Ruger New Vaquero Montado .357

[def]

I've been saving and saving for my first revolver for quite some time. Kept going back and forth between the Ruger SP101 and the Ruger Vaquero. The former being more practical (especially because it's smaller and more concealable), the latter being more fun (opinions, of course). Was leaning toward the SP101 because of its practicality and the fact that it was a little cheaper than the Vaquero. However, yesterday, I decided to bite the bullet, so to speak, and finally buy a revolver. Ruger SP101 3", sold out (I didn't want the 2"). Ruger Vaq 4 5/8" SS .357, sold out. So, I did what any reasonable man would do, I just paid a little more and bought the Ruger Vaquero Montado 3.75" SS.

The gun should arrive at the dealer Tuesday, so depending on when I can make it out there, I'll have it some time this week. However, I'm curious as to whether or not anyone here has had experience shooting this specific model or if anyone owns one (opinions on the 45 model are much appreciated too).

Thanks for reading!

 

[DWFan]

There's a very favorable review by Todd Lofgren of the .45 Colt version of this revolver in the #60 Guns of the Old West. They unhooked one leg of the trigger spring to lighten the pull (a standard trick for Rugers), took .024" off the front sight to match the loads and were getting 1.5"-2" groups at 15 yards.

 

[dennis228]

Sounds like a good compromise between the two. I have a 3" SP101 and its a very nice shooter. I have handled the new Ruger Vaq. with the 4.6 bbl. and it handles nice and would pack well. The shorter bbl. Montado should be easy to carry and at about 39 oz. will handle anything you feed it without harsh recoil. Nice looking gun too. Looks like a really nice trail gun too! Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[Rodman579]

you made a good choice. i have had several Ruger Montados in 45LC. i still have 3 left, one for CCW and a consecutive pair i use for competing in Cowboy Mounted Shooting. they are a good solid gun, i always do actions jobs on them to make them a bit smoother and i like the cylinder to free spin. so far none of the ones i have have let me down. i use my competition pair very hard, everyday as i train horses to take gunfire. i have never fired one in 357 but 45lcs shoot great with cowboy loads and the HP rounds i carry in it for SD. good luck with it and let us know how it shoots.

 

[Gary A]

I've been wanting one of those but being somewhat "gun-rich" (or gun-poor, depending on how I look at it), I haven't convinced myself to buy one at their price to save 7/8 inch of barrel off my 4 5/8 stainless .357 New Vaquero. Very attractive revolver. Hope you enjoy it as much as I suspect you will. I'd love one with a birdshead grip. Now that would probably tip me over the edge.