Author Topic: Point me in the right direction, please (Read 2960 times)

Empty Quiver · « **on:** February 26, 2011, 01:51:56 PM »

I am convinced I want a single action pistol. As much as I would like a >$700 gun it ain't gonna happen. I'm convinced Ruger is the best option for me.

I don't want to rule out deer hunting with it, but honestly it would be carried along with a rifle I figure. Most rounds would of course be shot at targets of opportunity (milk jugs, paper plates, etc.), it would see duty mushroom hunting, and berry picking as well (bear defense don't you know).

Now the questions, Vaquero or Blackhawk, .44/.45 vs. .357, and finally 5.5" or 6.5" barrel.

I'm leaning toward the .44mag stainless Blackhawk with the <6" barrel. I have handled a NV in .45 with the <6' barrel and like the size and weight, but not sure about the sights if I decide to hunt it. I was on my way to town to purchase this but a phone call found it AWOL. A sign maybe?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2011, 11:57:29 PM »

out of your choises id go with a 5.5 inch stainless ajustable sighted super blackhawk. Personaly i prefer 4 5/8s and love vaqueros but for practicality if i only could have one it would have ajustable sights.

I make oil · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2011, 02:36:21 AM »

I own the exact gun you are looking for. I have a Ruger SS Super Blackhawk with a 5.5" barrel and adjustable sight in .44 Mag. I installed Houge Grips and it is a Pussycat to shoot with full Mag loads. I use a Simply Rugged Pancake holster and it carry's like a dream. I thought of the getting shorter barrel but found this one on Gunbroker and got it for a song. Lightly used didn't even have wear marks on the cylinder for $360.00! No regrets and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a everyday carry gun. I would advise you to watch on Gunbroker for a good deal because they are out there.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2011, 05:11:00 AM »

I like the 4 5/8" for carry (and you will carry it more than use it), though for shooting deliberately those long barrels do hang out there nice. On your excursions, if you are going to be in/out of a vehicle, inc. ATV, and even wearing while in a chair, you will like the short barrel better I think. If you have to rug the gun when in a vehicle you can still wear the holster without it being in the way too much. If its a good shooter it will hit with either barrel length.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2011, 05:27:52 AM »

Handle them and see what feels best for YOU! What barrel length balances best? What type of sights are better suited for YOUR eyes? Not that they're needed, but keep in mind the current production fixed sighted models are on the medium frame and thus not suited for the "Ruger-only" loads many seem to convince themselves they must have.
Personally, I prefer a minimum of a 5 1/2" bbl with the 6 1/2" and 7 1/2" favored.

Catfish · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2011, 11:46:22 AM »

If your looking for a single action Ruger is the only way to go. In Ohio we cannot us short barrels to hunt with so I have to carry a longer barrel. I prefer the 44 mag. , but a 357 will kill deer.

jimster · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2011, 10:31:10 AM »

If your looking at Blackhawks, Ruger had added the "flat top" to their Blackhawk factory guns. So just to give you more options, there is a handy 44 spl available in both 4.62" and 5.5" barrels. Adjustable sights on these.

Just an FYI to give you even more options. Ruger is a good choice.

Eltweed · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2011, 05:49:54 AM »

My farm carry revolver is a 5.5" SS Vaquero in .44 Mag carried crossdraw in a Simply Rugged Pancake holster. It does everything I want it to do. I wish I could find another just like it. I did bring home today a 5.5" Blackhawk .45Colt/.45ACP that should be an interesting revolver with the adjustable sights and with the ability to shoot both .45's out of it by changing cylinders. Both of these revolvers have the 5.5" barrel because I could not find ones with the shorter barrels. I also have a shorter barreled .45 Colt Vaquero and really like that length.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2011, 07:34:35 AM »

Quote from: Eltweed on March 02, 2011, 05:49:54 AM

My farm carry revolver is a 5.5" SS Vaquero in .44 Mag carried crossdraw in a Simply Rugged Pancake holster. It does everything I want it to do. I wish I could find another just like it. I did bring home today a 5.5" Blackhawk .45Colt/.45ACP that should be an interesting revolver with the adjustable sights and with the ability to shoot both .45's out of it by changing cylinders. Both of these revolvers have the 5.5" barrel because I could not find ones with the shorter barrels. I also have a shorter barreled .45 Colt Vaquero and really like that length.

