What are your thoughts on these Revolvers? I really like the range of calibers and barrel length options. I see them as a Classy revolver that is readily available (and affordable).

If you own one, shoot one in competition, or hunt with one, I'd be curious to know your thoughts on it!

Justin

There are two different versions of the Ruger Vaquero. The 'original" Vaquero is built on a large (Super Blackhawk) size frame, and the New Vaquero is built on a Colt SAA size frame. Both are fine revolvers - good handling, good shooters. Needless to say, you can shoot stronger loads from the larger version. Both are also fixed sights so may require tuning the load instead of adjusting sights as on a Blackhawk.

Marketing ploy.

Since WWII and the resurgence of handgun shooting, gun writers have written reams of pages touting the superiority of adjustable sights. Many featured the absolute necessity of having adjustable sight so as to be able to sight in the pistol to the load instead of vice versa, and being able to adjust for different yardages.

Articles appeared monthly telling how the only means of adjusting POA & POI on Colts was bending the front sight, and/or filing or replacing the front sight with a taller one.

Then, Cowboy Action Shooting became the new rage. SASS set up the rules for two classes; Traditional and Modern. Overall match winners could only come from the Traditional, or fixed sight class. Rugers were being shut out of the limelight all over the country. Bob Stutler was a long time Ruger wheel, and had won the Arizona SASS Championship with a Ruger BH based on clock VS hits, but by rule was vanquished to about twentieth place, behind originals and italian SAA copies. Stutler ran the plant in AZ, and had one of the engineers bring him the wax mouldings for the investment cast Ruger frame and grip. He had them mould the hog trough rear sight notch (ala SAA) and have guns built. The era of the six pound 38 Spl had begun.

That is where the Vaquero came from, and all of a sudden gun writers began producing a steady stream of articles extolling the virtues and "Rugged Simplicity" of fixed sights. Wolfe Publishing led the way, and, for me, that is when their staff began to sell out the readership in favor of the advertising dollars.

The one flaw in the SBH framed cowboy pistols was weight. When some top shooters began replacing their Rugers with lighter weight, handier models from other manufacturers; Ruger responded with the smaller Vaquero model.

The business model for most, if not all American Companies is to cater to the power fraternity. All of a sudden, in the late 1960's Trans-Am racing was the fad. Ford had the market with their 289 Mustangs, because the engine limit was 5liters, or 305 CID. All Chevy had was either a 283, which they never installed in the Camaro, and the 327, which was too large. Some engineers there took the 327 block and stuck a 283 crank in it. Ta-Da! 302 cubic inches. The Z-28 Camaro was a 302 CID small block in the 1967 model. Chrysler and AMC had no engines that would fit in the rules. In 1970 the car mfgrs convinced the SCCA to allow production engines to be enlarged or shrunk to fit the rules. The Boss 302 was the last legitimate player. Mopar had the 340 sixpak cudas and challengers, AMC had the 340 Javelins, and the Z-28 turned into a 350 cube motor with air conditioning. The Trans-AM Firebird had a 400 CID motor, which was radically destroked to get to 5 liters. In 1971 Ford countered with the Boss 351. Then the insurance companies killed the hotrod market, along with the gas crisis, Part I.

Back to your question, the originals were very big, heavy, bulky pistols. Women, junior, and those of us with smaller hands couldn't shoot the originals. Ruger's response, this new model; a smaller, lighter version. When the SASS phenomenon has run it's course, the vaquero will disappear.

Money...

Rich

Several points:

1. In its original unmodified form, the Vaquero isn't all that rugged.

2. If you are going to play around with different loads, then the fixed sights of the Vaquero are a big disadvantage. If you can be happy with one load, using a barrel vice and other tools, a pistol smith can sight in the Vaquero for you.

I have an original Vaquero and like it quite a bit. I don't think it big and clunky at least compared to things like a Ruger Redhawk or a Freedom Arms Model 83. I sent mine to Bob Munden who sighted it in and did a race gun modification on it so it can be fanned without breaking it. Of course, I'm stuck with one load but I'm OK with that for that gun.

I doubt the Vaquero will be disappearing any time soon.

If you decide the fixed sights ain't for you an adjustable rear sight can be installed.

quote:

and did a race gun modification on it so it can be fanned without breaking it.

I would really like to see a video of this (seriously)! I remember seeing episodes on TV (eg. Wyatt Earp, showing my age) where a "derring do" fanned his gun and was chastised by 'ol Wyatt for doing so. Would like to see this with real live ammo! The fast draw guys do it with wax bullets etc.
Back to the topic, I am a fan of fully adjustable sights.
Peter.

If you're buying it for CAS the fixed sights will probably be close enough, but for hunting adjustable sights will be a big plus. It is much cheaper to get adjustable sights on your handgun when purchased than have a gunsmith add them later. I'd expect it to cost about $200.00 to $250.00 to have a gunsmith install adjustable sights.

