Vaquero Question

[ArizonaXD]

Thinking about getting into Cowboy Shooting and bought a new Vaquero in 357 S/S.
What is the difference between the "New Style and the Old Style" Vaquero?
Can you see the difference holding them side by side?
Thank you.

 

[Big Bubba]

The New Vaquero more closely resembles the size, feel and weight of the original Colt SAA, especially in the grip area.

I have owned both models, and prefer the New Vaquero. It just "feels" better. Though the New Vaquero is probably stronger than the original Colt SAA, it is not as strong as the older original Vaquero, due to a smaller sized and demensioned cylinder and frame that more closely copys Sam Colt's original design.

The older Vaquero was built on the heavier Blackhawk demensions and is somewhat "beefier" in size and strength.

That being said, the New Vaquero is entirely strong enough for cartridges for which it is chambered.

 

[AzRebel]

The original Vaquero has a larger frame (same size as the large framed Blackhawk). The larger version is somewhat heavier, and both blue and SS models have steel gripframes instead of anodised aluminum, like on a blued Blackhawk.

Cylinder indexing is said to line up the chambered for easer case extraction. The smaller frame is said to allow for better handling, but it won't handle full-house "Ruger only" loads if chambered in .45 Colt. Chambered are bored one at a time, rather than all at once, which is said to line them up better with the barrel (?).

My opinion is that they're both great guns, and one's choice should depend on their preferences and intentions for the revolver.

Daryl

 

[M'BOGO]

The original Vaquero is built on the same frame as the .44 mag.

The New Vaquero is about the same size as the original .357 mag Blackhawk, which is about the same size as the Colt SAA. Here's a good comparison http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm .

In my hand the original Vaquero is a little more top heavy, even with a shorter barrel.

 

[ArizonaXD]

Thank you gentlemen for the information. I really appreciate it.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum! I can't believe no one said that in the excellent posts above!
PS; You got the good info above!

 

[maxpress]

yes there is a visible difference up close but there is no question which one your holding blindfolded.
and welcome to the forum.

 

[Bear Claw Chris Lappe]

Side by side comparison pictures here:

http://gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm

 

[flatgate]

Yeah, and one of the differences is the markings on the cylinder frame. Vaquero and New Vaquero. Now, just to muddy the waters, there are, I heard, a few New Vaquero's out there with Vaquero markings :shock:

flatgate