I've had a hankering for a single action for a while now, and before the New Vaquero was released, I was pretty sure it was going to be a USFA Rodeo. How, however, with the New Vaquero being really similar in size, and price (my local prices are something like $570 for the Rodeo, and $500 for the Vaquero), my decision has become a little harder. I have had a chance to handle both guns, but only briefly. I BELIEVE they were both the 4.75" barrel lengths. Now, I think I have all of the differences between the two down, but I do not know which I should get. I've made up my mind that it will be .45colt, and that it will have the 4.75" barrel. (I think...). The Ruger seems a bit more "modern" in that it has the transfer bar and is safe to carry up to 6 loaded, but, I doubt I'd ever carry it anywhere so that may be a moot point. I think the 4-clicks is kind of cool anyways. Also the Rodeo's plain blue finish doesn't look as nice as the Rugers CCH, but I bet it'll be more durable. Sights between the two seem negligable. Size seems similar. I mean, pragmactically, the Ruger seems like the one I should get in that it's a little beefier, is "safer", etc. but something about an authentic (well, as authentic as I can get this side of $1000) "Colt" (in that it's made in the same factory) keeps calling me. I don't know. What are your guys' opinions?
New Vaquero or USFA Rodeo?
- Thread starter kyoung05
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I'm in the same dilemma.
I've heard nothing but good things about the Rodeo, but I can't warm up to the finish. Just seems too dull. Why can't they offer different finishes without jacking the price to $1K like some of their other models?
For the price of buying and refinishing it, I can get two Rugers. Hey, I just may do that.
I've heard nothing but good things about the Rodeo, but I can't warm up to the finish. Just seems too dull. Why can't they offer different finishes without jacking the price to $1K like some of their other models?
For the price of buying and refinishing it, I can get two Rugers. Hey, I just may do that.
Gunsnrovers
Member
The Ruger CCH rubs off. The matte blue of the Rodeo turns greyish over time.
To my eye, the Ruger looks better new, but the Rodeo ages better.
Just my $0.02. I still have my Blackhawk and Rodeo. I traded my Vaquero a while back.
To my eye, the Ruger looks better new, but the Rodeo ages better.
Just my $0.02. I still have my Blackhawk and Rodeo. I traded my Vaquero a while back.
SpaceCowboy
Member
I'm sortof in the same boat.
I would say that it depends(for me anyway).
If you intend to have a shooter and shoot often, Ruger hands down.
If it is to be an intermitant plinker, I would go with the USFA.
The USFA is as close to a colt as it can get, to me there is some value in that.
The Ruger will hold up better mechanically over time, so if you shoot sass or intend to go Ruger. The ruger will most likely be more accurate as well, the USFA was beat of a rest by the Beretta Stampede(also a nice SAA). As posted earlier, the finish on the USFA will wear much more nicely than the Ruger. Maybe split the difference and look at a stampede? But I think I would go USFA.
I don't think I was very helpful here.
As for me, I am waiting for someone who doesn't know any better to bring in a first generation colt that can be traced back to the 7th cavalry and wants to sell it for fifty bucks. Wish me luck
I would say that it depends(for me anyway).
If you intend to have a shooter and shoot often, Ruger hands down.
If it is to be an intermitant plinker, I would go with the USFA.
The USFA is as close to a colt as it can get, to me there is some value in that.
The Ruger will hold up better mechanically over time, so if you shoot sass or intend to go Ruger. The ruger will most likely be more accurate as well, the USFA was beat of a rest by the Beretta Stampede(also a nice SAA). As posted earlier, the finish on the USFA will wear much more nicely than the Ruger. Maybe split the difference and look at a stampede? But I think I would go USFA.
I don't think I was very helpful here.
As for me, I am waiting for someone who doesn't know any better to bring in a first generation colt that can be traced back to the 7th cavalry and wants to sell it for fifty bucks. Wish me luck
I was at my local FFL today, and may need to rethink my opinion above. I had a chance to take a look and hold a new model Vaquero, an old model Vaquero, and the Beretta Stampede. The owner of the shop personally owns all three and shoots SAA style revolvers quite a bit. He just got the new Vaquero and hasn't been able to shoot it yet though.
All three guns were priced under $400. He likes the Beretta Stampede better than either Ruger. He showed me the grip to frame fit on the Beretta was better, although it wasn't bad on the Rugers. He said the Beretta had an actual color case hardened frame, although I think he may be wrong about that as Beretta's web site calls it a finish. He said he thinks the Beretta is the best value right now for a single action .45LC.
FWIW.
All three guns were priced under $400. He likes the Beretta Stampede better than either Ruger. He showed me the grip to frame fit on the Beretta was better, although it wasn't bad on the Rugers. He said the Beretta had an actual color case hardened frame, although I think he may be wrong about that as Beretta's web site calls it a finish. He said he thinks the Beretta is the best value right now for a single action .45LC.
FWIW.
