Favorite Ruger Vaquero

C

CZ_

New member
Whats your favorite Ruger Vaquero model? Which barrel length has the best balance/feel in your opinion. What caliber do you prefer in the Vaquero?
 
4.6" barrel, .45LC/ACP convertable (2000 were made for Davidson's!) plus...an option nobody makes yet:
vaq.jpg


Or maybe this front:

vaqalternate.jpg


:D
 
Well I believe that the Vaquero is the proper platform for the venerable 45 Colt, period no other calibers are as natural in the design.

As far as balance that's more of a personal feel, I love the way my plow handle Sherrifs model handles with 3 3/4. the 4 5/8th probly points a tad easier with more weight forward, and the longer barrels well they can get muzzle heavy, but that depends alot on the build and shape of your hands.

But the answer to your question Plow handle sherifs model in 45 colt is my baby.:)
 
I dont own a Vaquero, but I have my eye out for the 38-40/40S&W or 10 mm convertible model. Probably with a 4 or 5.5 inch barrel.
 
I agree with Mr. March, my stainless 4 5/8" 45ACP/LC. But as-is, no sight modifications. I think the 4 5/8" balances the best for general shooting, but the 7 1/2" is best for long range and precision work.
 
Hey, Jim, you know that for the price of the sights and 'smithing on your "Vaquero adj. sight setup", you could pretty much just buy a used Blackhawk to go with the Vaquero... ;)
 
Tamara: correct, and as a free bonus, there's the ripped-open thumbs from trying to fast-cock a Blackhawk and having the pad of your thumb hit the corner of the factory sights.

No thanks.

The Blackhawk "rear overhang" sight is a travesty on an SA. It interferes with hammer access. Freedom Arms has figured all this out - they mount their adjustable sight forward along the topstrap just as I've pictured above.
 
I'm trying to decide which Vaquero model to get. I want stainless steel, and either the 4 5/8 inch barrel or the 5.5 inch barrel. I've handled the 4 5/8 inch barrel before and I like the feel, but I'm thinking the 5.5 inch barrel might have an advantage of larger sight radius and easier to hit accuracy. I'm also not sure whether I want .45 LC or .357 magnum. I prefer .45 LC, but since I don't reload the ammo it will be more expensive. If I were to get .357 magnum, then I could get very cheap .38 special reloads and I would get to shoot the Vaquero more often.

One other question: does the Vaquero usually shoot to the point of aim? I prefer fixed sights in a single action revolver, but my only concern is that sometimes fixed sights shoot off track.
 
While I agree that the Vaquero is very nice with the .45, my personal favorite is a .357 4 5/8". I cant help it, it just happened, sometimes we cant choose the ones we love.....they choose us.
 
Why would anyone want to wreck a perfectly good vaquero by putting adjustable sights on it.
And a red dot scope, a laser sight, and a tactical flashlight.
Why not have it coated in tennifer black finish, too.
Leave the vaquero alone, and get a blackhawk.
 
Also, CZ
If your new vaquero doesn't shoot to point of aim, send it back to ruger, and they will make it right.
 
Caz223: I also have a set of blueprints for revised Blackhawk sights to fix the "overhang rear sight problem":

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=115883

That said, the Vaquero and Blackhawk are "basically" the same gun, just different sights. Neither is particularly rare, unless we're talking something very limited production and that's not what I'm interested in. I don't give a dang which one is the starting platform - what I want is a Ruger SA will GOOD fully adjustable combat sights, and the rear out of the way of fast hammer access. Yes, I could get all that in an FA97, but not with the aftermarket support, not with the strength of a Ruger, and at over triple the price.

CZ_, as to point of aim, if the Vaquero's windage is off, you need to have Ruger turn the barrel. The elevation is *supposed* to be off - at first. They're supposed to shoot low out of the box. Once you pick a particular round as your main carry/utility/target round or whatever it is you plan on doing, you then file the front sight to make that load work spot-on. In other words, the front will come "too tall" and you're supposed to tweak it, unless you end up shooting something that shoots point of aim with no mods. Unlikely, but it does happen (slow, heavy loads will print unusually high and if that's what you're into, fine).
 
caz223,
That's just Jim,, bein Jim,,,,,you oughtaa see the big honkin knife the guy had built,,,hehe :D He's got a whole thread devoted to his dream gun.

Me? I'm just thankful he's looking at a Ruger,,,,,,




not a Colt SAA. :D
 
First off,

I think I have a sickness. I can't buy a single Vaquero. I have this "need" to buy them in pairs. Must have been too many episodes of "The Lone Ranger" as a child.

I like the 4 5/8" plow handle polished stainless with factory simulated ivory grips in .45 Colt best.

My second favorite is the 3 3/4" birdshead polished stainless with factory black micarta grips in .45 Colt.

I have the 3 3/4" plow handle polished stainless with factory simulated ivory scrimshaw grips in .45 Colt. I like it ok but I think the "snub" Sheriff's model needs a birdshead grip.

I want a 5 1/2 and a 7 just because, but I don't like them as well as the shorter ones.
 
But would'nt it be simply easier

to move the rear sight on a blackhawk? its already milled for the adj sights, just lengthen the cuts to move the sight forward where you want it . If rugers sight itself is not to your likeing then a millet or Bowen can be fitted. Just a thought.
Myself I never had a problem with either the sights on my blackhawks or my Vaqueros. :)
 
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