Old Vaquero

[mattmillerrx]

At the Oklahoma City gun show today, I traded for a Ruger #1 45-70 and a Ruger 45 LC 7.5 barrel Old model Vaquero.  This is my first SA gun.  I am sure of more to come as I have only discovered last year of my preference for the wheel gun.  I have done a little reading on here and else were and it seems everyone changes out the base pin on these as soon as they get them.  My question is why? 

I was told this is a 1994 model but have not confirmed.  I have read of oversized cylinders and other problems with accuracy.  Is there anything to this?

Anyone know the load these things are sighted for?  I am sure I will have to do some playing to find it but a bullet weight would be a good starting point.

Any problems common to this model? ( GB don't reply it is a Ruger, I already know you think this was a mistake)

Normally, I do a lot of reading before buying but this was somewhat of a impulse buy/trade.  I have wanted a SAA for sometime and have looked a uberti and even the New Vaquero as a cowboy type gun but not the old.

[Rangr44]

Replacement base pins are generally used for removing slop, if any, and providing an additional stop to keep the pin from coming out of the cylinder frame under recoil.

I've had over 20 centerfire Ruger single action revolvers, over the years, and never found the need for one.

On a few, however, I have D/T'd the head of the issue pin for a long setscrew, which I adjusted to bear in a dimple put in the barrel underside, to keep an insecure pin solidly in place.

Ruger has added some very nice custom grips to their online store/website - one of which I just mounted on my .45 New Vaquero:



My 4 5/8" NV shoots 200gr Cowboy loads to POA @ 25yds - but I doubt the same would hold true for a longer barrel and/or somebody else's sight picture.

Vaquero .45's had cylinder throat diameter issues, not being agreeable with the barrel bore diameters - but AFAIK the issues were resolved with the NV, as I bought mine new, and have done no accurizing work, yet get excellent 25yd groups with it.

.

[BigMuddy]

I have several Vaqueros in 45 Colt and have not seen any yet that did not shoot VERY WELL.... Mine all like bullets at least 250 grains sized .452. Most I have seen have plenty of front sight blade, so pick a bullet weight and file some off if needed. Mine are dead on with 300 grain bullets. I have had two that were not on for windage. Both of those I have added a dovetailed front sight but only because I wanted one. You can turn the barrel a bit if needed.

My 7 1/2" is one of those rare guns that seems to shoot any and all loads great. It has not got much finish left on it, but is solid as the day it was new in '93. I did add a Power Custom half cock hammer and trigger and free spin pawl to that one.

The gun you have is IMHO a fantastic sixgun....one of the best for all around use. It will take loads heavier than standard 45 Colt (something the New Vaquero won't do). I am sure it will serve you well. Enjoy!

[Blackhawker]

You'll love your new SA Ruger.  I love mine!  They shoot well and shoot a LOT and never seem to have problems.  I never had any reason to buy aftermarket parts for mine and they all work like charms!  I think tinkering with other parts may just be asking for trouble. 

One thing to remember with it however is to keep the gate spring surface area lubed.  If it dries out or angles funny, it could grind and it is something that gets WORSE QUICK.  Once the surface of the gate detent spring has galled your gate hinge, it becomes literally impossible to open the gate and you'll have to get a new one and a new spring.  It's not the end of the world but why go through the trouble when it only takes a second or two to lube the spring and gate hinge surface?

Good luck with your shooter and have fun!

[zoner]

I had a Bisley Vaquero...5 1/2" 45LC....my POI was just a hair to the right and just a hair high  but it would put em all in the same spot if i did my job....try 250 gr RNFP cast bullets at 800-900 fps,should match up with your sights elevation wise.My gun worked flawlessly and i'd still be shooting it if my eyes hadn't got older...just got to where i couldn't see that fixed sight

[merkelerk]

I have an Old model Vaquero, made in 1994. 4.75" barrel in .45 Colt.
I have no idea how many rounds went through it before I bought it used, but in the last few months I have put at least 1200 rounds through it without a single problem (all handloads using Unique or Titegroup and 200 - 230 grain bullets).

Since I bought it, all of my other firearms have been busy acting as paper weights......

[mattmillerrx]

Finally got to shoot mine today.  Very please with the accuracy.  I shot at 25 yrds and did not hit the paper so I held at the bottom of the paper and did not hit paper then I tried the top.  When I looked at the board all shots in a line but 8 in to the left.  There was a group teaching a handgun course so for the sake of not having to move a bunch of stuff around I moved to the 7 yard targets.  At 7 yards it shot 2 inches low and 2 left.  Groups were very good basically a very large hole.  I only had two ammo's with me and all I have found since I bought the gun but both shot to the same place.  Will have to try several reloads and see if I can get one to shoot to the sights.

MGM