There I was...which Vaquero?

[Peter Cummalotta]

I was gazing at some really nice Vaquero's in the 45LC caliber. There were both new and old, bright stainless, blue, case colored and all of them very nice. My question is, "If I am looking at the same S/S Vaquero 45LC in both the Old Style and New Vaquero Style, which one do I purchase? They are both LNIB and $550 out the door.

 

[rugerguy]

I tell folks to "shop the deal," UNLESS there is a "pucker factor" involved........ :roll:

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I prefer the old model. You can shoot heavier loads, which I like to do on occasion. Being in Florida the light one would probably be fine for you. You can shoot cowboy loads out of either one, if you want a little more you can go up to 250 grain at 1000 fps and have a load that's more than adequate for just about anything you will run into in Florida.

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

It really depends on what you want/expect from the revolver. The original Vaquero with its larger frame and cylinder will handle heavier loads (especially 45 Colt) than the New Vaquero. The New Vaquero is very similar in size and shape to the Colt SAA, while the original is subtly different especially in the grip. Figure out what your heart desires, take the money, and run.

 

[J.Johnson]

I have decided that for just packing around, at least here in Nebraska, there isn't much the New Vaquero can't handle with a 250 grain Keith at 950 fps. If I need more horsepower, then I get my Blackhawk out. But for everyday, the smaller frame is just too handy!

 

[greenmtnguy]

As the others have pointed out - it really depends on what you want to use it for. If it is to be primarily a hunting/camping/back packin sidearm for use in BIG animal country (BIG meaning moose, brown or Grizzl bears) then I'd opt for the large frame original Vaquero as it will easily handle any commercially available "Ruger Only" load or hand load. But, if you want to use it for cowboy action shooting or want a gun that more closely resembles the Colt SAA in size and balance I'd go with the New Vaquero. It will still handle handloads that are in between the antique Colt SAA and the Ruger Only 30K PSI loads (the generally consensus is around 20K, which will still allow a number of 250 gr @ 1000 FPS loads). Some people really like the newest model flattops and Vaqs that actually align the ejector rod with the click of the cylinder, too - the original large frame Vaquero doesn't have that - it is the same as the large frame New Model Blackhawks. Both are fine revolvers, IMO.

 

[Jim Puke]

if you want a little more you can go up to 250 grain at 1000 fps and have a load that's more than adequate for just about anything you will run into in Florida.

Or most anywhere else in the lower 48.

 

[Varminterror]

I get a chuckle every time I see these threads... The responses are always the same - "If you want to blow the head off of an elephant at 1,000yrds, then you need a large frame old Vaq, if you only want to shoot sweet pea cowboy loads that won't even lift the muzzle, then the New Vaq is ok"...

Because there's obviously no middle ground between those two things...

The New Vaquero, while not as strong as the original Vaquero, is still capable of Tier 2 "Ruger Only" loads, which are still plenty stout. Not to mention they're capable of handling any SAAMI level factory. I'd venture that 90% of fellas that had original Vaqs never even shot a single round that was over standard SAAMI factory spec, but now that the Vaq's have been shrank, it's suddenly it's a high priority to have that capability.

Big bears have been dropped in their tracks by a LOT lower power rounds than a Tier 2 45colt.

Most of the arguments for 45colt "Big Vaq" as a bear defense sidearm or as a large game hunting revolver is moot anyway: The reality for most folks is that if they need a hunting revolver, they're not carrying a fixed sight model. If they need a defensive revolver, they're not carrying a single action. If they need a lot of power, they're not carrying a 45colt.

I like .44mags, so I like original Vaq's for that cartridge - new vaq's aren't big enough to handle the pressure of 44mags. In 357mag or 45colt, I like the fact that the New Vaq cylinders align in the loading recess without spending an extra $125 for a Power Custom Half Cock hammer.

My current project(s) on my bench for myself is a pair of 44mag Big Vaq's, my next project on the docket is a 45colt New Vaq. Take your pick.

 

[ProfessorWes]

Given that I prefer the feel of the 50th Anniversary/New Vaq grip frame, I'd go with the New Vaquero...unless the Old Vaquero was one of the birdshead models, in which case I'd pick that.

