Table of contents<\/h2>- Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers In 2026<\/a>
- Caliber<\/a><\/li>
- Safety System: Transfer Bar, Floating Pin, Or Traditional<\/a><\/li>
- Barrel Length<\/a><\/li>
- Action Work And Tuning<\/a><\/li>
- Sights<\/a><\/li>
- Buy A Pair<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup<\/a>
- Ruger SASS Vaquero Set: Best for Overall Cowboy Action Competition (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Evil Roy: Best for Race-Ready Colt Replica (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Uberti Cattleman II: Best for Six-Shot Safe Colt Clone (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Davidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873: Best for Budget Colt Replica (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery: Best for Historical .45 Colt (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Model 3 American: Best for Top-Break Speed Reloads (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Lightning: Best for Small Hands (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Ruger Wrangler: Best for Cheap Rimfire Practice (2026)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Final Thoughts On The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Of 2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers In 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cowboy action rules vary by organization and category, so check the rulebook for the class you want to shoot. Here are the basics every new shooter should understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caliber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most shooters run .38 Special in revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum, because .38 cowboy loads are cheap, soft, and easy to reload. The .45 Colt is the traditional choice and plenty of shooters love it, but ammo costs more and recoil is heavier. Matching your revolver and rifle calibers simplifies your ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safety System: Transfer Bar, Floating Pin, Or Traditional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Colt-pattern single actions have a firing pin on the hammer and must be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Ruger Vaqueros use a transfer bar and are safe with all six loaded. Uberti’s Cattleman II uses a retractable floating firing pin. In most cowboy action matches you load only five rounds anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrel Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 4-3\/4 and 5-1\/2 inch barrels are most popular because they draw and holster quickly. The 7-1\/2 inch barrel gives a longer sight radius and more history, but it is slower out of the leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action Work And Tuning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Competitive shooters often have an action job done: lighter springs, a smoother cycle, lower and wider hammer spurs. Some factory models, like Ruger’s SASS Vaqueros and Cimarron’s Evil Roy, come with some of that work done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most cowboy revolvers have fixed sights: a groove in the frame and a blade up front. They often shoot low or left out of the box. Test yours with the load you will actually shoot and learn your hold, or have a gunsmith adjust it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buy A Pair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most categories require two revolvers. Buying a matched pair makes holsters, reloading, and training easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup<\/h2>\n\n\n\nRuger SASS Vaquero Set: Best for Overall Cowboy Action Competition (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ruger built these Vaqueros as a matched set with some of the custom work SASS shooters usually pay for already done. They are based on the mid-frame Blackhawk, the .357 size, and they came in stainless in .357 with a 4.62-inch barrel or .45 Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel. The grips carry the SASS logo in place of the Ruger hawk and have checkering reminiscent of old Colt hard rubber grips. The hammer spur is lower and wider, which is one of the first changes competitors make, and the lower, wider trigger helps shave split seconds. The transfer bar means the gun is safe with six loaded, though you will load five in a match. Our reviewer found it easy to get all five shots touching at 7 yards. This review dates to 2014, so check current availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Ruger SASS Vaquero review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .357 Magnum or .45 Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4.62 in (.357) or 5.5 in (.45)<\/li>\n
- Frame: Mid-frame, stainless<\/li>\n
- Safety: Transfer bar<\/li>\n
- Features: Low wide hammer spur, SASS grips<\/li>\n
- Price: $1,618 for the set at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Competition features from the factory<\/li>\n
- Safe with six loaded<\/li>\n
- Ruger durability<\/li>\n
- Matched pair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Not historically accurate<\/li>\n
