Which? Again. Blackhawk vs Vacquero

[Handloader109]

OK, Ruger Blackhawk or Ruger Vaquero in 357. Eye on stainless steel version of either one.

Anyone have any comments?

:2gunsfiring_v1: Come on, I know you do.

[ericandelaine1975]

If you're going to shoot in cowboy shoots or don't want adjustable sights then get a vequero. If not and you want adjustable sights then get a blackhawk.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[dannyd]

If you're going to shoot in cowboy shoots or don't want adjustable sights then get a vequero. If not and you want adjustable sights then get a blackhawk.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk


Thats about it fixed sights cowdoy or adjustable sights everything else. Stainless is way easier to clean. Look for an older used one the new ones are not as smooth to me. Have five blackhawks.

[Char-Gar]

No, I really don't. It is buyers preference. If you don't know enought about them to make a choice, then we can't help you. Or, is just a chat thread and not really seeking information?

[Chad5005]

best thing to do is just buy both

[jmort]

I have had many of both. The old/new Vaqueros are gone, I don't play games. The Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks work best for me.

[Wheelguns 1961]

Another gun to think about would be a flattop blackhawk.

[Handloader109]

K, no, I would love both, not in the cards at this time. Might can squeeze out enough for one this year. Fixed vs adjustable sights. 7 oz or so less weight. Flip a coin I guess.

[gwpercle]

Because of the vast differences in 38 special /357 magnum loads ....all the way from powder-puff target to heavy magnum hog/deer loads....this alone would make sense the use of adjustable sights.
Nobody likes Kentucky windage shooting....Get The Blackhawk unless you are going to shoot one load and hope that load shoots to those fixed sights.....most times they don't.

See those fixed sights on the model 58 in my avatar.....adjustable sights would be better !
I bought my adjustable sighted Blackhawk in 1970 and have never regretted being able to sight in different loads .
Gary

[Walks]

Fixed sight gun can be regulated for 1 or maybe 2 loads. An Adjustable Sighted Revolver can be adjusted for any number of loads.
I have a pair of old VAQUERO'S in .45COLT with 7 1/2" bbl's that will hit a tennis ball 6X6 at 50ft with a 230gr TC over 5.0grs of Clays. Put in a std load with a 250gr bullet it shoots 2" high & an inch to the left.

I have a NM Blackhawk in .45COLT with 4 5/8" bbl. That will shoot the std load dead center. 4 clicks up & 2 clicks right and the Cowboy Load hits dead center.

Do ya wanna shoot just one load or have a choice. Hot heavy bullet for hunting. Or a light target load and a hot load with a light bullet for expansion in 2-legged targets ?

[rockrat]

I have stainless in both. Prefer the Blackhawk (mine is a 357/9mm convertable--I would suggest one of these!!) because I can sight in for different loads.

[dverna]

Another vote for the BH if you not into CAS. I had to do a lot of tweaking to get my Vaquero’s to shoot to POA, but I am anal about that sort of thing.

BTW, you only mentioned SA revolvers so a thought for you. I have had 10 of them and am down to three. Two are CAS tuned Colt SAA’s and one is a Ruger .44 Mag. Now looking at adding two .357 DA guns. Loading and unloading SA guns can be tiresome, and in a pinch the DA guns are better for home defense.

[kidmma]

The sights got too hard for my old eyes to see well on my Vaquero. The blocky sights on the BHs are better for me to see.

[Handloader109]

Not home defense, I've got a 605 Taurus with 7 Self defense loads in it stashed in one corner, a G17 with a mag full of nice 9mm in small safe, a Walther PPQ with 17 more that is normal carry.
Other larger guns elsewhere..... So this would be a possible SD gun, but more just target, shooting gun. Yep, the more I think of this, BH would be better, as I use various loads. Not many in the 38/357, but I'd for sure shoot both in two or three loads/weights.

Rockrat, do you REALLY shoot 9mm in the BH? Might be another point for the BH.

[Thumbcocker]

Blackhawk convertible. Very versatile.

