Author Topic: Ruger Vaquero "Montado" 45 Colt (Read 4511 times)

dave hall · « **on:** January 21, 2009, 09:30:53 AM »

Anyone own one of the Montado's? It seem like theres not to many out there.I had the short barrel on my Birdshead Vaq. it shot well.This Vaq. has more cool features than it did,but quite as strong.

moparman2 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2009, 03:41:23 AM »

I bought a Montado .45 a few weeks ago at a gunshow. First one I have seen. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet the weather is to poor her in the Rockies. Well balanced, grooved along front of grip frame to make it easier to hang onto. Wide spur lower hammer. I talked to the owner of a gunshop last week that bought one of the first run Montado's. Said his was slightly out of time and cylinder a little loose. Sent it to Ruger and he got it back nice and tight. He said it shoots great now. The problem with the high polished stainless guns is that on a bright day you can't get a good sight picture because of glare. I use a black sharpie and black out the sight groove and top of front sight. When I clean the gun the marker comes off leaving the gun unmarred. It really helps the groups on bright days.

moparman2 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2009, 03:43:35 AM »

Forgot to mention I did see another in .357 at another gun shop they had just got in. The .357 has a little more weight to it because of the smaller holes in the cylinder and barrel but it still balanced well. They are going for right around $600 in this area.

greenrivers · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:03:17 AM »

When I retired in January, I bought a new model Vaquero and a Montado. Both in .45colt. I have not had the opertunity to ring out the Montado yet as I have been working on the Vaquero. I did shoot it a couple times while checking work on the Vaquero and it seems like a really nice piece. I am looking forward to working with it. Shot poa. A lot better than the Vaquero. That shot twelve inch groups, ten inches left and high at 25 yds when I got it. After a visit to the Cylinder Smith, a Belt Mountain pin, smoothing the bore and a little filing on the sights, it is now doing much better. I just got it back from the gunsmith who did a tune and action job for me. The differance is incredible. It went from stock four and one half pound trigger to a glass like two pound three ounce. My first pro action job and I can't wait to shoot it. If the dang rain ever stops!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2011, 03:00:09 PM »

own one and have shot the snot out of it. great little light packing gun.

44 Man · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2011, 02:54:00 AM »

I'm still waiting for Ruger to offer the 3 1/2" barrel/Super BK hammer/ and a birdshead grip frame on the 'New Vaquero' frame! That I'd jump for. BUT I do want it in blue so the sights are usable. I had the same 'shiney' sights problem with my other stainless New Vaquero. I matted the back of the frame at the rear sight and flattened the back of the front sight and serrated it with a 40 LPI checkering file. That helped, but I'd still rather have blue if I'm carrying it in the woods. 44 Man

greenrivers · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2011, 10:42:29 AM »

There is no way that I can disagree with you about the stainless sights. On an overcast day I can do alright, but in the sun they are really tough. Especially on older eyes. I am trying to decide what to do if anything with mine. Freedom Arms makes a good looking front, but I am concerned about how dovetailing a stainless and installing a blued/black base and sight would look. It will probably happen as I can't see installing a non driftable front on rear fixed.
When I bought the Montado it was with the birds head grip in mind. I just traded in a Cimeron Lightning and loved it. Never should have done that, but had a couple issues I didn't like. A Montado with a birds head in my Sourdough Pancake should carry like it is not even there!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2011, 11:07:22 AM »

I had clements cut mine for and install a drift adjustable blue blade. Its the only thing ohter then an action job that not stock on it. Its the closest thing to a factory gun i have. I really never cared for the birdshead ruger grip. Just doesnt fit my hand. this new grip frame ruger uses on the vaquero and montado fits me like a glove. As a matter of fact so well that i havent even changed the but ugly black plastic grips on mine. Handy little gun. I carry it around in the woods in my front pocket.

Quote from: 44 Man on May 05, 2011, 02:54:00 AM

I'm still waiting for Ruger to offer the 3 1/2" barrel/Super BK hammer/ and a birdshead grip frame on the 'New Vaquero' frame! That I'd jump for. BUT I do want it in blue so the sights are usable. I had the same 'shiney' sights problem with my other stainless New Vaquero. I matted the back of the frame at the rear sight and flattened the back of the front sight and hit it with a 40 LPI checkering file. That helped, but I'd still rather have blue if I'm carrying it in the woods. 44 Man

greenrivers · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2011, 11:38:42 AM »

