[BLiTzNicK]

My wife has already asked me what kind of gun I want for my birthday (lucky me). I would like to have a single action, that could be used to hunt deer (whitetail). I will also use this pistol for occasional target shooting, and would like for it to be pretty.

I am really interested in the Ruger Vaquero in .44 mag, and really like the colored case blue. Would this pistol be appropriate for hunting? If so, what barrel length would be most desired for deer?

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/66L.gif

I am also interested in this:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/images/standard/SW170181.jpg

Though I think it will be out of my price range, and it's not a true single action. I am looking to stay under $500, and would really like to keep it as close to $400 as possible. Any suggestions or comments are welcome.

[mec]

the Vaqs frequently shoot low and to one side( usually the left). It takes some doing to get them hitting point on with a selected load.

another little known fact is that the front blade is not as rigidly attached as the adjustible sight models. Drop it or bang it and it may fall off.

My pick inside your price range would be a Stainless SuperBlackhawk with 7.5" Barrel. It has adjustible sights and the current Hunter Model is set up for a scope. The SBH action is the same as the Vaquerro but is pretty much ready to go right out of the box.

If you want something other than .44 Magnum, the Blackhawk is basically the same revolver with a shorter grip frame and is or has been available in a huge array of calibers.

[surfinUSA]

The Blackhawk and super blackhawks are nice for hunting because if their adjustable sights.

Check out Elmer Keith's Sixguns if you can find it. You'll be amazed at what game a 44 or 45 caliber handgun can reliably take. After reading this book you will never allow yourself to be sucked into the magnum rifle craze for deer or elk.

[gbran]

Ruger SA's are very good guns and can generally be found at reasonable prices. In .45 Colt, they can also handle high pressure loads. Mnay original and cloned Colts can't. If you plan to hunt, don't buy the Vaquero, due to their notched sights. Get a piece with adjustable rear sights, which can be removed and except mounts for scopes. Or better yet, buy one that is scope ready. I hunt with a Super Redhawk 454 Casull, which has scope rings.

[critter]

I have a Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag which has found a job as a whitetail/pig gun. My favorite though is a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley model in .45 Colt. Great shooter, pretty gun (to me) and you can use 'cowboy' loads or the souped up 'burn, blind and deafen' loads of hard cast 300 (or >300) grain loads to hunt anything that walks on the North American continent!

[BLiTzNicK]

Thanks for the info folks!

I'm leaning towards the Super BlackHawk in .44 mag. I need something with lots of available commercial loadings. I don't reload, and don't plan to anytime soon.

I have to admit, I've never seen a box of .45 Colt on the store shelves. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

[Braz]

Hehe,

They're there :) But it aint cheap. I just bought a new model .44 SBH, stainless 5.5 in barrel. They now come with the same frame as the BHs. Much better hunting revolver then the Vaq. I hear they can take the hvy hunting loads all day long. A 7" is right in your budget and would make a great iron sight hunter. Have fun.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/120H.gif

[Ikari]

I've decided to make my first revolver purchase a 5.5" Blackhawk in .45 Colt with the additional cylinder for .45ACP. That way I can hunt and carry a round with good stopping power in the woods, but I can also target shoot without breaking the bank!:D

[happy old sailor]

44 SBH gets my vote, also. adjustable iron sights is the way to go.

handgun hunting is a challenge. you need to get a little closer. ask a bowhunter about the close up challenge. if you think you need a scope for longer shots, just use a rifle.

to me, the real use of a scope on a SBH or whatever, is to pick my best shooting chamber. i mark it and that is the first one out of the barrel. some ppl get reasonably tight groups at 100 yards with all 6 holes. i have not been that lucky. 3 or 4 yes, never 6.

a number of seasons i have gone meatless for my self imposed 50 yard shot or less. but, they have all the meat i could want down at the store. some unsuccesful stalks have been the most thrilling.

you will never be sorry you got the SBH. and, if you eventually get into reloading, it is not all that expensive, you can make loads that go pop or shake the ground. i like mine and my woman loves hers. yusee, i got this little .41 Blackhawk and . . . . .

[caz223]

I got blackhawks, vaqueros, bisqueros, superhawks, and bisleys.
In .357 mag, .41 mag, and .45 colt, I'd get the regular blackhawk.
4 5/8" to 5.5" barrel, and a set of aftermarket rubber grips.
The gents on the forum speak the truth. I sent most of my fixed sight guns back to ruger, and they came back a little better, but they sight in their pistols at 15 yards.
2 inches off at 15 yards isn't on the target at 50 yards.
That's after I get 'em back.
Then I send them with a box of ammo to my smith.
If you're into .44 mag, check out the super blackhawk hunter with the bisley gripframe, hammer, and trigger.
The bisley grip is the most recoil friendly grip ruger (Or, to my knowledge, anyone else), makes.
Easy on the eyes.
They are sweet shooters, too.
Here's a link.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=862&return=Y
Don't let the price throw you off.
Mine was $600.00 after taxes, and everything.

