Colt SAA and Other Six-Gun Replicas Used in Cowboy Action Shooting

The wholesome family sport of cowboy action shooting (CAS) has got its members wearing period costumes, and shooting at metal targets using original six-guns of the period or replicas. CAS has not only introduced the Cowboy Culture to all its members, it also revived the love and respect for the Colt SAA and other period six-shooters.

While there are many 19^th century cowboy revolvers in the hands of collectors, those that are available for sale come with exorbitant price tags. This prompted gun manufacturers to come up with replicas, many of them having  the looks and feel of the original firearm. Italian brands like Armi San Marco and Uberti are retailed by Cimarron and other firearms importers.

No other Western revolver gained more recognition than Colt’s Single Action Army revolver,  more popularly known as The Peacemaker. While every gun aficionado would like to be packing one, not every one would want to be shooting with identical-looking guns in a competition.

Here are various six-gun replicas, including a Colt SAA, that embody the Wild West spirit and are an outstanding favorite in cowboy action shooting events.

Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Colt SAA)

Manufactured by Colt in 1873, the Single Action Army Revolver is generally known as The Peacemaker. Its availability, durability, and inexpensive price gave it a wide advantage over its competitors. The first generation Colts sold for only $16.50 in those days. The .45 Long Colt was the most popular of the 36 assortment of calibers available.

When the production of the Single Action Army was stopped in 1941, the demand was so great that Colt had to re-manufacture it in 1957. Today’s third generation Colt SAA retails for about $1,700, which make many consumers look to lower-priced ($350 to $600) alternatives in the replica market.

Cimarron Bisley

The 1895 Bisley Target Model was highly popular for its accuracy. However, one will need to fire it on the range to fully understand and appreciate its unconventional grip design. An exact replica of this classic single action firearm is manufactured by Cimarron Firearms, as well as other brands. The Cimarron Bisley comes in standard blue finish Single and is available in different calibers and barrel lengths.

Ruger Vaquero

The Ruger Vaquero, manufactured in 1993 by Sturm Ruger, is based on the 1973 Ruger Blackhawk .357 magnum. Still, Colt’s Single Action Army influence can be seen in its design. While it relies heavily on the classic SAA look and feel, the Ruger Vaquero packs quite a punch by today’s standards. This new single-action six-shooter comes in blued steel in gleaming stainless finish, much like the Old West pistols with nickel-plated finish.

Uberti 1873 Cattleman El Patrón Revolver

The Vaqueros of the Old West referred to this classic revolver as El Patrón or “The Boss”. Its features were originally based on Colt’s classic Single Action Army Revolver. The 1873 Cattleman single-action shooter was designed for smoother operation as well as light, fast, and easy handling. No wonder the gunslingers in those days relied so much on it. Uberti’s hand-tuned edition of the Cattleman comes with a slew of features and functionalities that work great for cowboy action shooting and mounted shooting competitions.

Cimarron Model P Old Model

The Cimarron Single Action Model P is inspired by the Model ‘P’ Old Model revolver’s design which, in turn, was based the 1873 Colt Peacemaker. Although it was manufactured for the U.S. Cavalry, it soon became the precursor of the classic Wild West six-gun.

The Model P outsold other revolvers of its kind because it is very powerful, durable, and well-balanced. Cimarron made a lot of impressive improvements on its new version by eliminating all the imperfections of the original gun. Cimarron’s replica of the 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver is considered as the most accurate and of outstanding quality.

Taylor’s & Co. 1875 Army Outlaw Revolver

The Taylor’s & Co. 1875 Army Outlaw Revolver’s design is based on the classic Remington 1875 Single Action. This Colt SAA knockoff as well as other counterparts has been accurately cloned by Uberti and retailed by Taylor’s & Co. The 1875 Army Outlaw Revolver is available in 5-1/2-inch and 7-1/2-inch barrel lengths.