38/40

[5of7]

Is the New Vaquero offered in 38/40?

I have one of the Buckeye Specials in 38/40x10MM--it is a LOT of gun for that chambering--and I think a NV would be pretty nice in 38/40.

The idea of a NV in cartridges from the 20th century doesn't resonate with me at all.

 

[hammie]

I think you have a good idea, and I would second your motion. A new vaquero with dual cylinders in .38-40 and .40 S&W would be fun.

A few days ago, I was shuffling through back issues of "Handloader" magazine, and I came across an article by Mike Venturino on handloading the .38 WCF (.38-40). Apparently the cartridge is fraught with issues: thin brass, varying chamber dimensions, scare components, and so on. Those aren't necessarily bad things. You don't have to re-load that many .38 specials before the mystery is gone, and you're looking for ways to relieve the boredom with a challenge. It's nice to have something different.

I doubt ruger would ever make the .38-40 a cataloged offering. The best we could hope for would be a limited production item from a distributor.

 

[5of7]

Hammi....the thin brass in the neck of the case is indeed an issue, but is easily solved. I bought a Lee factory crimp die and with that, I can get just as tight a crimp as I want, without fear of crushing the neck. On the 38/40 and the 32/20, that is the way to go.

The brass is otherwise plenty strong enough for loads that would far exceed the pressure limitations of the NV....IMO of course. 8)

 

[hammie]

@5of7: Thanks for the tip. I've been OK, so far, with the .32-20, but there have been some problems when I re-load for my .44-40. I just looked the die up, and midway has the lee factory crimp die for 12 bucks. That's a pretty cheap miracle. I will have to order one.

 

[Lee Martin]

I shoot the 38-40 a lot in converted New Models. This one is my favorite:

It's not a hard round to reload and the brass lasts longer than you'd think. My standard is 7.0 of Green Dot under a 180 grain cast bullet. Using Starline brass I'm on my 13th reload and I've yet to lose a case from that batch of 100.

 

[hammie]

@Mr. Martin: Now you've made me really want one. Love the belt mountain #5 base pin.

 

[Lee Martin]

Thanks. And here's an article I did a few years back on the 38-40.

http://www.singleactions.com/files/3840WinchesterArticle.pdf

 

[CraigC]

I wish they would! Until then, I have an Old Model .357 that is destined to become a .38-40. It will be a better mate to my Uberti 1873 Deluxe Sporting Rifle. I have a Buckeye convertible but agree that it's too much gun for the chambering. Although I am tempted to pick up a 7½" Uberti Bisley from Dixie Gun Works this fall.

I've never had much trouble reloading the cartridge. I think I ruined one or two cases in the beginning. For me, with the Uberti which has tight chambers, Starline brass lasts 10-12 firings before splitting the mouth. Which is plenty. I take jacketed .40S&W/10mm pistol bullets and turn a cannelure in them with a Corbin tool. The 180gr Gold Dot expands nicely at 1475fps. The 135gr Sierra is a great varmint bomb at 1600fps and a 180gr RNFP is a great plinker/practice bullet at 1550fps. Shoots nice and flat and best of all, this is all at standard pressures.

 

[Gatorade]

I have a pair of .38-40 convertable to .40 S&W. They are old models, I think were first available from Davidsons. They are out there.

 

[Rainman]

I have both the Vaquero 38-40/ 40 S&W and a Buckeye. Totally different guns to shoot but both great. Mine loves 180 gr plated bullets and Universal powder but you can use John Taffin's loading data and almost duplicate 41 mag ballistics. Here's the link http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt3840.htm .

I would second that motion for a New Vaquero in 38 WCF. It would be awesome.

Dan

 

[hammie]

Well...I just went to my mailbox (monday, the 10th) and waiting for me was the October issue of "Handloader" magazine. On page 26 there is an article on the .38 WCF by Gil Sengel.

 

[Olsherm]

I have a New Vaquero custom converted by Clements from a .357 to 38/40.Awsome looking gun.Case hardened,action job and special grips by Leskovic with Ivory stars where the medallions usually go,free spin cylinder,4 5/8 barrel.You can see a pic of it in the classified as I have put it up for sale but I have not had much interest in it.I just don't shoot it much.Play with it in the house mostly.HA HAYou must look at the post a scrool down for the pics.

 

[Hondo44]

5 of 7,
If you haven't seen Olsherm's it's just what you want and it's custom made for you! You won't find a better gun or better deal and w/o the wait of a custom! I've been drooling over it but I already have two. Remove the temptation please! I need the money for the Hawkeye I just got.

Here's the link:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=142454&start=0

 

[5of7]

That is indeed a beautiful gun, but I would prefer an "off the rack" version, mostly because all of my guns see considerable service and I wouldn't be comfortable with one this flossy in the field.

Again....beautiful.....perhaps too beautiful.

I had a girl friend like that once, in my mis-spent youth....but that is a long and sad story for another time. 8)

 

[Boxhead]

A mid-frame 38 WCF is ideal IMO. I have this one and another in works w/ Harton. Fine caliber in the right piece. I have a Buckeye as well and it just sits in the safe yet to be fired.

 

[Glupy]

A mid-frame 38 WCF is ideal IMO. I have this one and another in works w/ Harton. Fine caliber in the right piece.

Good point. I have one in the original sized Vaquero and it is more pistol than is necessary. A New Vaquero would be ideal, but there is nothing wrong with the original model either.

(edit added on 09/13) I should add that this is really a nice-sized gun for the 40 S&W. The recoil is mild and I don't have to chase the brass.

Glupy

 

[gak]

I was sure I'd responded to this for sure as it's one of my dream guns, but must have been another thread(s). Like Craig, I've got a ..357 waiting in the wings--in my case an early NV--destined for such a conversion. My thought's actually a "triple threat" .38-40/.40/10mm with BP beveled, non-beveled (stock NV) and fluteless cylinders, respectively. I'd also agree that Olsherm's would take me most of the way there a bit (?) more economically, but the same $ missing in my undoubtedly far more expensive scheme is missing for that as well (what do they say about a half off Mercedes sale for someone currently on a Chevy budget?) - but one day...! Other priorities call too, but maybe time to sell a gun or guitar for the cause!

A +1 as well for Ruger to build a .38-40/.40 convertible NV at least as a limited distributor run. Don't have the $ for that either, but selling my .357 would get me that much closer. I'd still have to send it off to get it CCH'd though!