Do you find the sights on the Vaquero a negative and would you avoid a 45yard shot at deer sized game with that pistol? That is almost exactly what I envision, a cross draw that is carried roving and as a back-up or grouse gun while deer and elk hunting.

james · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2011, 08:00:29 AM »

I really like my first generation 5.5" SS Vaquero. The fixed sights are dead on at 25 yards with 250 gr. cowboy loads but I have to see more of the front sight when shooting snakes at six feet. It is not recommended to to use hot loads in the New Vaquero and that is why I like the old model.

Eltweed · « **Reply #10 on:** March 02, 2011, 11:28:21 AM »

I have never hunted deer with a revolver as my primary firearm. I carry it for things that are generally much closer. I would probably use a SBH with a 7.5" barrel or a 629 with an 8+" barrel if I were to try taking deer with a revolver. I do not find the fixed sights to be a handicap shooting at the ranges I prefer. I must say that I did flatten a coyote at about 75 yards with a Vaquero back in December. I must have been living right that day.

msomero · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2011, 05:45:08 AM »

Bought one of the New model flat tops in 44 spec, 4 5/8" adjustable sights. After a trigger job, it's my favorite handgun by far. Shoots better'n i do...

temmi · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2011, 08:30:32 AM »

I have a 5.5 Inch Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt.

In retrospect... I would get a Blackhawk Bisley 7.5 inch

or

a Bisley Hunter

In 45 Colt

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2011, 08:45:24 AM »

For a plinking SAA I would look at the Single Six and shoot the cheap 22LR especally if you are going to have a long arm with you.
Other than that the 357 guns are slightly heavier than the 44 or 45 as the hole is not as big to remove as much metal.
But cheap 38Specials can be used for practice. Other than roll your own 44 Special and 45 Colt ammo is expensive and 44 Special is as much as 44 mag. 180 grain full house loads in the 357 can take care of most of your wild animal concerns.
As a first anything I would always suggest a 22LR to get used to shooting that type of gun and the cost of the 22LR as well as the ammo to learn how to shoot a handgun is going to be cheaper than the ammo needed to learn how to shoot a big bore.

Frank V · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2011, 11:49:40 AM »

Empty Quiver
I carry a fixed sighted SA alot. As long as the sights are regulated to hit for you with the load you use the most, I don't find them to be a hinderance. Actually once they shoot for you, they are almost bullet proof. They will hardly ever get out of whack. I would take a 50 yard shot at a deer with any of the guns I carry regularly.
If you are considering the .44 Mag, I'd pick the Ruger commemerative Flat Top. It's a very good gun. I prefer the 4-5/8" bbl, but that's my choice. You can use it with mild .44 Specials or Magnum cases loaded to moderate levels.. You can also use full house mags. in it. It's a great "Packing Pistol". I think you'd like it.
Frank

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2011, 01:51:54 AM »

vaqueros are wonderfull guns and some of mine are my favorite hunting guns. But for a guy who has to ask there not the answer. Sight regulation can be a job and if you dont reload and are buying factory ammo you just cant switch ammo when your normal one isnt available. A fixed sighted gun is much more versitile and in a stock vs stock comparison the blackhawk sights are superior in definition over a stock vaqueros sights. especially on a stainless gun.

dscp · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2011, 08:49:19 PM »

