New project- “Super” Vaquero- adding pics with new grip panels.

Randyzzz · Jun 20, 2023

The title sort of gave it away. I decided to build a Super Vaquero. My hands are just way too big for the smaller grip frame on a .45. My New Vaquero is polished stainless and I didn’t want to lose the “bling”. So when Midway had free shipping I ordered a Super Blackhawk Hunter grip frame in stainless. I spent yesterday afternoon fitting it. Those factory Ruger parts frames are ROUGH! Lots of sanding both power and by hand rendered a good fit. I also took the bottom front corner back a bit- sort of a nod to a Bisley front strap. I spent this morning polishing with my benchtop unit and a Dremel. It came out great! I put a Super hammer in and installed a set of Super grips I had. In case anyone else tries this- the hammer back on the New Vaquero is fatter than a Super hammer, And it will bind up when the Super frame is installed. Also, the Ruger parts frame is larger than the factory grips. Bonus in my opinion. Lastly- the Super frame does not have the little slot that locates the NV retractable pawl. I got lucky and got it ground out- if that had failed a Power Custom pawl would work- probably better.

I’ve attached a couple pictures. I still need to polish out the hammer, and send the grip frame to Chig’s where I have a beautiful set of panels waiting.

The last pic shows how I brought the bottom corner of the front strap in a bit. Feels much better to me.

seasterl · Jun 20, 2023

Looks great! Thanks for the pics and sharing your experience.

dobegrant.45 · Jun 20, 2023

Very nice, you did a great job fitting it.

contender · Jun 21, 2023

Great job and a very nice looking gun.

As a collector, and someone who gets questions all the time about various models of Rugers,, I had to pause a bit at your title. To use the term; "Super Vaquero" is fine for you & all,,, but it might confuse folks who are new to Ruger SA handguns!
Ruger does a good job of confusing folks with their nomenclature,, so I try to help folks understand the true differences, done by the factory.

Your "Custom Vaquero" is a sweet looking (and I'm sure great handling) gun .

Armybrat · Jun 21, 2023

Looks better than my 5.5” Super Blackhawk .44 after I put the same Hunter grip frame on it.
Dunno why Ruger puts the shorter grip frame on those and the 4.6” SBH.

Randyzzz · Jun 21, 2023

contender said:
Great job and a very nice looking gun.

I knew I’d get tagged on that!

I actually started the thread with a different title- “Vaquero with Super Blackhawk Hunter Gripframe” but it looked awkward in print so I went with my catchy nomenclature. Actually, my current title is also wrong technically because it it a New Vaquero. Oops!

I’ll be more thoughtful in the future. No hard feelings- I appreciate your diligence in keeping things correct.

Your comment did make me ponder- if Ruger built this version, what would they call it?

Hondo44 · Jun 21, 2023

Good work. They’re not ours until we make them just the way we like them.

The larger diameter hammer base of the NV requires the ‘horns’ of the grip frame to be worked down for a proper flush fit.

Randyzzz · Jun 21, 2023

Hondo44 said:
Good work. They’re not ours until we make them just the way we like them.

The larger diameter hammer base of the NV requires the ‘horns’ of the grip frame to be worked down for a proper flush fit.

Thank you! I’ve always had the “custom” bug since I was a little kid. Couldn’t build a model car without a few personal touches. I guess it’s in the blood. I’m having a hard time not tricking out the 3 Screw Single Sixes I’ve purchased recently, but there’s something about the age and originality I respect. I may buy one to “make it mine”.

I had to work both the grip frame horns and the main frame horns. So now there’s no real going back with the original grip frame.

bnewberry · Jun 21, 2023

Looks great! Much better than the franenruger I did a few years back. I got the Vaquero off a guy who carried it in Alaska. It showed a lot of wear from that. I got a cast but not drilled brass grip frame and made it fit. Not the prettiest job but it works. For fun used a Bisley trigger with a Super hammer.

freakindawgen · Jun 21, 2023

I had thought of something similar. My first gun was a Superblackhawk. I only shoot 45 colt now and wanted a Super in 45. Best way it figured was buy a 7.5 Bisley in 45 (non fluted cylinder) and buy all the SBH parts and install it. The Bisley parts would go on an early 5.5 New Vaquaro with case color. Other than the Bisly scroll on the cylinder I would have one.

Uncle Howie · Jun 21, 2023

Randyzzz said:
Your comment did make me ponder- if Ruger built this version, what would they call it?

