Ruger Vaquero 45 Colt
- Thread starter Recondo
- Start date
QuarterHorse
New member
It's all in what you're after. I reload for 45 Colt and own a Ruger New Vaquero in SS 5.5 barrel. I also own a Super Blackhawk Hunter in 45 Colt. That being said, my next one will be a 4 5/8 SS Blackhawk in 45 Colt.
If you're wanting one for fun on the range and moderate loads, the New Vaquero will suit you well. If you're wanting one for a hunting rig, I'd step up to something with adjustable sights in a larger frame so you can really load up your 45 Colt loads.
FWIW, I still have a pile of rounds loaded up for my NM Vaquero that would certainly take most game inside 50 yards, which is more than far enough I want to take a shot with a fixed blade sight.
If you're wanting one for fun on the range and moderate loads, the New Vaquero will suit you well. If you're wanting one for a hunting rig, I'd step up to something with adjustable sights in a larger frame so you can really load up your 45 Colt loads.
FWIW, I still have a pile of rounds loaded up for my NM Vaquero that would certainly take most game inside 50 yards, which is more than far enough I want to take a shot with a fixed blade sight.
Cousin Pat
New member
SA revolver
If you are a hunter or serious target shooter, you'll want the adjustable sights to get your particular ammo and distance centered. That said, the Vaquero is a terrific, rugged gun for plinking -- it was designed specifically for Cowboy Action shooting at 12" diameter steel targets (with lead-only rounds!). And try the Bisley grip -- not as pretty, but very comfortable. Think also about barrel lengths -- the 4.75" for quick draw up to 7.5" for more precise aiming (and greater muzzle energy). Think stainless and rubber/polymer grips for ease of maintenance and reduced recoil. (And think blued/walnut if you are a traditionalist like me!). Finally note that the Vaquero handles standard .45 Long Colt ammo -- there are .45LC "+P" hunting loads out there that require a Blackhawk or equivalent design.
If you are a hunter or serious target shooter, you'll want the adjustable sights to get your particular ammo and distance centered. That said, the Vaquero is a terrific, rugged gun for plinking -- it was designed specifically for Cowboy Action shooting at 12" diameter steel targets (with lead-only rounds!). And try the Bisley grip -- not as pretty, but very comfortable. Think also about barrel lengths -- the 4.75" for quick draw up to 7.5" for more precise aiming (and greater muzzle energy). Think stainless and rubber/polymer grips for ease of maintenance and reduced recoil. (And think blued/walnut if you are a traditionalist like me!). Finally note that the Vaquero handles standard .45 Long Colt ammo -- there are .45LC "+P" hunting loads out there that require a Blackhawk or equivalent design.
g.willikers
New member
It's obvious from this conversation that you need one of each.
Then you can decide at leisure.
Then you can decide at leisure.
bedbugbilly
New member
+1 to what g.willikers said! LOL
I have a New Vaquero but in .357. I've always shot SA until recently and still, I much prefer the standard old SA style. I reload so at some point, I'd like one in 45 Colt as well. I've never had a lick of problems with my NV - but as mentioned, it all depend on what you'll be using it for. Either way, once you get one or the other and start reloading, I have a feeling that you'll get the itch to get the model you didn't get the first time. Sort of goes with the territory. Both are excellent handguns in my opinion - the hard part is deciding! Good luck and whichever way you go, you'll like it I'm sure!
I have a New Vaquero but in .357. I've always shot SA until recently and still, I much prefer the standard old SA style. I reload so at some point, I'd like one in 45 Colt as well. I've never had a lick of problems with my NV - but as mentioned, it all depend on what you'll be using it for. Either way, once you get one or the other and start reloading, I have a feeling that you'll get the itch to get the model you didn't get the first time. Sort of goes with the territory. Both are excellent handguns in my opinion - the hard part is deciding! Good luck and whichever way you go, you'll like it I'm sure!
Which Vaquero are you looking at?
There are two DIFFERENT guns Ruger calls Vaquero. Only one is still in production.
The original Vaquero is, essentially a fixed sight version of the (new model) Blackhawk. IT is the same size and heft as the Blackhawk. Bigger and heavier than the Colt SAA. Ruger built them for several years, in different calibers and barrel lengths, in stainless and blue. Then they stopped making them.
After they stopped making the Vaquero, they introduced a new gun, and, for reasons known only to Ruger, named it the New Vaquero.
