If you are looking for the best single-action revolver, the chances are that you are not the only one. A single-action revolver may be the most convenient firearm you will ever use, considering its name. You may be looking for one for a specifically intended resolution. So it is quite important to search for one that will be deliberated idyllic for you in terms of quality and performance.
A single-action revolver will usually take lesser time to navigate and use. This means that you will be able to fire off your shots a lot faster compared to double-action revolvers, which will take a little more time and ability than to get a shot off.
To assist you in finding a single-action revolver that will stand out as a desired gun for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best single action revolvers that are currently obtainable on the market. While there are a lot of single-action revolvers on the market, these suggestions came out as some of the finest for one reason or another that are their own.
Before we continue on to the list, we will discuss what resolution the 45 colts single action revolver can provide and why the ones we have selected for review are considered the greatest – in our opinion.
If you like shooting competitions and shooting games, then you will need to check out that electrifying sport of cowboy action shooting (CAS) that has been gaining quite a following internationally. It involves three different kinds of guns – revolvers, lever-action rifles, and shotguns.
You should try each out on a few competitive matches and have some fun while you are at it as you refine your shooting skills. CAS shooters are often friendly and, if you are a newcomer to the sport, are happy to share their experience and even offer you some tips that can come in handy for you to use.
Single Action Shooting Society (or SASS for short) is a global organization that conserves, promotes, and governs the sport of cowboy action shooting. As the name infers, the firearms use .45 colt single action revolvers, comparable to those perused in the time of the Old West. The competitive aspect of CAS makes it essential for revolvers to be changed or slicked up in a way that is permissible. Have your trigger “glow up” up at the very least. For instance, only a Bisley grip frame with a Bisley style hammer is definitely allowed.
The popular days of the .45 colts single action revolver are prior to the 1870s, before the invention and extensive popularity of the double-action revolver. For a single-action revolver to work, the shooter has to cock the hammer first to fire each shot.
Even when the double-action revolver’s popularity was at its prime, the single-action revolver was still sought after by most gunmen for the firm trigger that made it more precise and its hammer that was more convenient to cock. While many single action revolvers went into creation, a few names became fabled for their greater quality.
The list of some of the best single action revolvers below are in no particular order and are the most favorite revolvers in CAS. They are highlighted to help narrow down your gun options for use in competition. You can make some improvements and modifications as long as they are within the acceptable range.
| Revolvers | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ruger Vaquero | Most Recommended Option 1. Six-round capacity cylinder | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Ruger Blackhawk | 1. Six-round capacity 2. Adjustable sights included 3. Runner-up for best single action revolver | 9.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Uberti 1873 Cattleman II | 1. Includes a brass trigger guard 2. Chambered to fire .357 magnum shots 3. Best single action revolver for the money | 9.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Cimarron Model P .357 Magnum 4.75 Inches | 1. Trigger pull is nice and smooth 2. Hammer is easy to cock back 3. Really sturdy construction | 8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
What Makes A Good and Tactical Single Action Revolver?
Like other revolvers, we didn’t choose these single-action revolvers out of broad arbitrariness, nor did we just unseemingly go with one revolver because of hearing one beneficial factor. We chose these because of their characteristics and features, along with what other people have been saying about them. Here are a few reasons why the revolvers we chose are the ones that you should look into too.
Affordability – Is it a cheap single action revolver?
The matter with the price tag is that it may be more than enough to turn off the pickiest of potential buyers. However, the price itself should not be the main reason as to why you should choose a revolver. If you are on a tight budget, you should really search for the best one you can get in terms of its quality and performance. Don’t interpret this as your go-to reason to “opt for cheaper alternatives”. There is a pretty solid chance that cheap choices may mean that it is unreliable and disappointing.
Great and Trustworthy Quality
If there is anything that you should hold to a greater standard in single-action revolvers, it’s the guns’ quality. You will need to ensure that the revolvers that you are considering are made from high-quality materials. Steel, aluminum, and polymer are just a few of the leading examples of which materials will be great for durability. The better the material quality, the better the chance that these single-action revolvers will last you a long period of time.
