Which Ruger Vaquero Caliber?

R

Recondo

New member
I am looking at buying a Ruger Vaquero. I am stumped between the 357 Mag, or the 45 Long Colt. I like the 45 LC simply because of the nostalgia, but the 357 Mag seems more common. I have read on the internet that the 45 LC is the better choice. What to do???
 
I have the .45 Colt version. It is a fun gun, but I do reload for it. That helps keep the cost down per shot.
I have shot the .357 version and it is a nice one too. If you don't reload, I'd go with the .357 version since you can shoot cheaper .38 Special ammo out of it too. :)
 
The .357 will save you a lot if you don't reload. I don't have a Vaquero, but I do have a Cimarron New Frontier .357 that is just pure fun.
 
Vaquero caliber choice

I do cowboy action shooting: the 357 vaquero is a popular choice because of the low cost of 38specials that can be used and because the gun is so strongly built. 45C gets the big boom but it is very expensive unless you reload or buy reloads (as can be done via internet). As to nostalgia, I associate the 45C pretty strongly with Colt revolvers, not Rugers... so you might also consider a second-hand Colt if you want to go the 45C route... hope this helps...
 
Get em both! That's what I did.
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... I've got 2 spots on my wall for the 357 versions... the 45 Colt Vaquero Montados are my favorites ( I have a pair of consecutive serialed Montados in 45 Colt )... but don't have a single action 357 yet... I reload, so the 45 Colt is reasonable to shoot, I shoot CAS, & use a 45 Colt lever gun as well...

I have a 38 / 357 lever gun for MRS to use for CAS ( if she wants to ), & right now, a pair of 32 Mag Single Sixes... it's way more convienient shooting CAS with the same cartridge for both the rifle & the revolvers, so a pair of the 357 mags are definately in my future...

... & just to clairify, the Vaquero, is not "Ruger loads only" strong, those should be reserved for the Blackhawk / Super Blackhawks... the frame on the Vaqueros are sized the same as the old Colts, so I don't shoot "hot" 45 Colt loads... I've been told the 357 version, can handle a little more heat, because of the thicker cylinder walls with the smaller 357 chambers, but remember, the frame is still lighter / smaller than their Blackhawk brothers so keep that in mind, & avoid those "Ruger only" loads
 
I just ordered a Convertible from Gallery of Guns... a 5.5 inch in stainless. Should be picking it up today.

Bought it mainly to give me the option to go with either .45 Colt or .45 ACP out of the same gun. They do make a .357 and 9mm Convertible, but not sure if in the Vaquero line.
 
^^^ you'll like that gun... I love the polished stainless that Ruger does, IMO, it's the most user friendly finish they offer... easy to polish out any scratches, or holster wear... the stainless bead blasted finishes are nearly impossible for the owner to cover up a scratch, or holster blemish with a matching finish...

I've thought about having a 45 ACP cyinder done up for one or both of my Montados, as I have tons of ACP brass, & don't shoot the bottom feeders much anymore
 
I love my .45 LC but I also reload. A buddy of mine got one with the .45 ACP cylinder and rarely uses the .45LC option.
 
I'd go with .357 or .45 ACP. The .45 colt can't be pushed too hot in the new vaquero, and the 9mm doesn't have the same diameter bullet as the .357, so the accuracy can suffer in some vaqueros. .357 is what I have in the Blackhawk, and the versatility of the .38/.357 combo in one cylinder is priceless.
 
The reason (I think) for more .357/.38 New Vaqueros (and even the original Vaqueros) is three fold. 1) Ammo availability for non-reloaders, and 2) In CAS, there is the need for powder-puff loads for speed (pop pop pop pop ... pop). 3) cheaper to shoot. Also for some ladies, it is easier to handle.

I know which I would pick .... .45 Colt .... for a myriad of reasons.... But really it all depends on you and your needs/wants. For example, you plan on target shooting a lot, but don't reload, and don't have deep pockets, then the .357/.38 route is the way to go. If you are after traditional SA Old West type shooting, the .45 Colt is the way to go.... Think how you intend to use it.
 
In CAS, there is the need for powder-puff loads for speed (pop pop pop pop ... pop)
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I'm shooting a .45 Colt. 200 gr bullet at 940 fps. Mine don't go 'pop'. I had a spotter tell me that I made the targets sound like church bells.
 
If I want powder puff loads, I use a cast 143 grain round ball over a modest charge of Trail Boss, but there's nothing like shooting Gunfighter category with a full case of black powder and 250 grainers!

Gunfighter45NVblackpowder.jpg
 
I have a NV blued 5 1/2" in .357 and I love it. I only shoot 38 spl though primarily due to cost - I don't reload at the moment but will be soon. I love it. Go with the caliber that YOU like! If you're not reloading, then consider the price of the ammo but if you do or are anticipate it in the future . . . then the ammo cost is not that much of a factor for you.
 
I have two (2) Vaqueros and both are in 45 Colt. (Also have a Blackhawk convertible in 45 Colt.)

While I don't reload and it can get a bit expensive, I chose the 45 Colt Vaqueros because they just balanced better.

I found that even with a 4 3/4"bbl in .357, the bore was smaller than the 45 Colt and therefore had thicker steel in the barrel. That made those Vaqueros feel quite muzzle heavy to me.

Compare the 'feel' of a 45 Colt Vaquero in either 4 3/4" or 5 1/2"bbl to the .357 and you'll see what I mean.
Feel the difference and then pick what you like best.

Regards,
Mike
 
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