What to do with my old model stainless Vaquero

[colima]

I've got an old model vaquero that I used to play around with shooting bowling pins with heavy loads. Nothing competition - but it was a good gun for that kind of plinking.

Its kind of surplus now - I bought a FA 83 in .454, which I love on those days when my arthritis doesn't bother my wrists! Now instead of loading heavy for the 45 Colt, I'm loading light for the Casull.

I'm thinking about exploring one of the Bowen conversions in 50 AE- any experiences out there?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

All I know is, I have an original Vaquero in .45 Colt and it's on the top of my favorites list. It's a very strong revolver so I'm guessing it will make a good conversion gun if you choose to go that route. I like mine just the way it is.

 

[gazpacho]

Keep the Vaquero for trading for food during the upcoming Obama-Zombie Apocalypse.

 

[Salmoneye]

Sell the Old Vaquero to someone that will appreciate it, and find a beater to destroy, I mean 'convert'...

 

[hAkron]

What is involved in the conversion? Would it be worth it to buy a new cylinder and barrel to be converted so that you could put it back (granted with a cost to have the barrel swapped)? I like the idea of having a cool modification done by a competent gunsmith, but I also feel the sadness of potentially mutilating a perfectly good gun by permenently modifying it in some way that may make it less valuable in the future...just like every gun I've ever ruined trying to make it 'better'

 

[snooperman]

I also have an older Vaquero in 45 Colt and it is one of my favorite SA guns. I load it up with my hot reloads, as it goes with me on many hunts in a nice "El Paso" leather rig. I would keep it , as it is a fine choice for custom gunsmiths. My brother had his made into a 2.5" sheriff's gun with a Bisley hammer and a birdshead grip. Nice. Mine is a keeper,and in fact, I am looking for another to customize like my Brother did.

 

[CraigC]

I also feel the sadness of potentially mutilating a perfectly good gun by permenently modifying it in some way that may make it less valuable in the future...

You've obviously never handled a custom Ruger built by one of our nation's top gunsmiths. Believe me, there is no "mutilation" and it will be worth every penny you put into it. But no, converting one to .50AE is pretty permanent. You would spend more than the sixgun is worth trying to convert it back. This is a silly notion.


I had David Clements accurize this Bisley .45Colt and add S&W pre-war style adjustable sights along with a few other things. Mutilated? Hardly.

 

[Old Fuff]

I see that you handload, but anyway finding brass for the .50 AE could become difficult in the future, and I don't see it as a cartridge that would help any arthritis condition in your wrists. I would talk this over with an M.D. before proceeding. With a flat-nosed bullet .45 Colt should work fine when it comes to knocking over pins.

 

[CraigC]

And there are better .50cal cartridges available for chambering in a single action. Namely those with a rim. Be advised these conversions cost upwards of $2000.

 

[bannockburn]

I love my old model stainless Vaquero in .45LC and plan on keeping it just the way it is for some time to come. It has a truly brilliant bright polish finish to it and is wearing a pair of Tru Ivory natural white grips from Bar S Grips. It shoots to POA at 50' with my favorite handloads and is just pure enjoyment every time I use it.

 

[snooperman]

Nice Bisley 45 Colt CraigC. I am with old Fuff , the 45 Colt 240 gr at 800ft/s should be mild compared to a 50 cal , especially if you have Arthritic wrists. I would not get rid of the Vaquero, as there is much that can be done with that platform by the proper gunsmith.