High Reliability
Other than its quality, the gun’s reliability should be an aspect that is equally considered as important. You will certainly want your revolver to work when you need it the most. This means the cycling factor should be smooth. It means that there should be little to no jamming problems or any other reliability issues at all. Just make sure to clean your revolver regularly and maintain it once in a while to make sure that it will stay in the consistently functional mandate.
The 4 Best Single Action Revolver Manufacturers in 2022
The following is our list of top picks of some of the best single action revolvers that are popular among many gun owners. It is rather important for you to take note of the characteristics and features of each gun. That way, you will definitely want to find one that can easily match the model description of your “perfect revolver”. If you find one that is close enough to the model you are looking for, then it may be a winner in your eyes.
1. Ruger BlackHawk
As expected, a lot of newer gun users are quite happy with this revolver. The loading was relatively stress-free and shooting it is accurate and tight when you take it out of the box. The majority of gun owners have intentions of using this revolver for the sole purpose of target shooting. Nevertheless, a good number of gun owners have also used this for the purpose of home defense. Whichever intention the gun usage maybe, this revolver came out as a perfect example of how a revolver should function.
For a revolver that is made to fire powerful shots (and made with top-notch materials), it is considered impressively low in the weight division. This simply means that you won’t feel like you are carrying a heavyweight while you are using it for whatever purpose you intend to use it for. Besides all of that, this includes adjustable sights that you are able to adjust. So if your shots appear a little off its marl, then obviously you can change the sight’s position on the fly.
This can be an excellent revolver for gun owners who would like to keep one at home for the main purpose of self-defense. However, don’t overlook that as a revolver that you cannot take with you anywhere you go. You can take this to the shooting areas and tune it up or just shoot at a few targets while you are at it. It is pretty much your call for a final decision either way. If you are looking for a revolver that is solid, reliable, and can do some pretty worthy damage, you will be barely able to find a revolver similar to this one anywhere else.
The Ruger Blackhawk Model has shown itself to be a commendable contender when it comes to being one of the best revolvers. It feels so solid, shoots really accurate, and is so lightweight that you can carry it around in a holster. In summary, it is a revolver that is convenient to use despite some of its inadequacies (like the loud noise). However, make no mistake as this revolver works like a cannon that is always ready for battle.
2. Ruger Vaquero
A lot of recent buyers of this gun are really happy with the Ruger Vaquero. Not only do they like the gun’s classic looks, but they are also even more taken away when they came to learn how crazy accurate it is. One of the users said that he was able to bring this out to the shooting range and managed to shoot and open fire off about 50 rounds. Not only are the shooting groups tight at 30 yards to 40 yards out, but he was also able to get through the cylinder rather rapidly.
This revolver enthralled us in a few special ways. One is that the model itself looks like reverence to the lawmen of the Old West, especially the ones where classic six-shooter guns that you will see in a John Wayne or Clint Eastwood cowboy action shooter film. However, as it stands, it is made from top-notch and durable materials that will help it last longer while holding a look that can be considered an enduring classic. This revolver may just be your best design when it comes to home and personal defense or even for target shooting activities.
This will be a perfect choice for you if you ever need a revolver for the sake of target shooting or even for the use of home defense. You can most likely get away with using it for EDC purposes (assuming that you have the correct holster). Whichever your intentions are, it is a revolver that can work hard and produce precise shots every time you shoot. So if you are looking for a revolver that is pretty solid in many special ways, this is definitely what you are looking for.
The Ruger Vaquero is considered a lot of people’s top selection or first choice for a good reason. It is relatively simple to use, it is accurate, and it is downright reliable in any other application. This classic-looking revolver will certainly be a force to be reckoned with at High Noon at the OK Corral or at the shooting range for your shooting pleasure.
3. Uberti 1873 Cattleman II
A lot of newer users who have bought this revolver mentioned that they really like this Uberti single-action revolver for a few solid reasons (other than it being affordable for most price points). The quality is considered really hard-wearing and is enough for many of them to say that it can last them plenty of years or even decades. Besides all of that, they also managed to shoot down small game targets like varmints and rats. One of the users said that he managed to nail a raccoon that was causing complications on his property from approximately 40 yards out. He went a bit further by saying that he has found his new best revolver for varmint hunting.
