My Ruger single actions.....

[mic214]

I thought it was time to break out all of my Ruger single actions and give them a little sun....



So starting at 12 o'clock and going clockwise:

1) Stainless 5-1/2" SBH .44 mag
2) Stainless 5-1/2" Bisley Vaquero .45 Colt
3) Blued 5-1/2" Bisley Vaquero .45 Colt
4) Stainless 4-5/8" Vaquero .44 Special
5) Blued 4-5/8" 3 screw Flat Top Blackhawk .357 mag
6) Blued 4-5/8" Vaquero .44 mag
7) Blued 7-1/2" SBH .44 mag
8) Stainless 7-1/2" New Vaquero .45 Colt
9) Stainless 7-1/2" New Vaquero .45 Colt
10) Blued 7-1/2" Bisley Vaquero .44 mag
11) Blued Super Single Six 9-1/2" barrel .22lr/.22mag
12) Single Six 9-1/2" barrel .22lr
13) Blued 7-1/2" Vaqureo .44 mag
14) Blued 4" Bearcat .22lr (Center)

[elvaquero]

An enviable collection! Looks like lean toward the 44 mag more than the other calibers. Which one do you shoot the most and what is your preferred barrel length?

[jeffer]

Very nice!

[mic214]

Mar 20, 2016 23:45:43 GMT -5 elvaquero said:

An enviable collection! Looks like lean toward the 44 mag more than the other calibers. Which one do you shoot the most and what is your preferred barrel length?

I carry and shoot the stainless 5-1/2" SBH the most, although the .44 Special Vaquero is slowly catching up to it for time in the holster.... .

The SBH was an anniversary gift from my lovely bride many years ago. To me, the caliber is very versatile and the barrel length is perfect for packing in the woods. We live up in the high country of southeastern New Mexico, so bears are a frequent visitor around the hacienda.

[seancass]

That is a fine set you have there!

[elvaquero]

mic214

You have inspired me to keep acquiring Ruger single-actions. Yep. I too find the 44 mag/Special the most versatile cartridge, in terms of variety of loads available, availability of factory ammo almost anywhere at reasonable cost, effectiveness as a rifle round also. I have two Smiths in .44, a 4" Mountain Gun and an early 629, 6". In addition to two Security Sixes, I have two OM stainless Vaqueros in .44 mag with 4 5/8" barrels, as matched set, fully customized. For years I wanted, but could never find one with the Bisely grip, 5 1/2" barrel in 44 mag. But recently I came across a NIB (unfired) Bisely SBH, 7 1/2" barrel, blued for %569.00. I wanted it as a horse pistol, which it now is. I found that the 7 1/2" barrel length offers superior (for me) pointing and handling qualities and with the Bisely grip I can shoot even heavy loads one-handed from the saddle. Right now I am considering switching to a ghost ring rear sight for fast target acquisition without my glasses.

By the way, I live in Cave Creek, Arizona, so we're distant neighbors. What I love about the Southwest is the sun, the culture and the rich history, not to mention the vast open spaces we still have.

Thanks for sharing your collection with us.

Best Regards,
John Hansen

[mic214]

Mar 21, 2016 20:25:37 GMT -5 elvaquero said:

mic214

You have inspired me to keep acquiring Ruger single-actions. Yep. I too find the 44 mag/Special the most versatile cartridge, in terms of variety of loads available, availability of factory ammo almost anywhere at reasonable cost, effectiveness as a rifle round also. I have two Smiths in .44, a 4" Mountain Gun and an early 629, 6". In addition to two Security Sixes, I have two OM stainless Vaqueros in .44 mag with 4 5/8" barrels, as matched set, fully customized. For years I wanted, but could never find one with the Bisely grip, 5 1/2" barrel in 44 mag. But recently I came across a NIB (unfired) Bisely SBH, 7 1/2" barrel, blued for %569.00. I wanted it as a horse pistol, which it now is. I found that the 7 1/2" barrel length offers superior (for me) pointing and handling qualities and with the Bisely grip I can shoot even heavy loads one-handed from the saddle. Right now I am considering switching to a ghost ring rear sight for fast target acquisition without my glasses.

By the way, I live in Cave Creek, Arizona, so we're distant neighbors. What I love about the Southwest is the sun, the culture and the rich history, not to mention the vast open spaces we still have.

Thanks for sharing your collection with us.

Best Regards,
John Hansen

Hey John,

I think my affinity for single actions and the 44 caliber comes from my upbringing where I read everything I could that was written by Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton. At one time I did have a Bisley Blackhawk with a 7-1/2" barrel chambered in .44 magnum. I carried it a lot as my back up pistola when I was hunting hogs in Texas. I thought it was great hunting pistol, but I found that the most comfortable carry position was cross draw due to the barrel length. It did have a nice balance to it.

I am contemplating having a stainless Bisley grip frame installed on my stainless 5-1/2" SBH as, for me, I think it would be the ultimate woods pistola.

I do love living in New Mexico. We have some rugged country here, but that is my idea of heaven. My parents live in Payson, which I see is not too far from you. That is sure some pretty country up that way too………

Hasta,

Mick

[elvaquero]

Mick,
I have a new holster from Rick Bachman of Old West Reproductions for my 7 1/2" Bisely .44 mag. Super Blackhawk. Rick sold me on the idea of having it made as a straight-hang versus angled crossdraw so I could wear it either way. It is a replica of the holster made for Teddy Roosevelt when he was ranching in South Dakota. It is a true masterpiece that I will post pictures of this coming weekend. I am wearing it crossdraw mostly due to its length, and it keeps the gun out of the way while I am engaged in other work or activity. But I also find I liken wearing it strong side, for easier access if nothing else. I'm still experimenting to see which I favor most.

Good idea to go to Bisely grip frame on your stainless SBH. I find the Bisely grip the most comfortable for controlling heavy loads and quicker recovery from recoil for follow-up shots. I had a pair of OM Vaqueros in .45 with 5 1/2" barrels and Bisely grips that I sold a few years ago when money was tight. I still regret having to do that. Though I favor the .44, they were awesome shooters.

John

[chsparkman]

Mar 21, 2016 13:43:19 GMT -5 mic214 said:

Mar 20, 2016 23:45:43 GMT -5 elvaquero said:

An enviable collection! Looks like lean toward the 44 mag more than the other calibers. Which one do you shoot the most and what is your preferred barrel length?

I carry and shoot the stainless 5-1/2" SBH the most, although the .44 Special Vaquero is slowly catching up to it for time in the holster.... .

The SBH was an anniversary gift from my lovely bride many years ago. To me, the caliber is very versatile and the barrel length is perfect for packing in the woods. We live up in the high country of southeastern New Mexico, so bears are a frequent visitor around the hacienda.

Up in the High Rolls? Beautiful country.

[wvjoetc]

Very nice indeed sir!

[robrcg]

Very nice collection of Rugers!