Author Topic: Question about Birdshead Vaquero (Read 673 times)

Dusty Miller · « **on:** November 22, 2004, 12:57:53 PM »

I'm considering a purchase of the Birdshead Vaquero in 45 Colt and I'm wondering how that grip handles recoil. Does it roll back in the hand like the Bisley?

Prof. Fuller Bullspit · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2004, 02:31:36 PM »

The birdshead rolls more than the Bisley. They roll more like the standard grip frame or perhaps a tad more because there is a bit less to hang on to.

EdK · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2004, 03:11:48 PM »

I agree it rolls more than a Bisley. There's a lot less to hang on to than on a Bisley. Really it's a lot like a regular Blackhawk in that regard. I just like the round butt because I find the short, squared off butt of the Blackhawk uncomfortable as far as handling recoil goes

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2004, 04:15:42 PM »

I agree, Mine rolls alot when shooting heavy loads. I cant control it well enough to shoot the heavy rounds so I keep it fairly mild. Pretty accurate when its down loaded. KN

Big Blue · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2004, 02:41:09 PM »

Quote from: KN

I agree, Mine rolls alot when shooting heavy loads. I cant control it well enough to shoot the heavy rounds so I keep it fairly mild. Pretty accurate when its down loaded. KN

KN,
When you say you can't control it well enough to shoot heavy loads, do you mean you would loose your grip on it? Possibly drop it? I ask, because I'm on the verge of ordering one.
Thanks,
Don

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2004, 03:46:36 PM »

No, I just cant hit what I'm aiming at. Too much recoil for me to shoot it as well as a "normal" grip frame. KN

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2004, 04:47:14 PM »

I bought one today, with a 3 1/2" barrel. Now I gotta confess to something, I don't know which of the 45 caliber bullets it takes! My 454 Casull takes a .453 cast bullet and my 45 ACPs are 451s (I think!) Is 45 Colt the same as the 454 Casull?

EdK · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2004, 01:41:48 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

Is 45 Colt the same as the 454 Casull?

Good question - no easy answer though. One of the thougher things about being a 45 Colt fan is trying to get a assortment of guns that can shoot the same bullet. I learned this the hard way a little while back by buying an beautiful unfired 1976 S&W model 25-2 that needed 455s. I'm surprised your Casull shoots 454s though - mine is not that large. I assume you've measured it.

Ruger used to make their 45 Colts to 454 but the've more recently been making them tighter. My birds' head Vaquero is actually a little too tight with cylinder throats at .4505 and bore at .451. I haven't opened them up for better cast performance yet but probably will sometime soon. I've been shooting jacketed bullets meanwhile. So my guess is yours would be similar.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2004, 08:43:51 AM »

I've got some soft slugs for 45 caliber guns so I'm going to check the bore and cylinders to be sure. Damn! I'd like to order a mold for this gun and get it into action, this business of having to check dimensions on a new firearm in the 21st century is pain in the backside.

KN · « **Reply #9 on:** November 29, 2004, 01:40:45 PM »

Mine has been opened up to 452". I load with 45acp 230gr. hardball and 185gr jhp bullets. They work just fine in mine. Light loaded since theres no crimp groove. KN