Smoke Wagon vs. Ruger SASS vs. USFA Rodeo???

[Lightning Lee]

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Hi all,

I have been reading these forums a lot but this is my first post. I'm new to CAS and SASS, but not to shooting in general. I want to purchase two SA handguns and would like to get it right the first time and avoid having to trade up. I am familiar with the various rugers, and own a couple right now and like them very much.. I know nothing about the smoke wagon or the USFA Rodeo guns. I did handle the smoke wagon deluxe and was really impressed with the feel of the gun, the smoothness of the action and the appearance. All I know about the Rodeo is what I have read here. I will most likely be purchasing from Longhunter who handles all three. His prices for the custom tuned versions are close enough to not be an issue.

Here are my thoughts:

Ruger SASS-- I like Rugers SA's, made in USA, strong and reliable, low hammer and wider sight notch a plus. Not really a fan of the stainless finish, it just doesn't look right to me.

Smoke Wagon-- Felt good in my hand, smooth as butter action and in my opinion is really good looking. I don't know how strong and reliable they are and how their customer service is. Made in Itally??? My Berettas are also and I love them.

USFA- Rodeo-- Made in USA, seem to be liked by those who have them, supposedly the closest copy of the original colt. I have not been able to find one to handle, and I know nothing about the gun or the company.

I would appreciate any help or advice from those who have experience with any or all of these guns.

Thanks, Lee

[44caliberkid]

If you like Rugers you'd be very happy with the New Model Vaquero.   They are just the right size, hammer shape is great and the actions are smooth.
   I don't know why you'd want a Rodeo.   They have an eggshell (matte) finish that I think looks terrible.  They are very well made guns though.  The model that might interest you more is The Single Action which has more of an original Colt finish.
   I'm sure the Smoke Wagon is also a good piece.  I believe they have coil springs, so should be just as durable as any of the others, but for pure durability you can't beat Ruger.
   I'm not recommending one over the other (except no Rodeo, but USFA is still a good piece) as they are all good pistols and it's just a matter of your personal preference.

[Jefro]

Howdy Lee, I think it comes down to what feels right to you. IMHO they are all fine firearms, including Great Western. As for warranty or customer service, that means very litte to me since I buy most of my guns straight from the gunsmiths. By buyng from the smith it saves the cost of shipping twice, plus they can usually get a good deal on the firearm. The gunsmith is responsible for the service, so far none have disapointed me.

Rugers- built like a tank, nuff said. For me personally, I tried the Rugers and just don't like the feel, but that's me.

Smoke Wagon- One of the smoothest Ubertis out there. But they are still just a well tuned Uberti with nice grips. I have a pair and they shoot great. Three pair of Ubertis total, they have all been to the smith for action work. I don't have a problem with the Italian guns, I know what to expect when I buy them. With a little fine tuning they work great.

USFA Rodeo- Great gun, very well built. The black finish tuns off some, so I bought the Rodeo II Satin Nickle. If you want the really nice finish the USFA SA is it.

Great Western- Another very well built Italian gun. We use the GW II for CFDA.

Hope this helps, Good Luck.

Jefro

[Blackpowder Burn]

Like the other folks have said, they are all quality guns.  I've owned and shot them all.  However, I've found myself gravitating more toward period correct reproductions.  I also try to patronize American manufacturers whenever possible.  For those reasons, I now own nothing but USFA single actions.  I have a pair of Longhunter Premium SA's and a pair of rodeos.  You can't tell them apart except for the external finish, and the actions are as slick as butter.  I personally like the finish on the Rodeos.  The only drawback is they are only offered in 38 Spl or 45 Colt.  If you want another caliber you must either buy the Premium version (which is absolutely gorgeous), or pay USFA an additional $100 per gun for the Rodeos for non standard calibers.  I'm thinking about ordering a pair of Rodeo II's in 32-20 as my next pair.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
The USFA is my favorite , the rodeo's are great guns , some folks don't care for the matte finish but it can be buffed to a shine . USFA are GREAT GUNS you won't be sorry .

[Shadow Catcher]

Hi all,

I have been reading these forums a lot but this is my first post. I'm new to CAS and SASS, but not to shooting in general. I want to purchase two SA handguns and would like to get it right the first time and avoid having to trade up. I am familiar with the
<SNIP>
I would appreciate any help or advice from those who have experience with any or all of these guns.

Thanks, Lee

Howdy Lee -

I can understand your wanting to get it "right", but only you get to decide what is "right" anyway.

I love the Rugers, especially the New Vaqueros.  Because I can't afford the Colts right now.  Or I'd buy them
and never look back. 

