new bissley vaquero 45 colt
- Thread starter mtboy36
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rswartsell
Member
Old Vaqueros yes but maybe not advisable, new model? In a word, no. Blackhawk (not flat top) and SBH only.
The original Vaquero revolvers were built on Ruger's .44 Magnum frame, but current ones are made using a shorter cylinder and matching frame that Cowboy Action Shooters (CAS) much prefer. In both cases the Company strongly opposes the use of so-called "Ruger or Thompson-Center guns only" loads.
Sure you can do it, and many do. But if you expand a chamber by over stressing it don't expect a free fix from Ruger.
Sure you can do it, and many do. But if you expand a chamber by over stressing it don't expect a free fix from Ruger.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
Ruger has managed to make something that was unclear even more confusing.
The "original model"* Vaquero, manufactured from 1993 until 2005, was built on the same frame as the Blackhawk. The cylinder was roughly 10% larger in diameter than a Colt, which resulted in more steel surrounding each chamber. The larger cylinder was housed in the larger frame.
This photo shows a Stainless "original model" Vaquero cylinder with a Colt Single Action Army cylinder on the right and an Uberti Cattleman cylinder on the left. All three cylinders are chambered for 45 Colt. One can plainly see how much more metal surrounds the chambers in the Ruger than the other two revolvers.
In 2005 Ruger ceased making the "original model" Vaquero and replaced it with the New Vaquero. This model was similar in size to a Colt, with similar thin cylinder walls when chambered for 45 Colt. Sorry, I don't have a 45 caliber New Vaquero to show for comparison.
Ruger has since made things more confusing by dropping the name New Vaquero, and is now calling them all just plain Vaqueros, even though all present production is of the smaller size.
To answer your question completely, one would need to know which version of the Bisley Vaquero you are talking about. Recent production or earlier than 2005?
Regardless of what some shooters try, Ruger was very specific when the New Vaquero was introduced in 2005 that only SAAMI Max spec loads should be fired in it, nothing more powerful.
* the words "original model" are my own. There is no official Ruger designation for the larger model Vaquero, I simply put the words original model in quotes to make it clear which model I am talking about.
Ruger has managed to make something that was unclear even more confusing.
The "original model"* Vaquero, manufactured from 1993 until 2005, was built on the same frame as the Blackhawk. The cylinder was roughly 10% larger in diameter than a Colt, which resulted in more steel surrounding each chamber. The larger cylinder was housed in the larger frame.
This photo shows a Stainless "original model" Vaquero cylinder with a Colt Single Action Army cylinder on the right and an Uberti Cattleman cylinder on the left. All three cylinders are chambered for 45 Colt. One can plainly see how much more metal surrounds the chambers in the Ruger than the other two revolvers.
In 2005 Ruger ceased making the "original model" Vaquero and replaced it with the New Vaquero. This model was similar in size to a Colt, with similar thin cylinder walls when chambered for 45 Colt. Sorry, I don't have a 45 caliber New Vaquero to show for comparison.
Ruger has since made things more confusing by dropping the name New Vaquero, and is now calling them all just plain Vaqueros, even though all present production is of the smaller size.
To answer your question completely, one would need to know which version of the Bisley Vaquero you are talking about. Recent production or earlier than 2005?
Regardless of what some shooters try, Ruger was very specific when the New Vaquero was introduced in 2005 that only SAAMI Max spec loads should be fired in it, nothing more powerful.
* the words "original model" are my own. There is no official Ruger designation for the larger model Vaquero, I simply put the words original model in quotes to make it clear which model I am talking about.
cpt-t
Member
mtboy36: I have a a pair of SS Ruger Bissley Vaquero old or original models in 45LC and I have been told that I can shoot the Ruger Loads in them with out any problems. To be real honest I don`t know if Ruger makes a New Model Bissley Vaquero in 45LC or in any other Caliber. But if they do it is my understanding that the New Model Vaquero`s in 45LC are not safe to shoot Ruger Only Loads. But it doesn`t matter for I am to old to shoot thoes thoes hot loads any more, they hurt my hands and wrist`s now. I have just turned in to a Big Old Wuss.
ken
ken
Barry the Bear
Member
I have nothing much to add after D.Johnsons post,what I will add is that even without "magnumizing" a 250 gr .44/.45 caliber pill at 900-1000 fps will do pretty much anything you could ask a handgun to do.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Like already said, the New Vaquero should not be shot with the Ruger 45 Colt loads. If you're looking for a big bore that shoots hot loads you might want to look at the .44 Magnum.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Large frame yes, mid-frame no.
Reloading "Ruger only" loads for the large frame guns is no more inherently dangerous than loading for any other cartridge for any other gun.
Reloading "Ruger only" loads for the large frame guns is no more inherently dangerous than loading for any other cartridge for any other gun.
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