George Tucker
Blackhawk
My Wife bought me a new Model unfired Blue Vaquero at an Estate Sale this morning, 5.5" 45 Colt. the frame looks to be color case hardened, are all the blue models like this?. she paid $250.00 for it, George.
Blue Vaquero
- Thread starter George Tucker
- Start date
George, the original blue Vaqueros had the pseudo-CCH frame finish. It's not actually heat-treat CCH, but a "finish" treatment Ruger used. We hear it's not real durable.
I'm not sure what the recent guns are like.
Your wife got a great deal assuming the gun's in good shape.
I'm not sure what the recent guns are like.
Your wife got a great deal assuming the gun's in good shape.
street
Hunter
If the prefix on the serial number is 3 digits then it's a "NEW VAQUERO". If the prefix is a 2 digit number then it's an original Vaquero. The original Vaqueros had the large frame that the 44s had. While the New Vaqueros had the same size frame that the Old Model .357 mag. had minus the raised rib for the adjustible sight. Some of the first New Vaqueros had the cch frame finish and then they were changed to all blue.
OP
George Tucker
Blackhawk
This is a Ruger New Vaquero 45 cal, ser # is 510=5451x. It is new, i measured the throats in the cyl, .4515, i have the manson reamer setup, just reamed them to .4525, will try it out tomarrow, George.
EDK
Single-Sixer
Just a reminder that the NEW VAQUERO in 45 Colt is not suitable for the hot RUGER ONLY loads in certain loading manuals. You have an excellent gun, but staying close to COLT SAA level loads will be a lot kinder on the gun...and your hands.
I have Original Size VAQUEROS in 44 magnum, but try to stay with mid-range loads. I had carpal tunnel surgery ten years ago and it appears I may be repeating it in a year or two. Working with sledge hammers and heavy air tools in a power plant didn't help much either.
I have Original Size VAQUEROS in 44 magnum, but try to stay with mid-range loads. I had carpal tunnel surgery ten years ago and it appears I may be repeating it in a year or two. Working with sledge hammers and heavy air tools in a power plant didn't help much either.
OP
George Tucker
Blackhawk
I plan on using the older loads in the new Vaquero, i have plenty of Blackhawks for the Heavy Stuff, George.
I have also heard the comments about the color case finish not being durable. I have one from the first or second year manufacture of the vaquero and it's been shot A LOT. The CCH coloring is still vivid.
It wasn't the prettiest example I ever saw out of the box but it still looks the same today as it did years ago when it was new.
By the way, I second (or third or fourth) the recommendation you keep the wife. Dang, mine never does anything like that.
Jeff
It wasn't the prettiest example I ever saw out of the box but it still looks the same today as it did years ago when it was new.
By the way, I second (or third or fourth) the recommendation you keep the wife. Dang, mine never does anything like that.
Jeff
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