Author Topic: First CAS setup  (Read 4858 times)

Offline Rusty Silver SASS# 58957 (aka Trumpet)

  • Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 21
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
First CAS setup
« on: May 10, 2004, 12:48:11 PM »
Hey all,
Well, I'm gettin' all my funds etc together to get my shootin' irons.  I was all set on the Ruger Vaqueros (.45lc, Stainless, 5.5", Rosewood grips) until I started hearing a lot about the USFA Rodeo.  How would they compare?  Now I don't reload (yet), but I figger when I do, I prolly won't load "hot" .45lc anyway.  I found the Rugers for $389 a piece and the Rodeos for $443 a piece.  Which is the "hands down" better gun?  If I go the Ruger Route, I was planning on Stainless.  However, I don't like 'em so bright.  Is there a way to "dull 'em down"?  I've also heard the case hardening on the Rugers is pretty poor, and that's another reason for going stainless.

AS to rifles, I'm torn between the Marlin 1894 Cowboy (in either 20" or 24"...I can't decide) or the Rossi '92 package offered by "Nate Kiowa Jones".  Any thoughts there?

Thanks a ton
Rich

Offline Doc Shapiro

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 567
    • Custom Handmade Pistol Grips
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2004, 01:07:43 PM »
Ruger vs USFA.  The USFA has a smaller grip frame.  Get the one that fits your hand better.

'92 vs. Marlin.  That's an easy one.  You can't beat the Marlin for reliability.  I'd get a Marlin.  Matter of fact, I have 2.

Doc

Offline Standpat Steve

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 176
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2004, 11:17:12 PM »
If you can, go to a shoot dressed in whatever "cowboy" clothes you already own. Tell them you're interested between the colt clones & rugers, the marlin & the 92 clones. Offer to buy some factory ammo to replace whatever you shoot-you probably won't spend a dime! It can be smart (or not) to buy some factory cowboy .45 loads- that way you can try different guns using the same ammo and get a better feel for what you like.Lots of us are happy to have you try our guns before you plunk down your money for whatever you decide.
Standpat Steve, SASS #113, NCOWS #1468

Advertising

  • Guest
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #3 on: Today at 06:39:55 PM »

Big Hext Finnigan

  • Guest
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2004, 10:48:04 AM »
Howdy pard,

You may not know it, but you've kinda sumbled into the yin and yang of CAS guns.  Stainless Rugers or matte finish USFAs, Rossi or Marlin.

The Rugers are just about indestructable.  They have a different feel and in stainless, they wear little.  You can have them bead-blasted and they look like a matte nickel, very nice.  The USFAs are exceelent guns, more refined than the Vaquero and maybe not as durable.  The finish is just basic, no frills, but they are mechanically excellent firearms, at least those I have handled.  The good news is that both of them should have decent resale, and the pricing you have gotten is very competitive. 
In 38/357, they are a toss up, in 45, I'd go with the USFA.

I would always go with the Marlin, it's got a shorter throw and is easy to slick up and take apart.  The 92 is a very solid gun and can be slick.  It is a nightmare, comparatively to take apart.  With the money about the same, that's a no brainer, for me.  Especially in 357.  In 45, the 92 is less finicky.

Good luck and welcome to the game.
Adios,

Offline RRio

  • Arizona Six-Gun
  • Chief Deputy Marshal
  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 2009
  • Six-Gun Specialist
  • SASS #: 22927
  • NCOWS #: 2492
  • GAF #: 267
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 469
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2004, 02:02:17 PM »
There is iron in Big Hext's words.
With that said, I must add a little of my own experiance. I have shot Ubertis for a long time, until I got my first USFA. It is my humble opinion that with an action job from a Single Action Specialist, i.e., Bob James, Tom Sargis, Bob Munden, Coyote Cap, that a USFA will stand up as long as a Ruger. (Bob James is the tops, in my book.)
I have one Uberti (and Ubertis are not even on the same plane as a USFA) that I did the action on 20 years ago, that has countless rounds through it, and the timing is still perfect. I have never had to replace one part in it.
IMHO, the new USFAs are better made than the new Colts and should last you a lifetime with a professional action job. They are the closest thing to a Colt that you can get, without the high price of a Colt.
"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it"  - Capt. Woodrow Call

"Proud citizen of CasCity since 2004." 
NCOWS 2492  SASS 22927   SCORRS     USFACS #28       GAF #267 Dept. of the Platte  AZ        STORM #178

Offline Capt. Jack McQuesten

  • Top Active Citizen
  • *
  • Posts: 157
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: First CAS setup
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2004, 10:34:43 PM »
I use a pair of 4-5/8" blued Ruger Vaqueros (one is a Bisely Vaquero) because that is what I had for years before getting into CAS. Both are .44 magnums. I originally bought them for ranch guns and back up hunting guns. They are built like tanks and I like that. They are a bit thick in the grip, but a pair of the slimmed down aftermarket grips take care of that. I didn't get stainless as I felt it was too shiny, but as Big Hext said, you can always get them bead blasted (I think that would look cool!). As one of the other pards said. you should shoot a bunch of different ones and see which ones fit you best. I think the only thing I would change on my Vaqueros is to get longer barrels (eyes ain't what they used to be!).  As for the rifle, I have a Winchester M-94 in .44 magnum. Again, it is a gun I had before getting into CAS. Some pards don't like them as they are built for the longer rifle cartridges, but for now it works for me. When I can save up enough cash I plan to pick up a Cimarron 73' in .44 special. My shotgun is an old 12 gauge Rossi Overland Coach gun that I have had since 1977 or there abouts. Nothing I would change there.
SASS #56937  BOLD #527  RATS #120  WARTHOG
"There's payment to be made to them thats done this...."

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk

© 1995 - 2023 CAScity.com