What is the difference between the Vaquero and Bisley Vaquero for cowboy action shooting? I already have a S&W 629, so I figure one of those in 44mag would be great since I can reload some 44spl to shoot out of it. Is there a better gun to do cowboy action shooting with?
Difference between Vaquero and Bisley Vaquero for CAS
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Jim Watson
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No difference but the shape of the grip, pick the one that feels best.
I find the Rugers heavy and bulky, about 15% larger than a Colt or clone, but there is no doubt that you have the best chance of getting a functioning gun out of the box from Ruger and you will not likely live long enough to wear it out. And company service is good if it should happen to give trouble or if you do manage to wear it out.
Nothing wrong with .44, you can get a Marlin to go with it (Them, most CAS stages are 4-gun; two sixshooters, rifle, and shotgun.)
I find the Rugers heavy and bulky, about 15% larger than a Colt or clone, but there is no doubt that you have the best chance of getting a functioning gun out of the box from Ruger and you will not likely live long enough to wear it out. And company service is good if it should happen to give trouble or if you do manage to wear it out.
Nothing wrong with .44, you can get a Marlin to go with it (Them, most CAS stages are 4-gun; two sixshooters, rifle, and shotgun.)
Jim March
Member
The Ruger Bisley is known for recoil control...but in CAS/SASS, by necessity that isn't an issue. Get whichever type just feels right. Don't forget to compare handling while the sights are up at eye level, rather than just "hip level", as the Bisley will probably feel better up high.
Smoke Rizen
Member
Bisley
I shoot 2 Bisley Vaquero's in CAS matches and they work just right for me. I have large hands, and the extra size of the Bisley grip allows me a much better hold. If you hold the two next to the other you'll see the difference. The hammer is easier to cock as was mentioned, but there is also an after market "Bisley" hammer for the standard frame. I also carry one of these when fishing in Ak. and the frame of the Bisley is much easier to handle with hotter loads. Either or- you'll enjoy. S.R.
I shoot 2 Bisley Vaquero's in CAS matches and they work just right for me. I have large hands, and the extra size of the Bisley grip allows me a much better hold. If you hold the two next to the other you'll see the difference. The hammer is easier to cock as was mentioned, but there is also an after market "Bisley" hammer for the standard frame. I also carry one of these when fishing in Ak. and the frame of the Bisley is much easier to handle with hotter loads. Either or- you'll enjoy. S.R.
Excellent advise, thanks guys.
I think I am set then on a blue 44mag Bisley Vaquero, unless the regular one feels better in my hand. For CAS, is 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 barrel a better choice? I know under an inch isnt much of a difference, but I have ZERO experience with CAS.
I think I am set then on a blue 44mag Bisley Vaquero, unless the regular one feels better in my hand. For CAS, is 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 barrel a better choice? I know under an inch isnt much of a difference, but I have ZERO experience with CAS.
SDC
Member
Here's a comparison of the two, from Ruger's web-site:
Bisley Vaquero: http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=536&return=Y
Vaquero: http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=566&return=Y
Whichever feels best in your hand is going to be your call, but I tend to notice that single-actions with the standard (non-Bisley) grip start to feel very "muzzle heavy" when you get barrel lengths past 5 1/2"; I've got a Bisley Vaquero in 44 Mag with a 5 1/2" barrel, and it fits me so well that I'm looking for a twin.
Bisley Vaquero: http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=536&return=Y
Vaquero: http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=566&return=Y
Whichever feels best in your hand is going to be your call, but I tend to notice that single-actions with the standard (non-Bisley) grip start to feel very "muzzle heavy" when you get barrel lengths past 5 1/2"; I've got a Bisley Vaquero in 44 Mag with a 5 1/2" barrel, and it fits me so well that I'm looking for a twin.
Jim March
Member
000Buck: people who shoot handguns either enjoy a "muzzle heavy feel" which helps stabilize the front sight, or a "muzzle light feel" so that the business end can be shifted around.
That's why Ruger sold GP100s in both full-lug and half-lug barrels on both 4" and 6" until recently, why S&W offered both heavy and tapered barrels, etc.
You need to know which type you shoot best. Me, I'm a nose-light kinda guy, so I actually enjoy shooting snubbies and would strongly prefer a 4.68" tube over the 5.5" or longer.
I don't know "why" I light nose-light handguns, but I do. So there
.
That's why we can't advise on barrel length. Both will get the job done no sweat.
That's why Ruger sold GP100s in both full-lug and half-lug barrels on both 4" and 6" until recently, why S&W offered both heavy and tapered barrels, etc.
You need to know which type you shoot best. Me, I'm a nose-light kinda guy, so I actually enjoy shooting snubbies and would strongly prefer a 4.68" tube over the 5.5" or longer.
I don't know "why" I light nose-light handguns, but I do. So there
.That's why we can't advise on barrel length. Both will get the job done no sweat.
Is Vaquero a pretty good gun? How is it compare to Blackhawk and Redhawk in the toughness and reliable categories? How about all categories. I am in a super serious mode to get one.
I like it because it is 399 in Stainless Steel and does come with a nice wood or fake ivory. I think it would make a great presentation gun and since I am only 21 and just started the handgun hobby, my fund need to disperse evenly. In addition, I don't like the idea of selling guns to buy another.
I like it because it is 399 in Stainless Steel and does come with a nice wood or fake ivory. I think it would make a great presentation gun and since I am only 21 and just started the handgun hobby, my fund need to disperse evenly. In addition, I don't like the idea of selling guns to buy another.
