7 Best Single Action Revolver Reviews of 2023 | Lower Trigger Resistance for More Convenient Shooting

This best cowboy revolver nails the feel of a premium handgun, and the Ruger Super Blackhawk (RSB) is no different. At 43.2 ounces, I like how substantial the revolver feels in my hands. This isn’t by any means a lightweight handgun; however, the well-balanced weight distribution does its magic never to make the RSB feel too heavy in a single hand grip, even after extended shooting sessions.

I really dig the RSB’s aesthetics, as the revolver feels smooth over the edges and comes with a classy wooden grip. Such a grip design also serves to absorb some of the recoil produced on shooting a .44 Magnum round, and this makes a huge difference.

For starters, the .44 Magnum cartridges pack 3-4 times the gunpowder found in an average round. You can expect wild recoil as a result of such significant firepower. Nevertheless, the RSB's weight and plow handle grip serve to make the revolver more steady in your hands. Thanks to this well-engineered design, you can expect follow-up shots to be as accurate as they can be.

The RSB delivers a well-rounded package that serves many purposes. Whether you're looking for a powerful handgun for self-defense or a trusty companion on your hunting trips, the RSB is the way to go.

Handloaders, in particular, who assemble their own cartridges from scratch, will have a blast with this big-bore revolver. The .44 caliber allows for experimentation with different components and recipes, enabling handloaders to refine their skills.

Additionally, the affordability factor of stock .44 Magnum cartridges further motivates individuals to embark on this do-it-yourself journey. Undoubtedly, the RSB stands as one of the finest single-action revolvers ever manufactured, and we owe our gratitude to Bill Ruger for his contribution.

This classic revolver, like other Ruger single actions such as the Ruger Wrangler, the Blackhawk, and various Vaquero models, exhibits exquisite craftsmanship. Its popularity knows no bounds, particularly in Alaska, where it serves as the go-to handgun for protection against wolves and bears.

In fact, it's not uncommon for multiple members of the same family in Alaska to own this iconic firearm. As a testament to its durability, many individuals still cherish their 44 mags from the '70s, such as the super Blackhawk, continuing to shoot and appreciate its timeless design. Notably, the square trigger guard is a feature that enthusiasts particularly adore.

Finally, I can't praise enough how the RSB is well-built. The revolver has an all-metal finish with a stylish blue hue to it. The cylinder clicks securely in place and feels snug. However, my only complaint is the plastic rod release button. It feels out of place in this otherwise premium looking revolver, and I wish Ruger walked the extra mile to address such minor nitpicking of mine.

With every new entry to its revolvers’ lineup, Uberti proves that it knows how to deliver just the right balance between an affordable price and a quality build. I genuinely like the unique charcoal blue finish that the 1873 Cattleman comes in. You get the same finish even on the hardened parts of the case for a consistent look, which is what gunners expect from the best 45 long colt single action revolver.

Aside from the looks, I wasn’t blown away by my shooting experience with the Uberti 1873 Cattleman. The trigger feels a bit heavy for a single action revolver with the breaking point sitting at around five pounds. During my testing, I adjusted to the extra resistance; however, I couldn’t look past the inconsistent gritty sensation throughout the trigger’s travel distance.

Unlike the RSB, the Cattleman comes with a fixed sight that is soldered to the metal frame, resulting in a loss of sight adjustability.

However, the placement feels right for most shooting scenarios, and I found myself consistently landing accurate shots even from long ranges. Hunters can rejoice with the Cattleman's utilization of the powerful 45 Long Colt cartridges, which possess enough firepower to take down a bear.

The lengthy 5.5-inch barrel also enhances bullet momentum and velocity, resulting in considerable penetration power. Ruger enthusiasts will appreciate the Blackhawk model, which shares the same barrel length but utilizes 41 magnums and features a blue finish.

Many consider Ruger to be the best revolver manufacturer, surpassing Colt, Freedom Arms, and other contenders.

Overall, the Cattleman proves to be an exceptional firearm. Additionally, the bullets themselves are truly remarkable. After being introduced to their reloading components by an experienced individual, I have been consistently impressed. Their match burner bullets are particularly outstanding. One of the best cowboy guns? Most probably!

Not all of us have a gunsmithing kit at our disposal, and even if you do, you need a certain level of skill to use such tools effectively. Here comes the role of convertible revolvers with their moddable designs that can be easily customizable without the need for dedicated tools.

Ruger Single Six proves that it fully understands the convertible formula and capitalizes on what makes such revolvers so special. The front and rear sights are highly customizable, allowing you to align both of them for maximum accuracy. Moreover, you can swap the revolver's barrel with a single secure screw to get different lengths down the line.

However, it's not all pink and roses, as the .22 Long Rifle caliber feels out of place if you intend to use your revolver primarily for self-defense. Unless shot at a close range, you don't get the stopping power necessary to impact your attacker's movement.

Furthermore, the incorporated spring-loaded ejector rod makes the process of unloading empty shells and reloading your new cartridges more seamless. Revolvers aren't known for their reloading speed, but with enough practice, you can add six new rounds to the wheel in no time.

I have been a big fan of the Single Six for years. They have amazing balance and are quite accurate. They make for a great first handgun due to the slow loading, and with Pearlite grips, they look as hell.

I love Ruger products and I'm a huge fan. I own 2 revolvers, and they have never failed me. I've fired thousands of rounds through my grandpa's Single Six. Love that gun. I was quite pleased last year to present it to my grandson on his "First Gun" birthday.

