Modern single-action revolvers haven’t forgotten their roots. Even with upgraded materials, safer actions, and improved machining, the best ones still carry the feel and balance of the old-school six-shooters. If you love the look and handling of classic cowboy guns but want something you can shoot hard without worrying, these picks are worth checking out. They’ve got the lines, the grip, the stance—and they hold up on the range or in the field without losing that old West charm. Here are 13 modern single-actions that still tip their hat to tradition.
Ruger New Model Blackhawk
The Blackhawk doesn’t just look like a classic—it handles like one, too. It’s got enough heft to feel right, and the trigger is crisp and predictable.
It uses a modern transfer bar system for safety, but that doesn’t take away from the old-school shooting experience. You can run .357 Magnum or .45 Colt without flinching, and it feels at home in a leather holster.
Ruger Vaquero
If you want a single-action that screams “cowboy” but shoots like a modern piece, the Vaquero’s your guy. It’s got smooth lines and fixed sights, just like the old Colts.
It keeps Ruger’s strong internal safety system, but otherwise looks and feels like something out of a Western. Many cowboy action shooters trust it, and for good reason—it holds up.
Taylors & Co. Smoke Wagon
The Smoke Wagon is a slicked-up single-action built for folks who want a tuned gun right out of the box. It’s got a traditional grip and a smooth, short hammer throw.
Even though it’s modern, it holds tight to the classic Colt SAA style. It feels fast, looks the part, and shoots straight. The finish and fit are some of the best in its price range.
Uberti El Patrón
Uberti nailed the details with the El Patrón. It’s built with tight tolerances, checkered grips, and a tuned action that makes cocking and shooting feel smooth and natural.
It’s available in .357 or .45 Colt, and while it’s made today, it would fit right in a 19th-century holster. One of the closest modern guns to the real-deal Colts.
Cimarron Pistolero
The Pistolero is Cimarron’s nod to the traditional six-shooter, with a basic, clean design and no frills. It’s affordable, but it doesn’t feel cheap in the hand.
It’s light, quick to point, and built with solid parts. It won’t win any beauty contests, but it’ll shoot well and carry easy—just like the old timers intended.
Freedom Arms Model 83
The Model 83 is definitely modern in performance, but it keeps a lot of that old-school feel. It’s overbuilt in all the right ways and chambered in hard-hitting calibers.
The precision machining doesn’t take away from its classic balance. It feels more like a handmade tool than a mass-produced gun. Expensive, sure—but it earns it.
Ruger Single-Six
This one’s the go-to for .22 LR in single-action form. The Single-Six feels like a scaled-down cowboy gun, but it still packs plenty of personality.
The sights are modern, but the feel is familiar. Great for teaching or just plinking cans, and you still get the rhythm of a classic thumb-cocked wheelgun.
Uberti Cattleman II
The Cattleman II takes the timeless Colt design and sneaks in a safety feature: a retractable firing pin. It keeps the traditional hammer-mounted firing pin look, but you can carry all six safely.
It’s a great blend of modern and traditional. The balance, grip shape, and case-hardened look all stay true to form, while giving you peace of mind.
Taylors & Co. Gunfighter
The Gunfighter model uses the same mechanics as Taylors’ other single-actions but adds a longer grip for better control. That’s helpful if you’ve got big hands or want quicker follow-ups.
Despite that slight tweak, it still looks and feels like a 19th-century six-shooter. The trigger is light, and the hammer cycles clean. It’s ready for action right out of the box.
Heritage Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy
Yes, it’s modern and has a rail, but under the hood it’s still a single-action .22 with classic cowboy controls. The feel is familiar even if the look is a little wild.
If you want that old-school operation with a bit of fun added, this one’s worth a laugh and a few cheap range days. Surprisingly accurate for what it is.
Ruger Super Blackhawk
The Super Blackhawk is a .44 Magnum powerhouse, but it’s still every bit a cowboy gun. Longer barrel options, traditional plow-handle grips, and solid lockup make it a field favorite.
It’s tough, but not clunky. And when you’re hammering heavy loads, that extra weight helps. If you want a big bore with single-action charm, it’s a safe bet.
Cimarron Frontier
The Frontier is Cimarron’s bread-and-butter single-action. It keeps the lines, weight, and feel of the old Colts and offers plenty of options for caliber and barrel length.
It’s not fancy, but it’s well-finished and gets high marks from cowboy action folks. If you want something that looks right and runs true, this one’s a steady pick.
Uberti 1875 Outlaw
Styled after the Remington 1875, this one gives you the cowboy look with a little extra metal around the cylinder. It feels solid and points naturally.
It’s not as well-known as Colt-style clones, but it’s every bit as fun to shoot. And that unique look? It turns heads without straying too far from tradition.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
