[Brigadeir]

Hi group.
I have a Blackhawk which I shoot with some high power (near, but not above max limit) loads in .357mag. I don't shoot it in my S&Ws (too hot, they have locked them up). I'd like to get a Vaquero.

My question is, has anyone experience with the Vaquero and heavy mag loads?
Is it as strongly built as the Blackhawk?

Thanks,
Brig

[Wambli]

Originally Posted by Brigadeir

Hi group.
I have a Blackhawk which I shoot with some high power (near, but not above max limit) loads in .357mag. I don't shoot it in my S&Ws (too hot, they have locked them up). I'd like to get a Vaquero.

My question is, has anyone experience with the Vaquero and heavy mag loads?
Is it as strongly built as the Blackhawk?

Thanks,
Brig

No problem with the old style Vaquero. The new ones are NOT as strong as the BH.

[stalkingbear]

Wambli hit the nail on the head. The newer Vaqueros are made lighter than the older 1s. I wouldn't shoot the same max loads in the newer Vaqueros that you do in your Blackhawks.

[CA357]

I had two of the old model Vaquero's, one in .44 mag and a convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP. They could handle any load whatsoever. They were basically OM Blackhawk's with different sights and a slightly altered top strap.

I wouldn't take a chance on the newer models. If you want to shoot full house loads, go with the Blackhawk.

My personal favorites are still the OM Blackhawk's and Vaquero's. They'll both shoot pretty much anything you put in them.

[diggsbakes]

Can't speak for the Vaquero, but my NM Blackhawk takes hot loads like nothing.

[Virginian]

I don't see a problem with 357s, but stick to milder stuff in the New Vaqueros in 45.