The new Vaqueros are lighter, with a bit less extra steel in the frame. They are currently only available in .357 magnum and .45 Colt. If you get a new Vaquero in 45 Colt, you probably shouldn't reload nearly as hot as you can in the old models. Also, the new Vaquero has a much slimmer grip. I shot one a couple of weeks ago, and that thing was able to swim around in my hand. Lots of folks like those thinner grips, but my big clumsy mitts prefer the big clumsy old Vaquero. Also, the cylinder is easier to get lined up for reloads in the new one, but I've never had any real problem with the old Vaquero. If you like a Peacemaker sized revolver, but with Ruger's modern touches, the new Vaquero fits the bill.
My avatar is a stainless Ruger old Vaquero in 44 mag, loaded with 32 grains of Goex fffg and a Mav Dutchman 200 grain bullet in Starline brass. The weight of the gun helps to control the recoil, as you can see by the fact that my fat little hands are still pointing it down at the target.
