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Ruger .45 ACP cylinders
- Thread starter gyvel
- Start date
Bob Wright
New member
Thecnically, there is no "Old Model" Vaquero, "Old Model" implying a three-screw.
But the original Vaquero was built on the same sized frame as the .45 caliber Blackhawks, so the answer is "yes." Not too sure about barrel/cylinder gap, but some fitting might be required.
Otherwise, a qualified "yes."
Bob Wright
But the original Vaquero was built on the same sized frame as the .45 caliber Blackhawks, so the answer is "yes." Not too sure about barrel/cylinder gap, but some fitting might be required.
Otherwise, a qualified "yes."
Bob Wright
@bob wright: I like to learn.
The new cylinder could be either too long or too short for the existing frame "window" (or if you're extremely lucky, just right). I can understand how you would fit a cylinder which is too long, but what do you do when it is too short? Weld material on the end and then machine it down? Shim it? I've always wondered how a short cylinder is fitted. I don't think anyone makes a cylinder stretcher. LOL
The new cylinder could be either too long or too short for the existing frame "window" (or if you're extremely lucky, just right). I can understand how you would fit a cylinder which is too long, but what do you do when it is too short? Weld material on the end and then machine it down? Shim it? I've always wondered how a short cylinder is fitted. I don't think anyone makes a cylinder stretcher. LOL
Bob Wright
New member
A short cylinder can be fitted several ways, easiest of which is to use washer shaped shims where the cylinder bushing bears against the frame at the front of the window, also used to correct endshake. If the new cylinder allows too much barrel/cylinder gap, the barrel can be set back.
On Colt Single Actions, and some copies, the cylinder bushing is removable and can be replaced.
If headspace is too tight, some metal can be removed for the rear face of the cylinder.
There are always more ways than one to skin a cat.
Bob Wright
On Colt Single Actions, and some copies, the cylinder bushing is removable and can be replaced.
If headspace is too tight, some metal can be removed for the rear face of the cylinder.
There are always more ways than one to skin a cat.
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
New member
Incidentally, Ruger Single Actions are made so that cylinders for different calibers cannot be interchanged readily with a revolver of a different caliber. That is, a .44 Magnum cylinder will not readily fit into a .357 Magnum Blackhawk, this to preclude accidental loading .44 Magnum ammunition into a .357 Magnum revolver.
Gunsmiths who specialize in custom work have the methods of overcoming this by barrel set-back, etc. And Brownell's sells blank cylinders which may be bored and chambered to suit anyone's fancy.
Bob Wright
Gunsmiths who specialize in custom work have the methods of overcoming this by barrel set-back, etc. And Brownell's sells blank cylinders which may be bored and chambered to suit anyone's fancy.
Bob Wright
Thecnically, there is no "Old Model" Vaquero, "Old Model" implying a three-screw.
Gotcha. I have heard it as a colloquial term to distinguish the original Vaqueros from the newer, smaller framed Vaqueros.
Looks like a .45 ACP Blackhawk cylinder would be a hit-or-miss proposition if bought sight unseen.
Thanks for all the info, guys.