Vaquero / Backhawk whats the difference?

[mulder]

I know this sounds like a stupid question but what is the difference between a Vaquero and a Blackhawk? I was looking at a Blackhawk today but there was no Vaquero to compare it with. I will know the answer to this question when I bring the Blackhawk home as I have a Vaquero but that will be a few weeks away and Im wondering now. Sorry for the dumb question but if you lived in Australia you would realise we dont have the gun shops here that you do over in the USA and stocks in most shops are limited. In fact I had to take one of my guns to the local gun shop the other day as he had not seen one and wanted to know what they looked like in real life.
Thankyou in Advance.
David
PS The Blackhawk I bought is very purdy! (in my opinion)

[Mountaineer]

Primarily, the Blackhawk's top strap is different to accommodate the installation of an adjustable sight. Then, the front sight and base on the Blackhawk is different from the Vaquero as well. Essentially: the Blackhawk has adjustable sights; the Vaquero has fixed sights (similar to the traditional Colt SAA) You can get a very good view of the model differences on the Ruger web site at www.ruger.com.

Not a dumb question at all. Glad to be of help.

[pvtschultz]

We need to tread lightly here. Ruger in its sometimes unwise methods, has begun branding the "New Vaquero" as a "Vaquero". The "Vaquero", as it is roll marked on the frame of the revolver, was a fixed sight NM Blackhawk, but discontinued around 2005. The New Vaquero began production in 2006 but there have been some cleanup guns made along the way.

The New Vaquero, as it is roll marked onto the frame, is not like the Blackhawk in many ways. The New Vaquero uses a smaller frame and subsequently a smaller diameter cylinder. This results in a decrease in strength from the original "Vaquero" and firing a diet of "Ruger Only" loads is highly discouraged. The cylinder is stronger than 1st gen Colt SAA and can withstand higher pressure than SAAMI spec, but nowhere near the 30,000 CUP that we've been loading the Blackhawks to (in 45 Colt that is). Ruger will tell you that all SAAMI spec ammunition can be fired in the New Vaquero, aka 14,000 CUP for the 45 Colt.

The New Vaquero also has a smaller grip frame that is thinner and shorter than the Blackhawk grip frame.

[danindayton]

Is the "new" Vaquero about the same size as the Colt SAA?

DaninDayton
ilurkalot

[Stump Buster]

May 27, 2010 10:15:28 GMT -5 danindayton said:

Is the "new" Vaquero about the same size as the Colt SAA?

DaninDayton
ilurkalot

It's not an exact match....but close. Ruger brought it out for SASS shooters who wanted Ruger's ruggedness in a smaller/lighter package.

[nonpcnrarn]

Another thing to consider is that the all steel New Vaquero is heavier than a Blackhawk because the Blackhawk has an alloy grip frame and ejection rod housing. The NV, although heavier than a Blackhawk, is not as strong as the Blackhawk and cannot as previously mentioned use "Blackhawk only" loads. So if you want a gun that has better sights, weighs less and can handle "Ruger only" loads, go with the Blackhawk. Likewise the original Vaquero has a steel grip frame, ERH and the frame size is the same as the Blackhawk. It has fixed sights and can handle "Ruger only" loads.

[mulder]

Thankyou all for your replies. Yes I have the "NEW" Vaquero and not the older model. The Blackhawk (357 Mag) I am getting is second hand so Im not sure of the year it was made but it has had little work. I just fell in love with the feel and weight of itl plus the $$$$ I thought were pretty good.
Thankyou alll again for the replies.
David
PS I wont be pumping heavy loads through it. Simply factory loads until I start reloading for it and most loads will be 38 cal.