Ruger New Vaquero

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Attached is the link to an article from Buffalo Bore regarding the New Vaquero as well as a warning from Underwood's website for their +P ammunition. If I have time I'll call Ruger during the week to clarify what ammo could be used. My gut is telling me to err on the side of caution and listen to the ammo manufacturers when they tell us not to use their ammo in a gun.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=153

These loads are safe in all large frame Ruger revolvers, TC Contender, and Colt Anaconda. These loads are safe in all modern Model 1892 leverguns as well as all Winchester & Marlin 1894's. These Heavy 45 Colt +P loads are NOT intended for the New Model Vaquero (small frame). DO NOT USE IN ANY OTHER FIREARM. THESE ARE NOT STANDARD PRESSURE CARTRIDGES! Do not use +P ammunition in firearms that are replicas of early designs, such as rolling blocks, Sharps and Colt-style single action army revolvers.
 
For a range gun, I think you'd be better served by something with adjustable sights.

How about a S&W 625 non-mountain gun? 5" barrel and adjustable sights in 45 ACP? We can meet up and you can try mine, if you want.

Or a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull? (and be able to shoot 45 Colt)
https://ruger.com/products/superRedhawkStandard/specSheets/5505.html

...or a Super Blackhawk Bisley in 454?
https://ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkBisley/specSheets/0871.html

...or a regular old blued Blackhawk in 45 Colt with the 4.6" barrel?
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/specSheets/0445.html

If you want something pretty, how about a Cimarron like I just put on layaway at one of our local shops?
https://www.cimarron-firearms.com/m...ion-45-colt-5-1-2-in-snake-inlay-rh-side.html
 
On my New Vaquero(s) I stay within SAAMI specs snd with heavier bullets SAAMI specs can feel pretty stout. ;)…to me.
I only have one New Vaquero now but have owned 3 others. When I bought my first 2 in 2005 I called Ruger and talked with a gent that told me “The New Vaqueros are not built as stout as the original Vaqueros. Ruger always recommends customers stay within SAAMI specs but we know people do not do that with certain models of our revolvers. I highly recommend you do with your New Vaqueros.” (Paraphrased -those may not have been his exact words, but they’re close)
I have followed that recommendation since.
 
I do love my New Vaquero, it’s what started me reloading & that really opened the doors to exploring all sides of the sport. It took me quite a while before I could hit what I was aiming at but I put the time in & got it figured out now. I do like the balance with the shorter barrel, & would like to try a birdshead out-I like the look.
r1ZhUAgl.jpg
My Lone Ranger rounds loaded up
udSW2Dql.jpg
 
Smaug said:
For a range gun, I think you'd be better served by something with adjustable sights.

How about a S&W 625 non-mountain gun? 5" barrel and adjustable sights in 45 ACP? We can meet up and you can try mine, if you want.

Or a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull? (and be able to shoot 45 Colt)
https://ruger.com/products/superRedhawkStandard/specSheets/5505.html

...or a Super Blackhawk Bisley in 454?
https://ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkBisley/specSheets/0871.html

...or a regular old blued Blackhawk in 45 Colt with the 4.6" barrel?
https://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/specSheets/0445.html

If you want something pretty, how about a Cimarron like I just put on layaway at one of our local shops?
https://www.cimarron-firearms.com/m...ion-45-colt-5-1-2-in-snake-inlay-rh-side.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. I bought the New Vaquero yesterday but if the Blackhawk can shoot the +P loads from Buffalo Bore or Underwood I may pick that up as well.
 
TomJ said:
Thanks for the offer. I bought the New Vaquero yesterday but if the Blackhawk can shoot the +P loads from Buffalo Bore or Underwood I may pick that up as well.
Click to expand...
From the earlier post, it sounds like maybe your Vaquero CAN shoot +Ps. What does the manual say?
 
Note on bird's head grips:

There was a 38 special SA revolver model for sale a year or two ago that was a 7/8 size SAA with 3.5" (IIIRC) barrel and bird's head grips. Various sellers on GB had it in stock. I was pretty sure I wanted one.

