New Ruger Vaquero-4 5/8" vs 5 1/2 "

[rWt]

Does one "balance" or naturally point more than the other?

Which length is prefered and why?

Thanks.

Dick

 

[rbernie]

I've shot neither, but spent a lot of time of late handling them in the store while I tried to figure out which one to get. To me, the 4 5/8" barrel is noticably better balanced in the hand.

 

[Checkman]

The 4 5/8" has a more natural balance. It's also more compact. There's a reason why the majority of fellas who carried the old Colts for business reasons preferrred the 4.75" model. Many who couldn't get hold of the Sheriff model would have the longer barrels on the Cavalry(7.5") or the Artillery model (5.5") cut down to the more manageable length. Plus the shorter barrel just looks cool. Hey looks are important.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The 4 5/8" has a more natural balance. It's also more compact. There's a reason why the majority of fellas who carried the old Colts for business reasons preferrred the 4.75" model. Many who couldn't get hold of the Sheriff model would have the longer barrels on the Cavalry(7.5") or the Artillery model (5.5") cut down to the more manageable length.

The Artillery Model is a myth. All Model 1873s were originally issued with 7 1/2" barrels. When the Army switched to the .38 Long Colt and the Model 1873s were turned in, their barrels were cut back in the refurbishing process before they were put in storage. Later on, when troops in the Phillippines needed .45s, these shorter barrel guns were re-issued.

Although you could get a Single Action in virtually any barrel length you wanted, the two "standard" barrel lengths were 4 5/8" and 7 1/2" in the first guns produced.

 

[Checkman]

I didn't know that about the Artillery model. The High Road is a great place to learn about your favorite firearms. Thanks.

 

[Werewolf]

I've got one of each.

The 4 5/8" Vaquero does indeed feel much better in my hand than the 5 1/2" Vaquero.

That said I shoot the 5 1/2" Vaquero much better than the shorter barreled one.

 

[rWt]

Thank you. Dick

 

[BluesBear]

I prefer the 5½". It just points better for me. I also like the 7½" in the smaller Colt sized frame.


Actually if you research old Colt advertisments and literature you'll find that the STANDARD barrel lengths were 5½" and 7½".
The 4¾" length was originally special order and not as common as Hollyweird would have you believe. Longer barrels were the de facto standard in the "old west". The earliest 4¾" advertisment I have found is in an 1884 E.C. Meacham catalogue.

Bat Masterson is one of many who wrote a letter to Colt special ordering a revolver with a barrel "cut even with the ejector".

 

[Master Blaster]

I handled the old vaquero the bisley, and about 5 different Ubertis in my local shop, along with the new vaquero in 4 5/8" and 5.5". After fondling them all. I chose the 5.5 inch new vaquero which seemed to be the best balanced and nicest pointing. The trigger was a bit heavy about 6lbs, but that was remmedied whin I got it home and adjusted the trigger return spring. It now has a very nice 3 lb trigger (remove one leg of the return spring from its post). The New new vaquero is much more svelte than the older models, more like a real saa, It felt great in my hand compared to the older vaqueros which are chunkier.

I have put 100 rounds through it so far, and it shoots much better than I expected from a fixed sight gun, I actually shot a 10 shot 50 foot bullseye target and scored 84 offhand.

Here it is:

 

[Gunnutz13]

My Bisley Vaquero...

...is the original "old" style with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, chambered in .357 magnum, and has the high gloss stainless finish with white " faux ivory " grips. Also have a nice rig from the Texas Gunslinger to carry it in...I strap it on now and then and practice fast draws... (I think I was born in the wrong century)

Oh yea...it handles and balances well in my hand, and is capable of some good groups when I point shoot from the draw. I also like the "hogleg" grip, as I found the "plowhandle" did not give me a good grip when drawing from a holster.