- Pins instead of Colt-style screws<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Ruger SASS Vaquero on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Ruger](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Ruger-Vaquero-SASS-667.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Evil Roy: Best for Race-Ready Colt Replica (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Evil Roy is the alias of SASS world champion Gene Pearcey, and Cimarron built this Colt 1873 replica with his input. It is made in Italy by Uberti, which our reviewer considers the best of the Italian replica makers, and comes slicked up for competition. He tested it in .357 with Fiocchi cowboy loads, and low velocity .38 wadcutters shot best, under 2 inches at 10 yards off a rest. It shot a couple of inches low and slightly left, which is common with fixed sights. It uses a fixed firing pin like the original Colts, so carry it with the hammer on an empty chamber. He said a new shooter who wants the right gear the first time cannot go wrong with it. This review dates to 2012, and our review lists no price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Evil Roy review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .357 Magnum \/ .38 Special (as tested)<\/li>\n
- Maker: Uberti for Cimarron<\/li>\n
- Action: Single action, competition tuned<\/li>\n
- Firing Pin: Fixed, Colt style<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Built for SASS competition<\/li>\n
- Uberti quality<\/li>\n
- Accurate with cowboy loads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Must carry on an empty chamber<\/li>\n
- Shot low and left out of the box<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2012<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Evil Roy on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Cimarron](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/cimmaron-evil-roy-357-magnum-sass-revolver-fiocchi-ammo-hat1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUberti Cattleman II: Best for Six-Shot Safe Colt Clone (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For 140 years, the rule with a Colt Single Action Army was the same: hammer down on an empty chamber. Uberti fixed that with the Cattleman II. Its internal safety disengages the firing pin when the gun is not cocked, letting it float free in the hammer, like a Glock-style safety inside a revolver hammer. You get a traditional Colt look without a transfer bar. Our reviewer tested a 7-1\/2 inch .45 Colt that weighed 39.5 ounces unloaded and was well balanced with standard grips. The trigger averaged a light, crisp 3 pounds 9.4 ounces, and hammer draw was very close in feel to a Colt. It came in .45 Colt, .44-40, and .38\/.357 with 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, or 7-1\/2 inch barrels, and matched pairs were available. This review dates to 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Uberti Cattleman II review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .45 Colt (tested), .44-40, .38\/.357<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, or 7-1\/2 in<\/li>\n
- Weight: 39.5 oz (7-1\/2 in, unloaded)<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 3 lb 9.4 oz average<\/li>\n
- Safety: Retractable floating firing pin<\/li>\n
- Price: $549 to $559 MSRP, matched pair $1,159, at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Safe to carry six with Colt styling<\/li>\n
- Light, crisp trigger<\/li>\n
- Affordable<\/li>\n
- Matched pairs available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Not a pure Colt mechanism<\/li>\n
- 7-1\/2 in barrel is slow for matches<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2016<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Uberti Cattleman II on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Uberti](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Uberti-5-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDavidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873: Best for Budget Colt Replica (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Davidson’s teamed up with Italian maker Pietta for this exclusive 1873, a reproduction of the Colt Single Action with a deep blued frame, cylinder, and barrel and polished brass trigger guard and straps. It comes in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt, both with 4.75-inch barrels, and uses the traditional four-click hammer. Our reviewer shot the .357 offhand. At 5 yards it put all three loads into five-shot groups of an inch or better. At 10 yards his best group was five shots in 1.15 inches with Black Hills Honey Badger, four of them in .45 inch. He tested it mostly with defensive loads, not cowboy loads, but that kind of accuracy from a fixed-sight single action is impressive. The grips are checkered polymer, not wood. This review dates to 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Davidson’s Exclusive 1873 review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .357 Magnum (tested) or .45 Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4.75 in<\/li>\n
- Weight: 40 oz<\/li>\n
- Sights: Fixed rear, blade front<\/li>\n
- Grips: Two-piece checkered polymer<\/li>\n
- Price: $519.99 MSRP at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Excellent accuracy offhand<\/li>\n
- Handsome blue and brass finish<\/li>\n
- Affordable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Polymer grips<\/li>\n
