If you plan to twirl or spin that gun much, it is 'New' Vaquero all the way! I do theatrical gunfights with the Christian Cowboys and there is no gun that handles as good for spinning and tricks as the New Vaquero! Many guns are available but the wide trigger on the Ruger sits forward enough that you don't get that 'clunk, clunk' as the gun slops from the front to the back of the trigger guard that a colt/clone will do. Also the wide trigger keeps the gun from canting during spinning. They have put more weight in the butt and the balance is better than the Colt type guns. The hammer bugs me too, but it works very well and falls under the thumb naturally. If you can pick up the guns and handle them next time you go to the gun shop, you will see the Ruger's advantages. If you are buying it just to shoot, buy whatever you like. But if you are buying it to spin and do tricks AND shoot, buy the New Vaquero, you'll never regret it! 44 Man