educate me on the difference in size of 44spl 44 mag

[L3]

I like the med frame 44 spl sheriffs model, BUT the 44 mag superblackhawk is a lil to big for me. Which model 44 spl are there in the med frame and how can I tell the difference when shopping on the net??? I guess ill just have to memorize all the models.
thx for help
L3

 

[Chief_10Beers]

I like the med frame 44 spl sheriffs model, BUT the 44 mag superblackhawk is a lil to big for me. Which model 44 spl are there in the med frame and how can I tell the difference when shopping on the net??? I guess ill just have to memorize all the models.
thx for help
L3

Ruger has two Current Cataloged 44 Special Flat Top NM Blackhawks (NVB-444-SPCL and NVB-445-SPCL), these are Mid Framed models. The Grip Frame is the Steel XR3. As far as I know, Ruger never made a Large Frame 44 Special NM Blackhawk, I'm not sure about the OM, if they even made them....................

http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/models.html

 

[florida outdoors]

Handle the small frame 44 Special-big difference over the Mag

 

[TiteGroups]

I have one in blue but there's a stainless model out there too. All on the med. frame. Handy little gun especially if you load your own.

 

[CraigC]

All factory Ruger .44Spl's are on the medium frame.

 

[gak]

Craig, you beat me to it! Also, to the OP, don't be confused (though it's easy to be) by Ruger's oddly--and to me mis--labeling the .44 Special fixed sight models just "Vaquero." They are the mid-frame New Vaqueros. The .44 Specials are unique among the New Vaqueros to be mis-labeled on the frame.

Also, don't be confused (ha) that Ruger (and its distributor-vendors by extension) have also oddly taken in the past three years to describing in their literature and ads all the New Vaqueros (large N), regardless of caliber, as just Vaqueros. "Just" Vaquero more properly describes the original, large frame gun discontinued (except for occasional distributor-only special runs) around 2005. BUT, these days, 99% of the time you see a vendor advertising a Vaquero--especially if new--it's the mid-frame New Vaquero (again large N)...unless it's a .44 Mag, which was uniquely made only in the old, larger frame configuration. Regular production .45 and .357 fixed sight--and now adjustable sighted--guns have been made in both frames.

As to size, the .44 Specials, like all midframes, have narrower gripframes and smaller cylinders, than their large frame brethren.

Added: As for internet (or LGS) shopping, there are serial number differences distinguishing the two frame sizes someone will chime in with. Otherwise, another visual difference is the stock New Vaquero hammer is more backswept/longer in appearance (and function) than the standard large frame Vaquero's (which is shared with the regular NM Blackhawk and all NM Flattops, medium and large). Exceptions with some New Vaqueros are the Montado which uses the low profile Super Blackhawk hammer with its own distinctive Montado cross-hatched serrations, limited-run "SASS" models (SBH hammers and serrations), and the recent special run .45 Birdsheads (SBH hammers and serrations). I'm talking new guns with all of this, as used guns can--and many do--have hammers, including Bisley and SBH/Montado types, swapped into "regular" models.

 

[Hondo44]

I like the med frame 44 spl sheriffs model, BUT the 44 mag superblackhawk is a lil to big for me. Which model 44 spl are there in the med frame and how can I tell the difference when shopping on the net??? I guess I'll just have to memorize all the models.
thx for help
L3

L3,
So to summarize, don't worry about how they are listed when you're shopping; like was said above if it's 44 Spl, it's the new mid-frame size!

Sellers can be confusing because the .44 Specials are only marked "Vaquero" instead of "New Vaquero" even though they are the same mid-frame size. The reason is that there were no original (full size) Vaqueros made in .44 Spl. Just like all the current Single Sixes are marked "New Model Single Six" but the 10 shot .22s are only marked "Single 10"; again, it's because there were no old model 10 shot .22s.

And don't be confused by Ruger advertising that refers to 'New Vaqueros' as just 'Vaqueros', it's just marketing 'script'. Any Vaqueros currently in production are all the mid-frame size. The only exceptions are original Vaquero "clean up guns" that the factory occasionally has put together from obsolete parts and 'disposed of' thru certain distributors.

Hope that helps,

 

[gak]

Sellers can be confusing because the .44 Specials are only marked "Vaquero" instead of "New Vaquero" even though they are the same mid-frame size. The reason is that there were no original (full size) Vaqueros made in .44 Spl. Just like all the current Single Sixes are marked "New Model Single Six" but the 10 shot .22s are only marked "Single 10"; again, it's because there were no old model 10 shot .22s.

