I got this Ruger New Vaquero .45 Colt a few years ago. I didn't shoot it much, but I treated it to a set of no-bark Executioner stags.
I own two of the bigger frame Vaqueros - a stainless convertible .45 and a long barreled .44 Magnum. I shoot the convertible with ACPs regularly, but it is a chunky beast. This guy is downright svelte in comparison.
The New Vaquero is on a smaller frame, and is almost identical in size to a Colt SAA. Here it is with my 1916 beater.
They fit the same holsters. Obviously they function differently, but to my uneducated hand they feel very much the same.
Mine has the color case finish. Its not real color case hardening, and I hear it can wear off, but mine still looks ok.
I'd be interested to hear from other fans, especially anyone who has seen significant wear to the color case finish. Also, I'm going to start reloading .45 Colts, and I understand this smaller framed gun should just be fed SAA level loads. True?
I had it at the range today with my small supply of factory ammo, and it handled and shot well.