- Traditional hammer requires an empty chamber carry<\/li>\n
- Distributor exclusive, availability varies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Davidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873 on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Davidsons](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/P2-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron U.S.V. Artillery: Best for Historical .45 Colt (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Artillery model has a great story. Light artillery troops complained that the 7.5-inch Colt Single Action was too long to wear while riding the caissons, so the Army studied shorter barrels and settled on the Artillery pattern. Those .45s went on to serve with Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and in the Philippines, where the new .38 revolvers proved underpowered. Cimarron’s U.S.V. Artillery recreates that gun in .45 Long Colt with an early black powder style frame and a reproduction inspector cartouche on the grip. Our reviewer found the sights properly regulated at 15 yards and the trigger broke clean at 2 pounds 8 ounces. From a rest at 15 yards, Hornady Cowboy 255-grain loads averaged 2-inch six-shot groups and Winchester Defender averaged slightly over 2.25 inches. Empties mostly fell free, with a few needing the ejector rod. Our review lists no price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .45 Long Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 5.5 in<\/li>\n
- Frame: Early black powder style<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 2 lb 8 oz<\/li>\n
- Sights: V groove rear, blade front<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Great history and detail<\/li>\n
- Very light, clean trigger<\/li>\n
- Sights regulated out of the box<\/li>\n
- Mild with cowboy loads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- .45 Colt ammo costs more<\/li>\n
- Some cases needed the ejector rod<\/li>\n
- Traditional carry rules apply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Cimarron](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cimarron-colt-saa-artillery-IMG_0091-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Model 3 American: Best for Top-Break Speed Reloads (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not everybody wants a Colt. The Smith & Wesson Model 3 top break was carried by lawmen and outlaws alike, and Cimarron’s Model No. 3 1st Model American brings it back in .45 Long Colt with an 8-inch barrel. You break it open and all six empties eject at once, so reloads are fast. Our reviewer loaded it two at a time like a modern revolver. The smallest five-shot group was 0.76 inch with Federal American Eagle, and Choice and Hornady cowboy loads shot 1.05 and 1.66 inches, with most groups between one and two inches at 10 yards. The trigger is a crisp 4.5 pounds, and the gun curls in your hand under recoil so your thumb lands on the hammer. The slim grip made support-hand cocking awkward. Our review lists no weight or price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Model 3 American review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .45 Long Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 8 in<\/li>\n
- Action: Top break single action<\/li>\n
- Trigger: About 4.5 lb<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Fast top-break reloads<\/li>\n
- Very accurate in our test<\/li>\n
- Long sight radius<\/li>\n
- Authentic look and feel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Primitive sights<\/li>\n
- Slim grip for two-handed shooting<\/li>\n
- Long barrel is slow from a holster<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Model 3 American on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Cimarron](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_7789-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Lightning: Best for Small Hands (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No mystery here. The Cimarron Lightning is a smaller-framed single action with a rounded bird’s head style grip that eliminates the heel and adds a small spur on top. Our reviewer tested a .38 Special with a 4-3\/4 inch barrel that weighed 1.83 pounds. The loading gate was tight and crisp, the action cycled perfectly, and the trigger averaged a crisp 2 pounds 3 ounces. Most ammo hit about 2 inches low and 1 inch left at 10 yards, typical for fixed sights. It was offered in 3-1\/2, 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, and 6-1\/2 inch barrels, in .38 Special, .41 Colt, and .22 LR with a 10-round cylinder. The light weight and rounded grip suit smaller hands, and the .38 keeps ammo cheap. This review dates to 2019, and our review lists no price. Check your category rules before buying for matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Lightning review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .38 Special (tested), .41 Colt, .22 LR<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4-3\/4 in (tested), 3-1\/2 to 6-1\/2 in available<\/li>\n
- Weight: 1.83 lb<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 2 lb 3 oz average<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Light and compact<\/li>\n
- Very light, crisp trigger<\/li>\n
- Cheap .38 Special ammo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Shot low and left<\/li>\n
