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Vaquero vs Blackhawk

18K views 48 replies 28 participants last post by  rclark 
#1 ·
I'm trying to decide on my first SA Ruger revolver. I like the non-adjustable sights on the Vaquero; however, the Blackhawk appears to be a little beefier. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome. I'm just trying to decide which to get. I will mainly be shooting it at the range. The caliber will be 45 Colt / 45 Auto.
 
#2 ·
The New Vaquero has the looks, the Blackhawk has the muscle.

That's it in a nutshell. The NV is a lot of fun to shoot, and if mild to medium loads are all it will ever see, then by all means get it. If you ever plan on loading some heavy loads, (or store bought Buffalo Bore, etc) get the BH. They're both great shooters.
 
#10 ·
#3 ·
Between your OP and Akheloce's response I think the question comes down to what you plan to shoot in it. Sounds like you prefer the Vaquero and as long as you don't plan to shoot hot loads you'll be a happy camper.

You still have a lot of options to consider in the Vaquero - finish, barrel length, grip frame, etc. Fun stuff to consider.
 
#4 ·
Vaquero 45 Colt + Super Redhawk 44 mag is how I decided to go. Agree it depends on what you plan to do with the Vaquero, in my case I'm toying with the idea of cowboy fast draw.

Check the weights, I handled a Vaquero in 357 mag recently and it was quite noticeably heavier than the 3 Colt clones they had on the wall. The 45 Colt Vaquero is supposed to be 4 oz lighter than the 357, I'm trying to find one I can handle/compare in person.
 
#9 ·
I like the New Vaquero precisely because it is not as heavy as the Blackhawk. Mine is chambered for .45 ACP.

I have a Blackhawk in .357/9mm, that I use almost exclusively in 9mm mode. It is a great shooting gun but is bulky and "oversized" compared to my Vaquero. If I had been able to buy a 9mm Vaquero, I'd have been happier, but I don't believe they exist. It is nice to have adjustable sights, but they would not look good an a Vaquero.
 
#12 ·
.

Take a look at this link.> Ruger® New Model Blackhawk® Distributor Exclusives Single-Action Revolver Model 5243

It's a compromise. A .45 Blackhawk Flattop Convertible. Built on the lighter midsize frame. But in stainless it is an all steel one. It does have sights.

Personally I prefer my Blackhawks over my Vaquero models because I find I'm more accurate having the adjustable sights. Sights would be helpful too if you plan to shoot a variety of ammo.

Yes, it's true the Vaqueros look better but, IMO, the sights make the Blackhawk a more versatile six shooter.

Another element in your decision should be what it's primary use will be. If you enjoy target shooting you should reconsider the Blackhawk. If it's a trail gun, a plinker or you plan on carrying it in a fancy western rig the Vaquero is your gun. :)

.
 
#13 ·
It's gonna come down to those sights and the fact that your use will be at the range. If shooting any quantity of ammo at a time, you will be happy with traditional .45 Colt loads. If into heavy loads, the NMBH or a vintage "Old Vaquero" is what I think you'd want. If shooting paper, why not have adjustable sights (NMBH)?
 
#18 ·
One of my most favorite handguns I own is my NM Blackhawk, .45 Colt, 7 1/2" barrel, with Pachmayr grips...this is the only gun that I shoot out to 25 yards distance with and hit the target with accurate consistency. I feel very comfortable and relaxed shooting this gun, it's kind of like sitting back, chillin' in an old rocking chair ;)
 
#19 ·
Here's a brief rundown of models and what pressure they can handle:

Colt SAA: 14,000 psi

Uberti SAA clones: 14000 psi

New Vaquero: 23,000 psi (some articles reference 20,000, but with convertibles shooting 45ACP +P which is 23,000, it's obviously safe to that level)

Old Vaquero: 28,000-32,000 psi (depending on who you ask and which load data chart)

Blackhawk: 28,000-32,000 psi (depending on who you ask and which load data chart)

Redhawk: 28,000-32,000 psi (depending on who you ask and which load data chart)


SAAMI loaded factory ammo: 14000 PSI

Some factory loaded boutique ammo (Buffalo Bore, CorBon +P, HSM, etc): greater than 14,000 but less than 32,000
 
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#20 ·
If you are looking at used revolvers and find an original "vaquero" vs. "new vaquero" then It is every bit as strong/beefy as a Blackhawk because the only difference then was the top strap configuration. The "new vaquero" came into existence because cowboy action shooters wanted a slimmer revolver that was closer in size to the Colt SAA. By Ruger slimming it down the New Vaquero is not as strong as the older version, but they are great for their intended purpose.

I can really heat up some hunting loads for my old model that I would never run through my new model. Many reloading manuals have two sets of load data for .45 colt. One set for Ruger and Contender only, and the other set are for all others. I load for the New Vaquero using data from the all others listings.

The Ruger single actions are all stronger and better than any of their competition. You can't go wrong with any of them so good luck with your decision.
 
