Single action revolvers were not among the first guns that I ever shot. In fact, it likely wasn’t for another decade after my initial exposure to firearms that I ever fired a .45 LC single action revolver. However, I was fully indoctrinated on movies and television shows focused on the American West and WWII before I ever held my first BB rifle, let alone fired a centerfire handgun. Clint Eastwood’s darker Spaghetti Westerns, John Wayne’s cleaner (and not so clean cut) Westerns plus shows like Bonanza, The Wild Wild West, Gunsmoke, Have Gun-Will Travel, and even F-Troop gave me a lifelong interest in the myths and realities of the great American West.
As if that wasn’t enough, listening to Marty Robbins crooning about the Old West on my dad’s eight track player in his work Oldsmobile only reinforced this fascination. As my gun collection grew, it was only natural that I started picking up lever action rifles and single action revolvers made after the weapons of that time. Though many of these single action revolvers are available chambered in more modern rounds like .357 Magnum (1934), .38 Special (1898), .44 Magnum (~1955), the historian in me prefers these reproductions chambered in .45 Long Colt (LC). The .45 LC was widely released in 1873.
A Brief Single Action Revolver and .45 LC History
1873 proved to be historic for many reasons but it also saw the release of the Colt Single Action Revolver and .45 Long Colt cartridge. The Colt Single Action Peacemaker (M1873) was certainly not the first centerfire revolver, but it quickly became a symbol of the Old West. The design is still in production to this day at Colt and many other companies. The .45 LC cartridge was designed in tandem with the Colt Peacemaker and remains a popular chambering for period reproduction guns, cowboy action shooting, and hunting.
Choosing a Single Action Revolver
There are many options available for a good single action revolver. The vast majority of these revolvers mimic the Colt Peacemaker design. On the cheapest end of the scale are various .22 rimfire guns primarily made by Heritage Manufacturing. Not only are these solid options for introducing someone to shooting, but they are a very affordable way to get into single action shooting. When examining the centerfire market, prices range from the affordable to high-end with manufacturers including, but not limited to, Ruger, Colt, Cimarron, Pietta, Uberti, Taylor and Company, Chiappa, and EEA. Here are my considerations when picking up a new single-action revolver.
Feel, Not Brand, Is Important
Brand is less important to me in most regards. I’ve found single action revolvers tend to vary functionally within a brand. For example, I see modern striker-fire guns more in the vein of “a Glock is a Glock.” However, that seems less so with single action revolvers. I have handled two of the same models from the same company with one having a smooth action and crisp trigger while the other one was gritty with less consistency in its trigger break. Thus, I honestly admit appearance and individual feel plays a larger part in my decision making when buying a single action revolver compared to other firearms.
Function Testing Single Action Revolvers
Once I’ve decided I like the “look” of a single action revolver, I look much like Tuco from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly picking out a new revolver. I’m systematic in checking the function. If you have not seen or remember this scene, check it out in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. More recently, it was the inspiration for a similar scene in John Wick: Chapter 3.
First, I bring the hammer to half-cock position. I note how much force this requires and how smoothly the hammer clicks into position. I then open the loading gate (attending to smoothness and if it clicks solidly into the open position). Next, I rotate the cylinder through the empty chambers. I check three things at this time. I ensure each chamber is empty (safety check). Then, I feel how smoothly the cylinder rotates. Finally, I see how each chamber aligns with the loading gate as it clicks into place.
Before closing the loading gate, I check the ejection rod to make sure it has smoothly pushed back. I also check that it extends easily through the open cylinder to eject spent casings. If I have concerns on each chamber’s alignment with the open loading port, I might check the ejection rod through all the chambers in the cylinder. After confirming the store is okay with dryfiring, I run the hammer fully back and press the trigger through each chamber (generally 6 times).
As in all previous tests, success was measured in force needed, smoothness of action, and how reliably the action clicks into place with no variance in resistance or grittiness. Only after these tests do I test the balance and presentation (making sure to not muzzle anyone). If I like the look, it passes function tests, and feels good in my hands; it will likely come home with me.
Top 5 Single Action Revolvers
Ruger Vaquero TALO Engraved
My first single action was a special order. As such, I bought it without any of the above processes. It was a Ruger Vaquero TALO engraved exclusive chambered in .45LC with 5.5” barrel. Although a beautiful gun that I still own, it would have likely not made it past the function tests. The cylinder is relatively loose when rotating and, due to a modern safety, it loads and unloads differently from my other more ‘authentic’ single action 1873s. I have shot many others Vaqueros and have not seen this cylinder alignment issue. This issue reinforced my belief that single action revolvers should be handled and tested prior to purchase. Though not my favorite single-action in terms of function, the overall look of this gun is hard to top.
Cimarron 1873 Man With No Name
As previously stated, I grew up on Westerns. When Cimarron released their 1873 Man With No Name modeled after Clint Eastwood’s revolver in the Spaghetti Westerns, there was little question I needed one in .45LC with 5.5” barrel. I handled three of these and, although all were solid, there were small functional variations. Overall, I’m very happy with the revolver’s functionality. The iconic snake on the right-hand side of the wood grips is pretty cool too. This particular single action is the one I carry the most when hosting Western shooting events.
Taylor and Company 1873 Ranch Hand
This next revolver is one of my few single action firearms not chambered in .45LC. The Taylor and Company 1873 Ranch Hand is chambered in .357 Magnum with 4.75” barrel. I love the look of the case-hardened frame and brass trigger guard. At first, I was disappointed when I found out that it was not chambered in .45LC. However, it passed my function checks with flying colors. It had one of the lightest, but still crisp, triggers of any of my single action pistols. Finally, the overall balance and presentation erased any lingering doubts. I’ve added this gun to my collection with no regrets.
Uberti 1875 Outlaw
Next is the Uberti 1875 Outlaw in .45LC and 7.5” barrel. The nickel-plated steel of this gun is quite eye catching. Though the hammer pull is longer than my other revolvers, it’s smooth and consistent with a satisfying trigger break. While not as balanced, the longer sight radius makes this one of my more accurate pistols. Again, like most of the guns on this list, I was fortunate enough to select this gun from a pair. I chose the one with the slightly nicer function.
Cimarron Wyatt Earp Frontier Buntline
The final gun on this list is one with historical significance that I purchased from Cimarron. The Cimarron (made by Uberti) Wyatt Earp Frontier Buntline is chambered in .45LC with 10” barrel. This pistol commemorates Wyatt Earp’s supposed ownership of a very rare 12” barreled “Buntline” Colt. Though many historians question the factual nature of this claim, it still has a place in Western myth and lore. This special order didn’t allow for comparison testing and, much like similar sight unseen purchases, the function could be better. However, other than a little grittiness in the trigger and some variability in finding the half-cock condition, it performs well. Either way, the looks make up for the minor issues with function.
Conclusion
I absolutely love the Colt Peacemaker design. I have many modern companies’ versions of these guns as collectibles, range pistols, and, when appropriate, occasional competition and carry. Hopefully, this article provided some tips on what to look for when buying a single action revolver. Furthermore, this will hopefully help you navigate what is available. The spirit of the America West lives in each one of these pistols. There is little wonder why I carry such a gun when given the chance.