For playing in the CAS game, the Rugers are a modern design in a standard classical envelope.  They fit in a
Colt holster, and have the right weight and balance.  They are a modern design inside, and I suspect they
will outlast the Colt in a cycling competition, that is I can operate a Ruger 100's of thousand of times
before breaking stuff, the Colt will probably have a spring or other part break in that time.

I believe the Ruger can be operated faster than a Colt, mechanically, with a smaller likelihood of breakage,
but I can't prove that and may well be wrong, as a Colt owner will likely point out shortly . . . .

I also reload, and if I stupidly blow up a Ruger I will probably feel a lot less hurt about it than if I frag a Colt.

I've shot Rugers for over 30 years and can find no faults with their customer service, their quality or reliability,
or anything else.

For me they are getting it right.

I'm still going to buy a Colt someday - but I'll probably make a BBQ gun out of it, not a CAS gun.

Shadow Catcher


 

[Lightning Lee]

Thanks for all the information guys, it's really appreciated. I'm not going to jump just yet. I still would like to handle a USFA and shoot one if possible. I find it interesting that several really like the Rugers or the USFAs, but not much mention of the Smoke Wagons. Actually, I'm kind of partial to the USA made guns just because they're made here by american craftsmen. That's why I drive an F-250 and ride a Harley.

[44caliberkid]

If using this in competition I might ask if it's for SASS or NCOWS, because I just noticed on the NCOWS board that matte finished pistols are not approved, which would exclude the Rodeo.

[J.D. Goodguy]

 :)A mat finish as on the Cabela's Millenium and the Rodeo is not allowed in NCOWS.  However,  a cloth polishing wheel in a variable speed drill and about 5 minutes, gives you a nice smooth blue finish on the Rodeo, which is perfectly acceptable in SASS and NCOWS.  I have a set of both New Model Vaqueros and Rodeos, both in 7 and 1/2 inch barrels, 45 colt.  I shoot the Rugers in SASS and the Rodeos in NCOWS since they are like the Colts that the real cowboys would have had.  Look at both, try them, then decide which you like.  Either way you won't be disappointed.  J.D.

[Lightning Lee]

More good information, thanks again,

Lee

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
The Rodeo if buffed is NCOWS  legal .And they will buff up . The Rodeo is an Excellent choice I love mine .

[Fairshake]

I own two sets of USFA revolvers. One is the Premiums in 45 Colt that are better than Colts themselves that were purchased from Long Hunter. The second set is a set of Rodeo's in 44-40 caliber that I just received the first week of January. If you talk to Jim Finch (Long Hunter) he will tell you that the premiums and Rodeo's are identical in every way except finish. The CCH on the premiums is done by Turnbull and you pay the price. When the Rodeo's were first offered you could purchase one in all the same calibers as the Premiums. Doug the owner of USFA started offering the Rodeo in only 45Colt and 38spl as he felt the Rodeo's were taking away sells from the Premiums. When I went to buy my 44-40's I was having a hard time trying to come up with what Italian gun to buy. I called Jim and was thinking about the Smokewagons. He told me that he had talked to Doug about bringing back the Rodeos in the same calibers as the Premiums and Doug Agreed to do that. He said that he imposed a $100 up charge on each Rodeo in these calibers. I jumped at it. To own a USFA in 44-40 instead of a Italian gun. I did not have the money for the premiums but could buy the Rodeo's. You can take some NEVER-Dull and smooth out the finish in one afternoon and have some nice looking guns. Buy your guns from Jim and you will have something to hand down. If you look at the Ruger shooters(I like Ruger)you will see them spending all of the money to make them like a Colt. Look at any Ruger that has been fired and you will see the ring around the cylinder where the locking bolt rides the cylinder. If you see that on a Colt it has timing problems. Later Fairshake 

[mark grimes]

i've got the smoke wagon deluxe 5.5 blued go ahead make your day. you won't be sorry.

[Major 2]

You mentioned Beretta's and you love them...  I'll point out

Beretta is the Parent company... Beretta/Uberti/Benelli , Uberti makes the SSA for Beretta called the Stampede.

The Smokewagon (Uberti) is Taylor's Comp tuned SAA....

Non of them Ruger NMV, USFA or Uberti are as strong as the old Ruger Vaquero/Blackhawk Frame.
All are more than capable and will handle normal loads... less you're after Cape Buffalo.

LongHunter is TOP Drawer and anything you get from him will serve you VERY well.

[RRio]

"Antiqued" Rodeos work just fine for NCOWS, also.

