Stampede vs Vaquero

[TrafficMan]

went to my local gun store (Turners) and fondled one of the new Beretta Stampede's in .357 5 1/2 inch barrel...to say the least, i'm IMPRESSED with this pistol. It just felt right to me. This is the first time I have held a SAA type pistol outside of my dad's single six. I also handled the same gun in .45LC with the 4 3/4 barrel and it did seem that the balance was a bit better in my hand. But i'm bent on .357 for my next pistol purchase...unfortunately they didn't have one in .357 with the shorter barrel...and they didn't have ANY Vaquero's (new or old) to compare with it either. I probably would have put the one I handled on layaway if I didn't already have another firearm on layaway at a different store,...also, i really want to get a feel for this new Vaquero when i can get my hands on one.


overall, it's down to the Vaquero and the Stampede for my next pistol purchase...just gotta feel the Vaquero first!

 

[StrikeEagle]

I was gonna post something similar to this. I'd love to hear from someone who has worked with the New Vaquero. I have a Uberti in 44-40 that really just isn't doing it for me, and have been thinking of buying another SA in that caliber.

My only problem with the Rugers is that they don't have the traditional SAA lockwork or feeling. The handling is just so different and doesn't quite fit my 'fantasy mode'. Still I'm open. How did the Stampede handle to you? How about fit and finish? Could you see any place where they cheaped out?

StrikeEagle

 

[TrafficMan]

i was pleased with this pistol. i can't really say a bad thing about it. when he put it back in the case i just stood there gawking at the damn thing. the grip size seemed perfect, although i'm not to wild about the grip material (plasticy stuff) that can be changed. fit and finish seemed great. i really need to hold a vaquero to make an honest opinion.

i did prefer the balance of the shorter barrel (4 3/4), but the one i held was in .45LC and i want one in .357. not sure if there will be much of a balance difference between the two calibers with the shorter barrel.


outside of that, i can't really form an honest opinion on SAA's since this was the only one i've really touched....overall i liked it. i liked it A LOT! lol

 

[El Rocoso]

I have a .45 Colt New Vaquero with 4 5/8 inch tube and a compadre has one in .38/.357. While I don't have a Stampede, I do have a Cimarron/Uberti and a few USFA Rodeos. The Ruger feels very close to the others and the balance is excellent. Mine has shot great and I'm completely pleased with it. It feels a little heavier than the others but I haven't weighed them so it may be my imagination. You should note that any .38/357 will weigh more in the same model than a .45, because of the extra metal in the cylinder and the barrel.

 

[el44vaquero]

Vaquero all the way. Stronger frame. Cheaper price.

 

[Pilot]

Compare both to a USFA Rodeo. Very close to the original SAA, not that the Uberti or Ruger aren't good guns either.

 

[MillCreek]

I will be interested to hear from the experts how the new Taurus Gaucho compares with the Rugers, Berettas and etc.

 

[HighVelocity]

I have a Ruger New Vaquero in 45LC. Put 200 rounds through it so far and it's run like a swiss watch. It hits dead on POA with 250gr Winchester SASS ammo too.

 

[BullRock]

I have an old model Vaquero and a Beretta Stampede. I find the Vaquero difficult to manage for two reasons. The cylinder chambers don't line up correctly. If you're loading and hear a 'click' the cylinder has gone past center and you will need to go all the way around again to load that chamber.

The second reason is unloading is a problem for the same reason mentioned above. And, the ejection rod is small and narrow instead of cresent shape. I understand the New Ruger Vaquero fixes these problems. I don't recommend the Old Vaquero.

The Beretta Stampede is beautiful! And, a real Colt clone. There is nothing not to like about the Stampede!!!

 

[Werewolf]

Vaquero all the way. Stronger frame.

Not if it is the new Vaquero.

 

[tomkatz]

[/QUOTE]The Beretta Stampede is beautiful! And, a real Colt clone.

The stampede is made by uberti....the stampede has the transfer bar and the uberti doesn't, so if you want a real colt clone, get the uberti....and the uberti is about $75.00 less.....

.....tom

 

[Frandy]

tom, you are absolutely right - it ain't a true SAA clone. But I sure do like mine!

 

[BullRock]

the stampede has the transfer bar and the uberti doesn't

The thread originator didn't ask for a Colt clone. I brought it up. Since Beretta puts their name on the Stampede, I'm sure they had something to say about the specifications, quality, and safety which included a transfer bar.

Werewolf is right. The New Vaquero is smaller and not as strong as the Old Vaquero.

 

[Dr.Rob]

That 'indexing' thing can be fixed with a free-spin pawl on a Ruger... they are designed like that.

 

[tomkatz]

The thread originator didn't ask for a Colt clone. I brought it up. Since Beretta puts their name on the Stampede, I'm sure they had something to say about the specifications, quality, and safety which included a transfer bar.

