Ruger BlackHawk VS Ruger Vaquero pistols

[nebhoma]

I own Several Ruger Blackhawk pistols, for carry with my Henry rifles when out in the woods, a .357 and a .45.

Would like to hear you opinions between the two Ruger models.

Thanks,

[dddrees]

Adjustable sights (Blackhawk) vs fixed sights (Vaquero)

More Classic looking SA (Vaquero)vs Non-Classic look (Blackhawk)


Higher Shine SS (Vaquero) vs more satin finish (Blackhawk


More attractive overall looking gun (Vaquero).

[Vaquero]

I think dddress about said it.
I like and own both, plus a couple single-sixes and a SBH.

RP

[wingnut]

Confusion on what chamber pressures it can handle (Vaquero) vs No confusion (Blackhawk)

[North Country Gal]

My experience with Ruger's makes the Blackhawk a safer bet thanks to the adjustable sights. Have had too many fixed sight Ruger's, especially VQs, that did not shoot to anywhere near POA. Real pig in a poke as to what you get on that score. Vaqueros are fun guns, but if it's accuracy you are chasing at anything beyond close up distances, go with a good set of adjustable sights or even a red dot or a scope, something that you can mount on a Blackhawk, but not a VQ. By the way, stainless Vaqueros/New Vaqueros open sights are a real hassle to see. Have always had to paint the sights to use them. For sure the open sights on the VQ, stainless or blue, are NOT a big plus for accuracy shooting.

[Redthies]

I think dddress about said it.
I like and own both, plus a couple single-sixes and a SBH.

RP

Clearly you identify with one better than the other, right?





Señor Vaquero?!

[Henry88]

I was about to ask a question when I saw that NCG addressed it. "What happens if your fixed sight gun doesn't shoot to POI?"

I know what Heritage (Rough Rider) will tell you, bend the sight. That's fine for a $150 gun, but some of these are $$$$$$

What would Ruger do if you called with that problem? Is it a problem to them?

[dave77]

I don't remember if it was here or over on my Beretta forum but when I was trying to decide between getting a 4.62" or a 6.5" barrel on a .357 Blackhawk someone (who I'm sure is a lot better shot than me) said he could consistently hit pop cans at 50yds. with his .357 Blackhawk with a 6.5"barrel.

[Pudsky]

I was about to ask a question when I saw that NCG addressed it. "What happens if your fixed sight gun doesn't shoot to POI?"

I know what Heritage (Rough Rider) will tell you, bend the sight. That's fine for a $150 gun, but some of these are $$$$$$

What would Ruger do if you called with that problem? Is it a problem to them?

I have wondered this myself.

[Vaquero]

I think dddress about said it.
I like and own both, plus a couple single-sixes and a SBH.

RP

Clearly you identify with one better than the other, right?





Señor Vaquero?!

Kinda I guess, I will say that I shoot the 44 Vaquero much better than the 45 Vaquero.
And I shoot the 6.5" 41 mag BH better than the 4.62" 45 Convertible.
The SBH is scoped so that is a whole different story.
Took a small buck @ 60 yds. with the SBH, then a doe with the 41 @ 30 yds., and then,
another small buck with the 44 Vaquero @ 20-25 yds.
All and all not counting the scoped SBH, I'd say the 6.5" 41 would be number one.
But those Vaqueros sure are sexy.
One really cool thing about the 45's, the acp cylinder from the Convertible works flawlessly in the Vaquero.

RP

[Vaquero]

My meager collection

20190217_105936.jpg

RP

[Henry88]

[krunchnik]

I like them both-I started shooting a New Vaquero Birdshead in 45ACP that is a keeper-I just need to make a trip when I have some time to sit and try a couple of bullet weights to zero my front sight-windage is spot on but 2 inches low at 15 yards with 200 grain lead.

[BigAl52]

Nice collections there Vaquero and Krunchnik. I have all Blackhawks only two in a 5.5 inch barrel. The rest are 4 5/8s I really just like the looks of that short barrel better.

[Redthies]

All and all not counting the scoped SBH, I'd say the 6.5" 41 would be number one.
But those Vaqueros sure are sexy.

RP

That’s funny you should say that. I did my best ever handgun shooting with a .41 mag Blackhawk that a buddies dad owned. I usually shot 1911A1s, but fell in love with SA wheelguns after shooting that .41!

[fortyshooter]

I like them both having a .45 Colt New Vaquero with 5.5 barrel which shoots just as well as my Blackhawks.

[krunchnik]

My New Vaquero in 45 ACP is fairly accurate-I just have to shave a little off the top of the sight now and I will be all set

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

I also have a Vaquero in 357/38, 5 1/2 Inch, Blued Finish, Wood Grips very similar to fortyshooter's above. I wanted a 45, but choosing the 38 will save me a bunch of money in Ammo (I don't reload at this time). It shoots great other than a little low, which is an easy fix with filing down the sight a little. Very satisfied with it.

I've never had a Blackhawk, but went with the traditional look of the Vaquero when trying to decide between the two.

[nebhoma]

My meager collection

20190217_105936.jpg

RP

Nice collection, one day maybe I'll match your collection.

[nebhoma]

Thanks for the input, guess it's like any thing else, you buy what you like.

Great input guys, I appreciate the feedback.