What Bob Munden is capable of with his worked over Colts is nothing short of phenomenal. I can see having a Vaquero receive Bob's attention would make it slick as greased lightening. I know there were videos out at one time. Bob most likely has a website with videos on it, but I haven't looked myself.

I had a Vaquero at one time, it was a good revolver. Just not a real big fan of fixed sights. I now just have some old S&Ws and a Colt with fixed sights. I shoot too many different loads and ranges.

Ruger did a piss poor job of regulating the fixed sights on quite a few I personally handled.I would opt for a Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk.

Bob Munden doesn't have any videos on his web site but has been featured in such venues as TV's Impossible Shots and Stan Lee's Superhumans. He can draw a revolver, shoot two balloons 6 or 8 feet apart and reholster the gun so fast it sounds like one shot and is almost too fast to see. I'm pretty sure you can see some of his shooting on You Tube.

It's not hard to fan a Vaquero but it requires modification to do so. First of all, as they come, a Vaquero can't be fanned. Secondly, if modified to permit fanning, additional mods must be done or you'll collapse the frame.

At some point, if the price is right, I'll probably pick up another Vaquero or two. My preference is the one with the 5.5 inch barrel in stainless steel.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:

It's not hard to fan a Vaquero but it requires modification to do so. First of all, as they come, a Vaquero can't be fanned. Secondly, if modified to permit fanning, additional mods must be done or you'll collapse the frame.

"you'll collapse the frame"

Could you explain that?

Thanks

Since I've never collapsed a frame, I don't know exactly how it happens. All I know is that according to Bob Munden who should know, if you attempt to fan a stock SAA type revolver, you will ruin it. You can read more at the web site below.

Bob Munden's Revolver Information

Perhaps someone can explain to me how you can fan a stock single action? As I understand it, when fanning a gun, the trigger is held back and the hammer is fanned and the round is fired by the hammer going forward. I cannot do this with any single action I own.
Peter.

You can't do it with a stock modern single action revolver. The revolver has to be modified to allow fanning.

We shot an old 50's colt frontier revolver over the weekend that allowed fanning. It is in. 22lr but was the first gun I had ever fanned. Never even knew it.was.called fanning!

I have seen many old Colts fugged up from fanning.Good way to break the sear and springs.Also just a stunt with little accuracy unless you are Bob Munden or his equall.

Unless you intend to compete with it, I'd personally rather have a Blackhawk with adjustable sights. The extra "ruggedness" (or whatever you want to call it) from having fixed sights is a non-issue if you ask me. I've carried my .357 Blackhawk for years and never had to readjust the sights once I got them dialed in.

kjjm4, I have to agree. In addition, I cannot get a good sight picture from a rear sight milled into the top strap.
Peter.

I like the Vaqueros myself,and I have shot some super accurate ones. Once it is regulated I think it makes a nice hunting piece with no worries.But to each his own, I use the adjustible sights with no issues and am allowed to play and try new recipes, but for a hunting only handgun, I'll have a Vaquero one day of my very own.

I prefer adjustable sights, but I do like Vaqueros and once you've got them dialed in, you are good to go.

I have 3 Old Vaqueros:

1. .45 Colt 4.75 barrel stainless Bisley

2. .45 Colt 4.75 barrel stainless Regular frame

3. .44 Mag 5.5 barrel stainless Bisley.

I push my loads on the hotter end and love all three of them, however the .44 Mag is the most accurate. The Bisley frames do come in handy for some of the full house loads for me and the regular frame seems to work best with the mild .45 Colt loads.

I've worked on all 3 triggers of mine and it seems to shoot better when that is done.

If I was interested in hunting with a Vaquero I would look for the Older model, but good luck doing that. I would guess that they would be hard to find. For plinking and cowboy stuff the New Vaquero should work out.

I love the Vaquero to handle and shoot. I just don't have good luck with any fixed sight revolver or pistol. I don't know why but my old weak eyes just don't see the Vaquero sighting system good enough. That is the only reason I sold a 4 5/8 inch 44 mag Bisley Vaquero.

I love the looks of the Vaquero, But it seems like a toss up on likes/dislikes for the fixed sights.

Thanks for all of the responses!

I had a pair of original model Vaqueros in .45 Colt when I was playing the SASS game. The 7.5" one was very accurate right out of the box. The 4 5/8" one needed the barrel rotated slightly and front sight filed a bit but it was accurate too.

There are a couple of gun smiths who will modify the sights by adding a rear blade and better front sight. Kinda wish I'd had the short barreled one so modified and kept it.

I really like mine. I have two consecutive serial numbered stainless Bisley Vaqueros in .357 that I use for SASS shooting; 5.5". (bought in 1999) Both shoot to POA out of the box with no adjustment necessary.

I took one of my Old Ruger Vaqueros out yesterday to burn some powder. I was using a .45 Colt with a 4.75' tube on it and was amazed at the plinking success I was having with it at 35 yards using some moderate loads.

