Vaquero or Bisley Vaquero

[RugerMen]

I'm in the market for a new revolver and I'm torn between the stainless Vaquero and the stainless Bisley Vaquero. Also torn on either a .357 or .45. Which is easier to cock? Which ammo is more efficient? Which would you prefer for Cowboy Action? Cost is not an issue.

 

[Lee Martin]

I love the Bisley gripframe on big-bores like heavy 45s, 475s, and 500s. Never was a fan of it on the Vaquero though. The XR3-RED is easier for me to cock and seems faster on the draw.

 

[contender]

First, you need to find which frame fits your hands the best. Next, if at all possible, shoot each type. And, in both calibers. Go to a SASS match & I'm sure folks there will gladly allow you to try their guns. Stay away from the ones who have had their guns extensivily modified as it won't be the same as a factory gun. And, for SASS, many folks prefer the 357's so they can shoot mild 38 spls for speed. (Gaming the game!) Others prefer the 45 Colt for nostalgia. But, they too can be shot pretty fast too.

 

[gak]

The OP also doesn't mention--and may not be aware of the differences--whether it's the older/original large frame Vaquero or smaller "mid" frame New Vaquero. Only the New Vaquero is in "regular" production, starting appx 2005 (?), though special distributor runs have been (and may be currently) done of the larger model.

All New Vaqueros (note capital N) EXCEPT the .44 Special will say "New Vaquero" on the frame. However, confusing things, Ruger (and now many of its distributors) is just using the term "Vaquero" in their online and hard copy literature for Vaqueros, old and New. SO, whenever inquiring about .357 or .45 ASK which frame.

IMO, the smaller frame is more than adequate for the .357, is a tank whether Bisley or regular plowhandle, and the large frame more than needed, even overkill for most folk...And the large frame for the .45 "needed" only if intending to shoot "heavy" or "hot" and particularly "Ruger only" loads...although some prefer the larger model, regardless of caliber, "just because"--grip shape and size, extra heft, etc.

Functionally, the New Vaquero (and its .357, .44 Special and .45 flattop Blackhawk stablemates) improve upon the original, larger model in having the new cylinder (chamber) aligning pawl, stopping each chamber precisely for loading or ejecting.

I'll let others dicuss the specific merits of the calibers/cartridges themselves as I don't CAS. However, regardless of use, most would agree the big bores balance "better,"and related, certainly weigh less. IMO, regardless of use, and especially if getting a .357 for an all-purpose firearm, keep the barrel length down to 4-5/8" or 5.5" max, final choice maybe depending on the user's priorities: sight picture, the longer usually favoring--versus handiness. That gun can get a bit hefty on the hip in an afternoon of trailin'. With the "little" .357 holes--seven of 'em--there's a fair amount of metal in the gun. OTOH, as a general statement I will say the .357 is an awfully versatile gun, and can shoot milder and cheaper .38s for target and plinking.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Yup, if you want to buy a revolver (or two because you will need two) for CAS, your best bet is to show up at a match and try some. If you show even a modest amount of interest, shooters will be falling all over themselves to let you try theirs.

I wish I had a dollar for every new Cowboy shooter who just had to have 45s for the nostalgia of the cartridge, but eventually wound up selling them so he could shoot 38s. I shoot 45s, and I load them with Black Powder, but most shooters in CAS are more interested in the light recoil of a 38 for fast repeat shots. 38s are much cheaper to shoot too.

Never had much use for the Ruger version of the Bisley grip myself, but there are those that like them. But from what I have seen they are not as popular now as they used to be.

Most like the Bisley grip because they can cram their entire hand onto it. Many of us prefer to curl our pinky under the standard grip.

Get yourself to a match and try them.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

If cost is no object, go with the .45. That big hunk of lead will knock those targets down a little better than the .357 does. The Bisley grip feels more like a double action revolver than a single action one, use which feels more natural to you.
Have fun!

 

[Rainman]

The previous posters have given you some good advice. I'm not a fan of the pip-squeek loads that were never part of the Old West. The original 45 Colt load in black powder were a handfull. I don't tend to load my 45s to the max but I do like knowing I shot it. The Bisley is so manageable when shooting the big bullets and are my favorites for hunting.

My favorite for fun shooting is a stainless 44 special vaquero with the traditional plow handle that shoots as sweet as any handgun I own.

How's that for mixed opinions. It's best to get several of each so you can cover all your bases.
Dan

 

[Kevin]

If you were buying on looks, the bisley would win hands down. That bisley vaquero is very nice.

 

[COLT_45]

45 Colt New Vaquero For All Around Fun & Business.
I really like our matched pair of the limited edition Montados.

 

[EDK]

Get a BISLEY, Original Size VAQUERO or NEW VAQUERO. Then take your prize over to EAGLE GRIPS on Randy Road (last time I was in Chicago) and get a set of Gunfighter model grips in the materiel of your choice. Smooth or checkered black water buffalo horn on stainless guns! They're good on the "plowhandle" grip frame too.

A 45 is more authentic; a 357 will allow you to compete on a level playing field with everyone else. I use 44 Magnum Original Size VAQUEROS or BISLEY VAQUEROS 90% of the time, but have them in 357 in case I want to compete. Since I cast my own boolits, as well as reload, ammo runs under a dime a a round for either one. If you don't load hot...and CAS frowns on that...you can get a lot of mileage out of your cartridge casings.