Hi Folks, is there any rarity in a Ruger Vaquero (Original) .45 Colt with a 3.5” barrel. Blued with the faux CCH. Thanks for any input-Dave
Any Rarity
- Thread starter azleite
- Start date
contender
Ruger Guru
Rarity?? Not sure.
Desirability?
Yes,, many like them.
Desirability?
Yes,, many like them.
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
Scare probably, but rare not so much. I think they were made with both plow handle and bird's head grip frames.
If they are 'rare' I think the similar New Vaquero model would satiate the demand and keep overall prices down.
If they are 'rare' I think the similar New Vaquero model would satiate the demand and keep overall prices down.
OP
It’s on the way from the seller. I’m considering installing a Super Blackhawk hammer. Hoping it’s not too major of an undertaking-when I can find one
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Less work than fitting a Bisley hammer.
OP
Good to hear! I’ve seen a pic of one with the Bisley hammer & I like the SBH better
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
I am north of Denton if you need emergency help with your swap.
OP
Thanks Man! I’m just West of Ft Worth, I’ll likely take you up on that-Dave
contender
Ruger Guru
Just a little info,, kinda similar to the mentioned gun.
Yesterday, at a local auction, a "New Vaquero, Talo exclusive, .45 acp, 3-3/4" bbl, birdshead, blue, in 98%, in the box, sold for about $700 after fees & taxes.
Yesterday, at a local auction, a "New Vaquero, Talo exclusive, .45 acp, 3-3/4" bbl, birdshead, blue, in 98%, in the box, sold for about $700 after fees & taxes.
OP
Thanks Contender, that’s about what I paid after all the fees. Do you have any experience loading the .45 Colt special? Actually I think it’s referred to as .45 Cowboy, Starline makes the short brass. Wondering if it’s worth messing with
contender
Ruger Guru
I haven't loaded any .45 Colt Special or "Cowboy" personally. But I have shot a few in other guns & such. Shouldn't be an issue.
But to simplify things,, why not load a light .45 Colt load? Use a 250 grn slug,, and a moderate charge of Unique,, and after trying that,, try wiping the smile off your face.
That way,, instead of having a little extra work of cleaning the chambers,, and the added expense of the Special brass,, you can enjoy the gun a bit more.
But to simplify things,, why not load a light .45 Colt load? Use a 250 grn slug,, and a moderate charge of Unique,, and after trying that,, try wiping the smile off your face.
That way,, instead of having a little extra work of cleaning the chambers,, and the added expense of the Special brass,, you can enjoy the gun a bit more.
OP
I have some Unique & poly coat bullets, will definitely go that route first. Thanks Man-Dave
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
There has been concern in reloading light loads in 45 Colt (aka 'Long' Colt) that leaves a lot of empty space in the case which would cause inconsistent burning of the powder.
Using 45 Schofield brass is another idea. 45 Schofield is shorter than the 45 Colt and would leave less empty space in the brass with the same powder charge as used in the 45 Colt brass. Fiocchi also has loaded 45 CORTO (45 short) that would also work in addition to the 45 Cowboy.
But as contender has noted the extra expense of buying the brass and the thorough cleaning the chambers before using 45 Colt ammo again.
Using 45 Schofield brass is another idea. 45 Schofield is shorter than the 45 Colt and would leave less empty space in the brass with the same powder charge as used in the 45 Colt brass. Fiocchi also has loaded 45 CORTO (45 short) that would also work in addition to the 45 Cowboy.
But as contender has noted the extra expense of buying the brass and the thorough cleaning the chambers before using 45 Colt ammo again.
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
Installing a Super Blackhawk hammer should be a 'drop-in' swap. It was for me. Finding them, especially blued ones, has been an issue in the past but I don't know about how it is now.
There maybe a video on U-tube shows how to do it with minimal disassembly. I have put SBH hammers on the NM 357 & 45 caliber Blackhawks that I regularly use. 44 Mag SBHs already have the wide hammer, of course.
There maybe a video on U-tube shows how to do it with minimal disassembly. I have put SBH hammers on the NM 357 & 45 caliber Blackhawks that I regularly use. 44 Mag SBHs already have the wide hammer, of course.
contender
Ruger Guru
Timbo23 makes a valid point about light loads in a .45 Colt. Some light loads with some powders could possibly be an issue.
That's why many of us use Unique powder for such loads.
It can be loaded easily,, and give plenty of performance,, yet is also considered a "light" type of load. It's one of the very few powders that has that versatility.
Follow loads in a manual,, with a heavier bullet,, and get 900-1000 fps,, and it'll feel sweet in recoil, yet deliver a proper wallop on whatever it hits.
If you feel the need to assure a better chance of not having any pressure issues,, then find some TrailBoss,, (Hard to find but has resurfaced recently.) you can load that to a 90%-95% case capacity under the bullet without worries. Just don't overload it & compress the powder with the bullet.
Since TrailBoss is still hard to find,, I go back to Unique. MANY are the serious handgun hunters who use a load with that powder as a dependable & very capable one in big bores. And it has the benefits of milder recoil.
That's why many of us use Unique powder for such loads.
It can be loaded easily,, and give plenty of performance,, yet is also considered a "light" type of load. It's one of the very few powders that has that versatility.
Follow loads in a manual,, with a heavier bullet,, and get 900-1000 fps,, and it'll feel sweet in recoil, yet deliver a proper wallop on whatever it hits.
If you feel the need to assure a better chance of not having any pressure issues,, then find some TrailBoss,, (Hard to find but has resurfaced recently.) you can load that to a 90%-95% case capacity under the bullet without worries. Just don't overload it & compress the powder with the bullet.
Since TrailBoss is still hard to find,, I go back to Unique. MANY are the serious handgun hunters who use a load with that powder as a dependable & very capable one in big bores. And it has the benefits of milder recoil.
It probably looks like these two.Gotta pic....
The 45 Special brass is great for black powder loads and you don't need a filler for a light load. A full case of 3F Goex and a 250 Gr bullet is a pretty stout load. I have loaded 1000s of 45 Colt with 4-4.5 grains of 700X and 231 with a 200 Gr. bullet. There are a lot of SASS shooters that load light in a 45 Colt case with no problem.
What the 45 Special case is good for.
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contender
Ruger Guru
Ahh, more options! 
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