new vaquero vs old vaquero ... on sight

[axeman_g]

How do I tell that the Vaquero I am examining is a NEW model versus and OLD model. Suppose there is only one Vaquero in a store.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Could be done by size (New vaquero is a smaller framed model).

Could be done by the grip frame (New vaquero has the old style and smaller XR3 frame).

Could be done by chambering (New vaquero only available in .357 and .45 Colt)

Could be done by reading the model name on the side of the Cylinder frame.

 

[Jim March]

Assuming the "plastic disk" is out and removed from behind the cylinder:

1) If you open the loading gate on a New Vaquero and slowly spin the cylinder, each cylinder bore will line up with the loading gate at each click, and will want to "stop there". On an Old Vaq the clicks won't correspond to a loadable chamber.

2) On a New Vaq, the cylinder base pin can come free of the gun without tools. The frame is shorter; pull the pin and it will come completely loose of the gun just like a Single Six.

 

[MrAcheson]

There are lots of ways. The most obvious ones are weight, grip size, and cylinder radius. Oh and labeling cause ruger does more than enough of that.

I really wish I could get a new vaq with an old vaq gripframe though. I need more room than the xr3, but old vaqs just feel like bricks.

 

[Jim March]

The grip frames are interchangeable. All "New Model" (which includes the Old Vaq) Ruger SA grip frames fit the New Vaq, with one caveat: you have to ditch the keylock system and run an Old Vaq-length mainspring strut and mainspring.

So you can score any of the aluminum, brass or steel XR3-RED gripframes and stick it on a New Vaq. You can also build a Birds-Head New Vaq using a Ruger or Qualitas BH frame, or Bisleyize the New Vaq. These combos may need different length mainsprings and mainspring struts.

Ruger isn't going to do these combinations any time soon as many would require too short a mainspring and still have that keylock assembly. Plus some of these combinations might not be CAS/SASS legal, and Ruger considers that their main market for the New Vaq.

So far I know that the Qualitas BH frame needs a standard Old Vaq-length mainspring and strut.

At least one gunsmith I've talked to will not build up a New Vaq that lacks the keylock, stating that "he needs to stay on Ruger's good side to survive".

 

[TallPine]

2) On a New Vaq, the cylinder base pin can come free of the gun without tools. The frame is shorter; pull the pin and it will come completely loose of the gun just like a Single Six.

Same as the "old" Vaquero ... just push the button and pull out the base pin.

 

[ArmedBear]

New Vaquero is visually nearly indistinguishable from a Colt SAA, Uberti Cattleman, Beretta Stampede, etc. Same size, weight, and balance. Even the gun-savvy and anal-retentive Gun Tests guys said they had to look at the name on the gun to make sure which one they were holding, when they were doing their review.

Old Vaquero is bigger, thicker, heavier. You might even like it better if you have big hands. It's all personal preference.

The new reverse-indexing pawl feature can also help distinguish the guns. Grips are different, too, I think, with black checkered ones on the New Vaq.

 

[Jim March]

The base pin on the Old Vaq won't drop completely clear of the gun, not without unscrewing the ejector housing. It'll go forward enough to clear the cylinder no problem but it'll still be stuck in the gun.

The New Vaq base pin will come completely free of the gun. You can swap over to a Belt Mountain or whatever pin (made for the New Vaq!) with no tools. The same swap on an Old Vaq needs a screwdriver.

 

[TallPine]

Ok, Jim ... I see what you mean now - I thought you meant that a tool was needed to remove the cylinder. (like some aftermarket base pins, where the spring loaded catch is replaced with a screw)

Actually, I find the "captured" base pin rather handy when cleaning, as I don't have to worry about where I set it down.

All in all though, I sorta wish I had gotten the Blackhawk instead of the "old" Vaquero since it isn't really the same heft as a SAA anyway. That way I would have an excuse to get a "new" Vaquero now

The one thing that I just cannot understand is why Ruger went to a non-wood grip on the supposedly more authentic looking "new" Vaquero...?

 

[Master Blaster]

The New New Vaquero will have a crescent shaped ejector rod button, the old new vaquero ejector rod button is round.

If you were able to hold them side by side you would feel how the old one is larger and heavier.