Vaquero....new model/old model?

[Anonymous]

New model/old model Vaquero.....what exactly is the difference?

 

[DGW1949]

The Ruger Vaquero is a larger gun than a Ruger New Vaquero. It also has a somewhat different grip frame...not nessesarily bigger or longer, just roomier between the rear of the trigger housing and the front of the grip.

Hope this helps.

DGW

 

[M'BOGO]

NV is the Colt SAA size frame, with XR-3 grip frame. .45 Colt standard loads.

Vaquero is the Super Blackhawk size frame, with XR-3RED grip frame. Chambered in .44 mag and able to use Ruger / Thompson Center .45 Colt loads.

 

[pisgah]

Technically there is no "old model" Vaquero. There is the original Vaqueuro, which was built on the standard Blackhawk-size frame. Then there is the New Vaquero, which is built on a smaller frame. closer in size to the Colt SAA frame than that of the Blachawk.

"Ruger only" loads perfectly suitable for the Vaquero should not be used in the New Vaquero.

 

[Anonymous]

OK thanks guys, that clears it up for me.

May I assume that a gun marked simply Vaquero and not New Vaquero is the old model?

 

[BlkHawk73]

OK thanks guys, that clears it up for me.

May I assume that a gun marked simply Vaquero and not New Vaquero is the old model?

First came the Vaquero which by design has the New Model action/transfer bar. Later came the New Vaquero which also has the New model design/transfer bar.
Whatever is rollmarked on the side of the cylinder frame by the factory is what it is.

 

[pisgah]

OK thanks guys, that clears it up for me.

May I assume that a gun marked simply Vaquero and not New Vaquero is the old model?

Yes.

 

[EDK]

Original Size VAQUEROS have a two digit prefix on the serial number; NEW VAQUEROS have a three digit prefix.

 

[Aktarus]

The NEW VAQUERO has a smaller frame and uses only the 357mag. and 45 Lk. Is not expected to use the Cal. 44mag. they are too powerful for this small frame.

 

[Redstick]

More differences than mentioned here so far... The New vaquero's Cylinder indexes with the loading gate, internal lock on New Vaquero, plastic grips...

 

[TiteGroups]

The new vaqueros are much smaller than the originals, I think they were trying to match the size of the Colt SAA. The cylinders are smaller in diameter and therefore do not have the extra thickness around the chambers to support hot "Ruger Only" loads in .45LC. The originals were also chambered in .44 mag. I own a matched pair, they have the needed extra strength in the cylinders for the higher pressure rounds, that's why the new vaqueros aren't availible in .44 mag. I shoot cowboy action and everybody uses the lightest loads they can to reduce recoil as much as possible to get back on target as quickly as possible, so the extra weight of the old models is a plus there also. Not much advantage to the new models except for the smaller size.

 

[TiteGroups]

The vaqueros are fun to shoot, the fixed sights aren't that much of a drawback, you just have to adjust your' point of aim. Own several Blackhawks and I like the Vaqueros more. The case colors on the blued guns tend to wear off because they aren't real, the stainless holds up to holster wear better and you can buff the wear marks out if you want.

 

[Aktarus]

The vaqueros are fun to shoot, the fixed sights aren't that much of a drawback, you just have to adjust your' point of aim. Own several Blackhawks and I like the Vaqueros more. The case colors on the blued guns tend to wear off because they aren't real, the stainless holds up to holster wear better and you can buff the wear marks out if you want.

You're right, the NEW VAQUERO has to adjust the rear sight at 15 yards and is accurate. The drift side is centered well. The only problem is that at 25 yards, the target is hit 20cm. under. For 25 yards, you should shave, (lower) the viewfinder.
The N.W. has functions and size almost equal to the "Colt" original and challenging much better than the old VAQUERO. The original project was abandoned in favor of the new, just to give shooters increased security.