Vaquero old vs. new frame...
Old Frame
When Ruger created his original Blackhawk revolver he chose a frame very similar to the Colt flat top SAA. But sometime in the '70's (I think), Ruger standardized the Blackhawk on one frame size, which is a bit larger than a Colt frame. These are very beefy, robust revolvers. This is the frame that the original old model Vaquero is based on. So the old Vaquero's can take 25k PSI .45 Colt loads, and full .44 magnum loads. Holsters for the old model frames need to be a bit larger in frame & cylinder dimensions. Also IIRC the old model Vaquero uses the XR3-RED grip frame, where the grip is moved back a little to protect the shooters knuckles from the trigger guard under magnum recoil. This grip frame was not real popular with cowboy action shooters.
New Frame (don't remember when they made the change)
The Vaquero took off well beyond Ruger's wildest dreams mostly due to the explosion of Cowboy Action shooting. So the demand from the most serious shooters of single action revolvers was a return to the right sized frame, and proper grip frame shape (XR3). Ruger delivered, and this is the new model Vaquero of today. This revolver is not something you want to hot rod. While it may be a little tougher pressure wise than a Colt, its not enough to ever get adventurous with. This is a modern lockwork Colt SAA analogue built to be run VERY hard. This was a very smart move because the Vaquero has become THE competition revolver to have these days.
Re: Let's see and talk revolvers.
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