I have been looking for a 45 colt that will handle the Buffalo Bore +p ammo (225 grain at 1500fps :shock: ). I called my local gun shop today and was told they had a Vaquero on sale for $499.00 (7 1/2 inch bbl). When I asked if it was the New Vaquero, the salesperson seemed to get a bit confused, and asked why it mattered. I told him that I had read that the New Vaquero would not stand up to the hot loads, and he responded that he had never seen a Ruger revolver that would not stand up to hot loads. I have no need for the weaker one since I already have an Old Army with the 45 colt conversion cylinder(that will not stand up to hot loads). I plan to ride down tomorrow and look at the gun, and try and determine if it is the old or new model. I'm thinking it is the new model, since he said it was brand new. How does one tell the difference? Is it written "New Vaquero" on the barrel? Is there one of those new key locks? Thank you guys in advance for your help.