“Unavailable at this time.”

contender · Jun 21, 2023

Randy,, I'm sincerely glad you didn't take any offense at my post. It was never meant to be offensive,, and yet,, when typing words on a keyboard,, and trying to convey feelings & thoughts,,, well, it can be hard.

As I said,, it's a very nice job on a great gun.

Doing custom work,, even minor stuff is what makes things personal & special. A simple set of grips,, or a full blown custom build. Both are special.

Due to the fun we already have with Ruger nomenclature,, I have no idea what they might call a gun like yours,,,,,,,, except maybe; "Nice job!"

When I teach handgunning to people,, I always stress that the gun they choose for serious work or self defense,, should fit THEM! It can be as simple as a set of grips,, to a gun custom made to their specs. But it is THEIR gun and they can enjoy it.
And old Bill,, well, he'd be happy we all buy use & enjoy his guns. No matter if we modify them, or keep them stock,, as long as we buy them from him!

Yoter · Jun 21, 2023

Did the same thing with a Blackhawk in 45 LC plus added the super blackhawk hunter low spurred hammer. Very pleased with the results. Not surprised the factory grips were not perfect. Lately, the factory laminated grips fit all models poorly.

BamaGreg · Jun 22, 2023

Armybrat said:
Looks better than my 5.5” Super Blackhawk .44 after I put the same Hunter grip frame on it.
Dunno why Ruger puts the shorter grip frame on those and the 4.6” SBH.View attachment 23687 View attachment 23686

I did the same thing with my 5.5" Super. Fits my hand much better.

moparclan · Jun 22, 2023

Fine Job!
I prefer the Dragoon grip frame and did my last .44 mag Vaquero many years ago. Got the grip frame, trigger and hammer on an auction site and then sold the original and ending up no cost just my labor. Grips are Jay Scott.

Randyzzz · Jun 22, 2023

moparclan said:
Fine Job!
I prefer the Dragoon grip frame and did my last .44 mag Vaquero many years ago. Got the grip frame, trigger and hammer on an auction site and then sold the original and ending up no cost just my labor. Grips are Jay Scott.
View attachment 23710

That is a beauty! I have some big old hands, and the Dragoon trigger guard likes to beat up my middle knuckle unless I use a “pinkie under” grip. But I love the look of the Dragoon!

Randyzzz · Jun 22, 2023

This is the wood that Chig’s is fitting for this project. He should have the frame on Saturday. Then it’s just a matter of patience.

Pathfinder36 · Jun 23, 2023

Randyzzz said:
That is a beauty! I have some big old hands, and the Dragoon trigger guard likes to beat up my middle knuckle unless I use a “pinkie under” grip. But I love the look of the Dragoon!

The MOP grips are beautiful on that piece and really setoff the appearance, but aren't they slippery & hard to hold on to?.

seasterl · Jun 23, 2023

Moparclan: what barrel length is that Vaquero with the dragoon grip and MOP grip panels? Is it 4 5/8”? That looks like a very well-balanced revolver.

rugerguy · Jun 23, 2023

Nice job guys and those do look "Super", yes all these years and us old timers thought we knew what they meant when they said "Super" whether, a Single SIx or a a Blackhawk, now the Wranglers and along come us that did ANY "custom" for a customer, and it can get baffling to any new comer,,,let THEM learn and ask the questions, I know what YOU meant....again NICE jobs guys, looking good...............bring on all that SUPER, DUPER, custom work..............what the old time "super" gunsmiths tried to do with whatever Ruger or others came out with..........

moparclan · Jun 23, 2023

seasterl said:
Moparclan: what barrel length is that Vaquero with the dragoon grip and MOP grip panels? Is it 4 5/8”? That looks like a very well-balanced revolver.

Yes it is the 4-5/8" well balanced and easy to shoot with the larger Dragoon grips.

moparclan · Jun 23, 2023

Pathfinder36 said:
The MOP grips are beautiful on that piece and really setoff the appearance, but aren't they slippery & hard to hold on to?.

Being a synthetic material I haven't noticed problems with any slippage.

