Difference in sizes of Vaquero and Blackhawk?

[PAMuzzleshooter]

I need to make a holster for a New Blackhawk .357, 4 5/8” barrel.  I have a pattern for an Old Vaquero and a New Vaquero.

Is the a size difference between the Vaquero and the Blackhawk?

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The old model Vaquero is basically the same as a Blackhawk except for the sights. The Blackhawk sights are higher and the rear sight is squared off. I don't know the amount but you could run down to your local GS and test one in one of your holsters. You'll probably need to add a little at the fold to widen your pattern.

If you have Al Stohlman's pattern for a Ruger, that would probably be for a Blackhawk.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks Will.  I just got off the phone with a man at Ruger and he confirmed the the Old Vaquero, Old Blackhawk and New Blackhawk are the same size frames, cylinders, etc.  The New Vaquero is a smaller frame and does not match the Blackhawks.

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[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's been my observation. Good to have that confirmed. The old Vaqueros and Blackhawks are stout. The reloading manuals have loads just for them. You don't dare put those loads in anything else.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Just heard from Will Ghormley.  He said the Blackhawks have built-up sights. He told me to wrap a piece of 2 inch wide leather (same thickness as the holster) around the trigger guard and sight block.  Pinch the leather together to make it touch.  Mark it where it touches, straighten it out and add 1/8” to each end then compare to the width of the pattern

[Rube Burrows]

Thanks Will.  I just got off the phone with a man at Ruger and he confirmed the the Old Vaquero, Old Blackhawk and New Blackhawk are the same size frames, cylinders, etc.  The New Vaquero is a smaller frame and does not match the Blackhawks.

I make my patterns for all Vaquerso after the Old Model. Then wet form them for the new or old. The Blackhawks are the same as the OMV but will have the taller ramped sights up front that will need to be accounted for.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

I make my patterns for all Vaquerso after the Old Model. Then wet form them for the new or old. The Blackhawks are the same as the OMV but will have the taller ramped sights up front that will need to be accounted for.

Do you only account for the front sight and not the rear sight?

[Rube Burrows]

Do you only account for the front sight and not the rear sight?

Depends on style of holster and if it goes up to the rear sight.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Ok Rube, thanks

[Cliff Fendley]

Blackhawks and Old Vaqueros are the same frame, you just have to allow for the taller front sight and the higher/larger adjustable rear sight. So if the holster goes up high enough toward the hammer you need to square off for the rear sight or make the holster quite a bit bigger in that area. Generally I like to have a squared off area for the sight to just sit down on without entering the holster body.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks Cliff