- Small frame may not suit big hands<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Lightning on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Cimarron](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/aramrevol-6-1-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRuger Wrangler: Best for Cheap Rimfire Practice (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No mystery here. The Ruger Wrangler is not your match gun. It is the gun that makes you better at your match guns. It is a .22 LR single action with an aluminum cylinder frame, zinc alloy grip frame, chromoly cylinder, and steel pins and screws, which is how Ruger kept the price so low. Our reviewer shot six-shot groups from 1.6 inches to just under 3 inches off sandbags at 25 yards, and the trigger let off cleanly just under 5 pounds. He called it a pure joy on the range, whether shooting sighted or slip thumbing from the hip. For a cowboy shooter, that means hundreds of rounds of single action manual of arms, draw, and cock practice for the cost of a box of .45 Colt. This review dates to 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Ruger Wrangler review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Caliber: .22 LR<\/li>\n
- Capacity: 6 rounds<\/li>\n
- Frame: Aluminum cylinder frame, zinc alloy grip frame<\/li>\n
- Trigger: Just under 5 lb<\/li>\n
- Price: $249 MSRP at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Cheap to buy and shoot<\/li>\n
- Accurate at 25 yards<\/li>\n
- Great single action trainer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Rimfire only, not a centerfire match gun<\/li>\n
- Alloy construction<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Ruger Wrangler on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Ruger](\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Wrangle-to-GA2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts On The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Of 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to show up and compete, the Ruger SASS Vaquero set is the best cowboy action revolver pick on this list, with competition features from the factory and Ruger toughness. The Cimarron Evil Roy is the race-ready Colt replica, and the Uberti Cattleman II gives you Colt styling that is safe with six loaded. The Davidson’s Pietta 1873 is the budget buy, the Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery and Model 3 American bring real history, the Lightning suits smaller hands, and the Ruger Wrangler is the cheap way to put in reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever you choose, buy a pair, shoot your cowboy loads to learn where they hit, and go to a match. Somebody there will loan you whatever you forgot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related reading: see our guide to the best cap and ball revolvers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMore reading: see our guides to the best Smith & Wesson revolvers<\/a> and best Colt revolvers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso worth a look: our single action vs double action revolver guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Caliber<\/a><\/li>
- Safety System: Transfer Bar, Floating Pin, Or Traditional<\/a><\/li>
- Barrel Length<\/a><\/li>
- Action Work And Tuning<\/a><\/li>
- Sights<\/a><\/li>
- Buy A Pair<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup<\/a>
- Ruger SASS Vaquero Set: Best for Overall Cowboy Action Competition (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Evil Roy: Best for Race-Ready Colt Replica (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Uberti Cattleman II: Best for Six-Shot Safe Colt Clone (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Davidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873: Best for Budget Colt Replica (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery: Best for Historical .45 Colt (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Model 3 American: Best for Top-Break Speed Reloads (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Cimarron Lightning: Best for Small Hands (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Ruger Wrangler: Best for Cheap Rimfire Practice (2026)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Final Thoughts On The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Of 2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers In 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cowboy action rules vary by organization and category, so check the rulebook for the class you want to shoot. Here are the basics every new shooter should understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caliber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most shooters run .38 Special in revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum, because .38 cowboy loads are cheap, soft, and easy to reload. The .45 Colt is the traditional choice and plenty of shooters love it, but ammo costs more and recoil is heavier. Matching your revolver and rifle calibers simplifies your ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safety System: Transfer Bar, Floating Pin, Or Traditional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Colt-pattern single actions have a firing pin on the hammer and