[JoeSF]

I want a 357 Vaquero. Whats the pros ad cons of the two lenghths ? I know the shorter oneis out f the holster faster and the longer one is probably nicer with the 357 load. Any thougts from owners are appreciated.
thanks, Joe

[Josey]

Sight focal length. I used to be comfortable with snubs. I went to 3". I used to have 4 and 5/8" 357 Magnums. I switched to RVs in 44-40 and 5.5". I swear I shoot better because I can focus on the front sight clearer.

[one45auto]

I'd go with the 4 5/8" barrel because it balances better. I wouldn't know about holsters because even after all these years I still haven't bought one for mine. Go figure. (Probably has something to do with the fact that I don't plan on carrying it since it's not a CCW piece nor am I living on a farm where I could walk around my land with it.) I just use the factory box to take it to and from the range.

By the way, of all the firearms I own the .357 Vaquero is the one which attracts the most "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from friends and acquaintances. It's one BEAUTIFUL pistola. ;)

[JoeSF]

I appreciate the thougths on the site picture Josey I'll check that out. Im thinking of a blued one definately want cherry grips. Is yours stainless one45auto? Thanks for the tip on the balance too.
Joe

[one45auto]

Is yours stainless one45auto?

OH yeah, bright stainless. Looks for all the world like nickel plating. Sweet doesn't even begin to describe it. :D

If I can borrow my dad's digital camera, and figure out how to post it, I'll add a pic of it.

[Jim March]

Some people shoot better with a more "nose heavy" feel, some with a "lighter, more agile barrel". If you're not sure which you are, you need to be renting several pieces to see which you fall into :).

[Stainz]

I have had several .45 Colt BH's - still have the SS Bisley - in 5.5". I bought my first 4 5/8" , a Vaquero SS .45 Colt BHG, last fall. A-B-ing the two, I feel that they are indeed as different as night and day. The shorter barrel, and remember, it's a whole 7/8" shorter, just seems to point better. The 'little' BHG, with black Micarta grips, looks neat and feels nice, albeit small. You just have to pick one up to see what I mean. It's 'roundness' makes it roll in your hand under recoil; the standard BH grip doesn't. The Bisley gripped longer barreled revolver gets the nod for distance plinking - I can adjust it's sight. The BHG Vaquero is more fun - and fine for plinking small metal plates at 15yd. It see's a lot more range time these days...

I mention this because Ruger still lists the .357 Vaquero as available in the 4 5/8" length with the Bird's Head Grip and black Micarta, although I have never seen one. If available, I may just have to order one...

Stainz

[Dr.Doug]

I've got a 45 LC (blued) with the 4 5/8 barrel. It pionts better (for me) than my buddy's 5.5 did. His was in stainless, and got rid of it because of glare off the barrel. Anyone else have problems with that?

[Tom C.]

I have NMBHs in .45 Colt in 5 1/2" and 7 1/2". I used the 5 1/2" ones in SASS for a number of years. This year I have switched to .357 MNBHs with 4 5/8" barrels. All in stainless. I prefer the 5 1/2" barrels for sight radius, but the 4 5/8" are a little quicker. I had SS Vaqueros, and I dulled the finish where I needed to, but I still prefer the Blackhawks. Much better sights that I can pick up quickly. I know people with SS Vaqueros who have them sand blasted to product the low luster finish of the Blackhawks.

[Johnny Guest]

- -is always, What is your intended use for this particular firearm?

I've always prefered the 4-5/8 barrel on a single action revolver, just because it carries so nicely. Out of the way when carried afield, either for jus wandering around, or as a supplement for a rifle. Most of my handgun hunting is intentionally done at short range, so the shorter barrel is no particular handicap. Also, it is somewhat easier to conceal the shorted barrelled Vaquero. (Hey, don't laugh TOO hard. I know several guys who feel quite secure with an SA revolver for self defense. SAs have been getting people out of tight spots since the 1830s. ;))

On the other hand, most of my hunting sidearms are of larger bore - - .44 or .45. With a good load, these don't really gain as much from a little extra barrel. And, while a majority of the .357 magnums I've ever owned wore barrels of around four-inch length, no one can argue that the .357 cartridge is one that gets a real benefit from the longer barrels.

If I was going to use the piece for actual hunting, or didn't mind the minor extra burden, I believe I'd want the 5.5" .357. Two of the revolvers I most regret letting go were a 7.5" Blackhawk in .45 Colt and a 5" model 27.

Whichever you choose, I know you'll really enjoy your Vaquero.

Best,
Johnny

[Mannlicher]

I have Rugers in 5 1/2 and 7 1/2 inch. I like the 5 1/2 a lot, as an all around length.
I ordered a .45 Colt,Bisley Vaquero with the 4 5/8 inch barrel, and it should be in Saturday. I intend to carry this one some, so I ordered leather today. The holster rides fairly high, on the strong side, with a cut out along the front side to ease the barrel's exit.
I really don't think you can have too many of these Rugers, so I will probably buy another Bisley Vaquero 4 5/8 in .44 Mag before too long.