#31 ·
If you are looking at used revolvers and find an original "vaquero" vs. "new vaquero" then It is every bit as strong/beefy as a Blackhawk because the only difference then was the top strap configuration. The "new vaquero" came into existence because cowboy action shooters wanted a slimmer revolver that was closer in size to the Colt SAA. By Ruger slimming it down the New Vaquero is not as strong as the older version, but they are great for their intended purpose.

I can really heat up some hunting loads for my old model that I would never run through my new model. Many reloading manuals have two sets of load data for .45 colt. One set for Ruger and Contender only, and the other set are for all others. I load for the New Vaquero using data from the all others listings.

The Ruger single actions are all stronger and better than any of their competition. You can't go wrong with any of them so good luck with your decision.
The text in BOLD print says it all.
 
#24 ·
Talking specifically about 45 Colt here...

Pretty sure the OP isn't going to get his hands on one of 23,000 45Colt OM BH's, since they're rare and sought after collectors items.

Besides (not 100% here), wasn't the 45 Colt always in the large frame?
 
#25 ·
Besides (not 100% here), wasn't the 45 Colt always in the large frame?
100% correct. There were no medium frame .45 Colt Old Model revolvers from the factory. Not saying there might be some custom .45 Colt Old Model medium frame revolvers out there that sent to some gunsmith and built on the .357 OM medium frame. FWIW, a lot of us were VERY excited to hear about the .44Special and then the .45 Colt being released on the medium frame BH because they were the guns that were planned way back in 1955 or so when the .357 was released. Unfortunately the introduction of the .44Mag got in the way :( , and the plan was shelved ... until now :) ! I 'really' like my .45 Colt medium frame flattops (and the New Vaquero as well). For me they are perfect.

I would suggest for a 'first' Single Action, the adjustable sighted BH would be the best. Don't worry, once hooked, you'll pick up the fixed sighted New Vaquero down the road :) . Almost guarantee it! But your choice of course!
 
#27 · (Edited)
I would suggest the NM Blackhawk Flattop route(stainless or blued available, Models 5242 and 5243, safe up 23K psi) if you want the mid sized gun. If you want to shoot the +P loads you will need to go with the standard NM Blackhawk or Bisley equivalents. You won't be disappointed either way, they are all fine revolvers. Whatever you decide DO NOT load the smaller frame guns past 23K psi, they are not designed to handle it.

Also, even if you do plan shoot cowboy the Blackhawks are legal. The extra weight and sight differences are actually preferred for some people.
 
#28 ·
The Blackhawk (NM or Old) is historic in model. The Vaquero is just a cowboy gun falling into the huge availability of Colt Peacemaker Clones.
Not sure what you are saying there. Since the New Model was introduced around 1973, we have always called the three screw pre 73 revolvers the Old Model.

Concerning the word Vaquero.... The NM original Vaquero is the same frame as the large frame BH/SBHs. The NM New Vaquero is the same medium frame as the OM .357 revolver. Just a cowboy gun? ... Well,, I find they made a good woods packing gun too. No sights to knock around or off, just a nice fix sighted revolver. Also in the 3 1/2" they make good snubbies too. And can handle some hunting chores too. The medium frame .45 Colt revolver was used to take a large Black bear by Brian Pearce's son (related in a back issue of Handloader).
 
#33 ·
I personally prefer this gun because it will shoot & handle any load I have used in it mine is a .357
The New Vaquero would handle ANY .357 load you had a mind to put in it also.... In fact, the original Vaquero in .357 (and the large frame BH) are way overkill for the peanut round. The medium frame is perfect for this caliber.
 
#34 ·
If I were down to having just one Ruger SA, I'd have to go with the Blackhawk, due to the versatility offered by the adjustable rear sight. No matter what load you use, you can dial it in so your point of aim and point of impact coincide. That doesn't always happen with fixed sights; in which case you might have to tailor your loads to get similar results or "adjust" the sights with a file.
 
#36 · (Edited)
The "Super" designation generally implies full steel construction. There are some exceptions to the rule but here is the general trend:

Blackhawk - Aluminum grip frame for blued guns, stainless grip frame on stainless guns.

Flattop Blackhawks - Current production are all steel but will be built on the 357 magnum size frame, load these ONLY as your would for a New Model Vaquero (23K psi max), NO +P Colt loads for the smaller frames.

Super Blackhawk - All steel construction, I've never seen aluminum parts come on a factory Super but anything is possible with Ruger and their occasional rarity.

Bisley Models - All steel construction for every Bisley model I've seen in any frame size from Single Six up to the Super Blackhawk. There are 357 frame Bisleys available in 44 special, hence why they aren't sold in 44 magnum.

As Akheloce mentioned each frame size will determine suitable loads for use.
 
#37 · (Edited)
That said ^^^, the Super BH frame and cylinder are EXACTLY the same as the large frame BH frame and cylinder. No different. Not in any different class. They are the same. The grip frame, hammer, trigger, ejector housing may be different but then all these parts are interchangeable between BHs and SBHs.... Super was just a 'marketing' gimmick back in '59 due to the availability of the flattop BH in .44Mag. Both were sold for a a couple years before the flattop was dropped from production. The word 'super' stuck (sounds good for those that like to swagger at bit..."I have a SUPER Blackhawk" ;) :D ) .
 
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