Advice on type of pistol

[freelander]

Hi

I have been using a ruger Old Army belonging to a friend on the range. I now wish to obtain my own pistol, the trouble with the Ruger is I am finding it a little heavy.

A few years ago I broke my wrist an it is still quite weak

Can anyone recommend a lighter gun that I might find more suitable?

Regards

Ian

 

[dboone]

I would look into get a remington 1858 5 1/2 or 8 inch barrel, which ever is more comfortable for you. I have both Pietta and Uberti 1858 5 1/2 inchers and love them both.

 

Look at a .36 caliber - they are large enough for serious work but smaller, lighter and less recoil than a .44.

 

[TFoley]

Hi - I have been using a ruger Old Army belonging to a friend on the range. I now wish to obtain my own pistol, the trouble with the Ruger is I am finding it a little heavy. A few years ago I broke my wrist an it is still quite weak
Can anyone recommend a lighter gun that I might find more suitable?
Regards
Ian

Ian, I live about ten miles away from you [read your pm] and would be very happy to meet up with you sometime, maybe even take you shooting at my club, unless, of course, you are already a member [there are a couple of Ian's there already]. There are quite few of us BP shooters with weapons other than the Ruger Old Army, and if you HAVE an FAC, of course you can try them out on our range.

Read your pm and give me a call, eh?

Best wishes
:grey:
tac

 

Also consider the .44 Rogers and Spencer. Less felt recoil than with my .36 Model 1851 open top! I think the grip and position of the barrel are very good for sensitive wrists.

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

Hi
I have been using a ruger Old Army belonging to a friend on the range. I now wish to obtain my own pistol, the trouble with the Ruger is I am finding it a little heavy.

A few years ago I broke my wrist an it is still quite weak

Can anyone recommend a lighter gun that I might find more suitable?

Regards
Ian

I know how troublesome it is to have an old injury that still gives you grief during your favourite hobbies. Are you allowed to wear a wrist brace (or wrist support of some type) during your shooting sessions? Long guns are what causes me problems with my old shoulder injury. Most people and places are usually sympathetic towards my having to wear a little bit of padding & strapping to allow me to shoot.

The only problem I can see with the Remington New Army and the Rogers & Spencer guns is that they generally have very heavy hammer springs and the actions are not very smooth when new. They do smooth out over time, but the hammer spring doesn't get any lighter. ALSO, the Ruger Old Army already has the adjustable target style sights, AND the gun is virtually indestructible.

I seriously doubt that you would want a .36 caliber Remington as the gun is not noticeably lighter than the .44 caliber version--and the problems with heavy hammer springs and rough actions still exist. And since you'll obviously be shooting targets, it is a good idea to have similar equipment as the other competitors shoot. I don't think you probably see too many open top Colt style guns at your club or at the matches?

A very important factor is price also. I don't know how much these various models of guns cost in England, so that might influence your decision as well.

If price and availability aren't an issue, then getting one of the Pietta or Uberti Remingtons in .44 would probably be your best alternative to the Ruger--IF you have some way (or some one who can) to get the action worked on and tuned up for competition.

I wish you well in your search and hope that your wrist improves over time. It's very fortunate that you have another shooter living "not too far away" that might be able to assist you.

Regards, and Safe Shooting,
WV_Hillbilly