A small group of BLACKHAWKS live here . Some are more favorite than others . I must admit that the 45/45 is my favorite and have both the 7 1/2 and 4 5/8 inchers . unless its torally conceiled the longer gets the nod . Just wish they was in stainless .
I have a SS BK in 44 VAQUERO ( old) and it can be adopted as I really do not care for the sight picture . the 44 BK 7 1/2 " is probably close to the favorites as 44 is my major caliber . in RUGER, S&W , DESERT EAGLE , MARLIN, T/C AND sumpin else ?
but in handguns RUGER and S&W are tops , the others may be nice but not tops !
my 2-bits
dscp

tinman · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2011, 02:43:10 AM »

i've carried a 6" single six outdoors for over 30 years. canoeing, snowshoe, hunting, fishing, riding around in old trucks, ect. often thought that a 4 5/8
would be better but dont ever remember of the gun getting in the way because it was too long. i would get the 44. ammo can be found anywhere.
the vaquero has nicer looks to my eye but the adjustable sights of the sbh get the nod. in the end get what hits your fancy and enjoy it. though all this
make good conversation i think we make too much of vary small differences in cal. size, sa/da........

flatgate · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2011, 04:46:57 AM »

Quote from: Empty Quiver on February 26, 2011, 01:51:56 PM

I'm leaning toward the .44mag stainless Blackhawk with the <6" barrel. I have handled a NV in .45 with the <6' barrel and like the size and weight, but not sure about the sights if I decide to hunt it

The NV and the .44 mag. Blackhawk are quite different. The Blackhawk (technically a Super Blackhawk since it's .44 magnum cal.) is produced on Ruger's Large cylinder frame whereas the New Vaquero is produced on Ruger's Medium cylinder frame. The cylinders are obviously differently sized, as well, as are the grip frames and hammer spurs.

The New Vaquero is limited to "standard velocity" .45 Colt ammunition and is NOT suited for the Ruger Only loads that can be safely fired in the "large framed" .45 cal. Blackhawks.

Of course, the obvious answer is "buy 'em both"!

JMHO,

flatgate

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2011, 04:52:05 AM »

With a 22 you can choose from a variety of factory ammo fairly cheap, and if a convert. to 22M, yeah, its more, but does have more beans if you need beans.
If you get a CF you will really need to reload, if like most of us, you want to shoot as much as you should want to. That means more money in, but, ultimately, more bang for the buck.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2011, 02:36:58 PM »

I have a .22 that I could carry if I wanted to, though it is a semi-auto. The NV was gone the next day and to be honest I'm sorta glad as deep down I think the SBH is what I want and want is the important word here.

I've been a SIG guy and wonder if in all truthfulness, if my P-225 will accomplish what I desire. I will no doubt be carrying a "high calibre" rifle, with all the killing power that implies

. Something to pop a coyote out about 40 yds, maybe a grouse sitting too long, or perhaps dispatch an animal that needs a slug in the gourd after the first shot.

Variety is what the Ruger would bring, and heck maybe all you old coots are right, a revolver is a better choice for trail use. University plundered the money tree, my buyer for a unused pistol fell through (the P-225) so I'm pretty much back to wondering what if again.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2011, 02:47:58 PM »

Nothin' wrong with doin' the wonderin'! We all do it, I expect, I know I do........
I like to research and ponder, its all part of the hobby (or obsession). Until a new toy shows up just dance with who ya brung, and have fun.
Save up a little here or there, you know, skip a high priced coffee or whatever and throw it in the jug; at some point one of your desirable pieces will turn up and you can get it. Meantime
somebody might just buy that idle piece and the kitty grows fast.

Old Griz · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2011, 09:30:40 AM »

Blackhawk or Vaquero?

I was bitten by the SA bug several years ago and I have plenty of both. I wouldn't worry about the sights. I have gotten so used to both, that my eye adjusts to whatever the arm brings up to eye level. I would not shy away from hunting with a Vaquero. I have found the perfect load for it, and I know where it's going to hit. (It's an old model, but shoots one hole groups with Magtech 240 gr. SP.) So between the Blackhawk or Vaquero, just get the one that appeals to you the best. Even factory loads in .45 Colt will easily put down a deer. Just don't try it with that wimpy Cowboy ammo.

