Which Cowboy Caliber?

[hirundo82]

Since posting, I have been doing some research. As to the revolver, The Ruger "New Vaquero" looks pretty dang interesting. It comes in 44 special and 45 colt. Since it says 44 SPECIAL, I am assuming that it wouldnt be safe for the Magnum?

.44spl is to .44mag as .38spl is to .357mag. .44spl will chamber and fire fine in a gun designed for .44mag, but .44mag is too long (by design) to chamber in a .44spl chamber.

[CCreyeder]

Since posting, I have been doing some research. As to the revolver, The Ruger "New Vaquero" looks pretty dang interesting. It comes in 44 special and 45 colt. Since it says 44 SPECIAL, I am assuming that it wouldnt be safe for the Magnum?

.44spl is to .44mag as .38spl is to .357mag. .44spl will chamber and fire fine in a gun designed for .44mag, but .44mag is too long (by design) to chamber in a .44spl chamber.

ahh.. thanks. I kinda figured that, but wanted to make sure

[Heartland Patriot]

Some time ago, I purchased a "cowboy pair"...a Henry Big Boy in .357 Mag and a Ruger Vaquero in the same...they both shoot extremely well...the Ruger "reverse indexes" to allow for easier loading and both of these two use "transfer bar" to hit the firing pin...not very authentic, but it works well and is pretty safe. The Henry has one drawback that I don't like about it...it loads into the tube like a .22LR, that is, there is a slot toward the end of the tube...you pull the plunger out and slide the rounds in one by one, and then push the plunger back into the tube and lock it in place. I wish it had a side loading gate and if I ever have the money to purchase another lever action (lots of other firearms higher on the list), I'll make sure it does have a side-loading gate. Much easier to top up...IMHO. All that said, I do like both of these firearms and in .357 Mag you barely feel it move due to the weight of the rifle and in .38 Special you don't feel it at all.
Just my 2 cents...good luck and have fun.

[MMac]

Speaking about a cowboy lever action rifle, my dad just gave me a Winchester 1894 30-30 Centennial special edition I can't wait to shoot (never been fired). My Ruger Single-Six is a bit small but a "cowboy" gun none the less. Eventually I may need to get a larger caliber pistol myself to go with the rifle.

[Salty1]

Here is a great cowboy gun, chambered in 44-40 it is considered the gun that won the west..... an original Winchester 1873 that was built in 1882.......... it shoots great as well

[OldCannon]

One word of caution regarding .45 Colt Vaqueros. The new models are not as robust as the original Vaquero.

Loads built for the earlier Vaqueros/Blackhawk/Redhawk should not be fired in the New Model Vaqueros.

Taylor Smokewagons. Can't go wrong.

[elpjt]

If you are considering a cowboy match go to one first and watch. You do not want to mix caliers in match guns. There is to much going on and is simpler to have all the same ammo. You may also during a stage be askedbto reload/load and do not want any confussion on the firing line. .38 special is a common caliber and hand loads are very common. I have .45LC and hand load to save some money. Many top shooters will load at a min. muzzle velocity to keep down muzzle jump. A couple of stainless Rugers(ok 4,2 regular and 2 bisley grip), an Uberti Yellow Boy(also a Marlin when I do not want to get out the brasso) and Winchester 1897 pump shotgun are in my stable. Of course the period correct costume and a Stetson will be next. Then the custom gun cart. Don't get caught up in all the stuff andjust enjoy the match. I have met some of the best people and best shots at a match. After you become super obsessed you will wonder if that short barreled birds head would make a good carry gun and if it would print in a IWB holster.

JT

[i8godzilla]

I am partial to 45LC. viewtopic.php?f=87&t=39014&p=466449" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Took it deer hunting last season. Got a doe at about 60 yards using Hornady FTX LEVERevolution.

I have shot the Hornady in both my Model 94 and Judge Public Defender. For me, it is as accurate as the shooter.

[Rex B]

. . . or get em in 357/38sp and sacrifice authenticity for lower ammo cost and easier availablity.

I've heard it said that a .357 Mag makes a better rifle cartridge than it does a handgun cartridge. I wouldn't mind having a lever gun in .357, a short, quick, carbine. A revolver or two in that caliber is already on my wishlist.

I happen to have a nice Marlin 1894 in .357. I bought it from a forum member thinking it was the long barrel version.
It's the carbine, but he drove a long way to meet me, so I took it.
Very nice gun, but it's not what I want. Haven't even shot it yet.

[CCreyeder]

I ended up getting a couple of Cimmarrons in 45LC. I got a "Evil Roy" 1873 SAA clone and a 1860 Richards - Mason open top conversion. My rationale on the caliber was that I am never going to be the fastest or most accurate, so getting them in 38spl wouldnt be much of an advantage for me, other than cost and since I dont plan on shooting a ton of rounds that didnt seem to be a factor either, plus I just wouldnt feel right lol.. As for getting the open top, I like to be different and stand out in the crowd lol... If they wouldve had a Schofield I would have gotten it, but evidently Uberti doesnt produce alot of those each year so they are more scarce.

My dad has a model 94 in 38-40 that I think I can borrow until I can get a rifle of my own. I know that they say it is better to have matching calibers, but I think I will be okay.

Next up, gotta get me some duds lol

[PracticalTactical]

I have a Blackhawk .45 convertible, came with a .45 LC cylinder and a .45 ACP cylinder that doesn't require moon clips. The ACP cylinder's chambers are built like a chamber in a semi-auto, so the rounds headspace without need for a rim.

It makes for good cheap plinking with the ACP rounds and the LC cylinder is tough enough to handle the hot loads people are talking about.

A very versatile little gun.

I originally bought it so NM CHL students could qualify with a .45 revolver without having to pay for LC commercial loads, but it has quickly gone from workhorse to one of my funner guns. I get at least one offer to purchase it on the spot every class, but I have to turn them down because the dual-cylinder gun isn't available locally.

[Fisherman74]

44-40 is about as authentic as you will get in a reasonably available caliber for both rifle and pistol.

It will cost you to feed them though.