Need info on Ruger Vaquero and Blackhawk

[jeff43]

I'm wanting to get one of the 2 in a 357 mag. If anybody has one does the Vaquero shoot high ,low or on the money? Like the fixed sights I f they shoot dead on.Wanting a 5.5 in. Barrel. Any suggestions?

[wareagle]

I have a SS .44mag vaquero w/ 5.5 Barrel. It shoots great. Trigger is excellent. Finish is top notch.

[jeff43]

Great! What would be a good price on a new one?

[wareagle]

I'd say $550.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_49_118

[RichardR]

It really depends on your "hold" & on the "load" - you'll want to try a few different bullet weights & velocities to see which ones shoot low/high or dead on at various ranges with your particular "hold".

[jeff43]

I shoot mostly 158 grain in the cast bullets,and got some 125 gr. jacketed bullets too.

[jeff43]

Is there any difference in some of the older Vaquero's in the metal they are made out of?

[Sidinman]

Have a BH and Vaquero in .45, they do shoot a little different, but I guess its more in the way you hold/aim each. My BH came as a converitble, .45 acp cyclinder also, and am lucky enough that it works fine in both. Mine are the 4 5/8's barreled models. I also have the 357/9mm BH with 4 5/8's and a 41 Mag with 6 1/2". I guess you could say I like Rugers, have a few more, a SBH, & a couple single-sixes.

[Wingshooter]

Is there any difference in some of the older Vaquero's in the metal they are made out of?

I have a couple of super Blackhawks in 44mag. I was torn between the vaquero 45 and the SBH 44, so I did some research on them both. I still plan to get a vaquero in 45lc some day. From what I remember, the older vaqueros could handle a different load than the "New Vaquero" could. However, it's been a few years since I looked up the info, and I was researching 45 not 357. There is a difference in the Vaquero and the "New" vaquero though. Edited November 11, 2013 by Batman

[onemancoyote]

vaquero was blackhawk size and can handle Ruger only loads.

'New vaquero' is smaller, near same size as early colts, and can not handle Ruger only loads.

If it says 'Vaquero' it's an old model. If it says 'new vaquero' it's the smaller new model.

Source: I own a super blackhawk and a new vaquero Edited November 11, 2013 by onemancoyote

[jeff43]

vaquero was blackhawk size and can handle Ruger only loads.
'New vaquero' is smaller, near same size as early colts, and can not handle Ruger only loads.
If it says 'Vaquero' it's an old model. If it says 'new vaquero' it's the smaller new model.
Source: I own a super blackhawk and a new vaquero

What's a Ruger only load?

[Oh Shoot]

What's a Ruger only load?

 

I don't know if there's an exact spec, but it means hotter than is wise to put through most if not all other revolvers. I believe the GP100s and Super Blackhawks qualify too?

 

- OS

Edited November 11, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[jeff43]

Which one would you say has the strongest frame?

[Oh Shoot]

Which one would you say has the strongest frame?

 

Well, New Blackhawk must be ultimately stronger than New Vaquero, according to Coyote.

 

I have a Blackhawk, GP100, and SP101 all in .357. Certainly the BH and GP are beasts with the GP feeling even more solid to me, but that may be subjective just due to grip. Well, the SP is a beast too for a "small" revolver, can drive nails with it day after day with regular loads,  but I don't guess it's quite in same class, but not sure.

 

I don't handload, so not concerned.

 

- OS

Edited November 11, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[jeff43]

The Blackhawk is what I'm leaning towards, the adj. sights are a plus too.

[Oh Shoot]

The Blackhawk is what I'm leaning towards, the adj. sights are a plus too.

 

Yeah, not very "authentic" but handy.

 

If you do, I highly advise spending the not very much extra to get the convertible edition, so you can shoot 9mm too. Very nifty indeed. Only in blued finish though, seems.

 

- OS

Edited November 11, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[TrickyNicky]

Well, New Blackhawk must be ultimately stronger than New Vaquero, according to Coyote.
 
I have a Blackhawk, GP100, and SP101 all in .357. Certainly the BH and GP are beasts with the GP feeling even more solid to me, but that may be subjective just due to grip. Well, the SP is a beast too for a "small" revolver, can drive nails with it day after day with regular loads,  but I don't guess it's quite in same class, but not sure.
 
I don't handload, so not concerned.
 
- OS

From what I remember, though its been awhile, the custom ammo manufactures who make "Ruger only" loads recommend the Blackhawk or GP100. I think the SP101 could handle a fair amount of the super hot loads, but the Blackhawk can have a pretty steady diet long term from what I understand. Like you though I don't hand load so not too much of an issue for me, plus I've just got the Blackhawk and GP in centerfire anyway.

[onemancoyote]

If you are shooting factory loads you owe it to yourself to handle a new vaquero. The size and weight are very handy. Mine is 45colt.

That being said I still love my super blackhawk and the adjustable sights are a plus.

I'm not an expert by any means, but I have researched all this stuff extensively.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm

[leroy]

Just ran some 170 grain hard cast loads in 38 special cases thru our 357 vaquero sheriff... Eleven grains of 2400 (...my guess is about 1050 to 1100 fps...); pretty much an old time 38-44 hi speed load... It shot dead to point of aim...  Excellent load from the "old days"...

 

leroy

[jeff43]

I shoot mostly 38's with 158 lead cast bullets. I do load 357's with jacketed 125 and 158 grain bullets.I have some 357's loaded with 15 grains of H110 and a 158 grain bullet.Thats a load in one of my books.I just want the best pistol that will hold up. Edited November 11, 2013 by jeff43

[LCPfraTN]

Unless you are considering cowboy action shooting, I'd go with the BH to get the adjustable sights.

[leroy]

Jeff:  We've been shootin ruger single actions since the seventies... They are the "best of the best" when it comes to durability... I've put thousands of heavy loads thru both 41mag and 45 colt blackhawks... We're still shootin them and there have been zero problems...

 

As to the 357 thing; if i wuz a young man and had good eyes and the vaquero wuz at the same price; i would take it in a minute... I like the "old timey" look and feel (...the vaquero will have a steel grip frame...)... If i wuz older (...im a geezer -- now 67....), i would take the blackhawk because of the adjustable sights... They are just easier to see...

 

The down side, with the older blackhawks, at least, is that they have an aluminum grip frame... It makes the revolver feel a bit different; but it's nothin too big to worry about...

 

The downside of the vaquero is findin out what loads shoot to point of aim... Ya can simply adjust the sights on the blackhawk to the point of aim...

 

My guess is that the vaqueros are regulated to point of aim with factory ammo; but i dont know that for sure...

 

Anyway, ya cant go wrong with either one... They are both great choices... You will enjoy them thoroughly... Why not "collect 'em all"... That's what always seemed to happen to us... We've got a safe full of 'em.....

 

Have fun,

leroy

[jeff43]

Thanks Leroy, I was wanting a SS, but not I've found a NIB 50th anniversy for a good price,Blackhawk.

[leroy]

Thanks Leroy, I was wanting a SS, but not I've found a NIB 50th anniversy for a good price,Blackhawk.

 

Jeff:  I think they are hard to beat... They have a steel grip frame like the old flattops did... You will enjoy it...

 

Have fun....

leroy

[jeff43]

Ordered a SS today!