Vaquero SASS or SS?

F

FLChinook

New member
Hi,

I'm new to this forum and have no experience in cowboy shooting. However, I am considering a single action revolver and like the Vaquero.

Here's my question: Why does the SASS cost almost twice as much as a SS? You would think Ruger would have all kinds of details on this but I haven't been able to find it.

Does it have more special work, more hand fitting, more..??

Many thanks
 
As stated by jmortimer, the SASS Vaqueros are only sold as a pair. The price per gun is not significantly higher than a standard SS Vaquero. They do have the lowered hammer which a lot of people like but that can be added to the standard Vaquero by a competent gunsmith. I am a cowboy action shooter and bought a pair of the SASS Vaqueros to try but sold them and went back to my Colts.
 
TWO guns... now that would explain why the price is double. I probably could have seen that had I looked more closely :-)

Bud's Guns sometimes sells the SASS as a single (not currently in stock). If you could buy one SASS or one SS, which would you choose? Again, this gun will just be used for fun shooting and not for cowboy competition.

Finally, for my use, do you know if the predominance of advice would be to seek out a Colt or Colt clone?

Finally, on a truly finicky point, do you know if Ruger still embeds that huge warning on the barrels of their handguns? That alone would move me to a Colt...

Thanks
 
Ruger's warnings are now underneath the barrel. Unless you turn it over, you won't see it.

I just bought a SS 5.5" Vaquero myself, in .357 mag.

Alot of it depends on what you want it for.

At first I wanted to go full accuracy, and was either going to get a Colt ($1300-$1500, with a 6+ month waiting period for a new one) or a quality clone, most likely a Cimarron or a USFA.

Thing to remember is that the Colt and true colt clones do not have the transfer bar, so you can only "safely" carry it with 5 rounds, and the hammer down on an empty chamber. If all you plan to do is take this to the range, then that's fine, or if you're okay with 5 rounds, then it's fine.

Me, I actually use this as a carry piece on occasion. Ruger is known for outstanding durability, is much cheaper than a real colt, on-par with the price of the clones, and has the transfer bar so you can carry all six rounds.
 
The argument for the transfer bar is compelling. If you could get a single SASS, would you go for that or the SS?
 
It all depends on that hammer. I like the SS hammer, but honestly I'm thinking about going with that SASS one if I can find it...(I have smaller hands, I can reach the standard hammer, but maybe the SASS will be more comfortable)
 
Despite what you may have seen on Bud's website, I don't think the SASS Edition Vaqueros can be purchased as single units. I have a pair, they came in a factory two-gun case and the guns have sequential serial numbers. This is probably because SASS matches require a pair of revolvers. If you only want one revolver, the SASS Edition is probably not an option.

The SASS guns come in one finish (stainless) and you don't have a wide choice of calibers or barrel length. The .357s have 4.75 inch barrels and the revolvers chambered for .45 Colt have 5.5 inchers.

Other than the serial numbers and the carrying case, the only differences between the SASS guns and the standard New Vaquero are the low wide "Montado" hammer, the little SASS logo on the grips, and a lightly widened rear sight notch.

I've been shooting SASS Edition guns for about two years. Whether the Montado hammer is better than the standard hammer is a matter of personal preference. In my opinion, they are great for one handed shooting but if you shoot with both hands, using your weak hand thumb to cock the hammer, the standard New Vaquero may be better.
 
I had to make the same choice. My way of thinking was that IF, and that is a bit IF, something should happen to one of them, well there goes the matched pair. I purchased two Ruger New Vaquero's in SS and added nice rosewood Altamont grips.
 
It's pretty clear that asking five gun enthusiasts for opinions on Ruger vs. Colt vs. Colt clone will likely yield 10 different positions, all held with equal fever :)

Just a little OT, Bud's Guns shows an out-of-stock Vaquero in SS with a gloss stainless hard rub (Bud's item number 70129). Does anyone know what this finish is? It appeals to me because I like the durability of SS but don't like the shine...

Thanks
 
FLChinook, gloss SS will shiny, and hard rub sounds like extra polishing, so it may be really shiny. You would likely prefer a satin SS which is dull.
 
After some additional research I'm fairly confident that it is a standard SS Vaquero with hard rubber grips, hence "Hard Rub". I know the picture shows wood grips but it wouldn't be the first time a company puts a "similar" picture up that isn't entirely accurate. It think they just cut off the description mid-word.
 
Ben,

Of course, you're right. Rubber grips and a mis-assigned picture. Interesting that the rubber grips add about 50 bux to the price.

Re your earlier comment, does the Vaquero come in a satin SS finish? I've not seen that.

Thanks
 
I haven't seen one in satin, in fact I've never seen any single action Ruger in satin SS, though I've seen some Redhawks with it.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
 
I've only ever seen the Vaquero's in high gloss as well. Personally I like it, especially with some "modest" engraving on it...

Granted, I'm a bit OCD about fingerprints/smudges, I keep a polishing cloth on me at all times...
 
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