[375supermag]

Hi...
If you are only going to get one get a BlackHawk.
My first Rugersingle action was a blued BlackHawk in .41Magnum. It has been followed by many more BlackHawks and a couple of Vaqueros.
I think every gun guy should have several of each in various calibers.
I have three BlackHawks in .357Mag, two in .41 Mag, one in .44Spl and one in .45Colt plus a couple of Vaqueros in .45Colt(full size original models).
Also have a few Uberti Cimarrons in .44Spl and .45 Colt.

[Walkingwolf]

I have numerous fixed sight SA revolvers for carry, for hunting or woods defense I have a GP 100. I know I am outside the parameters of the OP, but when talking switching up loads a swing out cylinder makes more sense. I can then easily change my load depending on the game, example I do not want to use a heavy fast SWC for a rabbit, all meat would be destroyed. For small rodents I would use a spire point, or round nose.

[rockrat]

Yep, I do use the 9mm cylinder. Works fairly well. Sometimes I can pick up a case of 9mm ammo fairly cheap, around $7.50/box 50 when I don't feel like reloading at the moment.

[35 Whelen]

Because of the vast differences in 38 special /357 magnum loads ....all the way from powder-puff target to heavy magnum hog/deer loads....this alone would make sense the use of adjustable sights.
Nobody likes Kentucky windage shooting....Get The Blackhawk unless you are going to shoot one load and hope that load shoots to those fixed sights.....most times they don't.

See those fixed sights on the model 58 in my avatar.....adjustable sights would be better !
I bought my adjustable sighted Blackhawk in 1970 and have never regretted being able to sight in different loads .
Gary


Because of the vast differences in 38 special /357 magnum loads ....all the way from powder-puff target to heavy magnum hog/deer loads....this alone would make sense the use of adjustable sights.
Nobody likes Kentucky windage shooting....Get The Blackhawk unless you are going to shoot one load and hope that load shoots to those fixed sights.....most times they don't.

See those fixed sights on the model 58 in my avatar.....adjustable sights would be better !
I bought my adjustable sighted Blackhawk in 1970 and have never regretted being able to sight in different loads .
Gary

So you guys are telling me you actually carry a screwdriver around and twiddle with your sights when you change loads?? I cannot imagine...

I guess most don't really understand handgun bullet trajectories and that inside 75 yds., there's little to worry about if one sticks with bullets of similar weights. Take two .358" 158 gr. cast lead bullets, start one at 775 fps and another at 1400 fps, sight them both in at 50 yds., and at 25 yds. there's a little over 1" difference in their POI's, at 75 yds. there's a bit over 3 1/2" difference. I'd venture a guess that most handgunners rarely shoot over 50 yds and 25 is probably more realistic, so trajectory is pretty much not even an issue.

A perfect example is my Flat Top .44 Special. Same sight setting, two loads and two different bullets about 300 fps apart, both zeroed more or less dead on at 50 yds.

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg.html) https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg.html)

Not enough difference in POI to matter.

I own adjustable sighted revolvers, but personally prefer fixed sights simply because they're more rugged than adjustable sights. In my opinion the single advantage to adjustable sights is they typically offer a better sight picture, especially for those of us with over-50 eyes.

35W

[DougGuy]

Why 357? My suggestion would be a Flattop Blackhawk in 44 special, which you can load factory level loads for, or you can handload it to 25k psi and be right in the back door of 44 mag ballistics, plenty enough to hunt big game with.

[Ed K]

No issue in general with fixed sights vs adjustable - pluses and minuses with each. General preference for adjustable. A fixed sighted packing pistol with one general purpose load is practical. Beware: fixed sights on stainless can be very difficult in bright light.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I bought the Blackhawk instead of the Vaquero. Where does your next purchase fit in your existing herd? I have a bunch of Colt’s so the Vaquero would just be put out out to pasture if I brought one home. My Blackhawk -it has a purpose, I’m going to be taking it out today.

If you have neither then your question should be which one are you going to buy first.

[bob208]

right now today I would take the vaquero because I like the small frame. my first center fire pistol was a old model Blackhawk. so I like the small frame. I still have that Blackhawk. so if you want a good handling pistol I would say the small frame gun would be better.

[Hickory]

Well, most of what I post here is what I think and I suspect that most of it is ignored, but, here goes.

