Love the Vaquero!
I carry an old model vaquero in .45 colt.
- Be advised, the old "Vaquero" and the "New Vaquero" are different. The old Vaq is based off of the old framed .44 mag and can handle alot. The old model is a little heavier then a classic Colt SAA, but looks the same and can handle full power "Ruger only" loads. The "new Vaquero" is newly tooled design based off the 357 frame and is lighter, closer in true dimensions to the Colt SAA, however it cannot handle full power Ruger only loads. I would however gander a guess, that the .357 "new vaquero" can handle heavy .357 due to the smaller bore in the same cylinder, leading to thinker walls.
- The real only real difference between the Blackhawk and Vaquero models is the Blackhawk has adjustable sights and a little more squared top strap and trigger guard, compared, the Vaquero is shaped like a Colt SAA as a clone, and has a notch sight. Other than that, they have the same internals and structure.
Enjoy,
- Bat