Beretta Stampede or Ruger Vaquero

Check out the Rodeo.

Sorry Bullrock, I know you didn't ask about United States Fire Arms or their Rodeo, but you gotta check it out. They are about the same price of a Ruger or Beretta and man do they look good. Everybody that has one loves them (everybody I know, that is) and say they are quality.

Here is a review http://www.gunblast.com/USFA_Rodeo.htm
Here is the site: http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/rodeogun.asp

You get your four clicks and just look at this...

http://www.usfirearms.com/highres/rodeo_la.jpg
 
Bullrock, you'll love the Vaquero - primarily for its rugged construction and ability to take "any" load. (I cannot speak for the new model). Yes it is a little on the large-ish side, but that's only in comparison with the SAA and if not an issue with you comes in its favor again with hot loads. I prefer the 5.5" for balance, as I have that in a stainless .44 Mag and is the "least" version I'd get for that--as with medium to full-house loads even the Ruger's a handful (I still prefer the shape of the regular grip (mine) over the Bisley, but see the practical merit of the B grip). I always thought Ruger (since - esp in the old model Vaquero - is not an "exact" SAA replica to begin with) should make the Blackhawk's 6.5" barrel length available as a nice longer-intermediate length (in addition to the 5.5), esp for the .44 Mags and hotted up .45 LCs...that much more weight up front to control muzzle flip. If I had the jingle would seriously consider having a custom one made and that would be the ultimate Vaquero. But for now, I'm happy with my 5.5 and find that length to be the best overall utility, balance (including IMO aesthetically), handle-ability, etc., , in all SAA formats as well--best of all worlds. That said, for historic nostalgia in part (was the most popular length in the days of the Old West), the 4-3/4" (4-5/8 for Ruger) is also the most popular among the SAA/Ruger types, esp with the CAS crowd. It is a good handy size--just a handful with hot .45 loads and certainly (with Rugers) in the .44 Mag.

Forgot to mention (vs non transfer bar'd SAA clones and of course the real article itself) -- the Ruger gives you a full 6 in the cylinder.
 
Bullrock, I guess it might be worth saying, that if your not doing CAS or anything based on the period.. the Ruger design will serve much better.

Unless you really like the 4 clicks or the "traditional" internals of the other design ;)
 
Here is a picture of my new Vaquero

It feels good in the hand shoots real well very accurate, and the finish and bluing is very nice. The various issues like undersized cylinder throats and poor indexing on loading have been resolved with this model.

They are a bit hard to find I hear though. The grip frame on mine is like a colt the older smaller version, Its made out of highly polished blued steel no anodized aluminum as suggested by a poster here. The single six has an aluminium frame.

PICS and a detailed review:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=139496&highlight=vaquero
 
Hey JR, thanks for the informatiom. I read the review, and it appears to be a very nice gun....But a 5 1/2" barrell with no other frills starts at $731.00. That may be MSRP...Do you have any retail pricing info. In the meantime I'll check around... :)

Jon...Yup, those 4 clicks really turn me on. At my age one might think that to be kinda strange...How many movies have you seen where the good guy sneaks up behind the bad guy, cocks the hammer...click, click, click, click! :D
 
Buds Gun Shop has them listed at $380.81 but doesn't have any in stock. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_462
Another internet site I use for prices, The Gun Source, has them at $483.13 http://www.thegunsource.com/shopping_category.aspx?idcategory=2&idmanufacturer=24
And this one cost $550 with free shipping. http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976546994.htm

I called my favorite gun dealer today for an exact price. It'll take him a day, but then we will know what the current shipping price is.

A point of interest, my FFL said the only problem he ever saw with a USFA revolver was that they were occasionaly hard to get. More "Colt quality" than some of the actual Colts comeing down the line.

....and now for something a little different (third gun down): http://www.am-firearms.com/items/display.asp?start=6&page=300 :cool:

A little more than the Ruger, but .....

JRLaws
 
JR, I really appreciate your help in this matter, and please don't think that I haven't considered all the information you have sent me. I have done that for others, and I know it takes TIME, and effort. So, thank you.

I guess I'm too far down the road to take a look at anything other than what I have posted on. It's that gun itch most of us have. We need to scratch it ASAP...I have a price on the slightly used Vaquero of $325.00, :D SOLD...for 2 clicks.

I have a price on a new Beretta Stampede Nickle finish, walnut grips, .45 Colt, 5 1/2" Brl. of $425.00. :D SOLD for 4 clicks. I will be trading my CZ 75B for it...

Sometime soon I'll be able to write a range report on both guns. If it turns out either are not up to snuff, then it's gone for USFA or Comanche... :o
 
I have a price on a new Beretta Stampede Nickle finish, walnut grips, .45 Colt, 5 1/2" Brl. of $425.00. SOLD for 4 clicks. I will be trading my CZ 75B for it...
Click to expand...

Very cool, two guns. Sorry you had to give up a CZ 75B but it sounds like you have two sweet new toys. :)
I was just looking at a Vaquero - .45 with Birds Head grip and have to say that I liked it a lot, indexing was kind of weird though. Can't wait for your battle of the cowboy's gun report.

JRLaws
 
I have a price on a new Beretta Stampede Nickle finish, walnut grips, .45 Colt, 5 1/2" Brl. of $425.00. SOLD for 4 clicks
Click to expand...
Good price for 4 clicks and a transfer bar.
I did not know that Stampedes had the bar or I would have looked closer at one.
 
Maybe a slight thread drift: I find it fascinating that so many people are getting back into the ol' six guns.

I bought my Vaquero when they first came out, IIRC it was $350 out the door, brand new. I don't know if it was a Ruger thing or the gunshop thing but it had a $50 rebate on it. I've always wanted a "cowboy gun" and I couldn't pass this up.

I can't look at the GP or the Vaquero right now (stored for the summer due to fire concerns at the house and yard) but I don't remember the owners manual printed on the barrel of the Vaquero or the GP but both are older models.

And if I remember right, my Vaquero has the half cock function on it but I don't remember how many "clicks" that it has. I will go to where they are stored this weekend and see (I need to fondle it anyway, it's been awhile :) ).

Wayne
 
2 stainless .357 Vaqueros, 4 5/8" bbls

wonderful toys, durable, came from the factory shooting to point of aim. couldn't ask for more even with just 2 clicks
 
Just wanted to follow up on the Rodeo.

My local dealer said that it would take 3 months to get one.

It's $549 + $20 shipping and $60 for the dealer.

Looks like the Rodeo is becoming expensive quickly, I guess quality cost.

JRLaws.
 
Bullrock commented:
While I was there the dealer hauled out a Colt Buntline Special. The same one that was used by Hugh Grant when he played Wyatt Erp, back in the early days of TV.
Click to expand...
I think you meant to say Hugh O'Brian played Wyatt Earp.

172091.jpg
 
Bullrock,

before dementia sets in completely, don't forget to send all your guns to me :D

I'll even send a box

and pay for shipping :D
 
Bullrock:

I bought a used Vaquero 4 5/8 .45LC/.45ACP in January - love at first sight.
It's rugged, great to shoot and always works. I expect it to outlast me.
I have been shooting SA revolvers for over 30 years, and I carry mine almost every day in an ISP holster.

You will enjoy it.

Mark
 
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