I've been looking into getting my first .357 mag sixgun. I've seen and played with some Vaqueros, Stampedes and Ubertis. In terms of affordability and reliability, which gun would be best for me?

To clarify, I'd use this gun as a sidearm while hunting, and a fun plinking gun. It would match my Rossi 92 357 that I already have.

Is there any difference in the function or performance of a steel framed gun (Vaquero) to one with a brass frame (Uberti)?

Any advice or comment from those with experience with these types of guns would be very appreciated.

Thanks,

Patrick

You'd have to work long and hard to wear out a .357 Blackhawk. About the only criticism to be had is that they are a little heavier than they need to be, built on a .44 frame.

The 'new' Vaqueros are a smaller frame, still plenty sturdy for a .357, but adjustable sights are a little handier for a hunting gun.

The 'convertible' .357/9mm is moderately fun, if you have access to a boatload of cheap surplus 9mm ammo. Recoil of 9mm borders on "pathetic" in a Blackhawk!

No idea that anyone made a brass-framed .357 handgun.

I gotta go with Mike. The Ruger is tops and you can get it in stainless also. Never had one in .357, but owned a couple in .41 and .44. A friend of mine has one in 45 colt with the short bbl and it is really nice to carry and fun to shoot.

Is there any difference in the function or performance of a steel framed gun (Vaquero) to one with a brass frame (Uberti)?
PatrickThe only historically correct brass framed revolvers that I have heard of are the black powder, cap and ball ones made by the Confederacy when they were trying to conserve on iron. If you opt for the brass frame I would hope it is brass plating over steel. There should be no difference in function or performance between brass and steel frames other than one is stronger than the other.

Are you refering to standard 1873 Peacemaker replicas? Some have brass GRIP-rames, others have steel GRIP-frames. Generally all have steel cylinder frames. I have not heard GRIP-frame material affecting their stregnth either way. Even a great many Ruger Blackhawks have aluminium GRIP-frames. Nobody seem to make an issue about these, regarding strength or durability, but some dislike them for looks or feel.

A replica 1873 colt peacemaker in .357 mag is a smaller pistol than the .357 mag Ruger (old) Vaquero. Ultimately, it may not last quite as long as the Ruger. Still, the higher quality Italian replicas in .357 mag will take a great deal of shooting to wear out. If it is factory made in .357 mag, it was designed to take alot of shooting with this cartridge. Even Colt chambered the original Peacemacker in .357 mag.

Ruger was the way I was leaning too, I just wanted to see what everyone else thought.

What started this line of thinking was a used Uberti 1873 in 44-40 for a little under $260. It looked great with a casehardened frame and a 4.75" barrel and walnut grips. Is this a good price for a used but good revolver? It seems good, except for the possibility having a hard time finding ammunition. How would the 44-40 stack up against 357. I know it’s a larger round, but comparatively speaking, what would be the difference out of a revolver and a light carbine like a 92.

Thanks again,

Patrick

What started this line of thinking was a used Uberti 1873 in 44-40 for a little under $260. It looked great with a casehardened frame and a 4.75" barrel and walnut grips. Is this a good price for a used but good revolver? It seems good, except for the possibility having a hard time finding ammunition. How would the 44-40 stack up against 357. I know it’s a larger round, but comparatively speaking, what would be the difference out of a revolver and a light carbine like a 92.

Thanks again,

PatrickThe .44-40 is an old classic cowboy round and is the second most popular chambering in the Colt SA revolver. Ammo and loading components are now easy to find due to the popularity of cowboy action shooting. Comparing the .44-40 to the .357 is a little like comparing apples to oranges since the .357 was designed as a high velocity round whereas the .44-40 started out in the black powder era. Maximum velocities from the .44-40 run about 1000 fps from a 7 1/2" revolver barrel to about 1400 fps from a 24" rifle barrel. It's a very accurate cartridge and a joy to shoot. You might consider picking this up along with the .357 since the price sounds right.

Take it from one who learned the hard way 357/38 is the way to go if you are going to be competitive. I started with a pair of Bisley Rugers in 45 colt. I still have these guns but now shoot Cimarron Lightnings in 38 cal.. You just can not download the 45 and 44 enough to be able to shoot as fast as the people shooting 38's. As far as guns go the Rugers are very easy to tune yourself by just installing new springsbut they are heavier. Uberty and Cimarron are both lighter and more like the original Colts but are not as rugged. Stay away from the brass frames as they will enventually stretch with use. Beretta has been having trouble with there Stampede and many have been recalled. Right now you may fine it very hard to find new 357 Rugers because og thje demand for the the new guns and Ruger has stopped production on the old models.