Author Topic: Ruger Single Action Question (Read 1492 times)

Cahunter · « **on:** May 05, 2005, 07:14:35 AM »

Hi all. My buddy is looking to get a single action .44 revolver. Looking around he liked the rugers. This gun will be used for both hunting and (in the future) some cowboy action shooting. He's been looking at both the Vaqueros and the super blackhawk. The vaquero would be a good cowboy gun but what about hunting? I know the Super Blackhawk was designed for the heavier loads like the .44 mag but would it be a practical cowboy shooting gun? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanx
Cahunter

Yukon Gold · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2005, 07:36:02 AM »

He's kinda stuck on this one.

Most cowboy action shooting won't allow a blackhawk for two basic reasons: 1) adjustable sights, 2) gun design didn't exist in the late 1800's.

The Vaquero is one of the very few exceptions which are allowed in most Cowboy Action Shooting (design didn't exist in the late 1800's, but looks close enough - and meets the "spirit" of the classic SAA). If they didn't allow it, it would knock out over 50% of shooters in cowboy action. I think SASS does have an "adjustable sight" category - but cannot be sure.

I personally would not use a Vaquero for hunting due to one basic reason - the fixed sights. My fixed sight weapons for cowboy action is sighted in to the fairly light loads used in cowboy action. A hunting load will shoot somewhere else. Additionally, the fixed sights for me are fine for cowboy action, but not too good for accuracy beyond 25 - 50 yards. Others may do fine, but not me.

The blackhawk/super blackhawk/super blackhawk hunter is a great hunting handgun - but for the most part cannot be used in the majority of cowboy action shooting, if at all.

Tell him to get one of each!

Castaway · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2005, 07:40:15 AM »

Either the SBH or Vaquero will take the same loads, they're the same frames. The difference comes in with the sights. The SBH is a more practical pistol for hunting and plinking because you can adjust the sights to suit either load, be it veritcal or horizontal. The Vaquero has fixed sights. For Cowboy Action shooting the Vaquero is the way to go since an adjustable sighted pistol is in a "modified" category of competition. Before I get flamed on the frame size issue, I'm not talking about the new Vaquero in 357 or 45 Colt which I well know is smaller.

Cahunter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2005, 10:15:14 AM »

"Tell him to get one of each!"

I did already, lol :wink: . Thanks for the info. I don't know much about Cowboy shooting so I didn't know about the adjustable sight regs or whatever. I think he'll probably want to go with the SBH since the primary use will be hunting and plinking. Thanks Again

Cahunter

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2005, 10:55:17 PM »

I actually do most of my hunting with vaqueros in my opinion they make a real fine hunting gun. they take a little more work with load developement but there stronger then an ox and have the most reliable rear sight going NONE! I hunt with them in just about every caliber from .32 to .500 linebaugh and have never seen a need in the field to ajust my sights.

JJ79 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:13:37 AM »

Cahunter...if he's gonna hunt with it, the Vaquero is out of the running due to the fact that Ruger no longer makes Vaqs that can handle the hot loads. Of course, he could always get a pre-2005 Vaquero...

WD45 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:50:30 AM »

Please MAKE SURE he understands the difference between the
NEW VAQUERO and the VAQUERO as they WILL NOT handle the same loads :shock:
I would hate to see anyone hurt because of the reputation Ruger has built for its strength over the years and now all Rugers are NOT created equal..
So to speak

Castaway · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:58:31 AM »

If you read the original question he's talking about a 44. Currently, only the 357 and 45 Colt are in the smaller frame. I'd hazard a guess that Ruger will not make the smaller version of the Vaquero in 44 Mag due the fact that the SAMMI pressure specs for a 44 are too high for the frame.

Flint · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2005, 09:17:56 AM »

The Blackhawk is certainly acceptable as a match gun in CAS. In the first days of the sport, that was the most common gun you would see. It is used in the "Modern" class, the Vaquero and Colt/clones would shoot in the "Traditional" class.

hylander · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2005, 03:54:37 PM »

I have a 7.5" SBH Bisley .44 that is my first choice for hunting.
I consider this one a good 100yd. gun.
I also have a SS 5.5" Vaquero .45Colt for a start in CAS,
However I'm going to work up a hunting load for it and take it Pig hunting.
Limiting my shot's to 50yd. or so.
I see no reason it won't be a good hunting Rig., As stated before you really don't go adjusting sight's in the field.

KSR · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2005, 07:26:22 AM »

I shoot two 7 1/2" barreled Super Blackhawks in cowboy matches all
of the time. I have vaqueros, Colt Clones and a few other cas eligable
guns but I prefer my supers. You can only shoot them in the modern
category. If he gets the older vaqueros he can shoot them in a lot more
categories and they are a fine gun to hunt with. You really can't go wrong
either way.

Cahunter · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2005, 07:05:49 AM »

Well he went ahead and ordered a Super Blackhawk Hunter. The dealer had some Vaq's new and old model but the blackhawk just seemed like "the one". I have a feeling though that the next pistol purchased will be a Vaq. The uberti's looked nice too :lol: . Thanks for all the input guys.

Cahunter

hylander · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2005, 08:58:31 AM »

He is Gunn'a love that SBHH
But it Definately Ain't for CAS.