People have considered one of the most affordable revolvers when it comes to high-quality revolvers. That means you are getting quite a bargain here if you choose to buy this. It is bound to last you quite a long time and it is also made to get the job done at numerous ranges. Therefore, if you are at the shooting range or getting rid of some problematic critters on your property, then this revolver has a decent amount of power that you can take advantage of with each firing shot.
This will definitely be put to respectable use from the following users: target shooters, home defense shooters, and definitely even for a fact that some of those who wish to get rid of varmints or small marauders like foxes. It has got some serious bargain power and can do some severe damage. After all, it is a 357 caliber revolver.
The Uberti 1873 Cattleman II Brass 357 Revolver is maybe the best possible choice for you if you need something that will fit within your price point. The quality is exceptional, the shooting is precise, it packs a punch, and it is all round the clock trustworthy. You will be crazy enough to pass up the chance to give this revolver a closer look.
4. Cimarron Model P 357 Magnum 4.75 Inches
A lot of people are quite happy with this Cimarron single-action revolver, which delivers a good amount of damage toward their targets. While a lot of them are able to hit their targets from nearer distances ranging from 30 to 50 yards out, some of the shooters are able to hit varmint targets from about 40 yards. One of the pistol users said that he never thought a revolver will come in usefulness to knock down a small critter or two.
This revolver is manufactured from a blued finish steel. It is maybe one of the more durable kinds of steel on the market. Besides all of that, the grip is made from dark-colored walnut. Hence, it keeps that classic revolver look that stands out to people who treasure an old school look. If you are looking for something that will look like it has been frozen in time, then this revolver may be just what you are looking for.
This is a really solid revolver that can be used for target shooting activities and self-defense. Regardless of what you plan to use it for, this is a pistol made for those who are looking for something that is made to be a heavy hitter. If you love yourself a fan of the 357 guns, then you are going to love this revolver and will not get enough of shooting it. Don’t say we never told you.
The Cimarron Model P 357 Magnum is a revolver made to do some serious damage. It is a sharp-looking gun that will probably turn some heads and garner some attention wherever you go. If you are looking for a revolver that will be trustworthy, reliable, and accurate across many applications, then this may be the best possible action revolver for you.
Conclusion – The Best Modern Single Action Revolver
There are a lot of single action army or double action army revolvers to have graced the markets. You may be looking for a colt single action army revolver, a shooting revolver, one with great trigger pull and self defense, or you may just be looking for a long rifle or hunting guns for security confidence. There are so many models with great calibers handgun that you can choose that has a great reputation.
Read through articles and beginners’ guides. We are sure that you will find one where it’s worth your times and money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a single action revolver used for?
Single action revolver is used for target shooting as they are geared with high levels of accuracy at a mid to long distance. However, some individuals choose to utilize single action revolver as a home defense in times of need and despair to safeguard their loved ones from potential intruders as they’re lightweight, precise and highly effective.
Besides that, some even opt single action revolver as a concealed carry where gun owners could get their concealed carry license but this is subjected to the rules and regulations of respective states. Furthermore, single action revolver could be resorted to use for competitive cowboy shooting. Regardless the usage, you’d not regret owning a single action revolver.
Why would anyone pick a single action revolver over a modern firearm?
One of the leading reasons is that they are very reliable and really tough. When the Colt Single Action Army came out in the year 1873, it rapidly became the favorite of many shooters, and the U.S. Army took it in the mighty 45 Colt with a barrel length of 7 ½ inches. While not the sole single-action revolver, there was, for obvious reasons, many Colt conversion revolvers that were fundamentally 1851 Navy and 1860 Army models that are converted over to fire cartridges from the previous black powder cap and ball revolvers. Smith Wesson got into the game being the first to have the bored through cylinders to allow self-contained cartridges. Remington and a few other companies tried to compete against Smith Wesson, but none of them can compare to the Colt Single Action Army (including Smith Wesson gun makers), which in turn became the Glock pistol of the day. That essentially tunes out the old cowboy action shooting pistol that has previously used a black powder cap.
While most people thought only of the influential .45 Colt round when it came to the Colt SAA, it was in fact chambered in a couple of different calibers, including .44-40, .38-40 (preferred by lawman Bill Tilghman), and .32-20, which made it really popular with those with Winchester and Marlin lever-action rifles in those similar rounds. This is so that only one caliber of ammunition has to be with the gun owner.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.