New 44 Vaquero vs OM 45 Colt

[writwing]

Out of curiosity, how much smaller is the 44 Vaquero Sheriffs Model compared to the OM Sheriffs Model 45 Colt?

If the difference is significant, I may sell the OM Sheriffs and buy the new 44 for winter carry.

Thanks.

 

[M'BOGO]

The best way to explain this would be the Gunblast cylinder comparison, http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm . I would like to see it with a birdshead GF...

 

[BODAME]

Excellent Choice
I carry AWA Peacekeeper Sheriff's Model 45 LC in a Shoulder Rig , or in a Holiday Rig with a Vest in the weather permits .

 

[EDK]

You wouldn't have much trouble selling the Original Size Vaquero Sheriff's model 45 for a premium price. While it is larger in size, that also translates to a safety margin for higher performance ammunition. The 44 Special in most factory ammo is a lot lower performance. Handloading obviously changes the situation some...and lighter weight means more recoil.

I personally would keep the 45...and try to obtain a 45 ACP cylinder for it. The 357 caliber Sheriff's model has been drawing my attention of late. I'm seriously considering trimming a 44 Magnum Vaquero down, although I have not gotten much accuracy out of 4 5/8 and shorter barrels in the past.

Best answer is keep the 45 and buy the 44 Special. When you get old enough, you'll realize trading or selling any gun is regretted sometime down the road....with 40+ years of handguns, I can't begin to list my mistakes!

 

[contender]

While the differences may make you consider selling & then buying another one,, I have to agree with those above,, keep & buy the second one. You will get seller remorse if you enjoy shooting at all!

 

[REP1954]

If you buy the 44 NV Sheriffs model before selling the Vaquero that you already have you will later be able to better decide if you want to sell the one you already have. Mind you the one you have now is going to be a lot harder to replace down the road should you decide to do so. There are comercial performance loads for the 44 out there that the 44 NV can handle. Both guns are a very nice package with the NV seeming to have an edge on quaity but a little sluggish in the hammer lock time compared to the gun you now have that is if the current gun is unaltered.

 

[Hondo44]

Don't sell, I agree. At least not 'till you have them both for a month to compare. The 44 new model is definitely lighter to carry and performs extremely well with winch silvertip defense loads. If you find that you like the size but not the caliber, try a New Vaq Montado. They are in 45 with a 3 3/4" short barrel on the medium frame. Even a little lighter with the bigger holes in the chambers and bore.

 

[CraigC]

Kinda like a Single Six vs. Bearcat, the differences are not readily apparent if you examine them on different occasions. But go immediately from one to the other and the difference is significant. Though not quite as drastic as with the .22's I mentioned. The biggest difference for me is the grip frames. The XR3/Colt SAA profile is just sooooo much more comfortable and natural feeling.