[357Man]

Get a 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk and don't look back; it'll take care of any hunting need in the lower 48 you can come up with.
If you are interested in scoping the gun, look for the Super Blackhawk Hunter with the integral scope rib.

[BLiTzNicK]

I guess I should clarify that I do not require a scope mount.

I have done quite a bit of bow hunting, and understand what it takes to make a clean, quick kill. I do not plan on shooting at a deer at 100 yards with a pistol. In fact, I don't think I would consider pulling the trigger at 50 yards. My ideal range would be 0-35 yards or so.

When I said that the gun would be used for occasional target shooting, I mean 50 rounds maybe once every 2 months or so. I've got CCW pistols I need to practice with. The Ruger will be a "pleasure" gun.

That said, I think that the SBH in .44 mag is just what the doctor ordered.

[caz223]

Be careful with ordering, there are different configurations.
SBH hunter .44 comes with two different gripframe options.
Dragoon (Standard) or bisley (optional).
Regular blackhawks come with the XR3-red gripframe.
The bisley gripframe is my personal fav.

[Quantrill]

Ruger Super Blackhawk, 7.5" barrel. Quantrill

[riddleofsteel]

7.5" Blackhawk in .45 Colt carried cross draw

one ragged hole accurate out to any resonable distance for deer

http://yerfrockethellhound.com/bhawkbowieskull.JPG

[BLiTzNicK]

SBH hunter .44 comes with two different gripframe options.

What are the differences in the grip frames? Pics?

riddleofsteel, I like it!

[redneck2]

when I got my "deer hunter", I got the Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt. The Colt can give equal or better performance than the 44 mag (which I also have in a Mod 29) if you handload, and with less perceived recoil.

I've shot a regular Blackhawk .44 alongside my 45 LC with equal loads. The Bisley has significantly less perceived recoil, and has adjustable sights. Problem with the Blackhawk (at least the one I shot) was the square trigger guard, which beats up your middle knuckle. Gets old quick. I see no downside to the Bisley, but significant benefits.

With the 45 LC, you can get a 255 LSWC moving about 1,100 very easily. Doesn't beat you up and gives full penetration (regardless of shot placement). If you're into the self-punishment thing, you can crank it up from there in a Ruger.

[caz223]

Here's links to the different hunters at ruger's website.
Bisley:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=862&return=Y
Dragoon w/ round trigger guard, hunter hammer:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=860&return=Y

Notice the hammer, trigger, and grip differences.

SBH with dragoon grip, square trigger guard:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=807&return=Y
Regular blackhawk with XR3-red gripframe:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=455&return=Y

[BLiTzNicK]

Thanks a bunch!

[caz223]

NP, here to help.
Did I mention the regular bisley?
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=831&return=Y

[Kernel]

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/bsmegreg1/1gjc/2deer_99.jpg
'99 Snowstorm Buck

BLiTzNicK,

My advice is check into the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter. They're available in the standard grip frame (XR3-RED) with round trigger guard, and there is a very limited run of Bisley Hunters currently available through a large wholesaler. The Hunter was never offered with a Dragoon style square trigger guard.

The Hunter is an awesome deer harvesting machine. I've got two, and I'm seriously thinking about picking up a Bisley. Scope it, or don't. It works great either way. I used a 2x scope for years, but now think a red-dot sight is the way to go for hunting. Hunt, plink, target shoot, what ever. You can't find a better .44 Mag "fun gun" IMHO.

If the Hunter don't trip your trigger check out the stainless Bisley with adjustable sites. They only made them with 5 1/2" barrels. It was another special run for a large wholesaler. The .44 Mag version was made in 2002, so there are still quite a few for sell on the online auction sites (I paid $409 for mine). The .45 Colt was made in 2001 and are getting kinda scarce. Besides the longer grip frame, Bisleys also have a "dropped" hammer and a rounded trigger face.

Here's a link to a GunBlast article on the Ruger Stainless Bisley (http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger_Stainless_Bisley.htm)

To answer your questions on Ruger grip frames check out this GunBlast article: RUGER SINGLE ACTION GRIP FRAMES - 1953 TO PRESENT (http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm). It explains and shows pictures and drawings of every style of single action frame Ruger has ever made. Personally, I like the Bisley frame for feel & pointablity, but the XR3-RED feels okay too.