The New Vaquero is the same size as the Colt SAA, essentially. It replicates the feel of the Colt single action with the modern Ruger lockwork (can load 6 and be safe).
The New Vaquero says "New Vaquero" on it. It is a smaller gun than the Vaquero.
It gets confusing as hell when you talk about them, unless you are sure which model you are talking about.
towboat-er
New member
My advice. Get one, and reload for it. Have fun.
Here is an Uberti in 45 colt.
A couple of USAF with a 1873 Winchester by Uberti.
Here is an Uberti in 45 colt.
A couple of USAF with a 1873 Winchester by Uberti.
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
If you buy any new revolver from Ruger chambered in .45 Colt expect to have tight throats. This will give you bad accuracy and in my case it would strip off the bullet lube and would end up splatted in a ball on my target. Very werid.
Anyway, you'll need to give it a good reaming.
An easy way to check in the gunstore is to take with you a .452 jacketed bullet. Try to put it into the cylinder, the side that faces the cone.
If it won't go in, it's too tight.
Anyway, you'll need to give it a good reaming.
An easy way to check in the gunstore is to take with you a .452 jacketed bullet. Try to put it into the cylinder, the side that faces the cone.
If it won't go in, it's too tight.
QuarterHorse
New member
44 Amp is spot on and I should have clarified as well in my post. I ASSUMED when the OP was purchasing NEW and I shouldn't have.
Thank you 44 for that very important info.
FWIW the NEW MODEL Vaquero will be a more stout option to the Colt SAA or the Uberti from all of the reading I have done on them. I have not however done my own testing on pressures to blow guns up and verify, I'll stick to what I read.
Thank you 44 for that very important info.
FWIW the NEW MODEL Vaquero will be a more stout option to the Colt SAA or the Uberti from all of the reading I have done on them. I have not however done my own testing on pressures to blow guns up and verify, I'll stick to what I read.
I had a Vaquero stainless, 7.5" in.44 Mag. Wound up trading it for a Super Blackhawk, as I wanted some thing with adjustable sights in .44 Mag.
All my Ruger SAs are new model guns (post 73 lockwork).
I have a pair of Blackhawk convertables in .45, a Blackhawk in .357, the Super in .44 Mag, a pair of Vaqueros, stainless, 4.5" in .45 Colt, a Vaquero (blue) 5.5" in .45 Colt, a Vaquero Bisley 5.5" in .45 Colt, and a New Vaquero, blue 5.5" in .45 Colt.
(I can't find the pic of both, if I do, I'll post it) The New Vaquero with a 5.5" barrel is the same length (butt to muzzle) as the Vaquero with the 4.5" barrel (ok, its 4 5/8" I just call it 4.5" for ease of typing)
The New Vaquero is probably a bit stronger than the Colt or clones, BUT not enough stronger to matter, in the practical sense. IT is NOT strong enough to take the heavy "Ruger ONLY" .45 Colt loads developed for the Blackhawk back in the 60s & 70s. The Vaquero will handle these loads, being, essentially a fixed sight Blackhawk in size & strength.
Because I have spent 30 years shooting Blackhawks, and later Vaqueros, the New Vaquero (and Colts & clones) seem small to me. Its a personal thing. I have a good friend who has a safe full of Colts, and he feels the Blackhawk/Vaqueros are too big and clunky. (He's the guy I got my New Vaquero from)
New Vaqueros in .45 Colt are strong enough to handle the classic "max" load for .45 Colt, a 250gr @ 1000fps (or as close as your barrel length will get it). This level load was the listed max in reloading manuals for many decades, tested in Colt SAAs.
In a Colt size gun, that level of load is a handful. In the bigger, heavier Blackhawk and Vaquero, its not nearly so much recoil, and much more pleasant to shoot.
So, Recondo, which gun are you looking at? We got folks here can give you good advice on any of them.
All my Ruger SAs are new model guns (post 73 lockwork).
I have a pair of Blackhawk convertables in .45, a Blackhawk in .357, the Super in .44 Mag, a pair of Vaqueros, stainless, 4.5" in .45 Colt, a Vaquero (blue) 5.5" in .45 Colt, a Vaquero Bisley 5.5" in .45 Colt, and a New Vaquero, blue 5.5" in .45 Colt.
