That was my reasoning also Whit. I had a 500 4 3/4" vaquero built about 4 years ago but I much prefer the feel of this one. The only thing I can figure is the subtle changes that Dustin makes to the gripframe when he shapes and decks it makes it feel a little less blocky in the hand. My 500 always seemed blocky, this one is nothing like that. I think the shape of the stocks and the gripframe changes make all the difference. Small changes but you can definitely feel it. Dustin's stocks are the best I've ever felt on a bisley. He really knows how to shape them but he's been shooting these things for 25 years so I figure he has it figured out