OT...WHICH RUGER NEW VAQUERO TO GET...

4t5 · Post by **4t5** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:25 pm

IS A NEW VAQUERO IN 357 MAG A BETTER CHOICE THAN THE 45 FOR HUNTING DEER, CONSIDERING ONE CAN USE FULL HOUSE LOADS, OR WILL 45 LOADS FOR THIS GUN BE ENOUGH, SHOTS WILL BE FIFTY YARDS OR LESS.I KNOW SOME WILL SAY THERE ARE BETTER GUNS FOR THE CHORE,BUT I WAN'T A NEW VAQUERO, THANKS!

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:34 pm

You forget that modern standard sized single actions such as the Ruger New Vaquero are not fragile. That condition is reserved for the old, ancient, antique black powder versions.

The .45 Colt can be loaded up a bit without hurting the New Vaq. Not to the extent of the Blackhawk or the Vaquero, but certainly more than the old standard loads.

And, as good as the .357 Mag is, the .45 Colt still punches a bigger hole.
9.0grs of Unique and a 265gr to 270gr Keith will punch straight through most any deer on this continent.

Personally if I were to purchase a New Vaquero it would be in .45 Colt. I simply like that caliber better than the .357. And I've got two of them too, so I'm not bad mouthing it.

Joe

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:40 pm

Be advised that the New Vaquero is not the tank that the Blackhawk is;
The cowboy gun has a smaller frame and a smaller diameter cylinder than the Blackhawk. That said, it is amply strong for any factory loads.
Lack of adjustable sights might present a problem, however. If you REALLY, REALLY want one, why not just go ahead and treat yourself?

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:43 pm

Get the one(s) that match your levergun's caliber...

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:26 pm

I like this one in .357...and a big part of why I got .357 is that is does match my favorite levergun! Jim

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:31 pm

jazman,

That's an interesting combination of mat and high polish, is it still all stainless?

And are those CLC American holly grips?

Joe

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:39 pm

J Miller wrote:jazman,

That's an interesting combination of mat and high polish, is it still all stainless?

And are those CLC American holly grips?

Joe

Hey Joe-
Yes, all stainless. Steve Young got it for me, bead blasted the dull parts and did an action job. The grips are indeed CLC American holly in the gunfighter style, man, they fit the hand well.

Dastook · Post by **Dastook** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:13 pm

airedaleman wrote:Be advised that the New Vaquero is not the tank that the Blackhawk is;
The cowboy gun has a smaller frame and a smaller diameter cylinder than the Blackhawk. That said, it is amply strong for any factory loads.
Lack of adjustable sights might present a problem, however. If you REALLY, REALLY want one, why not just go ahead and treat yourself?

That is correct the "New Vaquero" is not the Vaquero. If you can get your hands on the "Vaquero" that they quit making for now. It will withstand the higher presures. Loading data is available for the Blackhawk, Vaquero, and TC contender. Don't use these loads for the NV. I have two of each. I use the two Vaqueros for hunting and the NV for CAS as they are very smooth.

The Vaqueros are number 4 & 5 from the left. The NV's are the two matched on the right.

DerekR · Post by **DerekR** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:25 pm

I have both calibers and I enjoy them both. I will predict that if you don't get the .45 Colt you are putting off the inevitable. Especially if you want to deer hunt with one. This is based on the assumption that you reload your own ammo so you can afford to shoot it a LOT. If not, the .38 specials will be much cheaper practice ammo than .45 Colt will be.

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:42 pm

I have a NV in .45 Colt. 9 gr. of Unique under a 255-280 gr. Keith bullet will do all that needs doing. Easier, much so, on the ears than a full-out .357 Mag.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:54 pm

Hobie wrote:I have a NV in .45 Colt. 9 gr. of Unique under a 255-280 gr. Keith bullet will do all that needs doing. Easier, much so, on the ears than a full-out .357 Mag.

+1!The 45 Colt has more to offer only if you reload.Some states have minimium caliber/energy reguirements for deer, so just keep that in mind.BTW I prefer 45 colt.(2 levers + 2 sixguns)

AndyM · Post by **AndyM** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:07 am

If it is strickly used for hunting - no doubt - the 45 Colt is the way to go.
Bigger hole = more air in and more blood out.
I always wanted a Vaquero - I have the Blackhawk - but the smooth lines and classic style of the new vaquero appeals to me also.

Lefty Dude · Post by **Lefty Dude** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 11:55 am

Find an older model Vaquaro in 45, they are out there.

They were made on the Super BH frame and will take the full load of a 45 better than the NMV.

However, if you have small hands then the NMV would be the way to go.

My Son bought a pair of OMV (Blued) last year in .357, $600.00 for the pair.

If you seek you will find