I understand the differences between the original and the new Vaquero but I have an original Vaquero in .357 and have a chance to purchase a 2nd one just like it. Considering that I might play with CAS a bit down the road, what are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of one over the other? Better to keep the Vaquero I have and buy 2 New Vaqueros for CAS or just get a mate to the one I have? (The one I have is a great shooter and quite accurate.)
Pros and Cons Between Original and New 357 Vaquero
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Jim March
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Man.
That depends.
First thing: does the "Old Vaq" fit your hands? That's the BIG question. If it does, then get another and be done with it.
Do "the checkout" first though, as build quality with the New Vaq is a bit higher on average than the "Old Vaq". The New Vaq is consistently one of the best guns Ruger has ever made.
The New Vaq is a "size clone" of the Colt SAA. The innards are way different but the feel/heft is close. The New Vaq is a better fit for the 357Mag cartridge, as it's pretty much the perfect size for that round. The Old Vaq was built on a 44Magnum-class frame. Both guns can handle all factory 357 rounds (including the wildest stuff Buffalo Bore and Doubletap make, up to 800ft/lbs energy which I've shot out of my New Vaq 357). The advantage with the Old Vaq is you can safely rechamber it bigger later if you want...not a factor in CAS/SASS of course. And if you're a reloader, esp. a newbie reloader, you might take comfort in the fact that the Old Vaq in 357 is among the world's strongest guns in that caliber and more tolerant than most of *minor* reloading errors. You can blow one up, but it takes a major screwup to do so.
And...that's about it, really.
If you like the New Vaq's feel, you can probably unload your current gun for a good enough price to mostly pay for a second New Vaq. Maybe do an even trade with a bit of luck and finding the right buyer looking for the Old Vaq for some reason. While out of production there were enough made that they're still "shooters" rather than safe queens so...you might have to toss a bit of cash into the trade. Shouldn't be too bad though.
What else...do you shoot your SAs "pinkie under" the grip? If so you're more likely to dig the feel of the New Vaq. That's how I shoot and I absolutely love mine...I CCW the dang thing.
That depends.
First thing: does the "Old Vaq" fit your hands? That's the BIG question. If it does, then get another and be done with it.
Do "the checkout" first though, as build quality with the New Vaq is a bit higher on average than the "Old Vaq". The New Vaq is consistently one of the best guns Ruger has ever made.
The New Vaq is a "size clone" of the Colt SAA. The innards are way different but the feel/heft is close. The New Vaq is a better fit for the 357Mag cartridge, as it's pretty much the perfect size for that round. The Old Vaq was built on a 44Magnum-class frame. Both guns can handle all factory 357 rounds (including the wildest stuff Buffalo Bore and Doubletap make, up to 800ft/lbs energy which I've shot out of my New Vaq 357). The advantage with the Old Vaq is you can safely rechamber it bigger later if you want...not a factor in CAS/SASS of course. And if you're a reloader, esp. a newbie reloader, you might take comfort in the fact that the Old Vaq in 357 is among the world's strongest guns in that caliber and more tolerant than most of *minor* reloading errors. You can blow one up, but it takes a major screwup to do so.
And...that's about it, really.
If you like the New Vaq's feel, you can probably unload your current gun for a good enough price to mostly pay for a second New Vaq. Maybe do an even trade with a bit of luck and finding the right buyer looking for the Old Vaq for some reason. While out of production there were enough made that they're still "shooters" rather than safe queens so...you might have to toss a bit of cash into the trade. Shouldn't be too bad though.
What else...do you shoot your SAs "pinkie under" the grip? If so you're more likely to dig the feel of the New Vaq. That's how I shoot and I absolutely love mine...I CCW the dang thing
.
While not vaqueros,I shoot an old "liberty" blackhawk and a "50th" blackhawk built on the same frame as the new vaq. If your shootin' CAS for fun no problem there's not that much difference,if your lookin' for a competative edge get two new vaqueros.they are lighter and a little easier to shoot fast.
also the new vaq. index the chambers with the loading gate making reloading a little faster.that also makes little difference in CAS for me as the few stages that require a reload I just reload the "50th".
also the new vaq. index the chambers with the loading gate making reloading a little faster.that also makes little difference in CAS for me as the few stages that require a reload I just reload the "50th".