I always thought that a hand gun should feel good in my hand and point true and natural in the direction you want it to point.
If a person were honest with themselves they would agree with that. The plow handle grips of the regular Blackhawk does not lend itself to pointing naturally in the direction you want it to shoot. To illustrate my point, take your Blackhawk and close your eyes, place the gun in your hand and when it feels good in your hand raise it up to shoulder level. Open your eyes and tell me that the barrel of that gun is not pointed up.
The Bisley grip on the other hand is a more natural pointer and will not try to twist out of your hand under recoil. The handgun with the Bisley grip will absorb the recoil better then the plow handle grips that were designed for low recoil black powder cartridges.
Myself, I'd choose the Bisley grip because it just feels right for me.

[Green Frog]

OP, you never really state what you are going to use the gun for. This is like asking, "Which should I buy, a sports car or a sedan?" Both do similar jobs and in many cases share many of the same mechanical parts. The final decision must include the intended application. The lockwork and and 90%+ of the frame would be identical for the V & BH, the sights are the only discernible difference, and again it comes to application to determine what your needs are there. JMHO and probably worth what you paid for it! :coffeecom

Froggie

[Whiterabbit]

Vaquero for me, mechanical stuff loosens or moves over time, but not the rear sight on a vaquero!

[35 Whelen]

Vaquero for me, mechanical stuff loosens or moves over time, but not the rear sight on a vaquero!

My sentiments exactly.

35W

[David LaPell]

My first handgun was an Old Model Blackhawk in .357 Magnum, and I've had a couple more over the years. I got them to shoot pretty accurately. If you're wanting to squeeze accuracy out of a handgun, than get one of those. If you're looking just for a gun to plink with or not really do all that much shooting with, get a Vaquero.
This was the last .357 Blackhawk I had, I shot these playing cards from a rest at 50 yards to win a bet with my handloads.

https://i.imgur.com/sAsuc0W.jpg

Don't think Vaqueros aren't accurate though.

This Vaquero was in .45 Colt but it shot really well out to 40 yards, it would keep all the rounds well within a pie plate. Not bad for fixed sights.

https://i.imgur.com/Gcwqsun.jpg

[Rodfac]

Quote Originally Posted by Whiterabbit View Post
Vaquero for me, mechanical stuff loosens or moves over time, but not the rear sight on a vaquero!

Yep, and that stationary rear sight will continue to put 'em all 2-4" left or right at 25 yds till hell freezes over. It's not the trajectory that matters, it's the windage...and that, brothers, is a RPITA to fix. Get the adjustable sights...contrary to opinion, they don't move by themselves, drift or whatever...short of falling off horseback in rocky terrain, you're GTG with any reputable adj. rear sight.

Rod

[Whiterabbit]

if I have a revolver that shoots windage, I remove it.

Either by adjusting the dovetail front sight if it has one, or by rotating the barrel until it is perfect. My fixed sight gunds don't have windage problems.

Everything else however....

[35 Whelen]

Yep, and that stationary rear sight will continue to put 'em all 2-4" left or right at 25 yds till hell freezes over. It's not the trajectory that matters, it's the windage...and that, brothers, is a RPITA to fix. Get the adjustable sights...contrary to opinion, they don't move by themselves, drift or whatever...short of falling off horseback in rocky terrain, you're GTG with any reputable adj. rear sight. Rod

The first few years I really got into shooting SA's, including a New Vaquero, I used to think "they" shot left or right (mostly left)and was constantly heating and whacking on front sights. But the more I shot, the more I came to realize that the windage issues were caused by the trigger, more specifically, the ol' boy mashing the trigger.

35W

[Rick R]

I had a couple Vaqueros when I played the CASS game. Turn the barrel, file the front sight and they can be spot on with one or more loads. I for one would like a single action with a wider front blade and a dovetailed rear sight for genuine rough use.

I have a 4 5/8” SBH that is wonderfully accurate but two years ago I was lumbering thru our pantry after a day out hunting and whacked the rear sight against a metal table breaking the blade in half. I ordered a new blade from Ruger, a holster that protects the sight better from Simply Rugged and finished up hunting season carrying my 629 Mountain Gun. Bowen makes a “Rough Country” rear sight that is pretty stout, it might be a good idea if you “lumber” thru life.