Werewolf is right. The New Vaquero is smaller and not as strong as the Old Vaquero.

Information is free here and often unsolicited
....tom

 

[BullRock]

tomkatz

Information is free here and often unsolicited

That is true. TrafficMan didn't ask for any information, I just assumed that was the reason for his post. Why do you single my replys out???

 

[StrikeEagle]

Frandy

Nice looking piece... REAL nice. I've read about the Stampede's transfer bar. How's that make the action feel? You still get crisp clicks and a traditional SAA feeling?

Since I don't use my SA's for any serious purpose, they are all about aesthetics and yes, fantasy.

Thanks again for the pictures!

StrikeEagle

 

[tomkatz]

That is true. TrafficMan didn't ask for any information, I just assumed that was the reason for his post. Why do you single my replys out???

You said the beretta was a true colt clone, that is not true, and I simply pointed that out, since no body had mentioned the differences between it and the uberti at that point.....That seemed to bother you, so I stated the info I provided was unsolicited, nothing more, and did you notice the smiley I added?
In the future I will avoid ANY reference to anything you say mr bullrock, making a mental note of your sensitivity to such things...
For the record, I have been quoted numerous times in forum discussions and have never felt "singled out", this is kinda how discussion forums work......
....tom

 

[Jamie C.]

For what it's worth, my understanding (which may very well be wrong ) is that the NEW Vaquero is in between the OLD one and a typical Colt clone, strength-wise. In other words, it'll handle "normal" .45 Coll loads with less wear-and-tear than the clone, but is not up for those "Oh-my-god-run-for-cover" hand loads.

Whether this is true or not, I dunno... What I DO know is that I really want one of the new Vaqueros, and don't want or need any more Italian SAA clones.
But that's just me.

J.C.

 

[BullRock]

tomkatz

Thanks that will be nice. So the Stampede has a transfer bar for safety. I didn't know that! I'll have to be more careful. This is the 21st Century where a revolver can be built to clone a colt, and include today's safety features.

People who look for mistakes and typo's from other member posts and then respond, just to embarrass them and put them down, have nothing better to do.

Oh! I didn't say 'TRUE' I said 'REAL' Words mean things!!!

 

[Frandy]

StrikeEagle, since this is my only "Western" revolver, I really can't say if it feels similar to an SAA or SAA clone w/o the transfer bar. The clicks sure sound good to me, though and the action feels as good as the few Colts I've handled in a shop. But, that's by memory and as I ain't no expert. It sure is fun to shoot!

Edit: Checked last night... Well, those clicks aren't crisp.

 

[cortez kid]

I had in my mind that I wanted a "six gun". Went to my local dealer and looked at what he had to offer. He had a Single six .32 and a Uberti. The .32 was cute but smaller than I wanted. I wanted the .45. The Uberti was a .45. I didn't like the feel of the weapon. Felt like it was made of stamped metal. It probably wasn't, but it felt that way. The hammer moved side to side, lock-up wasn't all that great. I ordered the Vaquero in .45. I bought the .32. I couldn't leave it behind. I have been VERY satisfied with my Vaquero. Looks, balance, trigger like glass. Super accurate too!. I've got a pretty decent collection of handguns of all makes and calibers. My Vaquero is my favorite.
kid

 

[BluesBear]

Since Beretta puts their name on the Stampede, I'm sure they had something to say about the specifications, quality, and safety...

Well since Baretta has owned Uberti for many years I would guess they have something to say about every gun Uberti produces.

Except for the outside appearance the Ruger is about as different as one can get from a Colt SAA

Am I mistaken or didn't the short lived Colt Cowboy have a transfer bar?
So then that would indeed make the Stampede a Colt clone.

Now that we've picked the nits perhaps a better comparison would have been the Stampede operates like a "traditional" single action revolver.
Since it doesn't have that open-the-loading-gate-to-release-the-cylinder mechanics of the Rugers.

 

[BullRock]

Now that we've picked the nits perhaps a better comparison would have been the Stampede operates like a "traditional" single action revolver.
Since it doesn't have that open-the-loading-gate-to-release-the-cylinder mechanics of the Rugers.

Makes good sense to me Boss, uh, Blues

 

[MachIVshooter]

Vaquero all the way. Stronger frame. Cheaper price.

Stronger? yes. Cheaper? no.

I have a blue/color case hardened 5.5" Vaquero .44 and a polished Nickel 5.5" .45 Colt Stampede. I love 'em both. The Ruger is certaily sturdier, but also bulkier and heavier. The Stampede feels better in my hand and I think the lockwork is smoother. I'm not getting rid of either. I will get a stainless 5.5" Bisley Vaquero .45 Colt and a blued/color case hardened 5.5" Stampede in .44-40.

BTW, the fire bluing on the stampedes is absolutely gorgeous!