Ruger New Vaquero

[the_doctor]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on the grips. I have a 45 LC model. I am able to shoot in the black at 25 feet. Typically I can get 4 out of 6 shots in the black. Sometimes I am able to obtain a tight grouping. I think that I have a lot of trouble maintaining my grip throughout the whole firing sequence. I think that the grip is too short.

I am looking for suggestions for a replacement set of grips in a soft wood.

thanks

 

[High Desert Hunter]

You might also try putting your pinky finger under the bottom of the grip, unless you are shooting from a bench, that could be painful.

 

[woad_yurt]

Have you tried shooting from a rest to see if it's you or the gun that is causing the issue?

 

[1911Tuner]

You might also try putting your pinky finger under the bottom of the grip

I'll second that suggestion.

One of the hardest things for me to do with a single-action revolver with the "Plow Handle" grip is to consistently regain the same grip between shots...which is key to good slow-fire grouping. Curling the little finger under the grip creates a spot weld of sorts that allows me to get back to the same position after the gun rolls up in my hand. It also lets me get a slightly lower purchase on the grip frame, which counters the tendency of the gun to roll.

You also might look into having a SA revolversmith install a Bisley grip frame. It works better if the Bisley-style hammer is also used. I understand that it isn't allowable for CAS, though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you have the money you could always change the grip frame to a Bisley grip frame. That grip frame aids in control of the revolver even when you fire heavy rounds. I have a original Ruger Bisley Vaquero and it's very well balanced and controllable.

 

[High Desert Hunter]

I am not sure that there is an after market bisley gripframe for the New Vaquero.

 

[the_doctor]

I have not entered a CAS competition. I thought that Bisley guns were illegal. I want to fire single handled for the competition. I was practicing slow fire single hand position akin to bullseye.

I haven't seen many websites with any information regarding legal replacements or suggestions. This is the new vaquero with the new grip style. The old vaquero's had a bisley frame.

Does anyone know the exact CAS rules regarding eligbility?

Still looking for ideas.

thanks

 

[Bruce H.]

Try looking on this website for the CAS rules: www.sassnet.com/forums

 

[corpsmanup!]

I put a set of hogue soft rubber grips on my super blackhawk and the problem is solved- i can shoot 44mag all day long now and it is enjoyable.

 

[Claude Clay]

see below

 

[Claude Clay]

eagle grips checkerd wood are about 70 a pair. i love mine

 

[bakert]

Being used to my .45 Blackhawks, I flat couldn't shoot my New Vaquero with those sharp checkered black plastic grips and the smaller frame. It was eating my hand up!! Got a set of the imitation ivory grips made by Hogue from Ruger's online store. They are a bit wider than the original grips and it feels like a new gun now.
And yes, pinky finger under, especially with large hands like mine.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

Just don't lift your pinky finger.

 

[owlhoot]

Bisley revolvers are legal in SASS. Unfortunately the Bisley model is not available in the New Vaquero line-up.

You might consider buying the old model Vaquero or Bisley. Both have much larger grips than your new Vaquero. Although the pinky under the grip will probably solve your problem.

As of this year you can also use revolvers with adjustable sights in most categories, so a black-hawk or super black-hawk is also good to go.

It always helps to be a proficient marksman, but SASS is about as far removed from bullseye type shooting as you can get. Targets are large, about 14" square, and distance is rarely more than 25 to 30 feet. A hit on the edge is as good as a center hit. It's more about speed than accuracy although you are penalized if you miss a target.

As suggested check out the SASS wire. Also visit the SASS forum at the same web address. Folks there will be happy to answer all your questions.

If there is a club in your area, visit and watch. Cowboy shooting is a lot of fun. It might be just your cup of tea. The only down side is that you'll need two revolvers, a shotgun, and a lever rifle. That can be an expensive investment for some. Although I've never seen a club where the members wouldn't let you borrow guns until you could afford to get your own.

 

[Gary A]

Maybe I'm dreaming, but I heard some information just the other day that the Bisley configuration in the New Vaquero may be coming this next year. Can't think where that information came from though so I could be wrong.

I don't shoot CAS but I hope allowing adjustables doesn't lessen the demand for fixed-sight SAs. I am loving the selections that are available because of the interest and demand brought about by CAS.

 

[zxcvbob]

eagle grips checkerd wood are about 70 a pair. i love mine

I have gorgeous checkered rosewood grips on my Bisley-Blackhawk. They tear the skin off my palm during extended range sessions with heavy loads*. (I should put the original smooth walnut grips back on, but the checkered grips are too pretty)

* "Heavy loads" means 250ish grain bullets at >1300 fps. I don't shoot those very often anymore. My current favorite load is a 230 grain cast bullet at about 1050 - 1100 fps, and I can shoot those all day.