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames/Drawings/Frames-ALL-sm.jpg

[caz223]

I was corrected on this recently, too.
The SBH hunter has a dragoon grip with round trigger guard.
Take off the grips, and read the numbers, or compare the serial numbers.
They aren't that much different, but they are different.
They are longer front to back, and the locating pin is in a different place.
And of course the just introduced bisley hunter that I wish they made in .41 magnum.
Thanks to Jim March for correcting me. :)

[Ala Dan]

I like old model Ruger Suoer Blackhawk's in .44 magnum;
especially the model with the brass effect's, that they
made a few year's ago!:)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[BlkHawk73]

They're available in the standard grip frame (XR3-RED) with round trigger guard, and there is a very limited run of Bisley Hunters currently available through a large wholesaler


The Bisley Hunter is a std production model. There are however a limited run of Hunters chambered for .41 magnum and towards the end of summer a very limited run (I was told 250 @ first w/ possibly a max of 500) will be offered in .45LC. Both will have the standard - non-Bisley - configuration). I've got one on hold now!:neener:

Persoanlly, I'd go for the .45 (which I am) Although I've already got a .41 and .44 and the .41 hunter will be after the .45 hunter... I like them all but do enjoy the .45Lc the most. There's plenty of pussycat loads and then there's loads that will take surpass the .44

Incidentally, the .44 is actually .429 . caliber. That's .019 larger than the .41 but .025 smaller than the 45LC. :rolleyes:

[Braz]

Man BH,

Got any pics of that stable of Rugers?? :)

[BlkHawk73]

Sorry Braz. The digital camera kinda went kaput and we haven't gotten a new one yet.
The .45LC is just a stock Blackhawk, blued w/ a 5 1/2" bbl. The .41 is also a blued Blackhawk but with a 6 1/2" bbl. I had the topstrap drilled/tapped installed a Leupold base and using redfield rings, mounted a Baush & Lomb 2x on top. A belt MT base pin and Wolff springs finished that one off. The .44 is a stainless SBH with fluted cylinder. The bbl has been shorted to 4". The squareback gripframe was rounded at the butt. The action was tuned and smoothed and produces about a 2.5-3 lb pull. I'm getting the .45LC hunter just because and hope to add the .41 Hunter sometime afterwards...just because. I may convert one of them to a Bisley configuration.
Take care:p

[goon]

Problem with the Blackhawk (at least the one I shot) was the square trigger guard, which beats up your middle knuckle. Gets old quick. I see no downside to the Bisley, but significant benefits.


I hear you.
I had a regular .45 BH that banged the hell out of my middle finger.
It was not a pleasant thing to have happen, especially with the loads that I had made for it.

Will someone out there who has experience with both the Bisley and the BH/SBH tell me if any of them would let my poor middle finger alone?
If not, I will have to stick with a DA for my next handgun.

[riddleofsteel]

Problem with the Blackhawk (at least the one I shot) was the square trigger guard, which beats up your middle knuckle. Gets old quick. I see no downside to the Bisley, but significant benefits.

Funny, mine seems to have a round trigger guard. I don't seem to remember the trigger guard ever beating my finger up and I have put some MAX loads thru it.

[caz223]

The bisley grip is as good a grip that can be had in single action.
Doesn't bang up your hand, and it soaks up recoil as well.
The bisley grip can be had in bisley, bisley/vaquero (called bisquero), and is currently one of two options on the SBH hunter in .44 magnum.

[sctman800]

I have a Blackhawk in .41mag, with the round trigger guard and am still working on the grip. Depending on how I hold it, it can beat up my middle finger. I also have a Taurus .41mag with the "ribber" grips and love them, so I have been thinking about some Hogue rubber grips. Has anyone put these on a Blackhawk, and how do you like them? The wood grips look nice but comfort and a better grip are importaint also. Thanks, Jim.

[goon]

Funny, mine seems to have a round trigger guard. I don't seem to remember the trigger guard ever beating my finger up and I have put some MAX loads thru it.


Mine had a round triggerguard too.
The damn thing still beat the hell out of my finger.
I bought it as a hunting handgun, so it really wasn't of any use to me with light loads that wouldn't recoil enough to hit my hand.
I sold it.

[riddleofsteel]

One thing that does seem universal here is that the oversize Hogue grips do help recoil in this weapon. I have a set in soft rubber that I use sometimes for extended firing of heavy loads. The stag grips are more comfortable to carry though. Better to look at as well.