Let’s Dive into Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670
The Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 offer a classic aesthetic upgrade for Ruger’s popular single-action revolvers. Manufactured by Hogue, these panels promise enhanced grip and a touch of elegance with their walnut construction. Let’s explore whether they live up to the expectations of a seasoned shooter.
I had a set of the factory black plastic grips on my stainless steel New Vaquero. They were functional, but they lacked character and felt somewhat cheap. I wanted to give my revolver a more refined and classic look, while also potentially improving the grip and feel in my hand.
Upon unboxing, the walnut panels had a rich, natural appearance. The grain pattern was attractive, and the finish appeared smooth and well-applied. My initial impression was positive.
Compared to aftermarket grips from companies like Altamont or even Ruger’s own wood grips, the Hogue panels seemed to offer a balance of quality and affordability. Some more expensive options boasted exotic woods or intricate checkering, but the Hogue offering presented a simpler, more traditional cowboy look. At first glance, I was cautiously optimistic that these would provide the upgrade I was looking for, although the user feedback about mismatched coloring between the left and right grips did concern me.
I was excited about the potential for a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing grip. However, I remained wary of the potential for inconsistencies in the wood grain and finish. My hope was that the panels would provide a significant improvement in both form and function over the factory grips.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 was at my local outdoor shooting range. I shot a variety of .45 Colt loads to get a feel for the new grips under different recoil conditions. The weather was mild and sunny, offering ideal conditions for testing.
The walnut panels immediately felt better in my hand than the factory plastic grips. The slightly thicker profile filled my palm more completely, providing a more secure and comfortable grip. I immediately noticed that the recoil felt more manageable.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only the removal of the old grips and the installation of the new ones with the provided screws. No fitting was necessary. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 have held up remarkably well. I have used them during several trips to the range, as well as while carrying the Vaquero in the field.
The finish has proven to be durable, showing no signs of chipping or peeling. The wood itself remains solid and free from cracks or warping. There are some minor scratches and dings, but that adds to the rustic look of the grips.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Occasionally, I apply a light coat of furniture polish to maintain the luster of the walnut. The maintenance is minimal.
The Hogue grips have significantly outperformed the factory plastic grips in terms of comfort and feel. They have also proven to be more durable and aesthetically pleasing. My experience with these grips has been positive overall.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hogue – known for quality grips and accessories.
- Gun Make: Ruger – specifically designed for Ruger single-action revolvers.
- Gun Model: Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Vaquero – ensuring a proper fit.
- Color: Black (referring to the screws, not the walnut) – The black screws contrast with the stainless finish of many Vaquero revolvers.
- Material: Walnut – providing a classic look and feel. The walnut material offers a warmer, more comfortable grip than synthetic alternatives.
These specifications are important because they guarantee a proper fit and aesthetic upgrade for compatible Ruger revolvers. The walnut construction enhances the overall shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 significantly improve the grip and feel of the revolver. The slightly thicker profile fills the hand better, providing a more secure and comfortable hold. This translates to better recoil management and improved accuracy.
One minor weakness is the potential for variation in wood grain and color between the left and right panels. As some user feedback suggests, there can be some inconsistency. However, the overall performance and functionality of the grips are excellent.
The grips meet my expectations for both comfort and aesthetics. They provide a noticeable improvement over the factory grips.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 are well-designed and ergonomically sound. The walnut material feels warm and comfortable in the hand, and the slightly thicker profile provides a more secure grip. The classic cowboy design adds a touch of elegance to the revolver.
The installation is simple and straightforward, requiring no special tools or gunsmithing skills. There is no learning curve associated with using these grips. They’re intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The walnut construction of the Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 is durable and long-lasting. The finish is resistant to chipping and peeling. With proper care, these grips should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Occasionally, applying a light coat of furniture polish helps maintain the luster of the walnut. This minimal maintenance is a significant advantage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 come with the necessary screws for installation. There are no additional accessories included. These grips are a standalone upgrade.
While there are no direct customization options for the grips themselves, they are compatible with various holsters and accessories designed for Ruger Blackhawk and Vaquero revolvers. This compatibility allows for a wide range of customization options.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670
Pros
- Improved Grip and Feel: The slightly thicker profile provides a more secure and comfortable hold, enhancing recoil management and accuracy.
- Classic Aesthetic: The walnut construction adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero.
- Easy Installation: Installation is simple and straightforward, requiring no special tools or gunsmithing skills.
- Durable Construction: The walnut material and durable finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Affordable Upgrade: The Hogue panels offer a balance of quality and affordability compared to other aftermarket options.
Cons
- Potential for Wood Grain Inconsistency: There may be slight variations in wood grain and color between the left and right panels.
- Black Screws on Stainless Models: The black screws provided may not perfectly match the stainless steel finish of some Vaquero revolvers.
Who Should Buy Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670?
Perfect for: Owners of Ruger Blackhawk or New Vaquero revolvers looking to enhance the grip, feel, and aesthetics of their firearms. They’re also good for cowboy action shooters who want a more authentic look. The upgrade also suits individuals who appreciate the classic look and feel of natural wood.
Who should skip this product? Those who are extremely particular about perfectly matched wood grain and color. Also, if you prefer aggressively textured synthetic grips for maximum grip in extreme conditions, these may not be ideal.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality leather holster is a great companion for these grips. Also, consider aftermarket grip screws in stainless steel if you own a stainless Vaquero and want a perfect color match.
Conclusion on Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670
The Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 represent a worthwhile upgrade for Ruger single-action revolver owners. The improved grip, classic aesthetic, and durable construction make them a solid choice.
At $55.99, the price is justified, considering the enhanced comfort, aesthetics, and overall shooting experience they provide. The value proposition is excellent.
I would personally recommend these grips to anyone looking to upgrade their Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero. They offer a significant improvement over the factory grips at an affordable price. Transform your revolver today with the Hogue Blackhawk / New Vaquero Walnut Cowboy Panels 79670 and experience the difference!