blackhawk frame size clarification

[jpdesign]

Having yet to purchase a blackhawk, is a modern stainless steel blackhawk the same frame size as a New Vaquero, or the original Vaquero?

Jimmy

 

[gak]

If you're talking the traditional NM Blackhawk with the protective "ears" (raised area) for the rear sight (ie not the recent .357/44 Sp flattops), then you're talking the large-frame (original) Vaquero as comparison. Same frame and strength.

 

[jpdesign]

is there a blackhawk .45 the same size as the New Vaquero? Is/was it made in stainless?

 

[gak]

No to the .45 in an adjustable sight mid-frame NM Ruger (Blackhawk/Flattop). I THINK the general concensus is that there'd be too much temptation for folks to "hot" up rounds beyond spec. It is true that the identical size/strength frame New Vaquero is available in .45, but the thought there is the main reason most of its buyers choose it (versus the large frame Vaquero or Blackhawk .45) is for CAS, and loads are less prone to be warmed up to/past the point of concern. This doesn't mean that a lot of folks haven't clamored for what you're referring to. OTOH, the .44 Special mid-frames have just that much more "room for error" in the cylinder bore spacing such that the concern regarding hot rounds isn't nearly as great.

 

[jpdesign]

well, then. I guess the question is: Is it cheaper to put adjustable sights on a new vaquero, or to buy a flat top .44, and look for a new vaq. .45 cylinder and barrel? would they go in pretty easy?

 

[gak]

Keep in mind the NM 44 50th (50th Anniversary) Flattop is a hybrid--if referring to that. It's really a large cylinder frame with a midframe gripframe--overall effect stil being the larger-framed gun. To get a "full" flattop effect and keeping the size to a midframe, I would say perhaps converting a 50th Anniversary .357 or 44 Sp Flattop by replacing the barrel and reaming the cylinder--I'm assuming cartridge OALs are not an issue, or better yet swapping in a New Vaquero cylinder--but someone more knowledgeable can chime in on that. I also don't know if cylinder-barrel gap needs to be "adjusted" in such a conversion. A Bowen, Clements (etc) or other qualified smith's installation of S&W (or other custom) rear sights and new "adjustable" dovetailed front on a New Vaquero .45 would functionally accomplish similar objectives, but obviously wouldn't give the look of a flattop if that's also wanted.

None of the above really answers your cost question. If you can find the "right" (benevolent!) smith, I'm assuming new sights worked into the New Vaquero could be the cheaper route unless a donor NV .45 is at hand in combo with a the 50th .357 or 44 Sp Flattop..