must be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Ruger Vaqueros use a transfer bar and are safe with all six loaded. Uberti’s Cattleman II uses a retractable floating firing pin. In most cowboy action matches you load only five rounds anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrel Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 4-3\/4 and 5-1\/2 inch barrels are most popular because they draw and holster quickly. The 7-1\/2 inch barrel gives a longer sight radius and more history, but it is slower out of the leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Action Work And Tuning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Competitive shooters often have an action job done: lighter springs, a smoother cycle, lower and wider hammer spurs. Some factory models, like Ruger’s SASS Vaqueros and Cimarron’s Evil Roy, come with some of that work done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most cowboy revolvers have fixed sights: a groove in the frame and a blade up front. They often shoot low or left out of the box. Test yours with the load you will actually shoot and learn your hold, or have a gunsmith adjust it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buy A Pair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most categories require two revolvers. Buying a matched pair makes holsters, reloading, and training easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ruger SASS Vaquero Set: Best for Overall Cowboy Action Competition (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ruger built these Vaqueros as a matched set with some of the custom work SASS shooters usually pay for already done. They are based on the mid-frame Blackhawk, the .357 size, and they came in stainless in .357 with a 4.62-inch barrel or .45 Colt with a 5.5-inch barrel. The grips carry the SASS logo in place of the Ruger hawk and have checkering reminiscent of old Colt hard rubber grips. The hammer spur is lower and wider, which is one of the first changes competitors make, and the lower, wider trigger helps shave split seconds. The transfer bar means the gun is safe with six loaded, though you will load five in a match. Our reviewer found it easy to get all five shots touching at 7 yards. This review dates to 2014, so check current availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Ruger SASS Vaquero review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .357 Magnum or .45 Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4.62 in (.357) or 5.5 in (.45)<\/li>\n
- Frame: Mid-frame, stainless<\/li>\n
- Safety: Transfer bar<\/li>\n
- Features: Low wide hammer spur, SASS grips<\/li>\n
- Price: $1,618 for the set at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Competition features from the factory<\/li>\n
- Safe with six loaded<\/li>\n
- Ruger durability<\/li>\n
- Matched pair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Not historically accurate<\/li>\n
- Pins instead of Colt-style screws<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Ruger SASS Vaquero on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Evil Roy: Best for Race-Ready Colt Replica (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Evil Roy is the alias of SASS world champion Gene Pearcey, and Cimarron built this Colt 1873 replica with his input. It is made in Italy by Uberti, which our reviewer considers the best of the Italian replica makers, and comes slicked up for competition. He tested it in .357 with Fiocchi cowboy loads, and low velocity .38 wadcutters shot best, under 2 inches at 10 yards off a rest. It shot a couple of inches low and slightly left, which is common with fixed sights. It uses a fixed firing pin like the original Colts, so carry it with the hammer on an empty chamber. He said a new shooter who wants the right gear the first time cannot go wrong with it. This review dates to 2012, and our review lists no price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Evil Roy review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .357 Magnum \/ .38 Special (as tested)<\/li>\n
- Maker: Uberti for Cimarron<\/li>\n
- Action: Single action, competition tuned<\/li>\n
- Firing Pin: Fixed, Colt style<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Built for SASS competition<\/li>\n
- Uberti quality<\/li>\n
- Accurate with cowboy loads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Must carry on an empty chamber<\/li>\n
- Shot low and left out of the box<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2012<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Evil Roy on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUberti Cattleman II: Best for Six-Shot Safe Colt Clone (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For 140 years, the rule with a Colt Single Action Army was the same: hammer down on an empty chamber. Uberti fixed that with the Cattleman II. Its internal safety disengages the firing pin when the gun is not cocked, letting it float free in the hammer, like a Glock-style safety inside a revolver hammer. You get a traditional Colt look without a transfer bar. Our reviewer tested a 7-1\/2 inch .45 Colt that weighed 39.5 ounces unloaded and was well balanced with standard grips. The trigger averaged a light, crisp 3 pounds 9.4 ounces, and hammer draw was very close in feel to a Colt. It came in .45 Colt, .44-40, and .38\/.357 with 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, or 7-1\/2 inch barrels, and matched pairs were available. This review dates to 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Uberti Cattleman II review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .45 Colt (tested), .44-40, .38\/.357<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, or 7-1\/2 in<\/li>\n
