Yes, it’s a bit goofy, but since Valentine’s Day is this weekend, this Thursday’s YouTube video (please pardon the blurry footage) incorporates some of those little heart candies and my newest “fun” gun, an Uberti El Patron. I say fun because I am far from a serious single-action shooter. That and it is a total hoot to shoot. It was rather chilly when I hit the record button and I only had about an hour before I had to pick up my munchkins, but I have been itching to put some rounds down range with this gun ever since I picked it up from Great Guns.

I have several awesome Smith & Wesson double-action revolvers, but I have been wanting a single action cowboy gun for some time now. I also happen to have a stash of American Eagle 158 grain Lead Round Nose from when I competed in ICORE with the Smith & Wesson 627 V-Comp. When you got ammo you gotta add to your gun collection, right?

Initial Thoughts on the El Patron

The gun is lovely and I am a sucker for that beautiful blued, case-hardened finish, especially on nostalgic firearms. I confess to knowing very little about single action revolvers, but there’s just something cool about the heft and the way that hammer feels when you pull it back.

The greatest challenges for me shooting this gun as primarily a semi-auto shooter are getting my hands low on the grip and remembering to cock the hammer. I like to ride as high as possible on the back of any handgun I shoot, but doing that with the El Patron isn’t possible. Not only is the hammer a concern, but it made it hard for me to reach the trigger.

I had serious doubts of whether I could hit such a small target with the sights. My very first shots were on a steel mini popper at about 12 yards so I could get afeel for the trigger and an idea of where the gun was hitting. I was pleasantly surprised and all seemed good to go. I moved on to the sweethearts and…

Stats from Uberti on the El Patron Competition Model

SKU: 345079
Caliber: .357 Mag
Barrel Length: 4.75″
Finish: Blued, Case-Hardened Frame
Cylinder: 6-shot, fluted with 6 grooves and right twist
Grip: 1 piece, checkered walnut

The gun is fitted with U.S.-made Wolff springs, numbered cylinders and wide EasyView sights. It also features a lower and wider hammer for easy one-handed cocking and fast shooting. Learn more at Uberti.com

I hope you enjoyed the video! If you have questions about the gun, comments or suggestions for future videos, please post your comments below the video on YouTube, Twitter or Facebook. Thanks!