I couldn’t get enough of the this revolver; that’s why I decided to review the Ruger Super Blackhawk variant with an unfluted cylinder. The two models are basically identical except for a minor difference that might go unnoticed for the untrained eye.

Fluting in gun terms refers to the presence of grooves along the revolver’s cylinder and barrel. This helps to push the revolver’s overall weight down, as the grooves help reduce the frame’s density. You can notice the weight difference between the two models with the unfluted RSB sitting at 44.9 ounces.

It's worth noting that unfluted revolvers have a cleaner overall look, which explains the appeal of heavier models. Gun manufacturers can offer these models at a lower retail price since they don't have to bother with the extra fluting step.

If you're on a tight budget and don't mind the extra weight, I recommend saving a couple of bucks on the unfluted RSB. Its cleaner look will also make it a great addition to any gun collector's shelf.

Personally, I'm excited to own my first handgun, an affordable Uberti with a 7.5-inch barrel. I've always admired the aesthetics of old revolvers, and I'm looking forward to taking it to the range. It's fascinating to witness the bullet just before impact, and the clever safety design preserves the classic look while providing excellent safety features.

The impact of the hollow points is impressive, and I'm grateful that companies like Uberti exist. As I continue to explore the world of firearms, the real .45 LCs are catching my attention, especially now that I've started reloading a bit.

Old West fans might be familiar with the name “Billy the Kid” and how this infamous gunslinger caused havoc back in the 19th century. Uberti set on a quest to make the fanboy inside every one of us happy with its faithful recreation of his gun in the form of Bonney 1873 Cattleman.

The grip also replicates the feeling of a buffalo horn that was used in the original Billy the Kid revolver. Furthermore, I completely dig the all-black finish adorned by a brass-looking housing around the revolver’s cylinder.

Given the fact that the Bonney 1873 Cattleman is a limited edition revolver, you can expect its price to exceed that of the stock model. Only gun enthusiasts and collectors may be willing to spend the extra cash for essentially the same specifications available in another budget revolver.

While some individuals may dislike the three-click system, personally, I don't find it bothersome. In my opinion, Uberti offers slightly higher quality compared to Pietta. I particularly admire the Uberti Cattleman II that you are shooting.

I own a single action myself, chambered in .22 LR, which closely resembles the Cattlemen and features an attractive nickel plating and old-fashioned white grips.

It's both a pleasure to shoot and a sight to behold. Additionally, I cherish my 5 1/2-inch barrel 1873 Cattleman; it's a magnificent firearm that brings me great joy when I fire it. 

You know the drill by now; Ruger knows how to make a single action revolver. The Ruger Vaquero shares the same DNA in terms of premium build quality, durability, and reliability. The entire frame is made out of stainless steel, which ensures the Ruger Vaquero can shoot anything you throw its way, whether it's old-school black powder cartridges or the newer smokeless options.

Speaking of smokeless cartridges, the revolver uses .45 Colt rounds. Such cartridges are capable of achieving the same velocity and firing power as their .45 ACP counterparts while keeping the chamber pressure in check.

The end result is less recoil without compromising on power. I've owned one of the first Ruger Vaqueros in .45 LC since 1994. As Hickok says, it's a tank, but a truly great gun. I love the weight of the gun, the trigger, the hammer—everything. It's very accurate, reliable, and durable.

Out of all my guns, it's the one I'll pass on to my grandson someday. You just can't beat a Ruger. I believe getting one of these Cowboy guns would be a good way to explore a different shooting style and start reloading. For these reasons, it's my top choice of caliber unless you require more power. I have one in .45 LC, and I absolutely love it. It became my favorite to shoot from the moment I first fired it.

Unlike the Ruger Single Six, there’s limited room for customization here without using dedicated gunsmithing tools. Nevertheless, you get a solid package out-of-the-box that performs well enough for most people without any special adjustments.

One major complaint that I couldn't overlook using the Ruger Vaquero is its weight. At 71.2 ounces, the revolver is without a doubt on the heavy side. I admit that the revolver's overall stability benefits a lot from its hefty construction; however, not all people can appreciate the extra weight, especially that there are lighter alternatives on the market with comparable accuracy.

Uberti brings its years of firearm expertise and sets to pursue a new goal, which is delivering one of the fastest-shooting competition revolvers. This was made possible by completely redesigning the hammer mechanism. With 20% less hammer travel distance, the Uberti KL CMS ensures the transition from one round to the other is as brief as possible in a single action revolver.

Furthermore, the revolver fits perfectly as a concealed carry gun thanks to its relatively short barrel and lightweight. The support for 45 Colt cartridges is the icing on top. Such ammunition delivers enough stopping power for your Uberti KL CMS to double as your trusty self-defense sidearm.

Finally, serious mounted shooters can also appreciate that the .45 Colt caliber doesn't produce considerable noise to startle your horse every time you land a shot. This makes the process of acclimating your horse to the sound of the gun much easier when using such ammunition.

Furthermore, the color-cased hardening adds a great aesthetic appeal. Among them, Evil Roy's and the Blackhawks are personal favorites, with their impressive pistols. The Uberti Short Stroke has captured my heart, and receiving one as a Christmas gift was truly a beautiful surprise.

It is without a doubt the greatest gun I've ever fired, encompassing everything from its looks, feel, sounds, history, cocking, and reliability. The Single Action Army is undoubtedly one of the coolest and most beautiful guns ever created.