Hmm, I hadn't even considered the Beretta Stamepde, but my local range has one in thier case so maybe I'll take a look at it. The gun will probably be a range gun more than anything else, and I usually use a gun rug/carpet to prevent scratches, so I don't know how much more I'd appreciate a more durable finish. I'll probably have to take up reloading to even be able to afford to shoot .45colt, and I was thinking the Ruger would offer a little larger margin of error. I definitely don't plan on shooting any colt-magnum loads, well not in this gun anyways. I am still torn between the Rodeo and Vaquero. I wish there was a local range where I could test them both out, but unfortunately the only single action I've ever shot was a single-six I used to own.
targetshootr
member
I take the Rodeo to the range a lot more than my old type Vaquero even though the stainless finish on it is nice. As soon as I got this gun I took the finish off. Looks better now and it goes clickety-click.
El Rocoso
Member
I have more than one Rodeo and have nothing but good things to say about 'em. I also have an older Vaquero and intend to get a new one as soon as possible. There have been some negative comments about the Stampedes around the net though I don't remember exactly what they were. As far as durability is concerned, there's little doubt but that Ruger builds tough guns and the coil springs and internals are generally more beefy and durable than those in the Colt-style pistols. BUT, there are Colt SAAs that have been around for over 100 years and are still being shot on a regular basis, so I really don't expect my Rodoes to wear out before I do.
I think I am torn between these two in particular because the Rodeo is about as close to an authentic Colt as I can get for under $1000, and the Vaquero is "Colt-size", while being slightly beefier. The Stampede, to me, is neither as beefy as the Ruger, nor as authentic as the Rodeo. At this point, I may just get whichever I come across at a decent price first, and if I decide I like shooting .45colt from a single-action platform, I'll get the other later. I only wish the shooting ranges would have one or the other, or both even, for me to try out. Instead the closest I'll probably get is shooting a Blackhawk in a different barrel-lenth in .357 magnum :banghead: Actually, I think a local range MAY have an old style Vaquero in .45colt, only problem is that it is neither the same size as either Rodeo or new Vaquero, and it will probably cost me about $40 ($10 range fee + $10 rental + $20/box of ammo) to shoot. 
If I were to choose, I would go with the Rodeo because I want something closer in authenticity, and at the same time is a reliable shooter.
I had a Beretta Stampede and never experienced any problems with it. The main issue with those was the over-rotation of the cylinder.
I had a Beretta Stampede and never experienced any problems with it. The main issue with those was the over-rotation of the cylinder.
ScottsGT
Member
I'd buy anything but the Ruger since it has that big @$$ billboard of safety stamped on the barrel.
Does anyone know of any aftermarket barrels for the Rugers? I held a New Vaquero the other day. Feel great, lighter than the old one, but still has the WARNING: DO NOT SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FACE still stamped on the side of the barrel.
Does anyone know of any aftermarket barrels for the Rugers? I held a New Vaquero the other day. Feel great, lighter than the old one, but still has the WARNING: DO NOT SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FACE still stamped on the side of the barrel.
targetshootr
member
It might be cheaper to have a 'smith take the literature off the barrel rather than replace it.
ScottsGT
Member
I have thought about doing that. I did notice that the new models have the writing stamped much lighter. My buddy has an old model in stainless that I was going to file his out and repolish that area for him, but it is stamped SO heavy that it would become a slab sided barrel!
I'm in the same predicament, but leaning towards the Rodeo. This will be my second single action revolver as I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .357mag/.38spl. It has the 7.5 inch barrel which I find accurate but very nose heavy. I am looking forward to a smaller SAA with a 4 5/8 inch barrel that is lighter and handier. Now which caliber, .45 LC or .44 Sp? I reload so no worries on loadings and I know to keep them ligher than with the Blackhawk. And I am leaning towards .45 LC for the history. Thanks.
warbirds3339
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2008
- Messages
- 2
New Vaquero Barrell Stamp
Hello All, I am New to the group and I love it. I have recently bought 2 Ruger NEW Vaquero's and they are Beautiful. They are in Polished Stainless and in 357/38 special, the warning is printed on THE BOTTOM of the Barrell so you do not see it at all. I also have a old Vaquero in 45 Long Colt and the warning is printed on TOP of the Barrell. Maybe the new ones are concerned about the stamping or because it is 357/38 make a difference.
Marshal Mike
[email protected]
Hello All, I am New to the group and I love it. I have recently bought 2 Ruger NEW Vaquero's and they are Beautiful. They are in Polished Stainless and in 357/38 special, the warning is printed on THE BOTTOM of the Barrell so you do not see it at all. I also have a old Vaquero in 45 Long Colt and the warning is printed on TOP of the Barrell. Maybe the new ones are concerned about the stamping or because it is 357/38 make a difference.