Do you find the dovetail portion of the sight to look o.k. with the new sight? Could you post a pic showing it?
I have not tried any of the Ruger birds head grips and the only one I have used was the Cimeron lightning. I did like that. What do you find not to you liking with the Rugers? Too small? I ask as I to find the grips on the new model Vagquero a near perfect fit. Very comfortable for a light grip on the gun.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2011, 01:07:36 PM »

Grip frame:if it ain't broke don't fix it
Sights: if I had a SS handgun it would have to have dark sights too, you will be glad you did it.
IIRC yours has the same size grip as my 50th An. 357 and it fits my had well, especially since I got a set of Private's Custom Grips to replace the plastic.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2011, 01:27:34 AM »

I personaly think it looks real good. We just got a new camera and I havent been cleared to operate it by the boss yet. Its way to complicated for me. When i get a chance ill have her take a pic of it. The birdsheads are to short for me. Ive got fairly big hands and to be honest prefer the bisley over any others. The 32 mag birdshead i had seemed not only to short but the grips were to fat. Ive got to put my little finger under the grip frame on every grip but a bisley. even the FA grip frames are short enough that i have to. The birdshead makes me put two fingers under.

Quote from: greenrivers on May 05, 2011, 11:38:42 AM

Do you find the dovetail portion of the sight to look o.k. with the new sight? Could you post a pic showing it?
I have not tried any of the Ruger birds head grips and the only one I have used was the Cimeron lightning. I did like that. What do you find not to you liking with the Rugers? Too small? I ask as I to find the grips on the new model Vagquero a near perfect fit. Very comfortable for a light grip on the gun.

greenrivers · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2011, 02:21:52 AM »

I plan on doing a little shooting today with the Vaquero to check out results of the new action/trigger job. I am betting that it will improve my performance. Will use a sight black pen to darken the sights and see if that helps as well. I believe that it will. Getting rid of the glare should give me a sharper image. If it does help then a new front sight is next.
Finishing this project and one other before getting to the Montado gives me a little time to look around. Have you discovered any aftermarket frames that work? I am using Colt loads for these two Rugers, so recoil is not an issue.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2011, 03:51:03 AM »

Im wondering of some of these newish bake on gun finishes could be used on just the SS sight areas you want to darken. I know some have used them on rifle barrels and frames and they are supposed to be pretty durable.
For that matter, degrease a couple of times, mask things off and spray a few light coats of flat black. Even when you have to touch up after a while that spray can will last a long time and be inexpensive.

oregoncoyote · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2011, 07:53:03 AM »

mine shot left so i had the barrel turned. had the front sight ramped & serrated. action was slicked up. i radiused all the edges. replaced the lock with a titanium shelf. filed off the "warning". replaced the base pin with a shortened colt-style Belt Mt pin. replaced the ejector rod with a colt-style half crescent version (pix was taken before the new ejector was installed).

its a great ranch revolver now!

greenrivers · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2011, 09:30:23 AM »

That is a really nice looking job. How does the front sight perform now? Do you find that the serations stop the glare? The ramp area looks good. With the work you have in it, there must be an improvement in accuracy. Have you benched or campared along the way? I did make it out and burned up 36 rounds this morning. I guess you could say that out to 75 yds. I would feel very confident with it now for deer hunting. This Vaguero stays. That baked on coating idea after ramping and serrating could be an idea. Worth the research.

oregoncoyote · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2011, 11:11:27 AM »

thank you, GR.

here's a closer photo of the front sight. it also shows the custom made Belt Mt base pin (but this was also taken before the crescent ejector was installed):

there's a world of difference between that polished spherical front sight and this square sharp edge version. day and night. i just use a black Sharpie to fill in the serrations now and then. i also used the Sharpie around the rear groove. helps a lot.

when i first got it and test fired it, even on an overcast day the front sight lit up like a mirror, making it impossible to shoot with any consistency. add a crappy trigger and shooting left 6" at 50 feet, my shots were all over the place.

but since all the works been done, although i haven't papered it, i have no problems getting dead-on fist-size groups at 50'.

like you indicated, i have a 12" x 14" steel plate at 70 yds and can hit it all day long. good enough for my needs.

(fyi - my carry load is a 265 gr WFNGC on top of 8.5 unique)

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2011, 01:29:31 AM »

nice job! my buddy did the identical thing with his front sight. Sight picture is almost as good as my blued sight.

greenrivers · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2011, 02:04:22 AM »

I believe that my Vaquero is about to get a little work done to the front sight! Did you do the serrations yourself, or have a machinist cut them. I have done some but find it difficult to keep the spacing even.
The bullet you are using is the same I chose, but I have used 7gr. Unique. It has been keeping my midle finger knuckle from bleeding. I still get a litle slap from the trigger quard, but not enough to be painful. 8.5 grains must be quite sharp. Any problems with knuckle slap?