Jim, I've never quite bought this. "Vaquero" vs "New Vaquero"is (supposed) to be a distinguising of frames, as in entirely different models, (which also incidentally included a different pawl/indexing stystem etc)--the New signifying a new gun--albeit with some interchangeable parts. Shouldn't matter a whit what caliber and whether it was offereed before.

And re the "NM Single Six" vs "Single Ten" NM is supposed to refer to the action/safety mechanism added to all regular single actions post 73. All would apply. NM has been an assumed characteristic for Rugers for quite some time now. For the "Vaquero line--original and New," for instance--all models of which post-date 1973--the NM (as in NM Ruger) is implied without saying it on the frame. And so it is with the Single Ten. It too is a NM Ruger, just doesn't say it.
My .02.
Edited.

 

[Rclark]

I've never quite bought this. "Vaquero" vs "New Vaquero"is (supposed) to be a distinguising of frames,

+1. All medium frames (fixed sights) are New Vaqueros to me too. I don't try to rationalize an irrational 'mistake' by the company :) . And all .44Spec (as said above) are on the medium frame, BH or New Vaquero, regardless of the terminology and stamping on side of frame.

Also as above "All regular single actions post 73 are New Models" .... Simple if we use the accepted terminology correctly!

Here is a link to where you have pictures and measurements of the size differences : http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm .

 

[Lee Martin]

Percentage wise, the medium frame doesn't sound much smaller (isn't is like 8% smaller?). Hold one though and you'll notice a signifcant difference..

 

[gak]

Percentage wise, the medium frame doesn't sound much smaller (isn't is like 8% smaller?). Hold one though and you'll notice a signifcant difference..

+1 I just casually (no scale) A-B'd my 44 Mag V and .44 Sp NV, albeit 5.5 vs 4-5/8. Even so, signficant felt difference in heft and "apparent" overall size in hand. My Sheriff was naturally lighter yet, but seemed like a Single Six by comparison to the .44 Mag. Some of this no doubt "power of suggestion" playing on the mind--you already know and anticipate one's smaller and lighter. But, trying to ignore expectations, the relatively modest numerical value difference is trumped by actually holding them one after the other. The Mag's a real tank! I like it (a lot) for that fact--part of its charm--but the Specials' attraction also is the opposite, their relative compactness and certainly get carried more!

 

[Hondo44]

Sellers can be confusing because the .44 Specials are only marked "Vaquero" instead of "New Vaquero" even though they are the same mid-frame size. The reason is that there were no original (full size) Vaqueros made in .44 Spl. Just like all the current Single Sixes are marked "New Model Single Six" but the 10 shot .22s are only marked "Single 10"; again, it's because there were no old model 10 shot .22s.

Jim, I've never quite bought this. "Vaquero" vs "New Vaquero" is (supposed) to be a distinguising of frames, as in entirely different models, (which also incidentally included a different pawl/indexing stystem etc)--the New signifying a new gun--albeit with some interchangeable parts. Shouldn't matter a whit what caliber and whether it was offereed before.

And re the "NM Single Six" vs "Single Ten" NM is supposed to refer to the action/safety mechanism added to all regular single actions post 73. All would apply. NM has been an assumed characteristic for Rugers for quite some time now. For the "Vaquero line--original and New," for instance--all models of which post-date 1973--the NM (as in NM Ruger) is implied without saying it on the frame. And so it is with the Single Ten. It too is a NM Ruger, just doesn't say it.
My .02.
Edited.

Hi gak,
Well it's certainly a bit of a puzzle and I too presumed the name "is (supposed) to be a distinguising of frames" as you say. But then the Single 10 came along and it occurred to me that it's a distinguishing of 'product name variation'; 44 Spl Vaq and Single 10 being new product name variations within existing models in caliber and shot capacity respectively.

Being a mistake or just a case of implied ambiguity did not seem reasonable but after two similar examples now, I'm really not convinced and I haven't heard any other reasons of equal logic. We may never know for sure but I guess anyone is free to contact Ruger if they thought they could reach someone who really knew the answer.

Anyway, good discussion and thanks!

 

[CraigC]

I don't think there is any logic applied to Ruger's naming conventions. At least not in regards to the Vaquero/New Vaquero debacle.