Randyzzz · Jul 12, 2023

I sent the grip frame out to Chig’s for some nice Desert Ironwood panels. Wow. These things are amazing. Chad does a great job- I can highly recommend him. Here’s the pics!

collectormzornes · Jul 12, 2023

Randyzzz said:
I sent the grip frame out to Chig’s for some nice Desert Ironwood panels. Wow. These things are amazing. Chad does a great job- I can highly recommend him. Here’s the pics! View attachment 25020 View attachment 25021 View attachment 25022 View attachment 25023

This looks amazing very well done. What did you use to polish the super hammer with? I have the same gun and have the super hammer installed but it is not polished out and it aggravates me. I don't have a bench grinder or polisher so I would have to use a Dremel and some type of polishing compound I assume. Thanks

Randyzzz · Jul 12, 2023

collectormzornes said:
This looks amazing very well done. What did you use to polish the super hammer with? I have the same gun and have the super hammer installed but it is not polished out and it aggravates me. I don't have a bench grinder or polisher so I would have to use a Dremel and some type of polishing compound I assume. Thanks

I have a bench grinder with a couple different polishing wheels. Green rouge for the best shine. I did a hammer with the Dremel- you could still see the sanding marks from the factory. It was a “junk” hammer I just wanted to get some stains off.

Knowing how well both a Dremel and a benchtop unit work- I would advise finding a cheap benchtop at a garage sale. An arbor extension makes it so much easier too. And put a rubber mat on the floor in case it grabs the hammer and throws it down. Don’t polish the sear surface.

If you need to stick with the Dremel- smooth the surfaces you want to polish with sandpaper all the way to 320-400 grit. 600 is even better. That way the small Dremel wheel doesn’t have to remove as much surface roughness to get a nice shine. I used Blue Magic on the one pictured above, but I believe Autosol is a bit more aggressive and might give better results.

Still, nothing beats a benchtop.

collectormzornes · Jul 13, 2023

Randyzzz said:
I have a bench grinder with a couple different polishing wheels. Green rouge for the best shine. I did a hammer with the Dremel- you could still see the sanding marks from the factory. It was a “junk” hammer I just wanted to get some stains off. View attachment 25042

Knowing how well both a Dremel and a benchtop unit work- I would advise finding a cheap benchtop at a garage sale. An arbor extension makes it so much easier too. And put a rubber mat on the floor in case it grabs the hammer and throws it down. Don’t polish the sear surface.

If you need to stick with the Dremel- smooth the surfaces you want to polish with sandpaper all the way to 320-400 grit. 600 is even better. That way the small Dremel wheel doesn’t have to remove as much surface roughness to get a nice shine. I used Blue Magic on the one pictured above, but I believe Autosol is a bit more aggressive and might give better results.

Still, nothing beats a benchtop.

Thanks for the help I would use a bench top if that was an option but at this time it is not as I currently don't even have a shop so small jobs are all I can do right now. I will give the little Dremel a try and see where it gets me. Thanks again

Hvymax · Jul 13, 2023

Randyzzz said:
Thank you! I’ve always had the “custom” bug since I was a little kid. Couldn’t build a model car without a few personal touches. I guess it’s in the blood. I’m having a hard time not tricking out the 3 Screw Single Sixes I’ve purchased recently, but there’s something about the age and originality I respect. I may buy one to “make it mine”.

I had to work both the grip frame horns and the main frame horns. So now there’s no real going back with the original grip frame.

Any Nothing can do normal. A man with tools and skills has few limits.

Randyzzz · Jul 13, 2023

Hvymax said:
Any Nothing can do normal. A man with tools and skills has few limits.

I just purchased a nice 1963 Single Six that might end up being my custom piece. Price was cheap- I’ll have to see how nice it actually is once it arrives.

Hvymax · Jul 13, 2023

Randyzzz said:
I just purchased a nice 1963 Single Six that might end up being my custom piece. Price was cheap- I’ll have to see how nice it actually is once it arrives. View attachment 25067

That's a classic 3 screw. I might practice on a Heritage Arms or 2 then get a newer one to Customize.

Randyzzz · Jul 13, 2023

Hvymax said:
That's a classic 3 screw. I might practice on a Heritage Arms or 2 then get a newer one to Customize.

Oh, I know. No Heritage for me. I’m even resistant to Wranglers, although I own one (for now).

I really love the feel of the 3 screw action. And- anything I do will be able to be undone. What I’m talking about is maybe an aluminum Super Hunter gripframe with custom grip panels, and a finely tuned action, possibly with a wide trigger.

I already did up a NM Single Six with one of Ronnie Well’s brass grip frames, micarta panels, and a black Bisley trigger that I sanded the sides so it matched the black and silver hammer. Came out nicely.

I was considering just getting a Super Wrangler and working it over, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Especially when the 63 was about the same price- just a little over $300.

I didn’t understand the draw of a 3 Screw until I spent some time with them. I doubt I’ll buy another new model again.

New project- “Super” Vaquero- adding pics with new grip panels.

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