[Biggin]

Not the same gun I know but they have the same sights. I've got a single six I've carried around for 30 years. The one time I had to replace the rear sight is because I was fooling around around with it and doing the fancy spinning stuff and dropped it. That was 25 years ago or so. I was a lot dumber than. Carry it a good holster and it will be fine. More versatility. Even if you only use one load I like options. My .2

[rfd]

as usual, the objects in question are loaded with subjectivity and it will always come down to personal wants, needs, opinions, and preferences.

i have a hankering for a single action centerfire that will be more accurate than my old eyes, and the answer for me was easy - it'll be a blued ruger NMBH 6.5" in .357mag - ymmv.

[Beagle333]

I have several of both, but prefer the old model Vaquero. It just feels better in the hand and will shoot most anything I want to shoot. I like to bang steel and I like to also shoot cards, but nothing over 25 yards, so the Vaquero gets the nod. My BH's aren't for sale though. 'Still like them too.

[Cast_outlaw]

Of the choices I’d take the super Blackhawks as it’s a tank and if I had to used it for sd and couldn’t cock it in time I’d just beet them with it it’s that rugged

[rfd]

i can only blame this thread for making me order one of these bad boys ...

https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/images/0316.jpg

... thanx guys! :drinks:

[9.3X62AL]

I get led astray from time to time as well, rfd.

I have a Colt SA, Uberti SAs, and Ruger Blackhawk SA's in the safe, and they get shot with frequency. I don't find fixed sights to be a significant disadvantage compared to the adjustables. I far prefer fixed sights in a defensive sidearm, but SA revolvers don't figure highly in that equation--SAs are fun/sport guns for me.

I have no experience with the Ruger Vaquero series of revolvers of any vintage. For certain, the Colt and their Uberti clones are lighter and more compact than the BHs. But that is a sword that cuts in both directions--light and compact might not mesh well with higher-yield 357 Magnum loads using heavy-for-caliber bullets. My Bisley Blackhawk absorbs some stalwart loadings with manageable recoil, and SAAMI-spec 158 grain JHPs are docile in that big beast. The Colt 32/20, Uberti 44/40, and Uberti 45 Colt are about perfect with standard BP-level loads being run through them. The Uberti 357s I have fired with SAAMI loads had a bit more recoil than I care to endure for a full day of shooting--to compare, I routinely shoot SAAMI-level 357s through my S&W 686 x 4 and the Bisley BH for extended time periods, and enjoy doing so very much. FWIW.

[Drm50]

A Blackhawk is a more practical revolver. It will do anything a Vacquero will do plus. The biggest plus is the ability to adjust sights for different loads. Fixed sight guns are good for one load and have a
poor sight picture for shooting at longer ranges. Let's face it fixed sight SAs and DAs were both made to shoot at fairly close rang and mostly with people as targets. Target models became available with
adjustable sight very soon after cartridges were in use. Hunting or target loads can be adjusted for
with out bending of filing the gun.

[Eutectic45]

If you are only shooting cowboy the 38/357 is the way to go. I had one with the 9mm cylinder, but the 9mm was never very accurate except with jacketed.
I have a Ruger Bisley 44 Special and if you are hunting the 44 Special is the bees knees. I personally like the Bisley grip.

Fixed sights can be great if you only shoot one load and you can set them on. I want adjustable sights on anything not used for SSS (Serious Social Shooting)

[Outpost75]

If you are only shooting cowboy the 38/357 is the way to go. I had one with the 9mm cylinder, but the 9mm was never very accurate except with jacketed.
I have a Ruger Bisley 44 Special and if you are hunting the 44 Special is the bees knees. I personally like the Bisley grip.

Fixed sights can be great if you only shoot one load and you can set them on. I want adjustable sights on anything not used for SSS (Serious Social Shooting)

The 9mm cylinder can be rechambered to .38 S&W if you want a smaller case to use for light Cowboy loads.

Manson makes the reamer .380 Rook Rifle (using .38 S&W case) Rev. 11/17, chamber very similar to Ruger India Model Police Service Six. Unable to attach the .pdf drawing here, but if you want it PM me.