Marshal Mike
[email protected]
Take a look at the Rodeo II. It has a satin nickel finish and charcoal blued small parts. I think they look a better than the standard Rodeo.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=121411369
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=121411369
I was faced with the same situation. I really liked the matte finish on the rodeo and wanted it for the more authentic action, after all it is a cowboy gun. However if you were planning on large volume shooting like SASS the Ruger could be better. Between these two revolvers I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Just prepare yourself for sticker stock on the ammo. I can't afford to shoot .45LC. Saw some really nice Teddy Roosevelt 150yrs anniversay ammo, nickle with roosevelt .45 stamped on the head, nice but $50 for 50 rounds. Regular ammo runs $32-33 per 50.
SwampWolf
Member
kyoung05 has probably not only made his choice but is on his second barrel by now...
peacemaker45
Member
Heck your best bet for either would be to buy it through Long Hunter, with his action work already done.
http://www.longhunt.com/
As far as the finish goes, I'm not sure anyone's doing "authentic," color case hardening, these days. (Except for Doug Turnbull, if you want to pay his kind of $$) Nor would you really want it, if they were. It was an old way of hardening steel, and the colors were a byproduct of it. However, it only produced a layer of hardened steel a few thousandths thick, over unhardened steel within. Modern guns are through hardened, and then have a chemical process applied to simulate the color case process.
Anyhow, you can get the Rodeo in the matte finish, or polished blue, or satin nickel, for a few extra bucks.
As for the safety issue, the Ruger is the way to go if you want six-up. However, it comes at a price, as the transfer bar fouls the trigger pull a bit, and the coil mainspring isn't as smooth as the flat spring. Too much friction between the coil and strut. That can be fixed, but not cheaply.
As for reliability, the flat mainspring isn't much of a liability. I've been shooting SASS for four years, and of all the malfunctions I've seen, that hasn't been one of them. After all, S&W still uses flat springs in their guns. The liability of the USFA is in the hand spring. That one actually does break. Long Hunter, and most other cowboy 'smiths drill the frame, and replace it with a coil. That's not particularly pricey.
The Ruger is made from investment castings, whereas the USFA is made from CNC machined bar stock, IIRC. I'm no great shakes as a metallurgist, but someone said that they are essentially equal in strength, but that the Ruger's steel is slightly more porous. Whatever that means.
That's all the info I've got for ya. You wouldn't be going wrong either way, as both are excellent guns.
~~~Mat
http://www.longhunt.com/
As far as the finish goes, I'm not sure anyone's doing "authentic," color case hardening, these days. (Except for Doug Turnbull, if you want to pay his kind of $$) Nor would you really want it, if they were. It was an old way of hardening steel, and the colors were a byproduct of it. However, it only produced a layer of hardened steel a few thousandths thick, over unhardened steel within. Modern guns are through hardened, and then have a chemical process applied to simulate the color case process.
Anyhow, you can get the Rodeo in the matte finish, or polished blue, or satin nickel, for a few extra bucks.
As for the safety issue, the Ruger is the way to go if you want six-up. However, it comes at a price, as the transfer bar fouls the trigger pull a bit, and the coil mainspring isn't as smooth as the flat spring. Too much friction between the coil and strut. That can be fixed, but not cheaply.
As for reliability, the flat mainspring isn't much of a liability. I've been shooting SASS for four years, and of all the malfunctions I've seen, that hasn't been one of them. After all, S&W still uses flat springs in their guns. The liability of the USFA is in the hand spring. That one actually does break. Long Hunter, and most other cowboy 'smiths drill the frame, and replace it with a coil. That's not particularly pricey.
The Ruger is made from investment castings, whereas the USFA is made from CNC machined bar stock, IIRC. I'm no great shakes as a metallurgist, but someone said that they are essentially equal in strength, but that the Ruger's steel is slightly more porous. Whatever that means.
That's all the info I've got for ya. You wouldn't be going wrong either way, as both are excellent guns.
~~~Mat
peacemaker45
Member
Aw, hell, look at the dates, Mat, look at the dates. :banghead:
ak-kev
Member
Yea, me too Jon. I've been researching this topic for 6 months now. I finally decided to go with USFA in blued/CCH in 4.75 form. Unfortunately the gunshop where I work now part-time couldnt even find any available. So yesterday at work, we started looking and calling again and we found one............only one........in nickel. So I went ahead and jumped on it. Should be here tomorrow. I've had many conversations with USFA on the phone and they really seem professional. I was very happy with them each time I got off the phone. They have an extreem attention to detail attitude that I like. They want their guns as original as they can get. Anyway......thats my choice. Kevin.
LightningMan
Member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,029
I have 4 .357 /.38 cal. NM Ruger Vaquaro's two 5 1/2 inchers and two 4 3/4 inchers and you can shoot the hell out them and they keep coming back for more. Dry fire the **** out them too, can't hurt um. Built like tanks, love um. I broke every spring on a USFA/Colt/clones style you can think of, Main spring, Bolt/trigger spring, Hand spring, and the Bolt legs, (which are springs too) broke them all, all but the cross latch spring for the cylinder pin. LM
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