Old versus new Ruger Vaqueros

[The Kaiser]

Anyone have both? What is your take on each. Bought my first one in 1994. Handled the new ones, but I'm not that impressed with them Still like the feel of a heavy 45.

[Outpost75]

I have both.

For field shooting with heavy loads I like the original Vaquero on the large frame. I have them in .44-40, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt.

For SAS speed shooting with light .38 Special loads the New Model Vaquero .357 on the flat top frame is a trimmer gun which handles more like a Colt SAA. The small frame Vaquero cannot handle the heavy "Ruger Only" loads of the original Vaquero and New Model Blackhawks. But it can take loads somewhat heavier than factory .45 Colts, and in the lighter revolver you will probably reach your recoil tolerance before straining the gun.

[Larry Gibson]

I've handled the new Vaquero's and have the opinion they're not much, if any, better than the 2 Uberti Colt copies I have. My old model Vaquero has the heft and feel I like. It's a 44-40 and I shoot 240 gr bullets out of mine. Found I have been shooting it more often the last year than the Uberti 45 Colts.

215554

[kaiser]

I have a New Vaquero model and a Beretta Stampede (Uberti). I used to have a .45 Colt Blackhawk (same large cylinder with adjustable sights as the Vaquero), but traded it off because I was concerned about getting a too "hot" a load in the wrong pistol. I love my Stampede because of the way it handles and shoots. The New Vaquero shoots just as good, but it is not as balanced (could be 7 1/2 versus 5 1/2 BBL thing), for I prefer the 7 1/2". I also don't like the "open gate" cylinder release (no half cock) on the Ruger. The Blackhawk was a "smasher" at both ends and could keep up with any .44 Mag if you wanted to put up with the recoil. I went to a .45 Colt rifle, instead, to get higher velocities; for I seldom hunt with a pistol, but carry it often when deer hunting. BTW, Larry, you have a beautiful "big frame" there!

[The Kaiser]

Larry.
I have the exact same gun only in 45. Love it.

[jmort]

I have had both
Really like the newer version much better
Better fit and finish in my opinion
The size is perfect
Lot of people want the old model in .45 Colt due to its strength

[Walter Laich]

like the old one but then they were my first SASS revolvers and I just got used to them.

guessing I could get used to new ones if that's all I had

[Wolfer]

Ive never owned an old Vaqeuro but always thought they felt good but were borderline heavy for a belt pistol. When the new model was announced I ordered one and had it in about a year. By far my favorite handgun. I'm not interested in heavy loads and run a 255 about 950 fps. Ive taken a pickup load of deer, coyotes, bobcat, grouse etc and don't feel I need anymore power.
My brother and hunting buddy both have 45 colts made by Pietta. I believe the quality on those are just as good as my new Vaquero.

[M-Tecs]

I have both and I like them equally. For SASS and plinking I prefer the smaller frame. For hunting and bear defense Ruger only loads in the large frame are my first choice.

[mehavey]

Fixed sights on both Old and New notwithstanding....
The New's much more natural handling/pointing...

... and`tain't nuthin wrong w/ a 280gr 45 doing 970
out of the New Vaquero's muzzle -- and not much
that will stand up to it East of the Mississippi.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?344679-Need-Help-with-load-data-for-300g-Lee-boolits-in-a-45-colt-new-vaquero&p=4168598&viewfull=1#post4168598
:popcorn:

[fecmech]

I owned a 3 screw Super Blackhawk in .44 mag and now have a Lipsey's .45 convertible. I like the smaller frame better but I'm no longer shooting full snort mag loads either.

[marlin39a]

I've got 2 of the original Vaqueros. A 5.5" from 1994, and a Sheriffs Model 3.5" from 1997. I mostly shoot cowboy loads for fun, but love the ability to load "heavy & hot. The Sheriffs model gets carried in bear country.