None of the local places rented or sold SA revolvers with bird's head grips, but I thought I should shoot one to see how they worked with my hands.

So I bought a little 3.5" 22lr Heritage Rough Rider with bird's head grips for really cheap.

I couldn't shoot it worth squat. Those grips don't work for me.

I just ordered a new grip frame and grips from Heritage, and now I have a 3.5" 22lr that's really fun to shoot.

It would have been very annoying if I'd purchased the 38 special instead.

Just a work-around idea, if anyone has bird's head fever out there. :)
 
Interesting, I find the birdshead easier and more accurate to shoot than the plow handle because it doesn’t roll in your hand. It gives more of a straight push than the typical cowboy gun “roll”. If I had to send one on its way and keep just one, I would definitely keep the birdshead. Some folks can’t get past the look as we are trained by the movies. To each his own, I suppose.
 
I bought a Birdshead original .45 Vaquero. I did not like it at all. I have big hands. It was awkward for me. It could be that the grips were to wide for a decent grip. They were thick. They seemed to push recoil right into my palm at the base of my thumb.

Like a dummy I sold the gun to Cabela’s without realizing I could have replaced the grip frame. Oh well, someone ended up with a nice shooter.
 
Seedy Character said:
I have the NV 4 5/8", stainless, dual cylinder. Great fun in .45 ACP and more than adequate for field carry in .45 C.

I have it For Sale @ $850, only because I want a Blackhawk, for the heavier frame and adj sights.
Click to expand...





Success !!

20221013_225618.jpg

I have HAD 3 Vaquero. Have managed to replace all 3 with 4 5/8" BLACKHAWK.

Had a birdhead Heritage .22, years ago. Couldn't hit a bucket at spitting distance. The grip felt awkward. Have shot the plow handle for 40 years, doubt I will change.

Now, to get that last Vaquero sold. Too bad, it is a good shooter and love that .45 ACP cylinder.


It is SOLD!!!!!!

Surprise! Good friend knew I was looking for a Blackhawk and wanted the Vaquero.
Seen I had gotten the Blackhawk and made asked. Gone to a good home and I can see it use, at future Cowboy shoots.
 
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In case anyone is interested, I emailed Ruger and inquired about fitting a 45acp cylinder to my 45 Colt New Vaquero. They replied that they will not do it unless it was originally a 45acp/45Colt convertible which mine was not.
 
shafter said:
In case anyone is interested, I emailed Ruger and inquired about fitting a 45acp cylinder to my 45 Colt New Vaquero. They replied that they will not do it unless it was originally a 45acp/45Colt convertible which mine was not.
Click to expand...
Thanks for passing that on and confirming the rumours to that effect. I've just been too durn busy to call them myself.
 
shafter said:
In case anyone is interested, I emailed Ruger and inquired about fitting a 45acp cylinder to my 45 Colt New Vaquero. They replied that they will not do it unless it was originally a 45acp/45Colt convertible which mine was not.
Click to expand...

Did you call anyone there? I would. Mine is a New Vaquero in .45 Colt. My GUN was not “originally a 45 ACP / 45 Colt convertible”, but if you look on the left side of the frame near the name roll mark and if it just says “.45 Cal.” It can have 2 cylinders, a .45 Colt and a .45 ACP. That is what I was told by Ruger CS.
I would talk to someone. Have your serial number handy.

Ruger Customer Service
(336) 949-5200
 
I made it out to our range this afternoon and had a few minutes before our training I had mentioned and was able to put a few rounds through it. What a hoot. I don't know how else to describe it. It's accurate and has a great trigger. As much as I love my semi autos, there's something about the history of these kind of revolvers that makes it fun on a different level.
 
TomJ said:
I made it out to our range this afternoon and had a few minutes before our training I had mentioned and was able to put a few rounds through it. What a hoot. I don't know how else to describe it. It's accurate and has a great trigger. As much as I love my semi autos, there's something about the history of these kind of revolvers that makes it fun on a different level.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. A whole different level of shooting enjoyment.
 
My Vaquero .45 wears a Bisley grip. I'm not fond of the traditional grip shape but i like the Bisley and found one.
 
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