Ruger Vaquero and heavy loads!!!

[Gun lover]

I don't know if I should buy the Ruger Vaquero at my local Hard ware store for $349.99.If anybody has shot heavy loads through thier Ruger Vaqueros,please tell me.I look to take deer with this pistol,but if it will blow up in my face,I will pass!!!

 

[campbell]

The old Vaqueros in .44 mag are every bit as strong as the Blackhawk. Strength is the last thing you need to worry about.

 

[jwxspoon]

Yep, there's an article in this month's Shooting times by Sheriff Jim Wilson about how you can shoot stronger loads in the Ruger, IIRC.

jw

 

[RichardB]

The new 45 Vaqueros are smaller and therefore less strong than the first generation guns. What version / calibre are you looking at? If its 357 you are probably ok

 

[campbell]

What version / calibre are you looking at?

7.5'' .44, so old model Vaq.

 

[Lashlarue]

I sold my old model 44mag on GB for $510 including shipping, I got my buy it now price within four hours of placing the listing.

 

[MCgunner]

Wow, I didn't know the vaqs went for much more than that new. Haven't looked in a long time. I don't have a vaq, have blackhawks, perfer the adjustable sights for outdoor use. The vaqs have the clean lines and the SAA look, but I compromise on looks for utility since I have light and heavy loads for my .357 and .45 Colt and the POI is significantly different in elevation between the two. If you actually want to USE this gun in the field, I'd give this some consideration and I figure you wouldn't be asking about hot loads if you didn't want to hunt or carry this thing in the field. The vaq came along with the popularity of SASS cowboy action shooting. Some folks prefer the rugged fixed sights in the field, though, and I can understand that, but I have to have adjustability so's I can hunt rabbits to deer to hogs to having bear protection in the mountains.

 

[Gun lover]

^^That's what I'm asking,I don't want to be maimed or killed by shooting a Ruger Vaquero that is designed to shoot low velocity cowboy loads.

 

[Rexster]

Guys, there is the Vaquero, and there is the New Vaquero. Ruger recommends SAAMI-spec loads for all if its weapons, but handloaders have found the Vaqueros and Blackhawks can be loaded to higher pressures. The New Vaquero does not need to be babied with "cowboy" loads, which are mild loads for the sport of cowboy action shooting; it can handle any SAAMI-spec load. People have shot holes all the way through far larger animals than deer with SAAMI-spec loads. PRESSURE is the key word, not "hot" or "heavy." A humongous 300-grain bullet can be loaded to standard pressure, and a light sub-200-grain bullet can be loaded to pressures which will challenge a Casull. The new Vaquero was not "made to be weaker" than the original Vaquero, it was made to handle standard-pressure ammo while being lighter and handier, the EQUAL of the Colt SAA and its replicas. FWIW, at least one leading gunsmith recommends that the original Vaquero not be fired with over-standard-pressure ammo, either, indicating that only the Blackhawks truly have enough beef in the frame to withstand the over-pressure loads.

 

[Gator]

That's what I'm asking,I don't want to be maimed or killed by shooting a Ruger Vaquero that is designed to shoot low velocity cowboy loads.

First of all, any .44 or .45 SAA clone properly loaded, is plenty for deer, no need for heavy loads, this includes the New Vaquero. The Vaquero was most definitely not designed for cowboy loads, it was a fixed sight version on the Blackhawk, and every bit as strong. There have been some monster 5 shot conversions done on it, which have been used to take bear, elk, buffalo, and larger game in Africa; game that does require heavy loads. The New Vaquero is smaller, it is the same size (almost) as a SAA, not as strong as the Vaq, but not designed for "...shoot low velocity cowboy loads". Actually, NO SAA clone is designed for such loads, they are all as strong or stronger than the originals, and untold numbers of deer have been shot with original SAAs. $350 is also a ridiculously low price for a .44 Mag Vaquero.

 

[Neophyte1]

Vaquero

Gun lover: Sir; where is this Vaquero. I want it Sight unseen I'd be there with the money. Price is right and it will not blow up in your face. Ruger build them to last. You'll give up before it blows up with hunting loads.
Follow up with your decision. Many of us would like to see it

 

[rcmodel]

I don't know if I should buy the Ruger Vaquero. I look to take deer with this pistol,

If you want a hunting handgun, you want one with adjustable sights so you can sight it in with the "heavy loads" you ask about.

Something more like a Blackhawk or Bisley would be better suited for a hunting handgun.

I think you will have serious accuracy problems with those heavy loads in a fixed sight Vaquero.


rcmodel

 

[zxcvbob]

I saw where you said (in another thread) that it's chambered for .44 Magnum, and it's brand new. Go buy it immediately; it will only go up in value. Yes, it can handle any .44 magnum factory loads you can feed it.

 

[BlkHawk73]

There's the Vaquero and the New Vaquero. There is no "old model" Vaquero. :banghead: The current production model uses a smaller frame and is fine for any ammo made within SAAMI specs which most ammo on the shelves are anyways. That which is not, states it as such on the package.
I'm wondering though why "heay loads" are needed... Game haven't gotten tougher hides so why the need for extra oomph? Standard loads will suffice so long as the shooter places their shot correctly. Don't use the additional oomph as a compensation for a poor shot!:banghead:

 

[stevereno1]

All Ruger revolvers are tough as nails! you cannot out shoot them unless you use super hot handloads. any production ammo will be fine for a vaquero

 

[BlkHawk73]

All Ruger revolvers are tough as nails! you cannot out shoot them unless you use super hot handloads. any production ammo will be fine for a vaquero

Careful! Many are still not differentiating between the Vaquero and the New Vaquero - two different models - and using the "Ruger only" production loads is NOT a good thing as these current models don't have the strength. For these New Vaqueros the user needs to stay within SAAMI specs.