Ruger Vaquero/ new vs old model

[Cyrille]

I have to say I'm partial to the old model I have two and wouldn't trade any one of them for even a Colt Old Army (if that is the correct designation).
 I just think Rugers are the best revolvers for the price on the market today and the older ones are built stronger than the more recent revolvers offered by Ruger Of course The Red Hawks and the Black Hawks are a whole nother issue I talking "Vaqueros, vs. Colts"

[Burt Blade]

The original Vaquero is larger than the New Vaquero. If you have large hands, you will most likely prefer the original version. I put oversized grips on a pair of my original Vaqueros, so you can tell my preference.   

The hammer spur on the New Vaquero is lower, making it easier for the average shooter to work the action without shifting grip. I have no trouble at all working the original style hammer. The first time I tried to work a New Vaquero quickly, i wound up jamming the hammer spur into a joint on my thumb. Ouch. 

I much prefer the originals, but I would appear to be in the minority. (Far closer to Hoss than Little Joe)

And the previous observation is spot-on. Ruger listened to the Cowboy community, and made major changes to their Vaquero. Now a bunch of us grumble about "newfangled".

I would buy the New Vaquero. But I miss the one revolver I did not have to re-work to make fit.