Anyone who has followed my recent posts will know that for several weeks I have been preparing to buy my next Ruger single action. Well, I finally zeroed in on what I want and then set out to find it. Yesterday I got myself a nice, lightly used KBNV455-I (a stainless .45 Vaquero, 5.5 inch with simulated ivory grips).
The owner was asking $500 for the gun, a leather holster and cartridge belt, about 500 once-fired cases, and a mixed assortment of factory ammo totalling about 100 rounds. This seemed like a reasonable deal, and the gun spoke to me when I handled it (which is important for me in any gun buying decision). Trouble was, I only had $440, even after scraping together everything I could find. I didn't want this one to get away, so I talked him into letting me take the gun for 440, promising to return in a few weeks with the remaining 60 bucks, at which time I will take the accessories.
I haven't shot it yet, but after closely examining it, I am really happy. It's in good shape--not perfect, but appears to have been well cared for, with only a few handling marks. I now have 3 single action 45s, each in a different flavor: the stainless Buckeroo; a 4.75" Uberti Model 1873 Chisholm, which is an SAA replica with checkered walnut grips and matte black metal finish (sort of like a USFA Rodeo); and a Bisley Blackhawk, 7.5" blued. I think all I need to round out the collection is something with a short barrel, like a Montado or Sheriff's Model, and maybe a birdshead or brass gripframe.
So, you may ask, what am I going to do with this latest purchase, aside from shooting it at the range once in a while? Well, I could take it along when I go roaming in the desert, with shot shells in the first 2 chambers in case I see a snake that I want to do away with, and hollowpoints in the rest for critters a lot bigger than snakes who are intent on harming me. I could stoke it up with cast lead bullets and powder charges somewhat heavier than the factories will load, to carry in the mountains for peace of mind in bear territory. (I know... even heavy 45 Colts are not really enough for bears, but they're certainly better than nothing, and even beat 357s and 45 ACPs). I probably won't get into CAS, because I think that game is kind of silly. (Nothing against those who participate, it's just not my thing.) And I probably won't take it on my motorcycle, as my SP-101 fits in the tank bag a lot better. I definitely WILL keep it by my side while sitting around the campfire, just because that's where it seems to belong.
The owner was asking $500 for the gun, a leather holster and cartridge belt, about 500 once-fired cases, and a mixed assortment of factory ammo totalling about 100 rounds. This seemed like a reasonable deal, and the gun spoke to me when I handled it (which is important for me in any gun buying decision). Trouble was, I only had $440, even after scraping together everything I could find. I didn't want this one to get away, so I talked him into letting me take the gun for 440, promising to return in a few weeks with the remaining 60 bucks, at which time I will take the accessories.
I haven't shot it yet, but after closely examining it, I am really happy. It's in good shape--not perfect, but appears to have been well cared for, with only a few handling marks. I now have 3 single action 45s, each in a different flavor: the stainless Buckeroo; a 4.75" Uberti Model 1873 Chisholm, which is an SAA replica with checkered walnut grips and matte black metal finish (sort of like a USFA Rodeo); and a Bisley Blackhawk, 7.5" blued. I think all I need to round out the collection is something with a short barrel, like a Montado or Sheriff's Model, and maybe a birdshead or brass gripframe.
So, you may ask, what am I going to do with this latest purchase, aside from shooting it at the range once in a while? Well, I could take it along when I go roaming in the desert, with shot shells in the first 2 chambers in case I see a snake that I want to do away with, and hollowpoints in the rest for critters a lot bigger than snakes who are intent on harming me. I could stoke it up with cast lead bullets and powder charges somewhat heavier than the factories will load, to carry in the mountains for peace of mind in bear territory. (I know... even heavy 45 Colts are not really enough for bears, but they're certainly better than nothing, and even beat 357s and 45 ACPs). I probably won't get into CAS, because I think that game is kind of silly. (Nothing against those who participate, it's just not my thing.) And I probably won't take it on my motorcycle, as my SP-101 fits in the tank bag a lot better. I definitely WILL keep it by my side while sitting around the campfire, just because that's where it seems to belong.