 

[L3]

thanks guys, i have 2 44 mags and a 44spl sheriffs model and the 44spl for my med size hands is the ticket, i wanted a hiking and around the cabin gun for colorado, and i am more comfortable(hand size) with the 44spl with some nice custom heavy loads. I gonna pick up another 44spl with adjustable sights just cause.
thx again real nice forum here.
L3

 

[gak]

Jim/Hondo44 - some good thoughts there. I just think that they either a) thought they were initially being clever with the .44 along the lines you're sugesting (not paying attention to their own definition of what "new model" was supposed to connote--and over(?)thinking it perhaps or... b) just flat out messed up. In either case, they then perhaps decided rather than--in their view--confuse matters further by correcting midstream (or perhaps finally, maybe having no plans for additional production beyond the main Lipseys batch)...and not end up having the same model/caliber'd gun out there with two labels.
Dunno. As we've all suggested, hard to apply too much logic to some of the Ruger moniker'ing!

 

[Hondo44]

thanks guys, i have 2 44 mags and a 44spl sheriffs model and the 44spl for my med size hands is the ticket, i wanted a hiking and around the cabin gun for colorado, and i am more comfortable(hand size) with the 44spl with some nice custom heavy loads. I gonna pick up another 44spl with adjustable sights just cause.
thx again real nice forum here.
L3

Well I just couldn't agree more!

Thanks for your thread,

 

[gak]

Well shucks, I'll have throw one of mine into the picture pot as well now! That's not a worn alloy ERH there, just a bad photographer :) Nice walnuts courtesy of Carl Schultz

.

 

[gak]

Jim, some nice Rugers there. Is that a regular Blackhawk/old Vaquero hammer transplant on the bottom one? My choice too but an SBH unit showed up (this was when they were running pretty scarce).

 

[Hondo44]

Jim, some nice Rugers there. Is that a regular Blackhawk/old Vaquero hammer transplant on the bottom one? My choice too but an SBH unit showed up (this was when they were running pretty scarce).

Sweet vaquero and those Schultz grips, WOW!

Yes, when the Montado hammer went into the Flat Top, the standard hammer went to the 1st Sheriff. The 2nd standard hammer came from a full size Blackhawk when it also got a Montado Hammer transplant. I just couldn't get used to those 'long horn' NV hammers. Or the NV crescent headed ER. Had to go to Colts and Belt Mtn cyl pins.

 

[Shadow]

L3 ............. don't forget about the blue medium frame NM .44 spl Bisley flat-top in 4 5/8" and 5.5" bbls. Lipseys ordered a nice run of them a couple years ago and then Ruger followed up with their own run of the same gun shortly after. They're still out there on GB and maybe even the RF classifieds. If you haven't had your paws on this GF, given the opportunity, I think you'll like the feel of Rugers Bisley. It's basically a take off of Keith's #5, which is a testament to Bill Ruger's foresight and ingenuity, rather than replicating Colt's original Bisley configuration. I have all 3 Bisley GF's on a USFA Bisley, Ruger Bisley and Powers Keith #5, and I tend to favor the Ruger slightly over the #5. Do the research, I think you'll like the feel of Rugers Biz frame !

Good luck.

Shadow

 

[Rclark]

Nice revolvers above guys!

I think you'll like the feel of Rugers Biz frame !

Note that everyone should hold the Bisley and try it .... but it really is a matter of personal 'preference'. I have three .44Spec (two in the proper 5 1/2" barrel length ;) ha! ) one a Bisley and the other two plow handles. I found I preferred the plow handle... but didn't mind the Bisley. I can shoot either or without 'grumbling'. :) . Tried to get custom grips for the Bisley but the Buffalo Horn grips did not fit and send back.... So watch it if you go for custom grips. My other .44Spec is the Sheriff shorty that I was checking into for CC carry. Still on the fence with that as the .44Spec Bulldog I have packs much lighter and compactly.

 

[L3]

WOW i would love to see a 44spl pic thread started, i like what i see and am gonna pic up a adjustable sight one asap!
thx guys
L3

 

[Rclark]

And there is two things you do with a .44Spec flattop. Change the grips and the base pin to the Keith #5 .

Actually there is one more thing! Go shoot it a lot with preferred Skeeter loads!!!! :D

 

[Hondo44]

Or Bisley hammer and trigger, and a Colt E Rod.

 

[newrugersafan]

You asked for it......
New Model 44 Special with Powers #5 grip frame

Harton Old Model 44 Special

Mike

 

[Hondo44]

I would sure like to get the chance to handle one of those sometime!