Going back to the big hoss

Congratulations David. The Ruger New Vaquero is a great six-gun. It's more the size of a Colt & are a dream to pack. Just don't try to use the Ruger Only loads seen in some of the Reloading Manuals now. The New Vaquero isn't as strong as the Vaquero, not that it's weak, just not as strong. Colt only loads for it & you will be really happy. A 265gr .454 SWC at mid 800s isn't to be sneezed at, it's a powerful load & fully up to cleanly taking Whitetails.
Frank

YOUR POST IS CONFUSING. ALL VAQUEROS ARE NEW MODELS. DO YOU HAVE A NEW MODEL ORIGINAL" VAQUERO" (SUPER BLACKHAWK FRAME SIZE) OR A NEW MODEL "NEW VAQUERO" (COLT SAA FRAME SIZE)? WHAT YOU HAVE WILL DETERMINE WHAT LOADS YOU CAN USE,

Actually the original Vaquero is on the Super Blackhawk frame & is much stronger than the New Vaquero.  A lot of people call the Vaquero the old model, but it's just named Vaquero by Ruger. The New Vaquero actually has the words New Vaquero on the frame on the left side just below the cylinder. It is also a smaller frame & not quite as strong as the Vaquero.  Both are great guns, & really worth having.  There is also quite a difference in hammer shape. The New Vaquero has a longer hammer with a lorger curve to it than the Vaquero's hammer. Once you've seen them side by side they are pretty easy to tell apart. The most sure way is to look for the workd New Vaquero on the frame. If it just says Vaquero it's the larger framed discontinued Vaquero. 
   I hope this helps some.
Frank

The "new" part in Ruger single actions came along when Ruger went from traditional lockwork to the transfer bar safety in 1972. This change has always been a mixed bag. On the one hand it is perfectly safe to load all six chambers, however, the traditional method of half cock to free the cylinder to spin was changed to simply opening the loading gate. "New model" Rugers also suffer from a cylinder that does NOT line up with the loading gate upon sounding a click, thus necessitating one to always focus eyes on the loading/unloading procedure.

One wonders exactly what Ruger was thinking when they replaced the original Vaquero on the 44 mag. frame with the "New Vaquero" on the smaller .357 mag. size frame.  Confusion is rampant, and it was reported when the NV came out that people loaded it up to previous levels and created many spectacular failures. It would have made sense for Ruger to drop the Vaquero name altogether, and choose something different-but they chose the path of confusion, and so there it is.
For the record, Frank is correct-the NV CANNOT withstand loads meant for the earlier incarnation. However, in the NV, Ruger addressed the Achilles heel of the "new model" action-the cylinder now sounds its click when correctly lined up to the loading gate. In terms of the .45 Colt NV, chambers have been cut with far greater precision than previous examples, resulting in longer brass life, and better accuracy. Again, in the .45 Colt, NV pressures should be held to 20,000psi or lower. The NV has a shorter cylinder than the original, with a web strength about equal to modern Colt and USFA guns.

Congrats Dave !!  Didn't know that the "NEW" Vaquero's came with a 7.50" barrel...catalogs only list 4.62" and 5.50" barrels. Post a picture when you get a chance !!
 
Above is a pic of my "Original" Ruger Bisley Vaquero...chambered in .357 magnum with 5.50" barrel in High Gloss Stainless Steel and Simulated Ivory Grips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nice looking six-gun. I like the Vaquero's, they are nice guns. Thanks for sharing.
Frank

Going back through this thread I find we have all kicked around some different thoughts and different revolvers. I first read about the New Model Bisley in an article by Rick Hacker in a annual publication that I think was put out by Shooting Times. Skeeter was on the cover and I still have it. It was around 1988. He felt Ruger Should have calledit the 'Keith' instead of the 'Bisley' sice the whole package closely resembled the SA#5. I could not wait to get my hands on one. It was almost two years before a .44 Mag version popped up at Kesselrings Gun Shop and I could not get my wallet out fast enough. I saved my money and sent it to Hamilton Bowen to make it closer to the famed SA#5. The barrel was cut to 5.5 and a Belt Mountain base pin were installed along with Mr. Bowens sights and a fluted cylinder. I later added a set of Eagle stag grips. It is a great gun and gets it's use and is carried in a plain black Lawrence #120 holster. The problem is, It is not as comfortable to pack riding in my jeep on all the back roads out here andI was finding it spending more time in the safe and my old 4" 29-2 riding with me. Don't get me wrong, that smith is a treasureand pleasure to carry and shoot and has an original set of Deacon Deason grips on it. I recently went full circle and fund a plain old Blackhawk in .45 Colt with the 4.62"barrel and it is now my residing pard in old Nellybelle. It is bonestock except for the spring leg that found it's way off of the hammer and rides in a Bianchi Lawman #1. It will soon wear some stag grips as it needs some personalizing. As Mr. Taffin says. "A MAN SHOULDN'T SPEND HIS LIFE WTH AN UGLY GUN". Although the 5.5" is easier for me to shoot more accurately, the little Blackhawk also fit more of what Mr. Taffin is always seeking, "THE PERFECT PACKIN PISTOL".