44 Man · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2011, 03:19:18 AM »

ALL of my fixed sight single actions have had their front site straightened and serrated. Wouldn't have it any other way. I need all the help I can get! 44 Man

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2011, 04:17:55 AM »

Ive used a Dremel wheel or stone (tape off the rest of the barrel good in case things decide to 'walk'!!) to put a reverse curve into the backside. That alone will cut a lot of reflection, and by not polishing it on SS will be a bit of a matt finish and will hold 'magic marker' pretty well.
Unless you have METAL checkering files its tough to keep the lines even when you serrate. If you try it with a needle file vise the gun well, use good magnification and dont go deep with the grooves.

greenrivers · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2011, 04:23:39 AM »

+1 on the help 44man. You mention using a checkering file for aerating the front sight and matting the rear. I just checked Brownells catalog and they are pricey. Any other sources you know of? Steel wool for the rear?
Thanks for the help!

greenrivers · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2011, 04:45:02 AM »

Thanks gcrank1. I tried using a riflers knife edge file on the radius and found wearing a magnification hood I could do alright. But the dremel tool sounds like a good idea. The serating did help, so cutting the ramp and adding the serrations makes sense and will happen. Going to shop around a bit for that checkering file though.
I was a bit discouraged with this gun when I first papered it, but after the work, it has really shown itself to be a keeper. Handy, light and accurate. Kinda makes you wonder why anyone would want a double action doesn't it?
Pot is now stirred!

oregoncoyote · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2011, 09:13:00 AM »

Quote from: greenrivers on May 07, 2011, 02:04:22 AM

I believe that my Vaquero is about to get a little work done to the front sight! Did you do the serrations yourself, or have a machinist cut them. I have done some but find it difficult to keep the spacing even.
The bullet you are using is the same I chose, but I have used 7gr. Unique. It has been keeping my midle finger knuckle from bleeding. I still get a litle slap from the trigger quard, but not enough to be painful. 8.5 grains must be quite sharp. Any problems with knuckle slap?

a local fellow did the serrations for me because his workmanship sure looked better than i'd be able to do. he did it with a file and said it took about 20 minutes. looks darn near perfect. i was thrilled when he handed it to me.

i haven't had a problem with knuckle-wacking, even with 9 gr of unique, maybe because i wrap my pinkie under the grip.

another thing i did to the top of the barrel is buff it lightly by hand using a scotch-brite-type pad to reduce glare. it does help in bright sunlight.

44 Man · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2011, 05:56:36 PM »

Greenriver, sometime a while back I fell into a 20, 30, and 40 lpi checkering file for $10 each! It was a good day at the gun show. They look new and are very sharp yet so they work well. I used a moto tool with a fine wire wheel the last time on my SS 'New Vaquero' to dull the rear sight. I was in a hurry that day but I'm still allowed access to a bead blaster at the shop I used to work at. That's definately the best way to go, just tape off the area well so it is only where you need it. Fine steel wool will work also, just be careful to only get it where you want it or you will have to go for a 'brushed' finish on the whole gun! 44 Man

gcrank1 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 08, 2011, 05:04:06 AM »

Good tips!
If you cant see the sights its just a point & pull bellygun, and Im no Ed McGivern! Any SS sights handgun I have tried has not shot good groups until strong overcast AND blackened (M-marker) sights. For that matter, Ive shot enough competition to know I tend to shoot better groups in overcast with any sights as long as its is consistent light. If I know Im going for group size I wait for that kind of day to trial a piece, but I do try to get at least two separate days, preferrably three, trials to compare results and know I wasnt having a bad day. Im still the weakest link in the accuracy chain.

greenrivers · « **Reply #25 on:** May 10, 2011, 10:47:15 AM »

Being the weakest link in the chain is a good point and one that we sometimes blame on the gun! Some days I know where that bullet will hit before pulling the trigger, others?. The more practice, the better.
Oregoncoyote, you mentioned 8.5 and 9gr. loads of Unique and I was wondering if you have chonographed those loads or figured the pressures. While developing loads for the .454 in our Ruger SRH's a friend and I found that using .45Colt loads it seemed the heavier the bullet and faster we pushed them the more accurate they became. (Within reason) Has this been your experience?

greenrivers · « **Reply #26 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:01:40 AM »

Just wondering why you guys all chose the stainless models of the Vaquero? Perhaps the same reasons I did. I wish Ruger would start a custom shop so that we could spend the "extra" to get what we wanted instead of having to go with what is available. Imagine the possibilities?