Which Ruger?

[zybysco]

I'm looking at either the medium frame flattop blackhawk or the small frame Vaquero. It will be at least 5.5" and 357 magnum. I'm also torn between the blued or stainless. I like having real sights, but the Vaquero just looks cool. Any thoughts? The flattop is being offered as a convertible with 9mm right now. They are about the same price.

[TNWNGR]

It depends on what you want to do with it...if its cowboy action style shooting then go with the Vaquero, otherwise I'd recommend the Blackhawk Convertible for its versatility.

[Bad_Bowtie]

I personally like the Blackhawk convertible. The ability to shoot cheap 9mm is worth alot in my opinion. The larger frame would probaly be more comfortable to shoot full power 357s out of also.

[Joe357]

With the blackhawk the blue version front sight is not pinned but the stainless version is. Just something to think about if you want to replace the sight. As far as which one, all I will say is get one of each and then shoot the hell out of them. Edited April 17, 2015 by Joe357

[nightrunner]

All depends on your taste and intended usage.

With the 5 1/2" bbl though I'd say the Blackhawk. In blued Edited April 17, 2015 by nightrunner

[hipower]

I got the stainless Vaquero in 45 ACP. It is a hoot to shoot!!

[Fourtyfive]

Stainless Vaquero.45 Colt Long

[zybysco]

With the blackhawk the blue version front sight is not pinned but the stainless version is. Just something to think about if you want to replace the sight. As far as which one, all I will say is get one of each and then shoot the hell out of them.

So the blued one is part of the frame? Or just crazy hard to replace?

[Trekbike]

Isn't a Vaquero in stainless, blasphemy? :)

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[zybysco]

It will be mostly a fun range toy. And to have something else pretty to look at. I've never shot cowboy action.

[RED333]

I have a stainless New model SBH, 44 mag, load lite and have fun, load hot and have more fun.

[Joe357]

Yes blue blackhawk front sight is welded to the barrel. It can be removed by a gunsmith but. Edited April 17, 2015 by Joe357

[Joe357]

I still regret selling my ss blackhawk in 357. I'll get another someday. Maybe sell or trade in my Ruger 6" barrel blued gp100.

[Mike.357]

Blackhawk Convertible,  there really is no question.  It is a no brainer.

[TNWNGR]

Yes blue blackhawk front sight is welded to the barrel. It can be removed by a gunsmith but.

 

You have an adjustable rear sight which can be replaced by a better adjustable rear sight on the BH. So unless you want a completely different front sight you'll be fine. If you don't mind spending money a lot of things are possible with fixed front sights. FWIW I like blued guns better than stainless ones.  

[hipower]

Blackhawk Convertible,  there really is no question.  It is a no brainer.

If I get another Ruger SA, that would be my choice as well. Those heavy frames should make the nine feel like stroking a pussycat.

[Garufa]

Go with the Vaquero.  It is a much better looking gun, very accurate and nicely balanced.  Adjustable sights are nice and all but in reality how often does one adjust the sights?  Once, if even that?

[Jonnin]

yes, get a 9mm convertible.   It is often easy to find 9mm ammo at a lower price than even 38s.   I would rather have this.

 

Fixed sights can be fixed.  I have 4 or 5 guns that have had the fixed sights removed and fully adjustable put in.  This can be about $100 or so for the worst case scenario (a gunsmith has to cut a notch and do a bunch of work) or less than $50 for models where you can simply knock the old one out and put a new one in.

 

I have never owned a vaquero.  I have blackhawks in 22, 357 and 44, and love the platform.   I think the 22 is technically called something else (single 6 maybe) but its the exact  same design scaled down a notch, shoots 22 M with alternate cylinder.   Nothing but good things to say about all 3.   Some folks get annoyed at the door reloading design, but Ive grown used to it.

Edited April 17, 2015 by Jonnin

[zybysco]

So. After reading all of the posts, it seems no general consensus is to be found. I'll take that to mean I'll be happy no matter what I get. The vaquero does look sharper though.

[hipower]

So. After reading all of the posts, it seems no general consensus is to be found. I'll take that to mean I'll be happy no matter what I get. The vaquero does look sharper though.

 

LOL As is most things in life. Get what you like and be happy with it.

 

Unfortunately...I rarely follow my own advice.

 

But back on track...the Vaquero is awesome looking.

[A.J. Holst]

Practicality would take me down the convertible trail...especially if your semi's are in 9

[Oh Shoot]

Practicality would take me down the convertible trail...especially if your semi's are in 9

 

Yeah, multiple platform use out of calibers has always been attractive to me.

 

9mm pistols <-> 9mm carbines <-> 9mm/.38/.357 Blackhawk <-> other .357/.38 revos <-> .357/.38 rifle

 

- OS

Edited April 17, 2015 by Oh Shoot

[nightrunner]

So. After reading all of the posts, it seems no general consensus is to be found. I'll take that to mean I'll be happy no matter what I get. The vaquero does look sharper though.

No it means you should get both. :)

[zybysco]

The convertible is allocated, so I put myself on the list to get one. That gives me time to decide.

[Oh Shoot]

The convertible is allocated, so I put myself on the list to get one. That gives me time to decide.

 

Bud's has both 4.6" and 6.5" .357/9mm ready to go, $529.00 to your FFL.

 

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=ruger+blackhawk+convertible&osCsid=8t5hlnppehnth70ise7rg7v465&x=0&y=0

 

- OS

Edited April 18, 2015 by Oh Shoot