- Weight: 39.5 oz (7-1\/2 in, unloaded)<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 3 lb 9.4 oz average<\/li>\n
- Safety: Retractable floating firing pin<\/li>\n
- Price: $549 to $559 MSRP, matched pair $1,159, at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Safe to carry six with Colt styling<\/li>\n
- Light, crisp trigger<\/li>\n
- Affordable<\/li>\n
- Matched pairs available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Not a pure Colt mechanism<\/li>\n
- 7-1\/2 in barrel is slow for matches<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2016<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Uberti Cattleman II on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDavidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873: Best for Budget Colt Replica (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Davidson’s teamed up with Italian maker Pietta for this exclusive 1873, a reproduction of the Colt Single Action with a deep blued frame, cylinder, and barrel and polished brass trigger guard and straps. It comes in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt, both with 4.75-inch barrels, and uses the traditional four-click hammer. Our reviewer shot the .357 offhand. At 5 yards it put all three loads into five-shot groups of an inch or better. At 10 yards his best group was five shots in 1.15 inches with Black Hills Honey Badger, four of them in .45 inch. He tested it mostly with defensive loads, not cowboy loads, but that kind of accuracy from a fixed-sight single action is impressive. The grips are checkered polymer, not wood. This review dates to 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Davidson’s Exclusive 1873 review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .357 Magnum (tested) or .45 Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4.75 in<\/li>\n
- Weight: 40 oz<\/li>\n
- Sights: Fixed rear, blade front<\/li>\n
- Grips: Two-piece checkered polymer<\/li>\n
- Price: $519.99 MSRP at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Excellent accuracy offhand<\/li>\n
- Handsome blue and brass finish<\/li>\n
- Affordable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Polymer grips<\/li>\n
- Traditional hammer requires an empty chamber carry<\/li>\n
- Distributor exclusive, availability varies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Davidson’s Exclusive Pietta 1873 on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron U.S.V. Artillery: Best for Historical .45 Colt (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Artillery model has a great story. Light artillery troops complained that the 7.5-inch Colt Single Action was too long to wear while riding the caissons, so the Army studied shorter barrels and settled on the Artillery pattern. Those .45s went on to serve with Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and in the Philippines, where the new .38 revolvers proved underpowered. Cimarron’s U.S.V. Artillery recreates that gun in .45 Long Colt with an early black powder style frame and a reproduction inspector cartouche on the grip. Our reviewer found the sights properly regulated at 15 yards and the trigger broke clean at 2 pounds 8 ounces. From a rest at 15 yards, Hornady Cowboy 255-grain loads averaged 2-inch six-shot groups and Winchester Defender averaged slightly over 2.25 inches. Empties mostly fell free, with a few needing the ejector rod. Our review lists no price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .45 Long Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 5.5 in<\/li>\n
- Frame: Early black powder style<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 2 lb 8 oz<\/li>\n
- Sights: V groove rear, blade front<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Great history and detail<\/li>\n
- Very light, clean trigger<\/li>\n
- Sights regulated out of the box<\/li>\n
- Mild with cowboy loads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- .45 Colt ammo costs more<\/li>\n
- Some cases needed the ejector rod<\/li>\n
- Traditional carry rules apply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Model 3 American: Best for Top-Break Speed Reloads (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not everybody wants a Colt. The Smith & Wesson Model 3 top break was carried by lawmen and outlaws alike, and Cimarron’s Model No. 3 1st Model American brings it back in .45 Long Colt with an 8-inch barrel. You break it open and all six empties eject at once, so reloads are fast. Our reviewer loaded it two at a time like a modern revolver. The smallest five-shot group was 0.76 inch with Federal American Eagle, and Choice and Hornady cowboy loads shot 1.05 and 1.66 inches, with most groups between one and two inches at 10 yards. The trigger is a crisp 4.5 pounds, and the gun curls in your hand under recoil so your thumb lands on the hammer. The slim grip made support-hand cocking awkward. Our review lists no weight or price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Model 3 American review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .45 Long Colt<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 8 in<\/li>\n
