New or old vaquero

[1911Tuner]

Vaqueros

The New Vaquero has a niche and serves a purpose. Smaller and not as brute strong as the original Vaqueros and New Model Blackhawks, for sure...but they're also lighter and easier to pack on a long hike. They're also stronger than one might think, given their close approximation of the original SAA's dimensions. I know this for a fact.

The .357 version is fully capable of handling anything that is within SAAMI specs, and even a little more...though overloaded/hot-rod ammunition is never recommended in any gun...including the massive Super Redhawk. Limit this sort of thing to need-based useage and proceed with caution. Don't fall into the belief that any of'em are indestructible. To date, I've seen three Blackhawks and one Super Blackhawk blown to smithereens. If you start to think that they can't break...you just haven't been trying hard enough.

The .45 New Vaquero should be approached with the same limitations in mind as the Colt SAA or any of its Italian clones...even though it's much more durable. Ruger has long had a rep for marketing strong revolvers...and they haven't changed that over-engineering habit with the New Vaquero, likely because they're well aware that there are handloaders out there who very often push the envelope.

 

[ArmedBear]

If you start to think that they can't break...you just haven't been trying hard enough.

No doubt.

When I wrote that about handloads, I didn't mean stupid handloads. Right now, though, I'm working up the ladder towards the maximum charge in a particular .44 load. The testing is happening in the Super Blackhawk, not the 629. Slight over-spec pressure isn't going to blow up the SBH -- probably not the Smith, either, but the SBH is less likely to be any worse for wear, because I put a couple of rounds in it for testing.

 

[Gary A]

I've always thought the Vaqueros were over-sized and bull-strong simply as a a result of Ruger using their existing frame size to build a fixed-sight revolver, not because they were trying to build a super SAA that could safely fire "uber-loads". I've also believed that Ruger settled on one frame size (the 44) back in the 70's for all their Blackhawks to save costs on manufacturing efficiency. If that is so, then re-introducing the smaller frame for the New Vaquero and the 50th Anniversary .357 doesn't seem to me to be "cheapening" anything but more tailoring the frame to the task.

For my purposes and uses, the New Vaquero is actually a better fit for me than the Vaquero though I like them both.

I do wish they still offered the larger Vaquero also in .45 and .44, not so much for me, but because there is obviously a market for it. They could call it the Super Vaquero.

 

[B BRI]

Both !!!

 

[flat top]

I like em both...but, I was looking for an old Vaquero in 44 mag (never did find one), and came across the new Vaquero "Birds Head" with the short barrel. WoW!!! Did that ever trip my trigger!!! I had an old New Model Super Blackhawk, but, it was really in need of a facelift (a great gun, that had served me well, had no business being treated so poorly). My only beef with the Vaquero's was the lack of an adjustable sight...anyway to make a long story short, I got the hacksaw and files out and went to work on my old reliable 5 1/2" NMB............ Now I have everything that I want....short barrel (4"), adjustable sights, Birds Head grip....short, light, and handy. It will be the perfect back up gun for rifle hunting, sitting in a cross draw holster. Life is sweet!!!!...............By the way, photo's in another thread..."For Ruger SA fans", if you want to see the results.