New Vaquero vs. Vaquero

[DrLaw]

Okay folks, I have a question. Not getting gun magazines during the time when Ruger switched from Vaquero to New Vaquero, I don't know, and was not able to really find after a search here, the difference between New Vaquero and Vaquero.

So what is the difference? Was the frame and cylinder made smaller? Can the hotter .45 loads be used in the New Vaquero? An Inquiring Mind wants to know.

The Doc is out now.

 

[CraigC]

The original Vaquero made from 1992-2005 (some cleanup runs have been done since) was built on the same large frame as the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk only with fixed sights, obviously. The .45's are plenty strong enough for "Ruger only" loads.

In 2005 Ruger introduced the New Vaquero. This sixgun is closer in size to the Colt SAA and the original mid-frame .357 Blackhawk. It also features a new steel version of the XR3 grip frame, which is a dead ringer for the Colt SAA/Navy grip profile. Another addition is what Ruger calls a "reverse indexing pawl". This is basically a free spin pawl (hand in Coltspeak) with a plunger added to engage the ratchet to properly index the chamber with the loading port at the audible "click". These sixguns are in the same strength class as the Colt SAA and USFA and should not be loaded beyond around 21-22,000psi. So they 'may' be loaded beyond SAAMI pressure standards but not to "Ruger only" levels of 32,000psi.

 

[DrLaw]

Thanks, Craig.

Pretty much explains everything I wanted to know, and did it short and concise. Fantastic!

The Doc is out now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Great explanation and I will add only 1 thing. Ruger went to the smaller lighter frame because the Cowboy Action shooters wanted the reliability of using a Ruger but also wanted the Vaquero to be lighter like the Colt SAA. I'm glad Ruger listened although I also liked the heavy gun at times too. (I own both LOL!!)

 

[Kentucky-roughrider]

I wish they would make a heavy weight model for those of us who do other things Than Cowboy Action shooting.

 

[loadedround]

Frankly I prefer the old model Vaquero. I have bigger hands and the old model seems to fit me better. Also there are no 44-40's or 44 magnums in the new framed models. Actually the 44-40 loading was dropped by Ruger a few years ago...a real shame.

 

[Gary A]

I wish they would make a heavy weight model for those of us who do other things Than Cowboy Action shooting.

I hear what you're saying but, of course, they do make Blackhawks for things other than CAS. I do like fixed sight guns also, though.

 

[Old Ranger]

The "new" Vaquero is definitely NOT the same the old one. I just bought a "New Model" Blackhawk and it's not the same as the older, better ones either. They have started cutting corners - - - not good. I was over at my gunsmith's today; I wanted to have him drill a hole in that mickey mouse grip frame so I could mount a Hougue grip. The lock mechanism (it came with a huge padlock) is inside the grip. You would have to take the grip panels off to engage it. Doesn't make any sense. He and I agreed that they're just not making them the way they used to.

Ruger has been the flagship of quality, durable, and affordable American gun making. I hate to see the way things are going - - - jacking up the prices and making a cheaper product. Somebody had better talk to the bean counters over there, or they'll wake up one morning to find some foreign company pushing them out of their share of the market. I'd really hate to see that!! Some of us are stockholders.

 

[ljnowell]

The "new" Vaquero is definitely NOT the same the old one. I just bought a "New Model" Blackhawk and it's not the same as the older, better ones either. They have started cutting corners - - - not good. I was over at my gunsmith's today; I wanted to have him drill a hole in that mickey mouse grip frame so I could mount a Hougue grip. The lock mechanism (it came with a huge padlock) is inside the grip. You would have to take the grip panels off to engage it. Doesn't make any sense. He and I agreed that they're just not making them the way they used to.

Ruger has been the flagship of quality, durable, and affordable American gun making. I hate to see the way things are going - - - jacking up the prices and making a cheaper product. Somebody had better talk to the bean counters over there, or they'll wake up one morning to find some foreign company pushing them out of their share of the market. I'd really hate to see that!! Some of us are stockholders.

You dont have to take them off every time, just the first time. In my owners manual it told me to look on the back of the grip and there is a circle. If you drill out that circle the key fits through and you dont have to take them off. You can also not lock it, it doesnt cause problems. My new model Blackhawk has been a great gun. Its reliable and accurate.

 

[CraigC]

I just bought a "New Model" Blackhawk and it's not the same as the older, better ones either.

Exactly which ones are older and better?


If you're that dissatisfied with your new Ruger, get rid of it.

What exactly is Mickey Mouse about the grip frame???

What's wrong with Ruger doing what S&W won't, make the internal lock unintrusive for those who wish to ignore it?

Why should Ruger accommodate an oversized rubber grip that destroys the fine handling qualities of a good single action anyway?

Fact is, many of Ruger's single actions are built on new CNC machinery. They are better guns than any that came before them. IMHO, some folks just look for reasons to complain.

 

[DrLaw]

Until you guys mentioned it, I forgot I had a gun lock on my Bisley.

Goes to prove the old adage. Out of sight, out of mind.

The Doc is out now, and almost out of my mind.

 

[C-grunt]

Can the New Model Blackhawks take heavy loads like the older models?

 

[SwampWolf]

Fact is, many of Ruger's single actions are built on new CNC machinery. They are better guns than any that came before them. IMHO, some folks just look for reasons to complain.

I, too, found it strange that somebody would complain about a revolver that is as well made (and most think better) than its predecessor. If you're looking for a reason to complain, at least come up with a legitimate beef.

 

[Cosmoline]

What gets really confusing is that the "old" vaqueros were built on the "new model" Blackhawk frame. The NEW new Vaqueros are a return to the OLD frames in many respects.