.357 Blackhawk or vaquero?

S

shrewd

New member
I'm primarily an auto guy, but oven been lusting over some revolvers lately.

I'll probably pick up a dbl action at some point but for range fun, I want a single action. Loading the cylinder, cocking that hammer back is just so nice!

That said, what's the difference between the Blackhawk and vaquero (lets assume both are new models)?

I'm set on .357 as I have a marlin in the same caliber.

obviously I'd love both, but that won't be feasible for some years.


Cliff notes:
What are the appreciable differences between (new model) Blackhawks and vaqueros for range fun?
 
What's the difference. Well...

The current production New Model .357 BH is on the large frame (same as the .41, .44, .45) . Overkill for this caliber. On the other hand, it has adjustable sights.

The current production .357 New Vaquero is on the medium frame which really is the 'right' size for the cartridge.... It is also a good looking revolver. On the other hand, the New Vaquero has fixed sights. This means you'll be hit or miss getting one that shoots straight out of the box. You may have to have the barrel turned, front sight filed to bring to POA.

I like both ... but for my first .357 revolver, I'd recommend the adjustable sighted BH.
 
The Blackhawk has adjustable sights and the Vaquero has fixed sights. Is the Vaquero you are talking about the New Vaquero or the original Vaquero. The original Vaquero is about 10% larger than the Colt SAA. The New Vaquero is about the same size as the Colt SAA. Which is better? Depends on do you like fixed sights or adjustable sights and the size you want. I have an original Vaquero in 44 Magnum and love it. It does everything I want it to do.
 
There were about 16k of an interesting gun made in 2005: the 50th Anniversary 357 Blackhawk Flattop.

This gun was basically a NewVaq with adjustable sights. Same size frame and grip frame as the NewVaq, same size (and strength) cylinder, 4.68" barrel, blue, but with adjustable sights.

They turn up a fair amount on gunbroker and the like.

I think there have also been some "distributor special runs" (generally 1,000 to 2,000 guns) that have been similar - mid-size frame Blackhawk Flattops in 357 (and some other calibers - 44Spl (now also a regular catalog item), 45LC, 45LC/45ACP convertible, etc.

The large-frame Blackhawks are bigger but in some cases lighter than the mid-frames, because when sold in blue they have aluminum grip frames and ejector rods. Some people consider those cheesy but I actually like the reduced weight. Plus you can get the larger-frame critters in the 357Mag/9mmPara dual cylinder setup. The 9mm accuracy with these tends to be mediocre at best but by handloading slightly bigger bullets you can correct that, and you can also convert the 9mm cylinder to other very interesting calibers like the 356GNR, a 41Magnum shell necked down to 357 and delivering 357MAXIMUM performance levels.
 
For range fun, the Blackhawk hands down. With the adjustable sights you will also have a better sight picture which will translate into better practical accuracy. Hitting what you're shooting at is the whole point of range fun. The Vaquero is built for cowboy action shooting and for range fun the Blackhawk has it beat. No knock intended on the Vaquero, it is a fine revolver for its purpose, possibly the finest, but for target shooting the Blackhawk is the way to go.
 
Like Jim said, the 50th anniversary model would be my top pick, after that it comes down to sights IMO. My middle aged eyes need good sights and the ones on the NV don't cut it anymore.
 
I changed from a Stainless 4.625" RNV to a 6" S&W 686 because I eventually realized I like the adjustable sights and that the 686's construction is just as strong, and the gun is easily as accurate if not more so because of a better trigger. I would have got the Blackhawk had I seen a stainless one first, but I'm not regretting it one bit.

-SS-
 
I have a Colt SAA from around 1959 vintage. 44 Spl. Yes, I have used that one. It has been good. Replaced one internal part and the front sight fell out once. I had to build a new one. It came with black grips which i replaced with black walnut grips of my own make. I love that gun. It had a blued barrel and cyl and the frame was smoked or something. Right now its mostly bare shiny metal. (wear)

I have also had two Ruger single sixes in 22 cal. Great guns and last forever.

Recently I bought a Ruger New Model Blackhawk in 44 mag. It is close to the same size as the Colt SAA but a little thicker and heavier. I am liking this one too. I reckon if Ruger's reputation holds up, it will go a long ways with no problems. Good KaBoom! with the 44 Mag. :) This new Ruger came with wood grips. It is dark blued.

I can say that I have really enjoyed all of my single actions. I am joining the gang that says, "If you shoot a lot get the Ruger."
 
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