[matt85]

i recently had a chance to shoot a Ruger blackhawk old model revolver chambered in .357 mag and i was very impressed! now id like to pick up a cowboy action revolver.

first, what are the major differences between the new model and old model blackhawk?

second, what would you recomend and why?

thank you
-matt

 

[Guest]

If your just wanting to go plinking then the blackhawk is fine however if you want to try a go at cowboy action shooting then I would go with the Ruger Vaquero.

 

[PaperCut1775]

Great minds think alike! :mrgreen: Ruger Vaquero in .45 LC. Especially after I saw the fast draw competitors last night on the History Channel. Man, there were guys there drawing and hitting a target in less than a quarter second. :hail:

 

[Horse]

I have been obsessed with SASS style guns of late - too bad there is no $$ or I think I would now be using a S&W model 3 with a 2.5-3" barrel and some custom touches
Stock:

Modified:

 

[toby]

Have you checked out Umberti's line of cowboy shooters? Nice stuff, I believe they are owned by Berretta.

 

[Newaza]

Get a USFA.

 

[Horse]

Get a USFA.

USFA stuff is NICE!! And you can get their intro models for about $5-600.

 

[matt85]

what are the differences between the blackhawk and the Vaquero? they seem to be in the same price range.

i know .45LC is a good cartridge but the price is to rich for my blood, i think ill stick with .357/.38.

thanks for the info guys
-matt

 

[Norinco QBZ-95]

Uberti Colt SAA repro, or cap and ball revolver. There are also some cool looking conversion revolvers. They were basically cap and ball design revolvers that were either converted to cartridge or left the factory as a cartridge gun.

Look into Colt 1872 and Remington 1875.

The Vaquero is basically a more traditional looking Blackhawk.

 

[FokkerSF]

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/ModelP ... StdFin.htm

I recently purchased their model P in .357 for $429 and while they import uberti's, I would say they are the nicest of all of the imported urberti's, even nicer than the beretta's as their is not a transfer bar on them.

Timing is perfect and the sights are perfect. Outshoots every auto handgun I have.

 

[snakebite]

vaquero in .357! I had a matched pair and kept the .45 long colt, have regretted letting the .357 go every since!

 

[eightbore]

USFA +1

 

[PaperCut1775]

what are the differences between the blackhawk and the Vaquero? they seem to be in the same price range.

The Blackhawk is an updated SA revolver. The Vaquero is more like the original Old West-style (with a lot of modernized innards).

 

[OH58D]

As a rancher here in New Mexico, if you want the real deal, go with a Colt Single Action Army, black powder frame (old style). You will pay more for the Colt but it will hold it's value.

USFA pistols are nice (I own one) and Ruger offers modern safety features, but there's nothing nicer than clearing leather with a genuine Colt in your hand.

OH58D

 

[TxCop]

IIRC the older Vaquero's are larger and stronger than the new ones. The new ones are more accurate in size though.

I've had good luck with the EMF Dakota copies, but I don't put lots and lots of rounds through them either.

I've seen several of the new Taurus and Beretta SAA's and they seem to be good quality as well. But if money is a factor, the EMF Dakotas and the older Ruger Vaquero's are the way to go IMHO.

:goof:

 

[matt85]

As a rancher here in New Mexico, if you want the real deal, go with a Colt Single Action Army, black powder frame (old style). You will pay more for the Colt but it will hold it's value.

USFA pistols are nice (I own one) and Ruger offers modern safety features, but there's nothing nicer than clearing leather with a genuine Colt in your hand.

OH58D

id love a colt SAA but i cant afford to feed a gun in .45LC. i was shooting for something in .357, that way i can shoot .38 special to save money.

-matt

 

[ironhead7544]

The Vaquero has fixed sights. The first version has a larger Super Blackhawk frame. The New Vaquero has a smaller Colt SAA size frame that the cowboys like better. The "old models" have a Colt type action with no safety bar so must be carried with five beans in the wheel, no round under the hammer. Since 1973 the Ruger single actions have a transfer bar system that allows carrying six rounds. There are no Vaqueros with the "old model" lockwork. I just picked up a Blackhawk Flatop 44 Special yesterday. Its a repro of the 50ties Blackhawk with the steel Micro sight. Its about the nicest Blackhawk Ive ever seen. Its all steel, no alloy gripframe and ejector rod housing. If you want a revolver for general shooting this is what Id get. For cowboy action games the New Vaquero is the one to get. The 357 Magnum is cheaper to shoot with 38 spl ammo but if you are a handloader then I heard the Vaquero is now availble in 44 Special. Just my .02.

 

[Dawg180]

My brother has one of the .357 Ruger Vaqueros and it is a hoot to shoot!

 

[Tenbrook]

Large hands=Old model Vaquero

Small hands=New model Vaquero

 

[StreetTrends]

USFA I've owned or have shot most all mentioned above and the usfa is my choice by far.