Now unless you reload, I'd suggest a .357. It will take deer, but you mentioned milk jugs and paper plates, as well. A .44 is kinda expensive to be plinking with, and .44 Special ammo is more expensive than .44 mag. The .45 Colt stuff is just as bad or worse. So if you have to rely on factory ammo, shooting .38s are good for the fun stuff. With a .357/9mm Blackhawk Convertible you can plink with the cheap Russian 9mm stuff as well. I have one in each barrel length and they are both tackdrivers.

jimster · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2011, 02:06:24 PM »

Quote

I'm leaning toward the .44mag stainless Blackhawk with the <6" barrel.

I think that's a good way to lean, I like a bit shorter barrels myself, but that's not a big deal either. Here is the thing for me on fixed sights vs. adjustable sights. When you go to the range and shoot a load you really like and want to stay with and it shoots a tad left or right or high or low, or both, you won't be all that happy unless you have adjustable sights and just click them into perfect zero. Changing loads is no problem with adjustable sights either. I have never had a fixed sighted revolver that I kept unless it shot to POA, I either had it adjusted for the load I liked or sold it. If you get a fixed sighted gun that already shoots to POA with your favorite load, your lucky. Having to have your barrel in a vice and have it turned to get to POA with your load is a bit of a chore for some of us who have to send it out for that. And if you ever get a revolver that shoots your favorite load right on the money, don't ever sell it, this has been my experience with fixed sighted revolvers. Adjustable sights are nice.

inthebeech · « **Reply #24 on:** July 08, 2011, 07:05:32 AM »

I bought based on advice similar to what you're getting right now and by the time I got it to where it really suited me (cal,bbl length,grip style,sights) it looked nothing like the stock gun.
Lesson: pick up what is available, use it, use it more, then you will have the most reliable advice of all about what is right for you.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #25 on:** July 08, 2011, 11:53:15 AM »

Buy an adjustable sight Blackhawk or SBH.

DAD · « **Reply #26 on:** July 08, 2011, 07:19:45 PM »

You choices are sound, but I might add that check local and state laws about calibure and barrel length. Some states 357 mag is illegal and some states the length has to be over 6." In Mi it doesn't matter but in your state it might. I have [in lay-a-way the 357NBH in 45/8] to go along with my single six which is 45/8. Good luck and shooting.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:46:36 AM »

I sure like my 50th .357 BH, good choice! I waited until they made it before getting another Ruger (1st & only Ruger rev. was a SBH 44M back in the '70s, it was just too 'big' for me & Im not a small guy or hand). For an 'all rounder' I like the 4 5/8", but I think a 5 1/2" might do as well since Im really not carrying it holstered while driving and its in a case between uses. For some reason my elbow doesnt go far enough up to pull a 6 1/2 or 7 1/2 out of a holster (Im not fond of the low-rider 'gunslinger' kind).

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #28 on:** July 09, 2011, 05:44:31 AM »

Quote from: DAD on July 08, 2011, 07:19:45 PM

You choices are sound, but I might add that check local and state laws about calibure and barrel length. Some states 357 mag is illegal and some states the length has to be over 6." In Mi it doesn't matter but in your state it might. I have [in lay-a-way the 357NBH in 45/8] to go along with my single six which is 45/8. Good luck and shooting.

As absurd as it sounds the law was rewritten a couple years ago and would allow a 25acp for deer hunting if one chose to. Something to the effect of A firearm must be over .22 calibre and centerfire. no distinction between rifle and pistol or energy requirements.

Graybeard · « **Reply #29 on:** July 09, 2011, 09:00:29 AM »

I like adjustable sights on any revolver I plan to do any serious shooting with as those with fixed sights are never remotely close to where I am aiming on target. I also prefer the Bisley grip and rat now Lipsey's is offering a limited number of both the .44 Special and .45 Colt with Bisley grip. I'm waiting for one in .44 Special to arrive now. In the mean time I picked up this .45 Colt yesterday.

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=237025.0;attach=59730;image