Scaled down frame?

[Super Sneaky Steve]

I've been looking at a Davidson's Exclusive Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt and they say it has a "scaled down frame".

What does this mean? It's not a .22 replica or anything. Is the frame on this gun actually smaller than a regular New Vaquero?

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=5120

It's this one here. I want to use it as a CC piece.

 

[robinkevin]

I am not completely sure, but usually scale down means just that its scale down usually shorter barrel and grip compare to the full size model. Kinda like a service size pistol and a compact pistol in the same model. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong on this.

Also its not recommended that one carries a single action as a defense pistol. For the simple fact that in cocking a single action under pressure or stress often leads to "going off half cocked". Not saying its not possible to get to a point that shooting the single action is second nature and is perfect every time even under stress, but the fact is few of us a "gunfighters" of the old west and don't always perform as well under stress.

 

[rcmodel]

The old New Vaquero was built on a huge .44 Magnum Blackhawk frame.

The "new" New Vaquero is built on a .357 Blackhawk size frame, more closer to the size of the original Colt Single-Action Army.

Unless you want to shoot mastodon killer "Ruger only" loads, the new New Vaquero is a much more pleasing size to carry & shoot.

Davidson's isn't exclusive anymore though.
The new New Vaquero in Rugers regular line is now made on the .357 frame size also.

rc

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

I get it that the New Vaquero is smaller than the old ones. I have a NV in .357. I just assumed that this Davidson's version was different still since they put that in there.

Maybe it's just the shorter barrel that makes it a "scaled down frame" but I never thought of the barrel or even the subframe as the "frame".

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.ruger.com/products/vaqueroDE/models.html

rc

 

[David E]

The old New Vaquero was built on a huge .44 Magnum Blackhawk frame.

The "new" New Vaquero is built on a .357 Blackhawk size frame....

No it's not. The original "Vaquero" was built on the large frame.

The "New Vaquero" is built on the smaller frame.

There is no "old New Vaquero," nor is there a "new New Vaquero."

I agree it's confusing since Rugers own site doesn't appear to make the distinction.

 

[murf]

there are four basic parts to a ruger single acion: 1) the grip frame, 2) the cylinder frame, 3) the cylinder and 4) the barrel. the vaquero has a smaller cylinder frame and cylinder than a blackhawk 45lc.

may want to think twice about putting heavy loads in that gun.

murf

 

[Burt Blade]

I have handled both the original and current Vaqueros. (and own several of the originals.)

The current Vaquero frame and grip is very close in size to the Colt single-acton, and generally fits the same holsters.

The original Vaquero version is somewhat larger, and typically does not fit a snugly-fitting holster meant for a Colt.

One other change in the current Vaquero: the hammer spur has been lowered slightly to allow easier cocking by normal-sized hands.

Both are very solidly built guns, that hold up well to extensive use.

 

[Fishslayer]

Unless you want to shoot mastodon killer "Ruger only" loads, the new New Vaquero is a much more pleasing size to carry & shoot.

Doesn't everybody want to shoot mastodon killer .44s?