Strength of a Vaquero

[kynardsj]

I want to get a 45 LC Ruger revolver as a sidearm for when I carry my Puma rifle. I want it in stainless and was wondering if the Vaquero's have the strength of the Blackhawk's. I handload and would like to shoot the loads listed for Rugers, Contenders and Freedom Arms. If all else fails I reckon I'll have to bite the bullet and buy a Redhawk. Can't find a stainless 45 LC Blackhawk anymore.

[Dale53]

I just recently purchased a Ruger 5½" SS Bisley .45 Colt/.45 ACP convertible that I am extremely happy with. I DID have to ream the undersize cylinders to .4525" and have a trigger job done (at the same time I had the pawl modified to a "free spin" pawl). Here is a picture of the revolver with the .45 ACP cylinder. By the way, the revolver shoots like a match gun with both cylinders. VERY satisfying piece of ordnance:



So, these are in limited supply but there are some still "out there". You might want to check Gunbroker.com

Dale53

[kynardsj]

I know a lot of folks like them but I just can't get used to a Bisley style single action. I wish I could run across someone that wanted to get rid of their 45 LC Hunter Model.

[kynardsj]

Did some research after I posted this and found out that the origional Vaqueros were as strong as the Blackhawks up untill around the end of 2004. Then Ruger started making a New Model Vaquero that had a smaller frame and was meant for cowboy action shooting and not for hot hunting loads.

[Flash]

Yep, Ruger changed it's Vaquero alright. I was lucky enough to find a large frame used, that someone put brake cleaner on to clean it. There went the case color and the resale value. After a polish and reblue, it looks like new. By the way, the Vaquero will handle what the Blackhawk can, easily!

[BlkHawk73]

Did some research after I posted this and found out that the origional Vaqueros were as strong as the Blackhawks up untill around the end of 2004. Then Ruger started making a New Model Vaquero that had a smaller frame and was meant for cowboy action shooting and not for hot hunting loads.

  Actually Ruger has made only New Models since 1973.  They introduced the Vaquero in 1993 and while discontinued from the catalog in 2006, it has had some shipped since then.  In 2006 the New Vaquero was introduced.  Both are "New Models" as they both use the transfer bar design as all "New Models" do.  Just like they say on the cylinder frame...Vaquero and New Vaquero
  Can't really say Blackhawk and have it be an all-inclusive in terms of strength.  There is the medium framed Blackhawks as well, the NM "flattops".  these are built on the same sized frame as the New Vaqueros are.  These medium sized models are not suitable for "Ruger only" loads.  Use SAAMI spec loads only in them. 
  Keep in mind the majority of SAAMI spec premium ammo, that which is designed for hunting is quite adequate for it's intended purpose.  If you need loads so hot you're worried about the revolver's strength, you really should be looking at a more powerful chambering altogether.  JMO.

[kynardsj]

The 45 LC loads I'm talking about are the ones listed in the reloading manuals as to be used in Blackhawks, Contenders and Freedom Arms. Nothing gosh awful terrible just something you wouldn't want to run thru your favorite old Colt.

[ohiobenito]

man these weekend cowboys screwed up a good thing.  look for the old vaqueros; they're nice

[kynardsj]

I did luck up and find a NIB stainless 4 5/8 Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC on Guns America. An elderly gentleman in New Jersey had collected guns for a long time and was turning some of them loose. According to my gun dealer that I had it shipped to this Blackhawk is at least 10 years old and unfired. Ten years old doesn't bother me and I have since cured this unfired condition.

[blue roan]

man these weekend cowboys screwed up a good thing.  look for the old vaqueros; they're nice

Unfortunately original size VAQUEROS ain't cheap either.  Try and find a clean used one, especially 357 or 44 magnums....I'm looking for some.

[wydogtalker]

I had this same question about a year ago about my 4 5/8 new vaquero (in .45 colt as there has never been a round called .45 long colt thats a slang term.) so i emailed ruger. they responded that all of there guns could handle +p ammo. i took that to mean that the new vaquero could handle the hotter loads in the reloading manuals, i would recomend emailing them it only took a few days to get back to me.

[painted horse]

Well Blkhawk 73 is correct in terminology but does muddy the waters to a degree for someone who doesn't know Vaqueros.  There are two different Vaqueros, the older model and the newer ones they came out with to more match the colt size.  The older models are built on the blackhawk frame and can be loaded the same as the blackhawk.  The newer model is smaller in size and not as robust. Personally I would not load the newer model beyond standard 45 colt loads. As far as 45 colt or 45 long colt, that horse has been rode to death, who cares....

[kynardsj]

I too know that 45 Long Colt is more of a slang term but when I go to a website like Guns America and type 45 Colt into the search engine it brings up a bunch of 45 Autos. I type in 45 Long Colt and there is no problem. When I spoke of a New Model Vaquero earlier I meant the lighter framed ones. Heck most everyone knows that all the single action Rugers have been New Models with a transfer bar since the early 70's.