Not too far off in overall size and weight from a full size 1911, such as my SA Mil-spec. Obviously, the only things the two have in common is that they both shoot 45 auto.
Most Vaqueros I've had in other chambering shoot low, so it's always a simple matter for me to file down the front sight as needed to raise the POI. This Birdshead 45 auto Vaquero shoots a good 4 inches plus high at 16 yards with standard 230 grain ball ammo. Bummer. Well, a cowgirl can adapt, so by tickling the bottom of the rear sight gutter with the tip of the front sight, I could still shoot decent groups and be happy. Still a touch high, but close enough. Very easy gun to shoot.
The other option for a fixed sight gun that shoots high is to shoot lighter bullets. Returned the next day with some 185 grain self-defense loads and went to work. That did it. Using a standard sight picture, the Birdshead Ruger not only shot to POA, but it told me it loves the 185 grain fancy stuff. Brought a smile to this cowgirl's face.
Now, I'm not telling anyone to use single action revolvers for self-defense, but I have used these guns all my life as woods carry guns for defense against toothy critters and given that I'm actually faster and more accurate with follow up shots using two hands to operate a single action than I am using a 1911, I would not feel unarmed if I actually had to use this gun in a gunfight.
My cowgirl 1911.
As always, nice target and nice looking Springfield, too 
