I know its a LOOOONG time away from Xmas.... but this gift in particular I wanna get right. A little background.... this gift is for my grandpa, the man that raised me and taught me to be a good man. He was born and raised in the south and he's always been in love with the idea of the old west and cowboys! I swear he's read every damn old west story there is.... he even has an autographed photo of John Wayne on the wall in his office! :eek:

Basically I wanted to get him something that truely symbolizes the Old West. What better then the Colt .45!

So I've been looking around.... and was kinda thinking about the Ruger Vaquero.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5113&return=Y
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/7550/282lro3.jpg

Of course, I'd want to compliment it with an old west style hip holster complete with provisions for carrying spare cartriges. I have NO idea where on earth to get that.... kinda thinking it may have to be custom made.

So what I have to ask is first, whats the overall impression of that pistol? Is it a solid quality pistol? Any other manufactures i should consider? I'll end up getting some ivory grips for it as well.... because honestly, he probably wont shoot it very much. But when he does, I want him to have the nicest looking gun at the range! Also, any idea on where to get the holster Im looking for? If it is something that has to be made, I wanna make sure i have enough time.

Thanks for the help guys!

My gramps runs a pair of Vaqueros in his cowboy action shoots, according to him they are built like tanks.

As for a holster just google "cowboy style colt army holster"

Ruger wheelguns are top notch.

x2 on the Ruger wheel guns you cant go wrong with them. Cabela's has a western section on its site and in its catalog