[35 Whelen]

A Blackhawk is a more practical revolver. It will do anything a Vacquero will do plus. The biggest plus is the ability to adjust sights for different loads. Fixed sight guns are good for one load and have a
poor sight picture for shooting at longer ranges. Let's face it fixed sight SAs and DAs were both made to shoot at fairly close rang and mostly with people as targets. Target models became available with
adjustable sight very soon after cartridges were in use. Hunting or target loads can be adjusted for
with out bending of filing the gun.

Not necessarily. I personally prefer the ruggedness of fixed sights and am leery of adjustable sights with their little screws and springs. I have a few revolvers with adjustable sights and the only real advantage they have, in some cases, is a slightly better sight picture. As far as the ability to adjust sights, I'll ask again- Do you really carry a screwdriver with you when you shoot and twiddle with the sights when changing loads??

If you'll refer back to post #19, you'll see two groups I fired, both at 75 yds., ~300 fps difference in MV between the loads, both with the same sights settings. One is a plinking/practice load, the other is a hunting load. There's not enough difference in POI's to spit at. Another example of target load vs. hunting load and decent groups shot at 50 yds. with fixed sights-

Practice load-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco205020yds.20MBC_zpsu8vis71f.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco205020yds.20MBC_zpsu8vis71f.jpg.html)

Hunting load-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2050%20yds.%20RCBS_zpsrgt4dwua.jpg.html)

Stretching it out further yet, showing the small difference in POI's of practice loads and hunting loads AND that fixed sight revolvers are useful for more than just short range-

Practice load at ~800 fps-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/250%20gr%20RNFP%2075%20yds_zpsaibbgrty.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/250%20gr%20RNFP%2075%20yds_zpsaibbgrty.jpg.html)

Hunting load-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%20edited_zpsc5kix4z8.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%20Frisco/Frisco%2075%20yds%2045-270%20edited_zpsc5kix4z8.jpg.html)

One of my .44 Specials-

Practice load-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2050%20yds.%20practice_zpsgtd cimc8.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2050%20yds.%20practice_zpsgtd cimc8.jpg.html)

Hunting load-

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2050%20yds._zpsatenqk6d.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2050%20yds._zpsatenqk6d.jpg.h tml)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2075%20yards%20labeled_zpsads 81sj4.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Cimarron%20Model%20P/Cimarron%20Model%20P%2075%20yards%20labeled_zpsads 81sj4.jpg.html)

I'm probably in the minority, but I've had a few bad experiences with adjustable sights. As a teenager shooting my Dad's Colt Gov't Model, the rear blade of the Bomar sight snapped off under recoil and pinged me in the forehead. Bought a used Security Six at a gun show and half of its rear sight blade was broken off. An H&R 929 and a Rossi 68 purchased both had missing rear sights because the set/windage screws had worked loose. After I replaced the blade in the H&R, the wife carried it in a holster on her evening walks, and the sight was lost AGAIN, because the screws worked loose. My Flat Top Blackhawk, brand new out of the box wouldn't adjust low enough for the loads I was using and had to have work done on it.

As stated earlier, with similar bullet weights, there's simply not enough difference in trajectory @ 75 yds. or less, even with loads whose MV's differ by several hundred feet per second, to warrant messing with sight adjustment.

35W

[rfd]

all depends on personal subjective thinking and shooting requirements. my S&W j-frame model 60 2-1/8" bbl .357mag doesn't even need a front sight for the distances it'll be required to hit center mass targets. my forthcoming ruger nmbh 6-1/2" bbl .357mag is all about punching paper and ringing steel out to 100 yards and maybe much further, therefore i'll appreciate its more precise and on-the-fly adjustable rear sight. it's all good as long as it does what ya want.

[35 Whelen]

all depends on personal subjective thinking and shooting requirements. my S&W j-frame model 60 2-1/8" bbl .357mag doesn't even need a front sight for the distances it'll be required to hit center mass targets. my forthcoming ruger nmbh 6-1/2" bbl .357mag is all about punching paper and ringing steel out to 100 yards and maybe much further, therefore i'll appreciate its more precise and on-the-fly adjustable rear sight. it's all good as long as it does what ya want.

For sure.

The point of my post was most shooters don't understand revolvers and their cartridges, and they view fixed sight revolvers as, at best, close range "nostalgia" type firearms.

35W

[rfd]

For sure.

