Ruger Vaquero, w/ Birdshead grip.

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VaughnT

New member
Is this a good weapon? I realize it's single action, but it's gorgeous and looks well proportioned. Granted, I've only just seen the advert in the newest gun mag. Didn't care for the stainless version, but that blued version, with the colored case-hardened frame, is absolutely smashing.

Is the vaquero a good gun? Any reliability issues? Any known problems with this specific model?

I've had good success with ruger rifles, but revolvers....
 
That one has been singing a sirens song to me as well. I need to either make more money or get a better set of ear plugs and some blinders.
 
If you are talking about the birds head in 45 Colt I love mine. the only negative thing I can say about the gun was the cylinder throats were under sized. One as small as.4480, but once that was corected I love it. Before opening throats 25 yard accuracy was about 3 inches. Now it is under 2 inches both using lead bullets. The grip seems more comfortable than the normal Vaquero/Blackhawk grip. Overall I recommend it.
 
Its a great gun, BUT....

Ruger quality control is dropping off lately. Many new Vaqueros are coming out of the box with point of aim problems. Some shoot 6 plus inches away from point of aim.

Try before you buy (I would NOT recommend ordering a Vaquero without seeing it first).
 
Hadn't heard about he QC issues (ouch!). I'd still give one a try if they would make a .45LC/.45acp convertible.
 
When talking about hitting six inches from point of aim I think one thing you must pay attention to is the load you are using. You look at all the loads out there from cowboy stuff up to bear medicine, and it seems you have to adjust the sights for the load or the load for the sights. Not discounting poor quality concerns though just saying you have to think about the load also.
 
I saw several at a gun show yesterday...

When I looked at the pictures in the gun rags, I decided I liked the "shiny" model. However, when I saw the pistols in person, that mottled case hardened frame was simply beautiful! I saw some in .45 Colt and several more in .32 H&R Magnum. The smaller cylinders of the .32 mags seemed more in proportion with the frame. All had ebony grips. These "bird's head" Vaquero's are GREAT looking pistols! As I've said before, can you just imagine how one would look in a "Doc Holiday" cross draw holster? Man! Am I ever talking myself into THIS one! :) Not too expensive, either.

KR
 
Hadn't heard about he QC issues (ouch!). I'd still give one a try if they would make a .45LC/.45acp convertible.
Click to expand...

You might be in luck. Davidson's distributor recently was offering a .45 LC/ .45 ACP convertible Vaquero.
 
Here are the specs

Item # KBNV44X-C MSRP $574.19
Mfg Ruger Quantity 99+
Model Vaquero Convertible Cylinder Caliber 45LC|45AP
Type Revolver Finish Stainless Steel
Additional Specifications
Sale Ends: 08/06/02
Action: Single Action
Stock: Rosewood grips
Capacity: 6 shot
Safety: Transfer bar
Sights: Fixed front blade
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Overall Length: 10 1/4"
Weight: 39 oz
Packaging: Lockable plastic case with lock and key


Please note, this gun is also offered with 5.5" barrel.
 
If it's off in the vertical, that's normal. You're supposed to file the sight for whatever loads you're into.

Windage is another matter. That needs barrel turning, but too much of that is bad...'specially if it needs "screwing in". Can't home-brew that - gotta shave one whole thread turn off, re-do the back of the barrel, etc...if you "mash" that area overtorquing, you'll send accuracy into the toilet.
 
CZ: Thanks for the info and link. Don't know if I can spring for $600 right now (Hmm... something to scheme about) but it's good to know that they're out there.
 
^Even when Davidsons runs out of them, there still will be some for sale at private gun stores most likely. For example, large gun stores often orders Davidsons specials and has one or two hanging around. Last year, I saw a blued Vaquero with .45 ACP/.45 LC conversion cylinders at Montana Hawk, in Kalifornia so they are out there. Davidsons does NOT sell to the public BTW, to order one of those guns you need to go through a FFL gun store that is registered with Davidsons.


Personally, I am eyeballing the special edition Single Six that is stainless with 4 5/8th inch barrel. Lipseys distributor has this special edition (production stainess Single Sixes are NOT offered with 4 5/8tth inch barrel).
 
Here's a pic of the style I want - but I want it in .45acp and in blued steel.
 

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Atticus,

I just ordered one of the Davidson's convertible Vaqueros in
.45 ACP/.45 LC. Wholesale price to a FFL is $399.99.
 
Ditto on the point of aim concerns.
Both of my ruger vaqueros shoot to the left which is rather bad.
The sad thing is that ruger considers a gun that shoots 2 inch to the left at 15 yards acceptable accuracy.
Sent the last one into them once, now they don't want it back anymore.
My warranty now serves no purpose.
I guess I gotta void the warranty to get it to shoot straight.
I wonder how they would like to know how I feel about that.
Or who I would have to tell to get my gun shooting straight.
Prolly not anybody at ruger.
 
^Perhaps if people stopped buying Vaqueros, the quality control might improve. Ruger has gotten so big, that they feel they can cut corners and people will still buy their products. The way I feel, I won't touch the Vaqueros. I still buy Blackhawks, but only cause if the POA are off I can adjust them.
 
I truly appreciate all the kind words regarding these babies, but it would help more if you ripped them to shreds! Now how am I supposed to resist?

I think half the problem is the photographers and the quality of work they do. If they were lousy, out-of-focus shots, I wouldn't be half as tempted as I am!!!

Don't think I'm gonna win this one, so I might as well submit with grace. Thanks.
 
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