"new" Old Vaquero

[Richmond]

So, I was cleaning my study on Sunday, putting tons of stuff away, and came upon an old Lee Enfield that I got a few years ago. Absolutely battered but a sweet shooter. I only shot it once then put it back in the shipping box. I put it away and, as I did, looked for .303 ammo. I could not find any although I was sure I had some left.

So, yesterday at lunch I walked down to the gun store to pick some up - I hate having any firearm in the house that I don't have ammo for. If the zombies come, and I shoot every last round in the locker, I would be thinking, "boy, I wish I had picked up some ammo for that trusty old .303!".

They were out of .303 but ordered me a few boxes, but since I was there. . . .

I had to hang out, drink a cup of coffee and browse. I have not had any single action revolvers for many years and have been researching them, mostly utilizing the "search" function here at THR. I had pretty well focused on an "old" Roger Vaquero. So, there in the showcase was a "used" but probably unfired Bird's Head Vaquero - which now has a new home in my gun locker!

Back at the office, I ducked work for a while longer as I called Mernickle and ordered a holster and belt for it. Again, most of my holster research came off THR. I mentioned this when I called them.

Thanks to all here for the resource - and a question. This happens to me all the time - go to the store to buy ammo, buy a new gun. Does this happen to everyone else, too?

 

[Zeke/PA]

You ain't alone pal.
I cannot go into a gun shop and come out with only the item that drew me there in the first place.
Ditto for the camera shops.
Zeke

 

[JustsayMo]

Congrats on the New "Old" Vaquero! What caliber? Now we need a range report.

 

[First Shirt]

If you bought a "Bird's head" in .45 Colt, I may just burst into tears! I've been looking for one for about a year, and can't find one anywhere. Don't tell me how it shoots, either!

Congrats, Vaqueros are addictive!

JWB

 

[Lashlarue]

I sold my old Vaquero on GB early this year, had it been a birdshead I would still own it. I don't believe I've ever seen one in the flesh, otherwise I would own it.

 

[Hastings]

I was looking for a Ruger Vaquero, last year. I went to the local gun store and looked over a used 45 Colt Birds Head Vaquero for around $450. I was looking for a 357 Vaquero, so I passed up the birds head, but it was hard. I thought of going back and getting it just 'cause. Anyway, I ended up handling a 45 Colt New Vaquero the following day, at another shop one town over. I liked the feel of the New Vaquero better than the Vaquero, but the birds head was still calling my name. I decided to wait a week and then go haggle for it. That night the gun store burned to the ground (Field Sports in Middlebury, VT). The owner is putting up a new shop on the same site, (hopefully done in a month, since the fire took place last winter). I still fight back the tears at the thought of the birds head, (and all of the other firearms) cooking in the fire. Next time I see a birds head Vaquero, regardless of finish or caliber, it's mine on the spot.

 

[Hooptie]

Vaqueros are what got me back to SAO revolvers. I bought a Heritage Rough Rider to use as a stepping stone, and I'll be darned if that little 22 mag isn't addictive to shoot, accurate too! I may actually just get another Rough Rider instead!

 

[Lashlarue]

Heritage has a birdshead out in 22/22mag and now in 32 H&R Mag.My local gun stores havent received any of the 32s yet or I might have spent some more of my children's inheritance.

 

[JNewell]

I bought a Vaq birds head in .45 Colt with the intent of shooting heavy loads in it...wrong grip for that, very hard to control heavy recoil. Shoots nicely with "normal" .45 Colt loads, though.

 

[Sistema1927]

JNewell,

I find that the birds head Vaquero .45 handles heavy recoil very well, since the revolver rolls back in the hand. I shoot "normal" and "cowboy" loads out of my SAA clones, but sometimes stoke the Vaquero (and my 1892) up with some serious loads. A red sharpie stays by the reloading stuff so that I can mark these rounds to avoid a disaster.

 

[Richmond]

Vaquero

Howdy - have not been to the range yet, it is on the schedule for this weekend. I was looking through my extensive unused holster box last night and discovered I have a simple, unlined belt holster that fits it well. That will be a plus for range work until the new one comes in.

If you bought a "Bird's head" in .45 Colt, I may just burst into tears!

My Bird's Head Vaquero is in 45LC. Sorry!

I was curious about how the grip would feel with heavy loads - I guess I will find out!

 

[ravenor]

Gents,

if you are looking for Ruger Vaqueros with birds head gripsframes and can live with a 45, there are several for in CCH and SS on Gunbroker right now. I have only seen 4 in SS .357 in 4 5/8 " barrels. and miised a chance to buy all but 1 of them. They are hens teeth. Ruger never made the short barreled BH in 357 to the best of my knowledge. and they won't be making anymore anytime soon.


There is another option, however, .....