Old Vaquero questions

[Tallbald]

Don't own any Vaqueros, but my brother-in-law recently was gifted a beautiful Bisley New Vaquero, high gloss stainless. I've always been a BH fan, but his gun got me to thinking how nice one would be to have in the herd. Did Ruger make the old Vaquero in stainless Bisley configuration? How about in .357 caliber? When did the New Vaquero replace the older, larger frame version please? And just how at a glance would I recognize a NV from an old? Thanks, Don.

 

[Jbrown75]

It's easy to tell the difference just by looking at the serial number on the gun. If it's a 510 or higher prefix then it's a New Vaquero. Most of the New Vaqueros are also marked as such, with the exception of some .44 special models. The large frame Vaquero was produced until 2005.

 

[Hondo44]

Did Ruger make the old Vaquero in stainless Bisley configuration? How about in .357 caliber? Thanks, Don.

Yes, in 357 and 45.

 

[Timbo22]

Did Ruger make the old Vaquero in stainless Bisley configuration? How about in .357 caliber? Thanks, Don.

Yes, in 357 and 45.

and 44 Magnum too. At least as a "clean-up" gun in 2009.

 

[Olsherm]

If you see a new Vaquero it will have a hammer that resembles a large "crow bar".Unsightly hammer on them compared to the original Vaquero's.

 

[Hondo44]

Most of the New Vaqueros are also marked as such, with the exception of some .44 special models. The large frame Vaquero was produced until 2005.

Absolutely right. There were no old Vaqueros made in 44 Special therefore there can't be any New ones, they're just Vaqueros.

Here's another post with side by side pics of original and New Vaq.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=1519901#1519901

 

[Reload]

I have a couple of 5 1/2 SS "old" Bisleys in 357. Sure wish they made them in 4 5/8.

 

[Hondo44]

I have a couple of 5 1/2 SS "old" Bisleys in 357. Sure wish they made them in 4 5/8.

I know how you feel. They finally came out with a shorter 44 Mag but with 5 1/2" barrel. Then when they did offer a 4 5/8" 44 Mag it had a non-fluted cylinder!

But some do prefer 5 1/2" barrels. Ruger barrels are easy to change. So if I were you I'd look for 4 5/8" 357 old original or New Vaqueros, the barrels are the same, and swap or have the barrels swapped for you. Then resell the 5 1/2"s.

Life is too short to not have what you want!

 

[Jbrown75]

Absolutely right. There were no old Vaqueros made in 44 Special therefore there can't be any New ones, they're just Vaqueros.

Here's another post with side by side pics of original and New Vaq.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=1519901#1519901

I understand what it is you are saying, but it tends to breed confusion with Ruger marking the small framed guns with the same name as the large framed model. I was just trying to make sure our friend didn't pick up a small frame thinking it was the large.

 

[Hondo44]

I understand what it is you are saying, but it tends to breed confusion with Ruger marking the small framed guns with the same name as the large framed model. I was just trying to make sure our friend didn't pick up a small frame thinking it was the large.

Sorry, I didn't mean to make the confusion worse. Whatever the logic of Ruger's naming process, they did make it confusing.

 

[gak]

Most of the New Vaqueros are also marked as such, with the exception of some .44 special models. The large frame Vaquero was produced until 2005.

Absolutely right. There were no old Vaqueros made in 44 Special therefore there can't be any New ones, they're just Vaqueros.

Hondo, I've heard this expanation/logic before but I still think it was a goof and they stuck with it--and to make matters worse piled on in the past few years by then also calling all other (.357, .45) New Vaqueros just "Vaqueros" as well in their ads and literature (proliferated then ny distributors)...despite what it said on the frame. The "New Vaquero" vs "Vaquero" moniker is (supposed to be) a distinction between frames (and other "new" features), regardless of whether a particular caliber/cartridge was offered before or not. Btw, the box my .44 Special "Vaquero" was marked (correctly) "New Vaquero"

Regarding Bisleys, no matter as--to date--we've not yet had any .44 Special fixed sight Bisleys--no matter what they're called!

 

[Hondo44]

Hi GAK,
I'm the only one that I've seen spouting that logic on this forum so you're definitely in the camp of the majority. But only Ruger knows for sure so I won't waste time trying to defend it. Maybe we'll hear for sure one day.

I'd like to hear more about your box marking; do you mean the white shipping sleeve or the plastic box label? Neither of mine are marked with a name only the catalog number NV 443 which might look like New Vaq. But my 44 FT Blackhawk also has an NV; NVB 444.

 

[gak]

Hey Jim, it's a far away recollection about which I could be incorrect but is what I remembered as I went through the buying/delivery process (power of suggestion?). I'll post it if I can find. Ruger's well aware of the confusion or markings etc, but I have yet to see them come out and clear it up. Yeah, I know, likely won't happen - not in your and my lifetimes!

+1 We've all gone through that "NV" cataloging business--and 44 appearing though being a 45 (or something like that).

 

[Hondo44]

+1 We've all gone through that "NV" cataloging business--and 44 appearing though being a 45 (or something like that).

Oh yeah, I remember that. the Super BH boxes marked 45 Magnum! :lol:

 

[PackinPreacher]

I picked up what I believe would be an original Vaquero this week in .357 with a 3 3/4" barrel. Needless to say, it's the one in the middle.

 

[EDK]

I picked up what I believe would be an original Vaquero this week in .357 with a 3 3/4" barrel. Needless to say, it's the one in the middle.

Original Size VAQUEROS have a two digit prefix (55 thru 58?) I have wanted one of those 3 5/8th 357 for a long ime. I have a 3 1/2 inch 44 VAQUERO, but it doesn't have much ejector rod travel...about 1/2 inch of casing is pushed out. You have to remove the ejector rod housing to remove the cylinder or pin also. It looks good, but has some serious negative issues. AFTER I resolve all the problems that challenge me, I'll probably have it re-barreled and sell the parts...or trade it for a 7.5 inch 44 like I prefer.

 

[Hondo44]

EDK,

That would be cool!
Would you look for an original Vaq in 44 Mag w/7 1/2" barrel or did you want to set up a New Vaq with a 7 1/2"?

 

[pcrc11]

Here's my 44 Mag Bisley old Vaquero, 4-5/8 barrel.

 

[gak]

Vaquero Bisley....sweet!