SASS Single Action Revolver selection

[mosinmaster]

Hi,

I'm debating between a Ruger New Blackhawk and Ruger New Vaquero.

Can I compete with either or does the Blackhawk's sights make it ineligible?

Also, what barrel lengths are considered the best compromise between sight radius and quick draw? 4.5'', 5.5'' or 7.5''?

And in terms of caliber, should I get a Blackhawk convertible that takes 357/9mm or 45colt/45acp? I own a Rossi 92 in 357/38 so that would make sense I suppose.

How does the New Blackhawk handle compared to the New Vaquero? Is it a heavy ungainly beast of power compared to the trim slick handling of the Vaquero?

Also, how is windage on the Vaqueros? Without the adjustable sights, is POI very different from POA? Would the Blackhawk adjustable sights be the deal breaker?

And lastly, why is the Blackhawk less expensive than the Vaquero although it is stronger and has adjustable sights? Cowboy marketing?

 

[Vladivar]

I can't comment on the Blackhawks as I haven't owned them, but I do have a Pair of Vaqueros that I have been shooting for the past 2 years and can say they are outstanding pistols. I haven't had a single issue with mine, they are easy to shoot, comfortable and built like tanks! I only shoot .38sp thru mine as my lever gun is an Uberti 1866 Yellowboy that is .38sp only and I love not having to worry about two different kinds of ammo. The .38 is soft on recoil (a big help when getting back on target) and is relatively cheap to shoot, even if you don't reload your own. I run Wolf factory reloads and haven't had a single issue. As far as barrel length is concerned I went with the 5.5" as it's easy to handle and is long enough to get a good sight picture and is accurate enough to not have to worry about adjustable sights - although at the distance you normally shoot a cowboy match, I don't personally think adjustable sights are really necessary once you are used to where your guns shoot.

Best advice would be to try and get to run a few rounds thru both guns and see which suit you best.

 

[Garand]

I have 8 Vaqueros, 6x Original Vaqueros and a pair of SASS New Vaqueros in .357. The originals work flawlessly, then come the "New" Vaqueros. I had a problem with one of them where the cylinder would not rotate properly when cocked. Sent it to Rusty Woods Trading Co and it works like intended now. I've heard at least 2 others complain about this problem.

"Can I compete with either or does the Blackhawk's sights make it ineligible?" Didn't download the manual as suggested, did you? The answer is there.

"Also, how is windage on the Vaqueros? Without the adjustable sights, is POI very different from POA?" "Would the Blackhawk adjustable sights be the deal breaker?" As stated in the SASS Manual pistol targetry is generally placed at 7-10 yds and the targets at sanctioned matches are anywhere from 8 inches to 20 inches in diameter. I zero my pistols at 15 yds and allowances for windage are minimal. Personally I prefer the 4 5/8" barrels as they are faster to clear the holster and cause less interference with props.

 

[BCRider]

With the fixed sight guns I've not really found that windage is an issue. At least not unless you're looking for match grade precision. If you do get a "dud" it's a pretty simple matter for a smith to tweak the barrel indexing a couple of degrees to compensate.

Elevation is another issue. Since the maker does not know what loads you will want to use he'll ideally set the front blade such that it's a trifle tall for all but the heaviest bullets moving out the bore at light to moderate velocities. Cowboy action shooting comes to mind. If you choose to shoot lighter and/or faster loads then the front sight will be too tall and you'll get the rounds printing below POA. At that point you have to pick a load and file down the front blade then dress up the shape to neaten things to suit your standard load. This is simply part of the "joy" of owning fixed sight revolvers. If you don't feel comfy doing this yourself have a smith sight it in for you.

Note that the final elevation adjustments are also affected by the style you use to shoot the guns. A two handed hold will damp out the recoil better than a one handed hold. So if you shoot two handed the front sight would be a titch shorter than someone that shoots one handed "duelist" style.