I have recently begun to enjoy big bore sixguns… a friend introduced me the .44 Mag. and .45 Colt.   I have always been a little recoil sensitive, but I am working on it.  I really did enjoy shooting both of them.  Even though my buddy had the .45 colt’s marked “hot loads”.  Did I mention that my buddy’s heroes are Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton? 

            After realizing that I could enjoy big bore revolvers my buddy gave me something else to think about… “Hell, I was there” Once I started reading about Elmer Keith I could not stop.  Reading his book was like I was sitting around the campfire beside Keith himself listening to him tell me about his life.  I have found myself wanting to purchase a big bore…

            My problem is that I need to find the following:  1) Something that I am not going to have to do a lot of work to.  2)  Something that is heavy enough to absorb recoil.  3)  Something that I can start with lighter loads and build up with.  4)  Something that can serve as an “all purpose” sixgun for a while until I can afford to diversify into other guns and calibers.  Can anyone give some advice as to make, model, and calibers that would meet what I am looking for? 

Hi tbbryan,
Sounds like you got that thing we call "Elmeritis" !  If your not a reloader I would start with a .45 Colt,  my choice would be a Ruger Blackhawk..barrel length depends on you but a 7 1/2" would serve.   Once you get used to that you might want to choose either Buffalo Bore or Grizzly ammo with some hotter factory loads that should handle most anything in the "lower 48". Keep you eyes open at used book stores or the internet for Mr. Keith's or Mr. Skelton's books. You might come accoss a bargin like I did and once you find them they'll be hard to put down or loan out !
Personally, I like the  Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag with a 5 1/2" bbl, But it is a little on the heavy side but should out live me, even with heavier 300 grainers as an every day load.
Take Care !
Chris from PA

Ha! Sounds like you are trying to start some trouble. I'll go second, Super Blackhawk in 44 mag or 45 colt, #2 S&W Model 29. easy to load for, easy to shoot, and a good bargain hunter should be able to get one for less then $500
Next?

If he wants something easy to shoot get a Ruger Bisley I would lean toward the 44 mag but the 45 is almost as versatile especially in a strong gun.

Len

Hi tb
A lot of us like the 44 rugers, I shoot 44 specials for most of my shooting, switch to mags fo long range stuff like 150 to 600 yds (really!).
Adjustable sights are nice and give a little more versatility, maybe a lot more, because different loads often shoot to a different point of aim.
Get a good gun and shoot it a lot.
have fun...ace

albroswift I love that picture.

Thanks!
It's out a little south of Ace's place, near a little town called Electron, WA Population 39. Last time I went by it had a couple of flat tires.

I used to have a matched pair of Cimarron Model P 38/40's that I loved and used for Cowboy action shooting. I unfortunately sold them three years ago to fund a Martin guitar. I really like the 38/40 for the reduced recoil and they will deliver for you as well. It's the equivilant of the .40 S&W.
I will probably get another one because I stll have the dies and a number of loaded rounds left over. The only problem is lack of adjustable sights.
This round is a bit trickier to reload than a .44 but with a little practice can be done fine. That bottleneck brass kinks faster than moose turds on ice if you don't hold your mouth right.

What I forget to say before was, if your recoil conscious, the 38.40 WCF is a good starter. The Cimarron Mod P is "cheap" too. About $500 new. They even have them in stainless now. I really liked mine.
I personally think they are a great starter into SAA pistols.
Of course, Rugers have some definite advantages and if cost is no object I would pick them.
I had a 5 1/2" barrel and I really liked that length for shootability.
Your inner Elmer is calling...go get you a revolver and don't look back!