(I can't find the pic of both, if I do, I'll post it) The New Vaquero with a 5.5" barrel is the same length (butt to muzzle) as the Vaquero with the 4.5" barrel (ok, its 4 5/8" I just call it 4.5" for ease of typing)
The New Vaquero is probably a bit stronger than the Colt or clones, BUT not enough stronger to matter, in the practical sense. IT is NOT strong enough to take the heavy "Ruger ONLY" .45 Colt loads developed for the Blackhawk back in the 60s & 70s. The Vaquero will handle these loads, being, essentially a fixed sight Blackhawk in size & strength.
Because I have spent 30 years shooting Blackhawks, and later Vaqueros, the New Vaquero (and Colts & clones) seem small to me. Its a personal thing. I have a good friend who has a safe full of Colts, and he feels the Blackhawk/Vaqueros are too big and clunky. (He's the guy I got my New Vaquero from)
New Vaqueros in .45 Colt are strong enough to handle the classic "max" load for .45 Colt, a 250gr @ 1000fps (or as close as your barrel length will get it). This level load was the listed max in reloading manuals for many decades, tested in Colt SAAs.
In a Colt size gun, that level of load is a handful. In the bigger, heavier Blackhawk and Vaquero, its not nearly so much recoil, and much more pleasant to shoot.
So, Recondo, which gun are you looking at? We got folks here can give you good advice on any of them.
Poindexter
New member
I own a Redhawk in .45 Colt. I liked it so much I bought a new model Vaquero in 45 Colt.
I carry the NM Vaquero daily unless I am intentionally going into bear country. Holstered in a Mernickle PSA-6 it is the most comfortable carrying combo I have ever owned.
I like the NM Vaquero so much I am looking at Blackhawks.
If you are reloading, tailoring your load to the sights on your fixed sight revolver is something we can do that non-reloaders can't do.
Works good on little snub nosed .38s too, pick your range, pick your bullet, pick your powder and start playing with charge weight.
I carry the NM Vaquero daily unless I am intentionally going into bear country. Holstered in a Mernickle PSA-6 it is the most comfortable carrying combo I have ever owned.
I like the NM Vaquero so much I am looking at Blackhawks.
If you are reloading, tailoring your load to the sights on your fixed sight revolver is something we can do that non-reloaders can't do.
Works good on little snub nosed .38s too, pick your range, pick your bullet, pick your powder and start playing with charge weight.
shinerjohn
New member
Sixguns By Keith
Whatever you do, get your hands on a copy of Sixguns By Keith! It is a great book on SA revolvers! I already had 3 NM Blackhawks - 2 in .357 and one in .44 Special. Just like you, I had a hankering for .45 Colt, so I bought 2 Uberti 1873 Cattlemen in .45 Colt. I reload also.
Elmer Keith's book will make you want to load 'em up, lean back against a tree, and "walk" a load up at 200 yards or so!
Whatever you do, get your hands on a copy of Sixguns By Keith! It is a great book on SA revolvers! I already had 3 NM Blackhawks - 2 in .357 and one in .44 Special. Just like you, I had a hankering for .45 Colt, so I bought 2 Uberti 1873 Cattlemen in .45 Colt. I reload also.
Elmer Keith's book will make you want to load 'em up, lean back against a tree, and "walk" a load up at 200 yards or so!
shinerjohn
New member
Also, IMHO, for that long range shooting, you would be well served with a Blackhawk (adjustable sights) and a barrel of at least 5.5" or longer.
If you intend to enjoy Cowboy Action Shooting, the fixed sight Vaquero will qualify you for more categories.
Have fun!
If you intend to enjoy Cowboy Action Shooting, the fixed sight Vaquero will qualify you for more categories.
Have fun!
Ruger Blackhawk, 7.5" barrel, 250gr hard cast SWC 10.0gr Unique, and a couple decades of practice. Off hand, one hand, can ring the 200yd gong on the rifle range regularly.
Can also balance a dime on the front sight, which stays there until the hammer hits the frame. Both tricks really impress the kids!
I got that Blackhawk in 1983, did a little work on the internals, and have been shooting it with that load for almost that long, at ranges from point blank to over 200yds. A fair eye, a steady hand, a good gun, and practice is all you need.
Can also balance a dime on the front sight, which stays there until the hammer hits the frame. Both tricks really impress the kids!
I got that Blackhawk in 1983, did a little work on the internals, and have been shooting it with that load for almost that long, at ranges from point blank to over 200yds. A fair eye, a steady hand, a good gun, and practice is all you need.
Mannlicher
New member
I agree that handloaders can really take advantage of adjustable sights. For my Bisley Vaquero, I shoot a single load. Funny, that it is the same load that I shoot in my adjustable sight Blackhawk.
