Ruger Blackhawk or Uberti Frontier SAA?

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DavidB2

New member
I have been going back and forth on a Single Action Pistol for the last several weeks. I initially had my sights set on a Uberti Frontier in .45 LC; 7.5 inch barrel. However, I changed my mind and ordered a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. in 4 5/8 barrel. I have been surprised at the expense of Cowboy action loads. I don't reload; so the .357 option is the best economical action for me. It is also easier to pack. However, they sent the wrong grips and I sent the revolver back to me. However, I prefer the more classical look of the Uberti Frontier. It has more of that tradional look of the original SAA. Any suggestions for me in this arena? I am struggling to figure out which pistol to purchase. I would get both. But am getting ready to move and need 4 new tires for my truck; so two guns just isn't a possibility right now.
 
Apples and oranges to me. I like the traditional appearance better so I would get the Uberti. Some would suggest the Ruger Vaquero as the best of both worlds.
 
If I ever get a SA revolver it's gonna be a Uberti 1851 Navy Conversion open top replica. I know it's not one of the guns you're looking at but I guess my point is if your gonna get a gun for fun that doesn't serve a practical purpose, looks count, get the one you like the best.
 
I suppose "get what you like" is not very helpful so here are some thoughts. The Blackhawk in .357 will be more versatile (with the adjustable sights and the ability to use the wide variety of .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads). It will be cheaper to feed (using .38s) than a .45 Colt revolver.

That said, the Colt "clones" in a big bore chamberings are really nifty so if that's what you prefer, go for it. If you want to feel like a cavalryman or Matt Dillon, the 7.5 inch tube is certainly period correct. I prefer a shorter barrel for general use.

Keep in mind that a Colt style revolver should be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer. The Ruger can be safely carried with a fully loaded cylinder. This is not much of a hindrance for a range or match gun.
 
Split the difference with a Ruger Vaquero. Same size and look as the Uberti, but available in .357/.38.

Blackhawks don't have any of the visual appeal of a SAA. The Vaquero also has the transfer bar, so you can safely load six.
 
Split the difference with a Ruger Vaquero. Same size and look as the Uberti, but available in .357/.38.
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This is slightly incorrect.
And that is because of the confusing way Ruger named their revolvers.
We commonly say "Blackhawk" and "Vaquero", but there are 4 different basic guns these names refer to.

If we go only by what is marked on the guns themselves, there are Blackhawks, New Model Blackhawks, Vaqueros, and New Vaqueros.

The Blackhawk was the original, made from the late 50s to 1973, in a couple of variations of frame size and details (Flattop, etc.) Today, these guns are referred to in conversation as "old models" or "3 screw" Blackhawks, but that is NOT their name, its just what we call them.

In 1973, Ruger redesigned the lockwork, and guns made since then are officially "New Model Blackhawk", and so marked. These guns are bigger and beefier than the Colt SAA (and clones), being built on the 44mag size frame (in all calibers).

Later, Ruger built the Vaquero (and so marked, just "Vaquero"). These guns use the new model lockwork, and new model frame size (44 frame). They resemble the Colt SAA much more than the Blackhawk, being smooth topped fixed sight guns. But they are still larger and heavier than the Colt SAA by an easily noticeable amount.

Still later, Ruger replaced production of the Vaquero with the New Vaquero (and the guns are marked "New Vaquero"). They are not the same guns as the Vaquero. The New Vaquero is the same size as the Colt SAA (and clones). It is smaller than the Vaquero or the new model Blackhawk.

The New Vaquero is available in either .45 Colt, or .357 Magnum. The confusion comes from the fact that when people are talking, they generally just say Blackhawk, or Vaquero, when referring to any of these guns, and follow up is needed to determine exactly which variation they are talking about.

Split the difference with a Ruger New Vaquero. Same size and look as the Uberti, but available in .357/.38.
Click to expand...
Now the quote is technically accurate. (correction in bold).
 
Another for Ruger, specifically the New Vaquero. I have a Uberti (Cimarron P) .44 Sp and love it--it's the daily "admirin'" piece-but if I could only have one - the New Vaquero. I did find it odd that the OP"s choice was the Blackhawk in the comparison. Re the .357, there is the large frame "just" Vaquero, which is essentially a fixed sight Blackhawk, but IMO it's overkil in that round if using it moistly as a "cowboy" piece, but the NV just perfect. Same choice for the .45 unless hunting or otherwise planning on heavy loads.
 
The Blackhawk/Vaquero/New Vaquero designs are essentially trouble free.

The Uberti has all the inherent weaknesses of the original Colt SAA.
 
I first read about your issues on THR, and that your gun was delivered with black plastic grips and that was not what was "advertised"...

Because you did not answer my question on your other thread about this at The High Road, I will post it here also:

The local gun store received the .357 Blackhawk that I had ordered. However, I had them send it back because it did not have rosewood grips as advertised. Like to get what I am paying for and not just settle. Besides; I am thinking that the smooth grips are easier on my hands; and look better.
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The only .357 Blackhawks advertised with the "Rosewood" laminate grips are the convertible .357/9mm 'William's Shooters Supply' distributor specials in stainless...

Was this one of those?
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What Ruger puts on their SAs now is the traditional looking "hard rubber" black grips so common from the 1880s and 1890s and at various other times. They duplicate what Colt puts on their SAAs currently.

Being a decades long, and then more decades long, SA shooter I much prefer the black "checkered" grips now standard with Ruger as well as Colt. The
"one piece" grips for Uberti replicate the true one-piece grips from the 1870s
Army model Colts. Ubertis "one-piece" are two halves glued together with a center block.
 
What Ruger puts on their SAs now is the traditional looking "hard rubber" black grips
Click to expand...

And has been for some time...

This is what is making me wonder what 'ad' the OP was looking at that made him think his brand new Blackhawk was supposed to be delivered with wooden grips...
 
mistake in advertisement

The Ad said rosewood grips. It was a mistake so Grabagun let me return it. They then updated their listing. I put an Uberti Frontier on backorder. However, after looking for .45 Colt ammo; I am having second thoughts. If you can find it; the cost is outrageous; averaging $45.00 a box. I don't shoot all that often; but with these costs; I can't afford to shoot at all. I should get into reloading; but it is not practical with a move coming up.
 
If you want the traditional look and feel, go with the Uberti. But if you plan to shoot the gun a lot, that Ruger will keep shooting, and shooting and ...

I have some single actions, and the ONLY ones that FEEL like the old Colts are the USFA guns, which are no longer made. The others, including the new Colts, are OK, but just don't feel right to me. (The one USFA gun that feels wrong is their 1851 Colt copy, which has their SAA grip frame. OK, but not for an 1851 Navy.)

Jim
 
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