The cans and bottle were a flying and able to get some airborne. Lots of giggles.

I do go by and fondle one of the New Vaqueros in a 45 colt 5.5" barrel in blue now and then at the local stab and blast store and wonder about how much longer it will be before I put the plastic on it. With a trigger job and some sighting in it would be a great trail gun.

I got to hold a Vaquero yesterday with the gunfighter (birds head) grips....and the 3.75" barrel in 45lc. With the stainless and the white ivory grip i fell in love.

Shouldnt be too long before i'm posting about a new purchase

I prefer adjustable sights on any handgun, but on rare occasions, I break down and buy one with fixed sights.
A few years ago, I bought a bright stainless Vaquero Sheriff's Model (3.75" barrel) in .45 Colt. It was accurate,and hit point of aim with 300 gr. bullets, but I later sold it to someone who "needed" it.
Recently I bought a bright stainless New Vaquero Birdshead in .45 ACP only (!), also with a 3.75" barrel. To be honest, I bought it because only 200 were made in .45 ACP. This one is extremely accurate for what it is, and is dead on for windage, but needing about .020" - 025" taken off the front sight, which I plan to do this week.
Here's a photo, Bugleminetoday:

Good looking revolver Ken!

I bought the very same revo in blue
it is like you say very accurate
no complaints on the fixed sight just need
to get adjusted to them
so for me it does have adjustable sights

Is it easier to adjust your eyes or a rear sight?

The issue for me is being locked in to ONE load and yardage.

Gentlemen here have posted of the joy of having to take a Vaquero to a gunsmith and have the barrel turned so the revolver will shoot to point of aim.

I have a set of feeler gauges and both light and heavy loads for my big revolvers. And a notebook with feeler gauge settings.

I have been privileged to live within half an hour of John Taffin for more than thirty-three years. He always loved finding the maximum load a revolver would take, and then shooting ONLY that load. Today his arthritis in his wrists is so bad, he can do little shooting, and with lighter loads.

Rich

I have one in 32 mag
It's great, I love it.

I have 4 vaqueros-- 2 stainless 4 5/8 plowhandles in 44 mag and 44-40. Also 2 stainless 5 1/2 barrel bisleys in 44 magnum.

they are used for cowboy action shooting. The 44-40's for black powder classes and the 44 mags for smokeless classes.

They have been dependable and accurate for my use. I also have a 7 1/2 barreled Blackhawk in 44 mag. But, it is an anniversary gun and the vaqueros work well enough that it is still unfired.

I have both the Blackhawk and Vaquero Rugers. For a hunting or just a range gun I would go with the Blackhawk. The new Vaqueros are nice, light, and plenty accurate once you get the load/sights set up.
Mike

For the life of me I cannot understand why someone would want a gun with fixed sights. I have heard all that gun writer drivel about the "ruggedness" of fixed sights, but after years of carrying a gun "in the field" during hunting season I have NEVER had the rear sight go "out of wack". If anything I suspect that the front sight would "be the first to go". Now, optics are common on handguns. Has anyone had one of these go "out of wack" in circumstances other than falling out of a tree?
Just asking! I can see that a "traditional look"
or "lightness" might be attractive reasons for buying a gun but I cannot see fixed sights being anything other than a disadvantage.
Peter.

I have a few Vaqueros, old Style, and I love them. I also have a few adj sights pistols and I love them. I started SASS with the Rugers, now I shoot Open Tops. I guess I like all guns and enjoy shooting them and their differences. Fixed sights are fine for normal carry, adj sights are better for precision work. I've killed hogs with both styles. If you want a cowboy gun, get the Vaquero....or Open Top, 58 Remington, 75 Outlaw, Schofield, Colt SAA, USFA...etc. Get what you want and have fun with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
For the life of me I cannot understand why someone would want a gun with fixed sights. I have heard all that gun writer drivel about the "ruggedness" of fixed sights, but after years of carrying a gun "in the field" during hunting season I have NEVER had the rear sight go "out of wack". If anything I suspect that the front sight would "be the first to go". Now, optics are common on handguns. Has anyone had one of these go "out of wack" in circumstances other than falling out of a tree?
Just asking! I can see that a "traditional look"
or "lightness" might be attractive reasons for buying a gun but I cannot see fixed sights being anything other than a disadvantage.
Peter.

For hunting or target shooting you may well be correct. For cowboy action shooting fixed sights are necessary for many categories (shooting classes) there are also categories for adjustable sights also.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
Several points:

1. In its original unmodified form, the Vaquero isn't all that rugged.

2. If you are going to play around with different loads, then the fixed sights of the Vaquero are a big disadvantage. If you can be happy with one load, using a barrel vice and other tools, a pistol smith can sight in the Vaquero for you.

...

I doubt the Vaquero will be disappearing any time soon.

I agree with al the statements.

I have a Standard Blackhawk and I like it for the sights and ability to shoot heavier loads.

BTW I have never shot any heavy loads but I may at some point

Snake