SASS and CAS Shooters, Educate Me

[castrotikon]

-What's the difference between the Ruger Blackhawk and Vaqueros? My understanding is the frame on the Blackhawk is just a bit "beefier" made to handle the .44 cartridge. Is there any reason to choose a Blackhawk over a Vaquero if I'm getting a .357?
-Bisley vs. "standard" Vaquero. General preferences? Again, my understanding is the grip shape is a bit different with the Bisley as is the hammer shape. I don't think I've ever seen one in stores to handle but I've handled plenty of the standard grips (as well as the bird's head, which I wasn't a fan of).
-If I don't handload and have no intention to use this as anything other than a range toy, any reason to NOT go with the .357/.38 over a .45LC?
-Is the Vaquero generally considered the gold standard of SA revolvers currently? Everything I've seen generally has that as the #1 on the list (other than an original Colt....). I've handled the Uberti before but just wasn't really as impressed with the fit and feel of it as the Vaquero.

[pkuptruck]

the blackhawk... only real difference is the grip shape... and you already experienced the biggest difference.

Just a caution on CASS and SASS... its for well funded idiots..

I used to run the circuit with 1858 remingtons (full charge black powder..not cartridge guns)
The other guys were shooting less-than-children strength 38's ( really.. you could run down range and catch the bullets)
I guess their desire was not COWBOY shooting, but rather going really fast without any skill.

Anyway, most folks were pretty pissed when I shoot ( smokey and whatnot) and that I usually
reloaded faster than them ( I used pre-loaded spare cylinders - AKA Joes Whales)

I gave up on the (in my opinion) sissy sport. as it has been so co-opted by the gamers.

[castrotikon]

the blackhawk... only real difference is the grip shape... and you already experienced the biggest difference.

Just a caution on CASS and SASS... its for well funded idiots..

I used to run the circuit with 1858 remingtons (full charge black powder..not cartridge guns)
The other guys were shooting less-than-children strength 38's ( really.. you could run down range and catch the bullets)
I guess their desire was not COWBOY shooting, but rather going really fast without any skill.

Anyway, most folks were pretty pissed when I shoot ( smokey and whatnot) and that I usually
reloaded faster than them ( I used pre-loaded spare cylinders - AKA Joes Whales)

I gave up on the (in my opinion) sissy sport. as it has been so co-opted by the gamers.

Not really looking to get into the sport. Just like the cowboy style firearms.

[pkuptruck]

Not really looking to get into the sport. Just like the cowboy style firearms.

the bislety is the "true-ist" of the old style handles. Birdseye is too, but it was never really sought after.
both roll better in the hand, .. the newer grip style is moer for target / hunting style. ( although the others work well at that
if you shoot them long enough.

[Garymac]

(Super) Blackhawks have modern adjustable sights. Vaquero's have the more traditional style fixed sights and shape.

If you are going to hunt or shoot a lot of different loads you probably want the Blackhawk. For something to just blast away with the feel of an old western six shooter, the Vaquero is what you want.