Beretta Stampede VS Ruger New Vaquero
- Thread starter Alan Fud
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Jim March
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The New Vaq is very likely still tougher overall, esp. in terms of long-term reliability of the action. Remember, that's a whole different type of "strength" completely separate from "how much can it take before blowing".
Classic example: an S&W 19 can take many, many more light loads than an S&W 27/28, because there's less mass beating up the action on each revolution. That's why the 19 was used in PPC and similar matches with barrel weights added, rather than starting with the heavier platform which you'd thing would be tougher.
The Ruger New Vaq *action* parts are identical to their bigger cousins.
The New Vaq loads with the hammer fully down, which is an overall faster reloading drill. Yet UNlike their bigger ancestors, they "click" at the moment each cylinder bore lines up perfectly with the loading gate.
But the best part is how it's parts-interchangeable with the rest of the Ruger product line.
Grip frames, hammers, triggers, pawls (inc. free-spin) and other "innards" will swap with the large-frame series. My New Vaq sports a SuperBlackHawk hammer that dropped right in. Bisleys can be fitted with minor tweaking still within the realm of what a non-gunsmith can do, or it will drop in straight if being swapped at the same time a Bisley grip frame and trigger are fitted.
Bird's-head grip frames will fit too. Any of the grip frame swaps will delete the keylock under the left grip panel. You also have to add a longer mainspring and mainspring strut from a standard post-'73 Blackhawk or "Old Vaquero" and a mainspring "keeper" from same - all of which are cheap parts.
You can use the aluminum grip frame and aluminum ejector rod housing from a standard Blackhawk to lighten it.
Belt Mountain is making New Vaq-specific base pins with locking set-screws. Cylinders and base pins are the same as the 50th Anniversary 357 Flattop Blackhawk, the other "mid frame" Ruger so far (but with adjustable sights).
Eagle and other gripmakers are making grip panels for the New Vaq of various sorts, smooth gunfighter included. I've held off only because I'm considering the all-aluminum route to weight loss
.
This combination of factory and aftermarket parts support is just plain unmatched by *anything*, never mind the Beretta. If you have any inclinations towards tuning your gun to your hand and style, the Ruger makes WAY, way more sense.
Add to all that Ruger's excellent customer service...
I had to make this same choice, and I've had no regrets whatsoever...
Classic example: an S&W 19 can take many, many more light loads than an S&W 27/28, because there's less mass beating up the action on each revolution. That's why the 19 was used in PPC and similar matches with barrel weights added, rather than starting with the heavier platform which you'd thing would be tougher.
The Ruger New Vaq *action* parts are identical to their bigger cousins.
The New Vaq loads with the hammer fully down, which is an overall faster reloading drill. Yet UNlike their bigger ancestors, they "click" at the moment each cylinder bore lines up perfectly with the loading gate.
But the best part is how it's parts-interchangeable with the rest of the Ruger product line.
Grip frames, hammers, triggers, pawls (inc. free-spin) and other "innards" will swap with the large-frame series. My New Vaq sports a SuperBlackHawk hammer that dropped right in. Bisleys can be fitted with minor tweaking still within the realm of what a non-gunsmith can do, or it will drop in straight if being swapped at the same time a Bisley grip frame and trigger are fitted.
Bird's-head grip frames will fit too. Any of the grip frame swaps will delete the keylock under the left grip panel. You also have to add a longer mainspring and mainspring strut from a standard post-'73 Blackhawk or "Old Vaquero" and a mainspring "keeper" from same - all of which are cheap parts.
You can use the aluminum grip frame and aluminum ejector rod housing from a standard Blackhawk to lighten it.
Belt Mountain is making New Vaq-specific base pins with locking set-screws. Cylinders and base pins are the same as the 50th Anniversary 357 Flattop Blackhawk, the other "mid frame" Ruger so far (but with adjustable sights).
Eagle and other gripmakers are making grip panels for the New Vaq of various sorts, smooth gunfighter included. I've held off only because I'm considering the all-aluminum route to weight loss
.This combination of factory and aftermarket parts support is just plain unmatched by *anything*, never mind the Beretta. If you have any inclinations towards tuning your gun to your hand and style, the Ruger makes WAY, way more sense.
Add to all that Ruger's excellent customer service...
I had to make this same choice, and I've had no regrets whatsoever...
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