Author Topic: Fixed sights a major handicap??? (Read 755 times)

DakotaElkSlayer · « **on:** March 07, 2006, 02:34:20 PM »

Spotted a NIB Ruger Vaquero(OM), SS, "ivory" grips, 5.5' barrel in .45LC at Gander Mountain on clearance. Price was $399.97, which I thought was pretty good so I put it on layaway.
I am looking for more of a plinking and future "woods carry" gun. I love the SS and using my Single Six has showed me that the 5.5" barrel is the perfect balance for me between accuracy and carrying ease. For just hunting, I have a SBHH in .45LC.
The fixed sights bother me a bit...this will be the first firearm with fixed sights I own. Where do I start when it comes to creating handloads and sighting in this thing?

:shock:

Jim

Flint · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2006, 04:51:17 PM »

You start with factory equivalent loads, that's what the sights are (supposedly) set for. Standard bullet weight, standard velocity for the caliber. Most shoot close to POA. I never have adjusted adjustable sights more than the once it takes after taking the gun out of the box, so what's the difference? A Ruger, particularly, has the same large rear sight notch as is on the Blackhawk, or close enough for folk music, and many target sights are not that great either.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2006, 02:28:34 AM »

For the type of shooting I do with most handguns, fixed sights may be considered a hinderance. If you are interested in a revolver for use where you would settle on a load, maybe two developed from handloading there is probably not a more suitable weapon. These revlovers may be regulated to a load by several different pistolsmiths and you would not have to worry about whether or not the sights had been changed.

Prof. Fuller Bullspit · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2006, 05:13:51 AM »

I find the Vaquero site a little harder to see than the Blackhawk site. Despite that I like the Vaquero a lot. You can adjust loads and/or the gun to get the shots to hit where you aim.

You got a good deal on that gun. Enjoy it!

As for loading, use a 250 grain lead bullet (I like the traditional RNFP but you won't go wrong with a Keith or one of the new wide meplat designs) at 750-850 fps to start with. Unless you are hunting with this gun or relying on it for self defense you won't need more. And in truth a 250 grain lead bullet at these speeds isn't a bad performer. I like Unique in the .45 as it is bulky, although a little dirty.

If you hit low left you may be pushing on the gun as you fire, assuming you are right handed. Some people use a small file to adjust the rear site and some people get the barrel turned. Don't try to use plier to bend the front site, it will fall off!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2006, 11:10:16 AM »

dont bother me a bit as a matter of fact about 75 percent of my hunting is done with vaqueros

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2006, 03:41:53 PM »

Have two Vaquero's now, a 7-1/2" stainless and a new Birdshead w/4"
Tryed some 185gr to start with and while they shot well enough they printed way too low.

I quickly got the bullets up in the 240 to 265gr range where they belong and had no trouble with the fixed sight.

Quote

I never have adjusted adjustable sights more than the once it takes after taking the gun out of the box, so what's the difference?

Couldn't agree more