SA revolver suggestions

[jmr40]

The Blackhawks and old model Vaquero's were built on a very large frame and cylinder to handle off the chart handloads. While they make good hunting guns for the guy who wants the srongest gun they can buy, they never really felt or looked "right" to me.

The new model Vaquero's have been scaled down in size and they look, feel and balance much closer to the traditional Colt SAA's. For normal loads one of those would be my preference.

 

[CraigC]

Rugers have never been "built to take off the chart handloads" as Ruger has never condoned the use of handloads in their guns. To reduce production costs, Ruger eliminated the medium frame .357 Blackhawk from the lineup and with New Model introduction in 1973, started building all their centerfires on the large Super Blackhawk frame. The Vaquero in 1993 was just another variation on the same theme. Apparently enough folks complained that the Vaquero was too big and clumsy for cowboy actionshooting and other purposes that Ruger caved and designed the New Vaquero, reviving the old medium frame of 1955-1973 .357 Blackhawks and a new steel XR3 grip frame of the 1955-1962 flat-tops.

IMHO, Ruger really should've named the New Vaquero something else to avoid confusion, as shooters seem to have this need to add extraneous descriptors where none are needed. The proper names for these guns are Vaquero and New Vaquero. "Old Model" is Ruger's official designation for those single actions produced before 1973 with three screws in the frame and a half cock action. Those produced thereafter are officially known as "New Model" and it is stamped so right on the frame. Therefore, both the Vaquero and New Vaquero are "New Model" single actions utilize the "New Model" transfer bar action so the term "Old Model" is not really applicable and creates more confusion than it avoids.

I waited all last year for a new Colt SAA to hit the dealers.

Did you keep an eye on Gunbroker? Colt doesn't seem to be producing many SAA's and I wouldn't wait for a dealer to get one if that's what I wanted. Technically, I'd prefer a USFA but that's another matter.

 

[foghornl]

I have a .357 Vaquero Sheriff's Model (3-3/4" barrel) built on the larger .44/.45 frame, and a 50th year .357 Blackhawk on the smaller frame. (Can never remember what which frame is called). I like the Vaquero better, just because of the grip size.

 

[Deer_Freak]

I have a super blackhawk and a blackhawk convertible 357/9mm. I have great big mitts. I ended up putting the original stocks back on both of them. I had a thing for the houge mongrips for a while but they get nasty kind of quick and I actually shoot both guns better with the old plow handles.