Large Frame Vaquero???

[Lance0812]

My understanding is that Ruger changed to the New Vaquero in 2005, at which point it was sized down to the current weight of 40 oz because of a smaller aluminum frame and more slender cylinder.
Then, for some reason, they later manufactured some New Vaqueros with the older and larger frame made of steel.
(Am I right so far? Jump in any time.)
So my question is this: How much heavier are the large frame New Vaqueros and what year(s) were they made?
Also, with this larger frame, did they also revert to the beefier cylinder?

I'm also interested in your thoughts on the pros and cons of the large frame models.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Not quite. Ruger produced the Vaquero, which I like to call the 'original model' Vaquero from 1993 until 2005. This gun was basically the same as the New Model Blackhawk, with the frame and cylinder the same size as the Blackhawk. The Cylinder Frame was the same as the Blackhawk, except the configuration of the top strap was more like a Single Action Colt, with the rear sight being a groove milled into the strap. The adjustable sight was gone from the Vaquero. Minor differences of the Vaquero and the Blackhawk was the Grip Frame, not the Cylinder Frame, of the Vaquero was made of steel, vs the aluminum Grip Frame of the Blackhawk. If I recall correctly, the early Vaqueros had the same aluminum ejector rod housing as the Blackhawk, but this was later changed to steel.

The New Vaquero appeared in 2005. It was conceived as an answer to the needs of Cowboy Action Shooters. The Blackhawk and Vaquero had always been large guns, significantly larger than the Colt Single Action Army. That was why they were so strong, because the cylinder was massive. The Cylinder and Cylinder Frame of the New Vaquero are scaled down in size about 10% to close to the the same size as the Colt SAA. The Cylinder Frame, Grip Frame, and Ejector Housing of the New Vaquero have always been made of steel, there is no aluminum in them anywhere.

When Ruger introduced the New Vaquero, they ceased production of the 'original model' Vaquero. A few were still available from inventory, but not many. Very recently, Ruger has produced some of the 'original model' Vaqueros exclusively for distribution by the large distributors like Davidsons. These share all the features of the other 'large frame' 'original model' Vaqueros. But they are not New Vaqueros. The New Vaquero continues to be built with the smaller cylinder and frame. These current, limited edition larger style Vaqueros are the old style Vaquero, not New Vaqueros.

Confused?

Here is a photo of a 7 1/2" 'original model' Vaquero and a pair of 4 5/8" New Vaqueros. Perhaps you can detect the difference in size. I cannot answer your question about the respective weights, because of the difference in barrel length and caliber of the two models in the photo.

P.S. The big Vaquero has an after market cylinder pin, so ignore that.

 

[gak]

Driftwood did a good summary as usual. It's actually quite simple, two "generations" of guns with the "Vaquero" name on them - one original or "old" (for discussion purposes with a small "o" - with NO "model" attached to) just plain "Vaquero" and one New (large "N")....but for the most part all Vaqueros whether "old"/original large frame or New Vaquero smaller (aka mid) frame - all steel. I have a very early ser # Vaquero and it is all steel. All I've seen are steel. Doesn't mean there aren't a few alum parts out there, but they'd be the real anomaly.

As a point of further detail, and contradicting my own "simple" comment, Ruger has confused nomenclature by just labeling its recent (2010 to present) New Vaquero .44 Specials just "Vaquero." Also, in their literature Ruger seems to have jetisoned "New" from its vocabulary for all its New Vaqueros (ie, even though non-44 Sp guns still appropriately say "New" on them). Regardless, the .44 Specials and any currently catalogued "Vaqueros" ARE New Vaqueros. If someone has a non-44 Sp for sale and you're not sure look (or ask) if it says "New" on the frame. If not, it's the old, original, large frame Vaquero.


.

 

[rugerguy]

call the 'others' re release or "clean up" whatever, they dig 'em up ship 'em and confuse the buying public.......just READ the side of the frame it tells you there just what it is.............Vaquero.......New Vaquero
you can and will "feel" the difference :roll:

 

[EDK]

I've got more Original Size VAQUEROS/BISLEY VAQUEROS in the safe than any other revolvers combined. I got into them about the time they were discontinued, but the prices hadn't gone totally crazy. Mine are all in 357 or 44 magnum.

The standard guns have had the XR3-red grip frames changed out to either a HUNTER or a DRAGOON grip frame and I've also installed SUPER BLACK HAWK hammers in the latest acquisitions.

I like the weight of the older guns. The ability to be safe with "RUGER ONLY LOADS" is another plus...the gun is OK with them; I'll pass, thank you! I will continue to buy them if opportunity and my finances permit.

 

[Rclark]

More info :
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero2.htm


EDK, how do you get around to shoot'n them all .

 

[RUFFBIRD]

Another image to show differences.....