Jim March
Member
AH! Yeah, I knew I missed something. Ruger finally fixed the "loading gate click bug"
.I appreciate the feedback, guys. While I like the new indexing on the 50th Blackhawk and Vaqueros, I have never had a problem with the old ones, and kinda have the idea that the indexing has been fixed by adding even more parts and at least one spring. It's a small thing but simpler is always better. I am leaning toward the new ones, largely because of perceived improved quality control and somewhat because the frame is better sized to the cartridge. I have to note however, that my original Vaquero in stainless steel with a 4 5/8 barrel is almost exactly the same loaded weight as my 50th Anniversay Blackhawk even though the frame is clearly a bit larger and longer. I suspect the new Vaquero might be an ounce or so lighter. The big things are probably how the grip feels, quality control (perhaps), better indexing, and a more appropriately sized frame to cartridge. Heck, if I were a rich man (music plays) I'd just buy 'em as I see 'em . I'm gonna sleep on it.
. I'm gonna sleep on it.Jim March
Member
The biggest QC issue involves how cylinders are built.
Your gun's cylinder was drilled all-six-at-once with six drill bits that may or may not have been identical and/or all in alignment. For some reason this was an issue more often in 45LC than in smaller calibers but it affected all types of large-frame SA cylinders once in a while.
The mid-frames are drilled one at a time with the same bit on each bore. Consistency is better. And since it's easier to check one bit, it seems to be happening more often so we're getting better individual bores as well as better consistency.
This is the absolute foundation of revolver accuracy. It's not line-boring yet on the mid-frames but it's closer than we've ever seen out of a Ruger.
Mine shoots 2" at 25yds and did so right out of the box, windage dead on. I improved the sights but only because I wanted to, not because I had to.
Your gun's cylinder was drilled all-six-at-once with six drill bits that may or may not have been identical and/or all in alignment. For some reason this was an issue more often in 45LC than in smaller calibers but it affected all types of large-frame SA cylinders once in a while.
The mid-frames are drilled one at a time with the same bit on each bore. Consistency is better. And since it's easier to check one bit, it seems to be happening more often so we're getting better individual bores as well as better consistency.
This is the absolute foundation of revolver accuracy. It's not line-boring yet on the mid-frames but it's closer than we've ever seen out of a Ruger.
Mine shoots 2" at 25yds and did so right out of the box, windage dead on. I improved the sights but only because I wanted to, not because I had to.
Jim, your opinions on single-actions are always informed and worthwhile reading. I always appreciate your contributions. Mavracer, good points about the reloading in CAS. Indexing is a nice feature but not an essential one. Hmm, I'm taking off for a traditional music festival in a little bit, so I'll let this program run in the background for a while. I tend to go overboard so I'm trying be informed and restrained here.
alucard0822
Member
I have an old vaquero in 357, and a new vaquero in 45colt. The trigger and hammer on the new one felt almost the same out of the box as my old one with a few thousand rounds through it and a set of wolff springs. The cylinder rotates smoother, and the loading gate indexing on the new one is a much appreciated fix. The old frame seems to fit my hand better on full power cartridges, but the new one feels better with light cowboy loads. Not to mention the page long ruger safety spiel is now on the underside of the barrel and the internal trigger lock is behind the grips and easily removeable with a couple "old vaquero" parts. I wish they would bring back the birds head model in a short barrell chambered in 38sp or 32mag (CCW cowboy style), or possibly offer charcoal blue in the blued/case hardened finish. I have fired the Colt, Uberti, Taurus and Beretta, and think the ruger is the best shooter of the bunch. With all the competition and the increasing popularity of CASS the choices and quality should just get better.
Jim March
Member
Gary, it was the cylinder issue that sold me on the New Vaq.
You're right, Jim. How the cylinder is now made is a big point in favor of the new. I would imagine Ruger would transfer that manufacturing technique across the board now, wouldn't they?
Alucard0822 - your comments about smoothness are extremely convincing of going new. Pretty scary name there, also, at least backwards.
I really appreciate the feedback, gentlemen. Right now, after a long day of dulcimers, cloggers, fiddles, harmonicas, banjoes, and even a bit of "Newgrass" all sitting on top of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, I'm just plain good tired.
Alucard0822 - your comments about smoothness are extremely convincing of going new. Pretty scary name there, also, at least backwards.
I really appreciate the feedback, gentlemen. Right now, after a long day of dulcimers, cloggers, fiddles, harmonicas, banjoes, and even a bit of "Newgrass" all sitting on top of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, I'm just plain good tired.
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