New Model Blackhawk?

[zack coyote]

Can anyone educate me on the New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt? Is the grip frame the same as the NM Vacquero? Will it handle hotter loads like the old model Blackhawk? I have two Rossi's and one AWA SSA in .45 Colt, but I would like to work up my loads from the 8 gr. of Unique that I'm now using, to maybe 10 Gr. of Unique (in half gr. steps of course). Does the meatier top strap give any additional strength to the gun? You gentlemen have always answered my questions before, and I appreciate all the knowledge I find on this website.

[O.S.O.K.]

New Model Blackhawk is the strongest Blackhawk ever offered to the trade. It will easily handle the "Ruger" handloads listed in the manuals. The only one that you need to be concerned about is the new model Vaquero. Anyway the old model Vaquero is the new model Blackhawk in design.

Geeze - what a cluster by Ruger.... I'm getting confused typing it out!

[Lefty Dude]

The new model BH is on the OMV frame, very strong. The NMV is based on the first gen. Ruger .357 frame it will not handle the hot 45 LC loads.It is used in the CAS-SASS competition Matches. There have been many blown up by handloaders.

[J Miller]

Can anyone educate me on the New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt? Is the grip frame the same as the NM Vacquero? Will it handle hotter loads like the old model Blackhawk? I have two Rossi's and one AWA SSA in .45 Colt, but I would like to work up my loads from the 8 gr. of Unique that I'm now using, to maybe 10 Gr. of Unique (in half gr. steps of course). Does the meatier top strap give any additional strength to the gun? You gentlemen have always answered my questions before, and I appreciate all the knowledge I find on this website.

Zack,

First there is no such thing as a New Model Vaquero. Since 1973 ALL Ruger Single Action revolvers use the New Model action.
The current version of the Vaquero is correctly called the New Vaquero. It is not as big, nor will it handle the loads of the Blackhawks, Old or New Models or the original Vaquero which was built on the same frame as the New Model Blackhawks only without adjustable sights.

The New Model Blackhawks will handle any of the Ruger-T/C loads. They are quite stout and durable. 10grs of Unique is within the capabilities of the NM BH.

The New Model Blackhawk still uses what is essentially the old XR3-RED grip frame design. The New Vaquero uses a modified XR3 grip frame. The XR3 grip frame while not really smaller than the XR3-RED is shaped slightly differently and there is less room between the handle part and the trigger guard.
Here is a link to an article that will tell you all you need to know about Rugers grips.
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

Your AWA single action and the Ruger New Vaquero are about equal in strength. However the NM Blackhawks will handle most anything the Rossis will, within reason.

Joe

[Hobie]

Thanks Joe, I didn't want to type all that out...

This is a perfect example of why you have to get your nomenclature correct if you want to be safe.

[J Miller]

Words have meanings. To convey the correct meaning, you need to use the correct words. While there are many of us who know that the phrase new model vaquero really means New Vaquero, there are probably more who do not. So I always try to use the correct words and names, and explain to those the difference. To some I suppose I'm a pain in the behind, but that's the way it is.

Joe

[Both94sPlus]

Clarity is key--and J Miller presented same. Newer shooters have a BIG hill to climb getting a handle on nomenclature, and any assistance us Old Folks can lend in that effort is a positive thing.

[Boreman]

From the Ruger web site, lots of good info there.
Revolver Types;
Vaquero (includes Bisley-Vaquero models) manuf.from 1993-2005
starting with SN 55-00001 in 1993 thru 58-91296 in 2005
Cal. 357 Mag,38-40 Win,40 S&W,44-40 Win,44 Mag and 45 Colt

New Vaquero starting with SN 510-00001 in 2005 thru 510-39169 in 2007
Cal. 357 Mag and 45 Colt


Example: My Bisley Vaquero in 45 Colt bears SN 57-32XXX Manuf.in 1999