The point of my post was most shooters don't understand revolvers and their cartridges, and they view fixed sight revolvers as, at best, close range "nostalgia" type firearms.

35W

yep. run as single action with the right load, that little snubbie j-frame of mine is capable of some really good accuracy at 25 yards. some folks can use them well out past 75 or 100 yards, as what hickok45 proves.

[Drm50]

Fixed sights are fine for the right load and make sense for service & CCW pistols. I don't carry a screw driver to adjust my sights. I sight gun in for load I want to shoot and that's where it stays. If I
want to change loads I can resight for them. It's no different than sighting in a rifle for different loads I don't think anyone sells a rifle with fixed sights anymore. Better sight picture and option to adjust to point of aim is advantage over fixed sights, period.

[35 Whelen]

Fixed sights are fine for the right load and make sense for service & CCW pistols. I don't carry a screw driver to adjust my sights. I sight gun in for load I want to shoot and that's where it stays.

Ditto here.

If I want to change loads I can resight for them. It's no different than sighting in a rifle for different loads I don't think anyone sells a rifle with fixed sights anymore. Better sight picture and option to adjust to point of aim is advantage over fixed sights, period.

Whatever works for you.



I know what works for me!

35W

[Drm50]

I had a S&W m58 when they first came out, 41mg fixed sights. It was one of most accurate fixed sight guns I ever owned. At 50' it would shot as good or better than 57s with adjustable sights. I've
had many S&W m10-m13 and older model service guns that shot well with service loads. Im not into it but I would suspect that most SA fixed sight shooters are staying in a narrow range of loads that are close to original loads. I have 2 old model Ruger Single-6s that have fixed sights but rear can be
drifted for windage. Both guns have been drifted and one has front sight filed down. That is like the
best of both worlds a good sight picture and sturdy sights. I also had a 1911 with a big back sight that had set screw for drift and front that had been filed.

[Char-Gar]

I guess I am just a grumpy sick old man, but the reason for these kinds of threads escapes me. It is all a matter of personal choice. Go to a gun shop and hold one of each in either hand. In about ten seconds you will know the difference and which you prefer.

[gwpercle]

I guess I am just a grumpy sick old man, but the reason for these kinds of threads escapes me. It is all a matter of personal choice. Go to a gun shop and hold one of each in either hand. In about ten seconds you will know the difference and which you prefer.
Hitting the LIKE button !

[JoeJames]

I guess I am just a grumpy sick old man, but the reason for these kinds of threads escapes me. It is all a matter of personal choice. Go to a gun shop and hold one of each in either hand. In about ten seconds you will know the difference and which you prefer.Agreed. One addition with similar thinking: my cousin had a gunshop/pawn shop for awhile. He would have the customer pick it up and aim it. He said if the feller adjusted it in his hand after he picked it up, he, my cousin knew it was not a good fit for the customer. If he picked it up and there was no adjustment, it would work out fine. I had never thought about that myself, but my cousin said it worked every time.

[35 Whelen]

I guess I am just a grumpy sick old man, but the reason for these kinds of threads escapes me. It is all a matter of personal choice. Go to a gun shop and hold one of each in either hand. In about ten seconds you will know the difference and which you prefer.

First of all, a New Vaquero and a Flat Top Blackhawk are going to feel all but identical because they're all but identical in size. Second, how a revolver "feels" has nothing to do with how well one will shoot it. Pick the revolver with the features you want, then learn to use it.

This discussion is basically about the merits of, and deciding between, a fixed sight revolver vs. one with adjustable sights.

35W

[Char-Gar]

First of all, a New Vaquero and a Flat Top Blackhawk are going to feel all but identical because they're all but identical in size. Second, how a revolver "feels" has nothing to do with how well one will shoot it. Pick the revolver with the features you want, then learn to use it.

This discussion is basically about the merits of, and deciding between, a fixed sight revolver vs. one with adjustable sights.

35W

1) Post #1 in this thread asks about the Blackhawk or the Vaquero. Nothing about a Flat top which is on a smaller frame and the Blackhawk.

2. Feel also mean look. If you look you can see the relative features of the two handguns and if you feel them you can also tell the weight difference.