Edit: That's as long as we're talking about the .45 Colt chambering, as in the OP. Where I live, I don't need the capability to shoot magnum-level loads. Otherwise, if given the opportunity I'd grab one of the .45 ACP New Vaq birdsheads over either of the above two guns.

 

[buckeyeshooter]

How about the 'old' vaquero with the 'old' grip companies grips fit my big paw. the new ones don't give me anything to hold on to.

 

[gak]

I voted the bottom option, as others have pointed out - it all depends. Thumper (.44 Mag) goes along on those "bear country" camping romps, because it can, while my .44 Specials do the rest. Like cell phones, then smart phones, before the (wide availability of) Specials showed up, I didn't know I needed them - because I didn't! But, for most duty they fill the bill and seem to make the most sense especially for all day/wilderness carry or casual woodsin'.

 

[6gun]

Can't honestly vote since my Vaquero's are the original model and I've never owned or shot a new model, I prefer 44 mag over 45 Colt which the new model is to weak to handle, big draw back to the new model is it only being available in 2 cals.

 

[Rclark]

New Vaquero. Why? Because it is just a tad handier, will do mostly whatever needs doing with a fixed sighted revolver and it will easily handle tier 2 loads if necessary (up to 23K psi loads) . That covers a lot of territory. Usually though, you use only one load with the fixed sights and probably is just a general purpose load. Mine is a 250g RNFP 900fps load which is plenty of power in it's own right. If I want more than that I have the large frame BH .45 Colt (who needs .44Mag when there is .45 Colt?) . If Stainless, I'd pass. But case colored or blued ... different story.

 

[6gun]

New Vaquero. Why? Because it is just a tad handier, will do mostly whatever needs doing with a fixed sighted revolver and it will easily handle tier 2 loads if necessary (up to 23K psi loads) . That covers a lot of territory. Usually though, you use only one load with the fixed sights and probably is just a general purpose load. Mine is a 250g RNFP 900fps load which is plenty of power in it's own right. If I want more than that I have the large frame BH .45 Colt (who needs .44Mag when there is .45 Colt?) . If Stainless, I'd pass. But case colored or blued ... different story.

And who needs 45 Colt when there's 44 mag? opinions can switch around, we all have different preference's, would be a very boring world if we all liked just the same one Cal.

 

[ndcowboy]

I have both. Love the New Vaquero in .44 special. It is my favorite to shoot and carry. I only break out my "old" in 44 mag when I'm going into bear country. So my preference is the New Vaquero, unless you have need for more umph.

 

[Rclark]

And who needs 45 Colt when there's 44 mag?

That's easy... Because it can shoot a bigger bullet and make bigger holes and it's a classic caliber long before the .44Mag came along . Ross Seyfried on the .45 Colt said "In the midst of this I began to work in Africa. It was a handgunner’s paradise. Plenty of deer and elk-like critters could be stalked to within honest handgun range. Many could be taken with the .44 Magnum, but I always felt like I was asking a boy to do a man’s job." Or quoting from Max P's book "It will leave the .44Mag stepping on its tongue when loaded with heavy bullets". That said I agree with you, comes down to personal preference as both with do the job here in the lower 48 . Heck some here dote on the .41Mag too as 'the' caliber . And others its got to be the .357, and so on.... Everyone has a 'favorite'. I like them all even the lowly .44Mag, but do have some... err, preferences . As said above, it would be a very boring world if we were all in lockstep with each other. Conversations would be kind of short and not much bantering going around .

I have both

Me too. That's why I know I prefer the New Vaquero. Feels 'right' in the hands. Just wish the New Vaquero came with nice case coloring out of the box instead of only blued and the blingy bright stainless.

 

[6gun]

So are you wanting a pat on the back cause a 45 is a hair larger than a 44 or what? :roll:

 

[Rclark]

Sheesh.... Can't banter a bit on the web huh! We have conversations like this at the range amongst friends . All in fun.... Sigh, okay, you win. .44Mag takes the pot.

 

[Dump1567]

Whatever feels & handles best to you.
I shoot the larger frame better due to the bigger grip (big hands).

 

[mohavesam]

Pick the one with sights on it.