Jim March
Member
Discussion below applies to NEW MODELS (post-1973, also known as "two screw") only.
The Vaquero and Blackhawk are "basically the same gun", and most parts interchange freely (factory and aftermarket). The only real difference is sights.
The Blackhawk topstrap APPEARS to be "beefier" than the Vaq, which would affect strength - but in reality, the Blackhawk has that "step" at the rear of the topstrap for the rear sight which causes a "weak point" there. So the Vaq and BH strength issues turn out to be a wash.
But let's back up a sec: I said "weak spot" at the rear of the BH topstrap. That is a "theoretical issue" more than practical. On Ruger SAs where somebody has managed to grossly overload one with stupid reloading, Rugers are known for their tendency NOT to break the topstrap, even when the cylinder blows out. I've personally handled three blown-up Blackhawks kept at local ranges as "what not to do" (along with some other K-boom examples) and have seen pics on the web of others. Because the Ruger topstrap will bulge severely without breaking, safety in a worst-case scenario K-boom is improved, as the cylinder shrapnel goes sideways and no topstrap/sight fragments are added to the carnage and/or fly backwards towards the shooter. Blow up an S&W and typically the topstrap WILL break and even shed large pieces.
Upshot: custom gunsmiths such as Bowen, Linebaugh and Stroh will be happy to build up your choice of Blackhawk or Vaquero frame in silly-potent calibers like 454Casull, 475Linebaugh and the like (as a five-shot of course, to maximize cylinder strength).
SuperBlackHawk: still the same frame as the BH, as long as we're talking "New Model" (post 1973). The SBH will have a different hammer, slightly beefier barrel, generally a steel grip frame versus aluminim on a blued BH, and if the barrel is longer than 5.5" the SBH will have a larger grip. But the basic frame is BH.
Bisleys: same deal, only the grips/trigger/hammer differs in Bisley variants. Strength issues unaffected.
The Vaquero and Blackhawk are "basically the same gun", and most parts interchange freely (factory and aftermarket). The only real difference is sights.
The Blackhawk topstrap APPEARS to be "beefier" than the Vaq, which would affect strength - but in reality, the Blackhawk has that "step" at the rear of the topstrap for the rear sight which causes a "weak point" there. So the Vaq and BH strength issues turn out to be a wash.
But let's back up a sec: I said "weak spot" at the rear of the BH topstrap. That is a "theoretical issue" more than practical. On Ruger SAs where somebody has managed to grossly overload one with stupid reloading, Rugers are known for their tendency NOT to break the topstrap, even when the cylinder blows out. I've personally handled three blown-up Blackhawks kept at local ranges as "what not to do" (along with some other K-boom examples) and have seen pics on the web of others. Because the Ruger topstrap will bulge severely without breaking, safety in a worst-case scenario K-boom is improved, as the cylinder shrapnel goes sideways and no topstrap/sight fragments are added to the carnage and/or fly backwards towards the shooter. Blow up an S&W and typically the topstrap WILL break and even shed large pieces.
Upshot: custom gunsmiths such as Bowen, Linebaugh and Stroh will be happy to build up your choice of Blackhawk or Vaquero frame in silly-potent calibers like 454Casull, 475Linebaugh and the like (as a five-shot of course, to maximize cylinder strength).
SuperBlackHawk: still the same frame as the BH, as long as we're talking "New Model" (post 1973). The SBH will have a different hammer, slightly beefier barrel, generally a steel grip frame versus aluminim on a blued BH, and if the barrel is longer than 5.5" the SBH will have a larger grip. But the basic frame is BH.
Bisleys: same deal, only the grips/trigger/hammer differs in Bisley variants. Strength issues unaffected.
Thank Jim
I think .44 Magnum is the happy maximum round I want in a revolver. Ammunition cost is one factor, but the main factor is that I have little use for anything bigger unless I really really need to defend myself against a bear.
Honestly, I couldn't tell the different between those Rugers; the Hawks and Vaqueros were side by side in the case and they look very similiar. I like the feel of the gun in my hands and the wood or fake ivory grip is very nice to have on a classic style revolver. My only complain is the way the front sight is assembled on the barrel. It looks very homemade and Mad Max. I had a hard time aiming with it since Taurus sight is super easy to aim due to that orange sticker. I am sure that ugly front sight design equates to toughness, but I will probably need to paint it red or blue to see through, especially when this will be a home defense gun chambering .44 special.
I'll go check it out again and try to make up my decision. I know the gun show probably has it for less, but I always like to buy new gun at reputable store. Purchasing used guns is another story.
I think .44 Magnum is the happy maximum round I want in a revolver. Ammunition cost is one factor, but the main factor is that I have little use for anything bigger unless I really really need to defend myself against a bear.
Honestly, I couldn't tell the different between those Rugers; the Hawks and Vaqueros were side by side in the case and they look very similiar. I like the feel of the gun in my hands and the wood or fake ivory grip is very nice to have on a classic style revolver. My only complain is the way the front sight is assembled on the barrel. It looks very homemade and Mad Max. I had a hard time aiming with it since Taurus sight is super easy to aim due to that orange sticker. I am sure that ugly front sight design equates to toughness, but I will probably need to paint it red or blue to see through, especially when this will be a home defense gun chambering .44 special.
I'll go check it out again and try to make up my decision. I know the gun show probably has it for less, but I always like to buy new gun at reputable store. Purchasing used guns is another story.
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