[kreator]

I really like the looks of the older revolvers that Navy Arms (http://www.navyarms.com/html/sa_rev_of_west.html) and Uberti's 1875 Remington, but want to know if they'd stand up to a powerful hunting round? Any thoughts?

[Nightcrawler]

In a word, NO.

They most certainly will not, unless I've been badly misinformed on Uberti's metallurgy.

Heck, even Smith & Wesson N-Frames can't handle the stuff from Buffalo Bore. The stuff from Cor-Bon is for recent production N-Frames, Rugers, T/C, and rifles only.

Stick to loads that are WELL within SAAMI-specs for replica revolvers.

If you want a single action cowboy style gun that can stand up to the punishment, check out the Ruger Vaquero. Every bit as strong as the Blackhawk.

[Jim K]

Those repros are made of better material than the originals, which were mostly iron, but they are not up to heavy hunting loads and were never intended for that use.

Jim

[Majic]

In hunting, for some reason today most think that a magnum load is needed, but in reality most any .44 or .45 caliber projectile moving along at 800 to 900fps will kill deer sized game if care is used in shot placement and selection. Know your personal and revolver's limitations, then don't try to make a rifle out of it and it will do a satisfactory job.

EDIT: Mouth went into gear, brain still in neutral (to early in the morn).
The 75 Remingtons are capable of hunting, but not able to withstand the heavy loadings used today. Standard loads will do the job inside it's limitations.

[kreator]

Would a Vaquero be stout enough for a hunting load? I want a revolver for hunting, but really would prefer an "older" looking gun for it. The newer DA guns just look too ugly to me (don't mean to offend anyone :) )

EDIT: All I'm really looking to hunt for with a handgun is Javelina. Deer I'd prefer a rifle for, but Javelina is too much hiking to be carrying that much weight (ie I'm a wuss :D )

[Majic]

A Vaquero is nothing more than a fixed sighted Blackhawk. It equals it in strength and is plenty strong. The fixed sights limits it somewhat and most prefer the advantage of the adjustable sights of the Blackhawk, but that's a personal preference.

[Old Fuff]

I agree with "Majic." If you want an older-looking revolver to use for hunting the Ruger Blackhawk is the best choice. The sights are bigger and easier to pick up, and you can adjust them to point-of-aim/point-of-impact for any load you choose. They'll safely handle loads much heavier then what you can use in other single-action's and used ones are often found at very attractive prices. If you're in the market for a new gun take a look at the Ruger Bisley/Blackhawks too. They were designed with the handgun hunter in mind. (Used Bisley's are harder to find, but they are out there).

[Nightcrawler]

All Ruger revolvers, Blackhawks and Vaqueros included, are VERY strong. A .45 Colt blackhawk or vaquero can handle just about any commerical hunting load you care to put in it.