The point being that while you and others may enjoy the endless comparison of various feature, the choice is subjective. The OP has only to pick up, feel, and look at the guns to know what he wants. All the comments and opinions of others don't mean squat.

[35 Whelen]

1) Post #1 in this thread asks about the Blackhawk or the Vaquero. Nothing about a Flat top which is on a smaller frame and the Blackhawk.

2. Feel also mean look. If you look you can see the relative features of the two handguns and if you feel them you can also tell the weight difference.

The point being that while you and others may enjoy the endless comparison of various feature, the choice is subjective. The OP has only to pick up, feel, and look at the guns to know what he wants. All the comments and opinions of others don't mean squat.

I like to think of posts as discussions, that is face-to-face verbal conversations that maybe drift off and return. Remember- the OP specifically asked for comments. And I think the most valuable part of these discussions is input from those who have actual hands on experience, which there seems to be precious little of these days. And finally, just like face-to-face discussions, one has the option of not participating of they don't like what's being discussed.

35W

[jmort]

As always get what you want
Have had many new and old Vaqueros
The new Vaquero with Gun Fighter grips is sweet.
I only have Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks now
But they all have Eagle Gun Fighter grips
Except the Bisleys which are stock.
A New Vaquero with Gun Fighter grips is sweet.
A Blackhawk with Gun Fighter grips is perfection.

[LAH]

Stainless. .........Choose Blackhawk.

[Bazoo]

Adjustable sights are the way to go in my mind. Nothing at all wrong with a 357 magnum. Others are bigger, but not many are as cheap to scrounge brass for, and not many are as stingy on powder and lead. Thats my take.

~Bazoo

[derek45]

Get both

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Why 357? My suggestion would be a Flattop Blackhawk in 44 special, which you can load factory level loads for, or you can handload it to 25k psi and be right in the back door of 44 mag ballistics, plenty enough to hunt big game with.

Amen, and remember this, you just cannot have too many handguns. We have all sold guns and we later regretted it. I once sold a beautiful early Ruger flat top [it had a four digit serial #] but it was not by choice. One day my wife came to me and said I need a thou for the boys collage tuition. Well off went my Ruger, a 1st generation 45 Colt in excellent condition and a new Winchester Super x. If selling them wasn't tragic enough, the friend I sold them to was burglarized too weeks later and the thieves got away with 42 handguns, including my two of course. So far he has gotten 9 of them back, mostly 22s. One cop told him, If LA gets their hands on a gun, they destroy it.

[35 Whelen]

There's no bigger fan of the .44 Special in the world than I, in fact I shot another deer with one of mine a few weeks ago (I own four of them). But if all a man wants to do is shoot at the range and piddle, there's not much better than the .357 as it is extremely versatile. In fact if all I had to hunt deer and similar size game with was one of my .357's I wouldn't worry a bit.

35W

[rfd]

swapped for altamont faux ivory grips, she's a shooter.

https://i.imgur.com/11ZUbMa.jpg

[DougGuy]

I split the powerband between 45 ACP and Ruger Only 45 Colt with this Vaquero, having a 45 ACP cylinder reamed to 45 Schofield. Ruger gave us a FINE "tier 2" platform with the medium framed Vaquero and flattop Blackhawk, but there isn't any published data that will yield +P "tier 2" loads in 44 Special or 45 Schofield so I used QuickLOAD to develop loads that will use a 250gr LBT WFN boolit to 1200fps, and still stay under the 23,000psi pressure ceiling for the gun, which is 45 ACP+P pressure, this is what the medium frame 45 is rated for.

The medium framed 44 Special, although it is not published, is good for 25,000psi and you can take this load right up to the back door of the 44 magnum with the proper load development. I'd love to have a flattop 44 one of these days!

I am getting a LOT more enjoyment out of this mid length 45 cartridge than I am either the 45 ACP or 45 Colt loadings. It's snappy loaded to 23,000 but not sharp and I could shoot it all day. This is now my go to deer gun for the thick woods where shots are often 20yds or less. 250gr flying soup can at 1200fps? PERFECT for whitetail!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Blued%20NM%20Vaquero/DSC04976%20Custom_zpsr686bkvr.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Blued%20NM%20Vaquero/DSC04976%20Custom_zpsr686bkvr.jpg.html)