It's funny how things change. For yonks before Cowboy Action became big, every mention of the 38/357 was negative, saying the 'heft' was all wrong. The 'heft' doesn't seem to be a problem any more these sissy guns are walking out the door! They are the most popular by far (not with me).
Similarly, complaints were rife previously about the size of the old model Vaquero, 'should be made like the Colt, etc....'
No sooner do Ruger answer the flood of requests and all of a sudden the old model vaquero is the one to get.
I have owned both. I liked the old model, had 44Mag Vaqs and 44Mag NMSBHs and 45Colt/45ACP convertibles. One thing I have found since getting a pair of 45 New Model Vaqueros, is that I only slipped the hammer once in a three day shoot firing over hundred rounds in the match and pre match practice. I used to slip the hammer regularly with the old model (I have huge hands). I really like these new models, I thought the bigger ones would suit me better, but I am able to handle the new ones a lot faster.
I have a pair of Colt clones I have worked up as I want to shoot the same round in the rifle and revolvers and the 45 cowboy isn't available out here, so I have an excuse to get back into 44WCFs.
For standard level loads, the new models run rings around the old ones in my opinion. My old Vaquero in 44Mag swallowed a lot of heavy loads as it was my first and consequently my do everything single action.
I had a Bisley and absolutely hated it. It was ok with soft loads, but I bought it for serious work and it took a piece out of me and drew blood evey time I used it. Most folk love em, I was glad to see the rear end of mine.
Go to the range, say we all said to ask for a shot, they'll let you try em!
Mick.