Vaquero vs New Vaquero?
- Thread starter major519
- Start date
(Old) Vaquero = New Model Blackhawk frame. Strong like bull. Can shoot normal loads and hotter, "Ruger Blackhawk Only" loads listed in the loading tables.
New Vaquero = reintroduced Old Model .357 Blackhawk size frame (smaller). Consequently, not as strong, and should be used with "normal" loads suitable for a Colt SAA.
New Vaquero = reintroduced Old Model .357 Blackhawk size frame (smaller). Consequently, not as strong, and should be used with "normal" loads suitable for a Colt SAA.
No. Most black powder loads are lower pressure anyways. The new Vaquero can handle any standard factory 357 ammo, the old ones could be hot loaded to some pretty stupid levels. Unless you're loading the balls off a 357 for chasing bear or something, the newer one should suffice for most anything you would do with it. Slightly smaller size and weight for the new one are the most noticeable things between the 2.
Last edited:
Most has been covered above already but in simple terms the New model is slightly narrower, more resembling the profile of the SAA. Smaller grip and where its really differs is in the length of the cylinder. The Old model is slightly longer and able to take the 300g+ bullets whereas you may find that the New model will not handle the heavier bullets without hanging out the end of the cylinder. In reality the New Model is really an answer to the demands of the Cowboy action shooters. Both models are excellent, but you need to decide what you are going to do with it. In Canada, we really dont need the big heavy bullets, as the paper really doesnt notice the difference.
dB
dB
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
You can measure it up , i size .4525 260 , and 300 gr ( triple seven might be worth a try)
Got the new one , and its plenty strong, cylinder from a 44 mag..frame looks strong also, I shot hot 260 grain slugs from mine.
I just like the 1873 half #### , and slim lines, those are the guns, to shoot moderate loads.
The new gun has some good ideas, like open the gate , and load all six.
Last edited:
OMG, if I would find a Vaquero Old Model I would buy it on the spot. Is not because the New vaquero is bad. Not at all. But because I need it for fast draw, and the Old Model Vaquero is more suitable for the completely surgery that the gun will suffer after is in my hand.
If someone hear someone who own one and want to get rid of it .... I'll tip him with a sixpack Heinneken. I don't care if the shape of the gun is bad or very bad. The gun will go for a serious surgery and I will replace the cylinder and the barrel anyway.
If someone hear someone who own one and want to get rid of it .... I'll tip him with a sixpack Heinneken. I don't care if the shape of the gun is bad or very bad. The gun will go for a serious surgery and I will replace the cylinder and the barrel anyway.
If you are getting into Cowboy Fast Draw, you should talk with the people in your local fd club or contact another fd club for advice.
I honestly don't know if there is any Fast Draw people on here.
They have the experience to tell you if a Ruger Vaquero is the best, and/or most inexpensive, way to go. They would also be able to tell you who carries the guns and does the work. You may find buying a Uberti already set up for it the ideal way. Or buying a Pietta instead and getting the work done on a new versus used gun. I don't know.
The answers here are only answering your question of what the difference between the Vaqueros are for normal shooting, not which is more suitable for Fast Draw. My limited knowledge of that sport says that regular shooting and fast draw are two very different sports.
I honestly don't know if there is any Fast Draw people on here.
They have the experience to tell you if a Ruger Vaquero is the best, and/or most inexpensive, way to go. They would also be able to tell you who carries the guns and does the work. You may find buying a Uberti already set up for it the ideal way. Or buying a Pietta instead and getting the work done on a new versus used gun. I don't know.
The answers here are only answering your question of what the difference between the Vaqueros are for normal shooting, not which is more suitable for Fast Draw. My limited knowledge of that sport says that regular shooting and fast draw are two very different sports.
Thank you for the advices, but I have answered at the things you advise me to check and ask long time a go.
I won't start a discution off-topic.
I was just reading the thread and I couldn't resist not to say how much I would like a Old Vaquero.
Just for info, forget about Pietta or Uberti for fast draw. Even the legendary Colt will tear apart. Even the worked ones will die under the pressure of fanning style. For thumbing any single action (with some work) will be ok.
Ruger Vaquero old model (called 3 screws) is the one and only piece of iron able to resist for years the abuse of fanning style.
Old model is togher and heavyer than the new model. And for regular shooting can handle loads that the new model can't.
That's the reason I like the old model. Toughness.
Thanx again for posting.
I won't start a discution off-topic.
I was just reading the thread and I couldn't resist not to say how much I would like a Old Vaquero.
Just for info, forget about Pietta or Uberti for fast draw. Even the legendary Colt will tear apart. Even the worked ones will die under the pressure of fanning style. For thumbing any single action (with some work) will be ok.
Ruger Vaquero old model (called 3 screws) is the one and only piece of iron able to resist for years the abuse of fanning style.
Old model is togher and heavyer than the new model. And for regular shooting can handle loads that the new model can't.
That's the reason I like the old model. Toughness.
Thanx again for posting.
Please, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC Vaqueros never were 3 screws. They were made on the New Model Blackhawk 2 pin frame.
I notice that you can get a Vaquero "converted" from the 2 pin to a 3 screw like (no transfer bar, hammer half ####) by a gunsmith (googled the following http://w ww.gunfighter.com/graham/ ).
I'm assuming this would be an advantage in fast draw.
I notice that you can get a Vaquero "converted" from the 2 pin to a 3 screw like (no transfer bar, hammer half ####) by a gunsmith (googled the following http://w ww.gunfighter.com/graham/ ).
I'm assuming this would be an advantage in fast draw.
I know what are u talkin and you're right. There is a pain in the ass to get a gun to Texas for gunsmithing. To send it ...forget about it. And to obtain all the papers then driving to Texas and back for gun gunsmithing....after I will win 6/49.
Thanx for the advice and BTW Bob Graham is a triple "A" gunsmith who's work can be considered state of art. Is a fast draw legend too.
I know I'll find a Vaquero here in Canada...I cand smell it.
Thanx for the advice and BTW Bob Graham is a triple "A" gunsmith who's work can be considered state of art. Is a fast draw legend too.
I know I'll find a Vaquero here in Canada...I cand smell it.