[ZVP]

 Lee,
 I have to cast my vote for the Ruger Vaquero Stainless! I have owned one for just under a year and have found that it has all the good qualitys one would want in a handgun. The major difference is the Transfer Bar system a point I am enamored with since I also use the gun for  a House Gun and Personal Protection . The safe capibility of carrying a fully loaded revolver goes way above the bar when you consider the need for the 6th shot!
 The wide trigger and excellent checkering on the hammer make for positive handling. The fit and finish are very good and little features like the good fitting loading gate and positive cylinder pin retention are points that make the gun desireable.
 I have held and fired several Clones and the skinny trigger feels really weak since owning the Ruger.
 One other point is the strength of the gun itself. Just knowing that you can feed it a diet of full factory ammo without endangering a break-down isw a strong purchase point! You KNOW that with a Ruger you can feed it full power loads and depend upon it.
 HTH,
 ZVP

[WyrTwister]

     I reload also .  One way to reduce the likelehood of blowing something up is to use powder that will give you a visual sign that you have double charged .  Such as overflowing the brass and making a mess .

     I am currently loading HOT .38 Specials for use in a wheel gun and a lever gun .  Both in .357 Mag ( I do not own a .38 Special gun ) .

God bless
Wyr

Howdy Lee -

I can understand your wanting to get it "right", but only you get to decide what is "right" anyway.

I love the Rugers, especially the New Vaqueros.  Because I can't afford the Colts right now.  Or I'd buy them
and never look back. 

For playing in the CAS game, the Rugers are a modern design in a standard classical envelope.  They fit in a
Colt holster, and have the right weight and balance.  They are a modern design inside, and I suspect they
will outlast the Colt in a cycling competition, that is I can operate a Ruger 100's of thousand of times
before breaking stuff, the Colt will probably have a spring or other part break in that time.

I believe the Ruger can be operated faster than a Colt, mechanically, with a smaller likelihood of breakage,
but I can't prove that and may well be wrong, as a Colt owner will likely point out shortly . . . .

I also reload, and if I stupidly blow up a Ruger I will probably feel a lot less hurt about it than if I frag a Colt.

I've shot Rugers for over 30 years and can find no faults with their customer service, their quality or reliability,
or anything else.

For me they are getting it right.

I'm still going to buy a Colt someday - but I'll probably make a BBQ gun out of it, not a CAS gun.

Shadow Catcher


 

[rickk]

I went to an Engineering Conference in Dallas a few years back. One of the attractions at the Wednesday Night Dinner was a "fast draw" competition. Primers only, out of a holster against a PACT timer. I won second place btw. I forget the time... something like .5 seconds...The guy who beat me was something like .39 seconds.

Anyway, the guy running the fast draw contest does this for a part time living... doing shows many nights a week.

The guns really get beat on. Each gets fired hundreds of times a night by beer-assisted "cowboys" all trying to beat the clock.

I chatted with the guy running the show a bit. He uses Ruger SA's exclusively. He buys them used at shows, and they hold up better than anything else he has tried.

Rick

[Virginia Gentleman]

I would go for the USFA and if the matte blue finish turns you off you can either antique it or like a friend of mine did, he completely disassembled it, polished it by hand with 600 grit sandpaper using sanding blocks to preserve the straight edges and used Brownell's Classic Rust Blue.  The gun looks like their polished blue gun they offered for awhile, only the bluing is deeper and better looking like a Winchester rifle barrel of yesteryear.

[Marshal Deadwood]

I think any of the three are good choices..........but personally, I'd go USFA first, Ruger second, and Smoke Wagon or a Cattleman SAA third. That's not saying the Italians guns are 'bad',,but ,,one of their weakness's is the Italian springs. I've broke every italian bolt spring withing a 1000 rds or so of having the revolver. Replaced with Lee Fisher or WOlfe springs,,presto ! problem solved. I also change out the main spring to a Wolfe too,,though,,,I have yet to break an Italian main-spring..but while you are in the revolver,,ya know.....why not ?

Like Aggie, I prefer to buy something American,,and from now on, I shall. I just dream of USFA producing an 1873 Winchester rifle. 

MD

[Virginia Gentleman]

Just my 2 cents but Ruger is kind of a different animal but is with out a doubt the most durable option, but to me the ugliest as it is not really a SAA true design and the lines look like a cracker jack box compared to the clones mentioned. Uberti made guns and USFA are much more true to the design and look historically accurate.

[ZVP]

 When I bought my Stainless Vaquero they had a 5" colored, case hardened gun in stock
 A buddy of mine has an Old Model 7 5/8" Large frame .45 Vaquero in colored case hardened. I don't know Rugers processes but the revolvers look pretty good!
 One other point is that the Stainless frames are slightly heavier than the Blued frames.
 My  4 5/8", .357 NewVaquero weighs in at an ounce more than the Blude model. Not much on paper but it's heavy!
  I've handled the other two revolvers you mentioned and they were lighter than either Ruger frame.
  HTH,
 ZVP