- Action: Top break single action<\/li>\n
- Trigger: About 4.5 lb<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fast top-break reloads<\/li>\n
- Very accurate in our test<\/li>\n
- Long sight radius<\/li>\n
- Authentic look and feel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Primitive sights<\/li>\n
- Slim grip for two-handed shooting<\/li>\n
- Long barrel is slow from a holster<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Model 3 American on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCimarron Lightning: Best for Small Hands (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No mystery here. The Cimarron Lightning is a smaller-framed single action with a rounded bird’s head style grip that eliminates the heel and adds a small spur on top. Our reviewer tested a .38 Special with a 4-3\/4 inch barrel that weighed 1.83 pounds. The loading gate was tight and crisp, the action cycled perfectly, and the trigger averaged a crisp 2 pounds 3 ounces. Most ammo hit about 2 inches low and 1 inch left at 10 yards, typical for fixed sights. It was offered in 3-1\/2, 4-3\/4, 5-1\/2, and 6-1\/2 inch barrels, in .38 Special, .41 Colt, and .22 LR with a 10-round cylinder. The light weight and rounded grip suit smaller hands, and the .38 keeps ammo cheap. This review dates to 2019, and our review lists no price. Check your category rules before buying for matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Cimarron Lightning review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .38 Special (tested), .41 Colt, .22 LR<\/li>\n
- Barrel: 4-3\/4 in (tested), 3-1\/2 to 6-1\/2 in available<\/li>\n
- Weight: 1.83 lb<\/li>\n
- Trigger: 2 lb 3 oz average<\/li>\n
- Price: Check current GunsAmerica listings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Light and compact<\/li>\n
- Very light, crisp trigger<\/li>\n
- Cheap .38 Special ammo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Shot low and left<\/li>\n
- Small frame may not suit big hands<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Cimarron Lightning on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRuger Wrangler: Best for Cheap Rimfire Practice (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No mystery here. The Ruger Wrangler is not your match gun. It is the gun that makes you better at your match guns. It is a .22 LR single action with an aluminum cylinder frame, zinc alloy grip frame, chromoly cylinder, and steel pins and screws, which is how Ruger kept the price so low. Our reviewer shot six-shot groups from 1.6 inches to just under 3 inches off sandbags at 25 yards, and the trigger let off cleanly just under 5 pounds. He called it a pure joy on the range, whether shooting sighted or slip thumbing from the hip. For a cowboy shooter, that means hundreds of rounds of single action manual of arms, draw, and cock practice for the cost of a box of .45 Colt. This review dates to 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Ruger Wrangler review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Specs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caliber: .22 LR<\/li>\n
- Capacity: 6 rounds<\/li>\n
- Frame: Aluminum cylinder frame, zinc alloy grip frame<\/li>\n
- Trigger: Just under 5 lb<\/li>\n
- Price: $249 MSRP at time of review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cheap to buy and shoot<\/li>\n
- Accurate at 25 yards<\/li>\n
- Great single action trainer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Rimfire only, not a centerfire match gun<\/li>\n
- Alloy construction<\/li>\n
- Review dates to 2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for Ruger Wrangler on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts On The Best Cowboy Action Revolvers Of 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to show up and compete, the Ruger SASS Vaquero set is the best cowboy action revolver pick on this list, with competition features from the factory and Ruger toughness. The Cimarron Evil Roy is the race-ready Colt replica, and the Uberti Cattleman II gives you Colt styling that is safe with six loaded. The Davidson’s Pietta 1873 is the budget buy, the Cimarron U.S.V. Artillery and Model 3 American bring real history, the Lightning suits smaller hands, and the Ruger Wrangler is the cheap way to put in reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever you choose, buy a pair, shoot your cowboy loads to learn where they hit, and go to a match. Somebody there will loan you whatever you forgot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related reading: see our guide to the best cap and ball revolvers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More reading: see our guides to the best Smith & Wesson revolvers<\/a> and best Colt revolvers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also worth a look: our single action vs double action revolver guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Cimarron Evil Roy: Best for Race-Ready Colt Replica (2026)<\/a><\/li>
- Safety System: Transfer Bar, Floating Pin, Or Traditional<\/a><\/li>