Is this Vaquero worth it? I need your advice!
- Thread starter bhommie
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Coyote3855
Member
Sounds good to me. I'm no fan of the 7.5" barrel. Prefer 4 5/8 for ease of carry. If this one floats your boat, the price is good. I assume this is the Vaquero, not the New Vaquero?
BCCL
Member
Original Vaqueros are larger, on the same frame as a Blackhawk.
New Vaqueros are smaller, closer to a Colt SAA.
That price might be a tad high, but not much.
New Vaqueros are smaller, closer to a Colt SAA.
That price might be a tad high, but not much.
BullRunBear
Member
That is a decent price if the piece is like new.
If it's a New Vaquero it will say that on the side plate. If it's the older version, it will just say Vaquero.
The older version is larger and heavier and stronger than the new model. It is essentially a Blackhawk with fixed sights. If I recall correctly, the Vaquero series was developed for Cowboy Action Shooting but people wanted Ruger quality with the size of a SAA. The New Vaquero was the answer. They also went to shorter barrels for quicker handling which is why the 7.5" barrel was discontinued. (That barrel length was also discontinued on the Blackhawk 45 Colt/45 ACP comvertible.)
Question: Is there a reason you want a fixed sight revolver?
I have a New Vaquero and like it a lot. (I also have the 7.5" Blackhawl convertible.) I use the Vaquero mostly for black powder cartridges these days.
Hope this helps.
Jeff
If it's a New Vaquero it will say that on the side plate. If it's the older version, it will just say Vaquero.
The older version is larger and heavier and stronger than the new model. It is essentially a Blackhawk with fixed sights. If I recall correctly, the Vaquero series was developed for Cowboy Action Shooting but people wanted Ruger quality with the size of a SAA. The New Vaquero was the answer. They also went to shorter barrels for quicker handling which is why the 7.5" barrel was discontinued. (That barrel length was also discontinued on the Blackhawk 45 Colt/45 ACP comvertible.)
Question: Is there a reason you want a fixed sight revolver?
I have a New Vaquero and like it a lot. (I also have the 7.5" Blackhawl convertible.) I use the Vaquero mostly for black powder cartridges these days.
Hope this helps.
Jeff
millertyme
Member
I wouldn't pay more than $400 for a blued Vaq. Especially in .45LC. Especially used.
Old Ranger
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I bought two of the old Vaqueros in .44 mag, 4 5/8 when they first came out. Also two in .45; one with a 4 5/8 bbl, the other 7 1/2. They are able to take all the maximum 'Ruger or Freedom Arms only' loads you want to put through them. The .44s eat up top .44 mag loads. They're great guns, and in my opinion; far superior to the "new" model.
I just saw one in .44 mag at a local gun shop for $379. It's in prime shape - - - doesn't look like it's been shot much. Been thinking about it, and if it's still up there this week I'll probably make it mine.
You need to know though; Ruger quit making barrels for them. Like anything else out of production - - - parts could be a problem if you ever needed them. However mine are like tanks - - - still fine, and better than what is out there now. Just bought a Blackhawk - - - called 'New Model Blackhawk' They've cut some corners making it - - - easy to tell.
Anyway - - - a little over $400 isn't bad.
I just saw one in .44 mag at a local gun shop for $379. It's in prime shape - - - doesn't look like it's been shot much. Been thinking about it, and if it's still up there this week I'll probably make it mine.
You need to know though; Ruger quit making barrels for them. Like anything else out of production - - - parts could be a problem if you ever needed them. However mine are like tanks - - - still fine, and better than what is out there now. Just bought a Blackhawk - - - called 'New Model Blackhawk' They've cut some corners making it - - - easy to tell.
Anyway - - - a little over $400 isn't bad.
gb6491
Member
Then again, there's Lipsey's Distributor Exclusive .44Spl "New Vaquero" that just says Vaquero on it.
Regards,
greg
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Price is about a hundred bucks too high. You can get a brand new one for that price. They did indeed produce the New Vaquero in the 7½" length. Don't know when or if it was discontinued but they're still in stock at Davidson's. I'm also unsure what certain folks mean by the newer guns being "cheap". The New Vaquero and all the late model flat-tops are built with new CNC machinery. They are extremely consistent and better shooters than their standard Blackhawk brethren. Some just like to complain.
Parts are not an issue for any New Model Ruger single action and since Old Ranger doesn't seem to know, that's any single action produced since 1973.
EDIT: Actually by shopping around I can get a new New Vaquero for $459. It just depends on whether or not it's a large frame Vaquero or mid-frame New Vaquero and whether or not you want to run "Ruger only" loads through it. If it had checkered black plastic grips on it, it was probably a New Vaquero.
Parts are not an issue for any New Model Ruger single action and since Old Ranger doesn't seem to know, that's any single action produced since 1973.
EDIT: Actually by shopping around I can get a new New Vaquero for $459. It just depends on whether or not it's a large frame Vaquero or mid-frame New Vaquero and whether or not you want to run "Ruger only" loads through it. If it had checkered black plastic grips on it, it was probably a New Vaquero.
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