I reload and alread have dies, cases, and molds for 38/357. I've had 45lc and loved it but hat was before I reloaded. I'm still on the fence about which caliber to get in the Vaquero. I did think about the 45lc convertible that has the second cylinder for .45acp. I do reload that as well and have molds for it.
I agree, the Vacquero is one fine looking pistol. I'd go with the .357 primarily because you can find ammo anywhere, and you can use inexpensive .38 spl for training ammo. If you also have a .38 snubbie kicking around, it means one less caliber to stock.
I would need the .45 because it's classic, although I've read that there were more Peacemakers made in .32-20 than .45LC. I've always liked the .357 Blackhawk because it's a modern take on the single action revolver that shoots a modern round. I"ve never seen a Ruger revolver I didn't like.
I love the looks of the Vaquero, but they don't fit my hand at all. It always felt like it was too small for my hand (and I do NOT have very big hands) If you've shot it and love it, DEFINITELY a great gun. We were looking at revolvers, and for ammo reasons, I got the S&W 625 in .45 ACP. the LC is just too spendy for regular use, and I want/need a 1911 as well, so commonality was nice there. I ended up getting my wife the Ruger GP100 in .357 (stainless) She LOVES her cowboy gun.
just posted a vid response. In the middle of the vid I shoot my older vaquero 45 colt at a steel plate and it really rocks it. There is something to be said about huge chunks of lead... :) I have 5 ruger single actions including a 6 1/2" 357 blackhawk, a 357 vaquero 4 5/8" SS, and 3 45 colts (all 4 5/8"). My favorite is the blue/case color 45 colt. The 357 SS is 2nd. But as you said, less drilling means more overall weight... not just front end (cont'd)
If you were to buy one (and don't reload), I'd say go for the 357. Even the new vaquero is heavier in 357. But it will help with felt recoil. Doesn't matter that much because the gun is designed where it doesn't hurt in any caliber. But the 45 colt with nice loads is a more solid shove than anything else. Well made loads for 357 can have the "shove" as well. But most commercial loads are more "snappy". Had a 5.5" SS vaquero in 44 mag that was nice. But I rebarreled that to 45... rich
44 mag can use 44 special which are so soft shootin for 240 grain bullet. LC are soft too but when your feeling spunky and want to see fire from the barrel switch to the magnums and smile. Vacquero is cool agree. Don't overlook the Redhawk 4" barrel. available in LC and 44 mag SA/DA Thats a hogleg. LOL
the 45 is romantic. the 357 is cheaper to shoot. Both would make great backup hog guns for your new lease. If you reload then the ammo costs about the same but if you have to buy 45 colt ammo its gonna suck. but buying 38 specials is a lot cheaper. I ended up the opposite of what youre thinking, I have two 45's with 3 3/4" barrels, one has a birdshead grip. and I have two 357's with 5 1/2" barrels. stainless is easier to take care of. you really cant go wrong either way, have fun.
I got mine in .45 LC just to keep the authenticity close to the COLT PACEMAKER ;)
I want one too and in 357 I had one in 45 long colt but the ammo is too expensive
I reload and alread have dies, cases, and molds for 38/357. I've had 45lc and loved it but hat was before I reloaded. I'm still on the fence about which caliber to get in the Vaquero. I did think about the 45lc convertible that has the second cylinder for .45acp. I do reload that as well and have molds for it.
i do agree with you that the longer barrels do look better than when the extractor is flush with the barrel. im defnitely getting the blued one
I agree, the Vacquero is one fine looking pistol. I'd go with the .357 primarily because you can find ammo anywhere, and you can use inexpensive .38 spl for training ammo. If you also have a .38 snubbie kicking around, it means one less caliber to stock.
Do you reload? If yes 45lc if you buy ammo 357 is better. It’s cheaper to buy 357/38 Ammo and way easier to find.
I got the Vaquero in .357 and love it. It is a real workhorse gun.
After you get your pistol are you gone sell your used targets to suckers on ebay like hickok45?
I would need the .45 because it's classic, although I've read that there were more Peacemakers made in .32-20 than .45LC. I've always liked the .357 Blackhawk because it's a modern take on the single action revolver that shoots a modern round. I"ve never seen a Ruger revolver I didn't like.
I love the looks of the Vaquero, but they don't fit my hand at all. It always felt like it was too small for my hand (and I do NOT have very big hands) If you've shot it and love it, DEFINITELY a great gun.
We were looking at revolvers, and for ammo reasons, I got the S&W 625 in .45 ACP. the LC is just too spendy for regular use, and I want/need a 1911 as well, so commonality was nice there.
I ended up getting my wife the Ruger GP100 in .357 (stainless) She LOVES her cowboy gun.
just posted a vid response. In the middle of the vid I shoot my older vaquero 45 colt at a steel plate and it really rocks it. There is something to be said about huge chunks of lead... :)
I have 5 ruger single actions including a 6 1/2" 357 blackhawk, a 357 vaquero 4 5/8" SS, and 3 45 colts (all 4 5/8"). My favorite is the blue/case color 45 colt. The 357 SS is 2nd. But as you said, less drilling means more overall weight... not just front end (cont'd)
If you were to buy one (and don't reload), I'd say go for the 357. Even the new vaquero is heavier in 357. But it will help with felt recoil. Doesn't matter that much because the gun is designed where it doesn't hurt in any caliber. But the 45 colt with nice loads is a more solid shove than anything else. Well made loads for 357 can have the "shove" as well. But most commercial loads are more "snappy". Had a 5.5" SS vaquero in 44 mag that was nice. But I rebarreled that to 45...
rich
I ll take 2 of each !
@johniac7078 Yes; but my targets are better than Hickok's because I shoot so poorly they can be used again. That spells value.
I picked the 357 5.5, you can shot 38 cowboy loads in SASS great guns.
44 mag can use 44 special which are so soft shootin for 240 grain bullet. LC are soft too but when your feeling spunky and want to see fire from the barrel switch to the magnums and smile. Vacquero is cool agree. Don't overlook the Redhawk 4" barrel. available in LC and 44 mag SA/DA Thats a hogleg. LOL
the 45 is romantic. the 357 is cheaper to shoot. Both would make great backup hog guns for your new lease. If you reload then the ammo costs about the same but if you have to buy 45 colt ammo its gonna suck. but buying 38 specials is a lot cheaper. I ended up the opposite of what youre thinking, I have two 45's with 3 3/4" barrels, one has a birdshead grip. and I have two 357's with 5 1/2" barrels. stainless is easier to take care of. you really cant go wrong either way, have fun.
I'd go 357/38 for sure...
Birds Head !