Horstrader Jack
Although I don't really like a crossdraw holster a lot, there are a couple of places they make a very good choice. For easier riding in a Jeep one makes sence & also on horsback one makes great sence.
Frank

You of course nailed it. The strong side is a compromise that works. I am making two pancake styled holsters myself at his time patterned after the Simply Rugged Pancake which can be used as a cross draw or strong side fr my 29 and te short Blackhawk. Thanks for the comment. I also use an old open front shoulder holster formy 1911 on occasion that works well in the Jeep as well as a homemade cross draw for my Bond Arms Texas Defender. It is a good concept.

Horsetrader Jack
  I hear really great things about the Simply Rugged holsters. I asked for one for my Birthday, I hope, hope. 
The Pancakes used to be really popular & there is no reason they won't work with a SA, in fact I know they will work. I have one for a 3" N frame Smith & it works great with my Cimarron 3-1/2" six-gun. I'm not sure just why they lost popularity, but they are still a great holster. They carry the gun with the butt tucked in tight to your side, & most makers put another slot in them so you can use it as a crossdraw. 
   Let us know when you get your Simply Rugged holster Rob, the owner, is really well spoken of on several forums, I the pictures I've seen show really well made holsters. 
Good Shooting.
Frank

Rob has been a generous supporter of our Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot (besides being a great guy making great holsters) and should always be considered when shopping for quality leather. Just my 2 pesos.

Al

This year when My Wife asked what I wanted for my Birthday, I said a Simply Rugged holster. Hope I get it, I really want to try one of Rob's holsters. I hear so many good things about them.
Frank

I have no experience with simply rugged holsters. Does anyone here have and use one? I am thinning about upgrading to a pancake style and was wondering what anyone's impressions might be-quality, gun retention, user friendliness etc?

Lot's of us have them. Here's mine. Crossdraw Threepersons type with basket weave. Great holster. Chris

That's my Colt 45 in it, 7 1/2 incher with some cheap old belt... Chris
 

Mak, so far I don't have any hands on experience with Simply Rugged, I hope to correct that in May. I do have experience with other pancake holsters, & I like them. They conceal well, are comfortable, don't flop around during strenious activity, look nice,  & retain the gun well without safety straps, most makers include a slot that allows crossdraw carry which is pretty nice in a vehicle. They were hugely popular in the late 70s & 80s, they seem to be being rediscovered. I'd order one in a heartbeat, in fact I've asked for one for my Birthday, hope my Wife gets it for me.
Good shooting.
Frank

Nice looking holster there, for sure. The basketweave is a nice decoration.

I like some types of crossdraw carry, but mostly I prefer strong side. What keeps me from completely converting to crossdraw is the lil problem of the hammer digging into my body. This is rarely a problem when flatlanding, but is a true pain in the mountains. I have found strong side to work best when on foot in steep mountainous terrain. It also keeps the gun handy. The only problem with strong side is when sitting down. That's when the holstered arm will drive into whatever I'm sitting on-unless its something uncomfortable like a narrow rock or downed tree. I like the idea of a holster adapted to both  styles of carry.

I am unusual in that I prefer a holster without a retaining strap. The strap often interferes with a positive draw, unless it is positioned to swing clear. Problem is that holsters without straps have to really fit the gun to work, this means work must be excellent,.Based on thoughts here, seems it is. Seems like simply rugged deserves a closer look.

One method of carry I forgot to mention with a pancake holster: If you want more retention without a safety strap you can run your belt over the front of the holster instead of behind it & cinch it as tight as you think you will need to keep the gun from coming out during strenious activity. They are pretty secure as is, but this is an option. It will make reholstering just a bit harder, but the extra security at times may be worth it.
Give Simply rugged a look, they have a pretty nice web site.
Frank