sure you have all heard before. I've checked around as much as I could, asked everyone I could think of, and done what research was in my power so far. So, here goes.
I'll be buying another sixgun shortly. Currently, I have two. The first is an Armi San Marco replica Colt SAA, in .45 Colt, with a 7.5 inch barrel. In my personal opinion, it's not built all that well, it's unreliable, and not the best looker in the world. It does, however, shoot as straight as I've seen. Unfortunately, the action is crunchy, the springs break to easily, and even in light use, it has proven to be quite fragile. Love the accuracy, hate the build quality.
The second is an old model Ruger Vaquero, in .44-40, with a 5.5 inch barrel. The action is slick, the reliability is rock solid. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be very predictable. In all honesty, I bought it for the action, and never bothered shooting the thing first, but something about the thing doesn't agree with me somehow, and I just can't reliably hit what I think I am aiming at. It could be the cartridge, it could be a flaw, it could just be me, but despite my efforts, it just isn't a natural pointer for me.
I am no stranger to revolvers in general, and I am quite a good shot. I love the feel of the Ruger, but it doesn't point right for me. This is my first .44-40 firearm, so I wonder if there is something special about that cartridge that lends it less predictability. 25 yards simply won't happen at all on a 12 inch round target, wheres, with the Armi San Marco (when it works) I'll not only score my hits, but group well in the process.
So, on to my point. I have recently become aware of a brand called USFA, who manufacture a SAA replica called the Gunslinger, which can be equipped with my preferred 7.5 inch barrel, and chambered for .45 Colt. Being a replica, it should grip in a similar manner to my Italian replica, so I am not so concerned about that. The quality appears top notch, and quite honestly MUST be better than my Italian firearm, as if it was any less, it would fall apart in the holster, and if it was the same, I'd have heard about it somewhere.
Let me tell you about me. I'm not very interesting, but if anyone is to help me, they will need to know how I will use whatever I buy.
I do shoot for entertainment on a range owned by a friend of mine regularly. I often can be found deep in the woods, where I prefer a single action revolver at my side or under my shoulder if I am in swampy areas. I don't care what I carry, I load 5, so no worries about transfer bars. I do find myself regularly in situations where my defense may be neccessary from both people and large predators. I have been known to appear in Africa working security or operating mines for people, and I like overland expeditions, where things can go very wrong, very fast. I don't know much about CAS, and have never tried it, but I thought you guys were the best group to ask about reliable firearms in this category. If I carry for protection, I carry openly, so I don't need to conceal anything as far as single actions are concerned. The places I need to do this tend to be much more calm if things are in plain sight. I don't carry in America, yet, unless I am in the wilderness where I am less likely to spook people who are uneasy around firearms. If I ever need to conceal something, I'll get something else.
Now, I love the idea of that USFA sixgun. It looks great, and I'd buy one right now, but for one question I have. Will it be any more reliable than my irritating Armi San Marco? The USFA, I assume, uses the older leaf spring setup, which is what worries me. I've had this Italian piece of junk for years now, and hated it the entire time, even though I keep coming back for that quick sight picture and solid point of aim. I'm tired of the darned thing. I want something else.
There isn't much access to quality firearms where I live, so I suppose I just want to hear from someone who owns one. I know it will never be a Ruger, but just what is it? Just how often do these need service? I'll admit that I do dig that worn finish on the Gunslinger models, but I could go either way. It's not what attracted me to the brand. What attracted me to the brand is the original Colt balance, which should go hand in hand with that Colt style handiness.
That Ruger action is slick and reliable, but if it doesn't work for me, than that can't be fixed within reason. I know the newer models are slimmer, and they are an option.
So, any ideas?
Cheers,
Kennith