hammer swap om vaquero

[planefixer45]

have a old mod. vaquero .45 s/n56-72 5.5 barrel. what hammer can I use without grip change,that will bring the spur lower, like a bissley. thanks planefixer45

 

[flatgate]

I believe you have an early New Model Vaquero.

A Super Blackhawk hammer should be a very easy swap.

flatgate

 

[planefixer45]

It does not say new on the stamping and ss and std. grip. thanks planefixer45

 

[flatgate]

It doesn't have to say New on the stamping since Ruger NEVER made a 3 screw/Old Model Vaquero.

flatgate

 

[chris_]

Flatgate is right. You could also put in a Bisley hammer.

 

[planefixer45]

called ruger they say all new vaqueros have 3 number prefix s/n and mine is 1998 . can a biseley hammer be used without a grip frame change then? thanks planefixer 45

 

[Timbo22]

The Vaquero (original, big, two digit prefix models) used a lot of New Model Blackhawk parts (hammer, trigger, springs, screws, cylinder, grips, etc). In my collection of Vaqueros, produced from 1995 to 2007 and a few later than that, I have noticed that two different hammers were used that have slightly differing profiles, but the tips of both sit fairly high. A Super Blackhawk hammer should drop right in. Next time you are in a gun store or at a gun show, try holding a shorter barreled SBH and try the reach of the hammer. If it suits you then you are good to go. I have put SBH hammers on my regular Blackhawks in 357 and 45 Colt with no problems.

 

[chris_]

called ruger they say all new vaqueros have 3 number prefix s/n and mine is 1998 . can a biseley hammer be used without a grip frame change then? thanks planefixer 45

Yes

 

[EDK]

have a old mod. vaquero .45 s/n56-72 5.5 barrel. what hammer can I use without grip change,that will bring the spur lower, like a bissley. thanks planefixer45

Original Size VAQUEROS have a two digit prefix serial number. I have installed SUPER BLACK HAWK hammers in several of mine. IF you want to use a BISLEY hammer, without changing to a BISLEY grip frame, you have to do some grinding on the lower portion of the hammer in order to fit it.

PROBLEM IS that neither BISLEY or SUPER BLACK HAWK hammers are readily available...they are on back-order most of the time at MIDWAYUSA or BROWNELLS. I need to oder some for future use or trade goods.

 

[chris_]

I have a couple bisley hammers I would sell cheap and Ruger sells Super hammers all the time.

 

[George Tucker]

Chris, sent you a PM, George.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum planefixer45!

The info above is correct. It only lacks one thing. Terminology translation. You mentioned "old model Vaquero" when it should have been just "Vaquero." The term "Old Model" is used by most of us to describe Ruger SA guns made prior to 1973. In 1973,, Ruger put the words "New Model" on their SA's. That was also when they added the safety transfer bar. All Vaqueros are "New Model" as described by Ruger due to the safety transfer bar system.
The confusion enters due to the fact that Ruger scaled down the frame size of the Vaquero & named it the "New Vaquero." Notice the wording doesn't say "model" in it.
Is it confusing? Yes, to many who are not as familiar with the original Rugers w/o a safety transfer bar system.
So, don't feel like we are picking on you,, we are just trying to educate you so you are smarter than many folks when it come to Rugers!
So, you have a Vaquero,,, and you can swap out a few hammers. But a Bisley hamme will need modification!

 

[JWhitmore44]

Super Blackhawk trigger on a Vaquero

Didn't have to do a thing, take out the original hammer and put in the SBH hammer.

Bisley Single Six hammer on a Single Six

You have to grind off the extra metal from the back of the "hump". Take out the original hammer, lay it on top of the Bisley hammer, scribe a line, file or grind off to the line.

 

[Olsherm]

I agree with planefixer.My original Vaquero doesn't say "New Model on it either.HA HA Just had to.So it must be an "old ModelVaquero"HA HA Just had to.This is too funny to pass up.Here we go again.I think mine is really an old model as I have had it for some years.HA HA Just funninf. olsherm

 

[JWhitmore44]

I agree with planefixer.My original Vaquero doesn't say "New Model on it either.HA HA Just had to.So it must be an "old ModelVaquero"HA HA Just had to.This is too funny to pass up.Here we go again.I think mine is really an old model as I have had it for some years.HA HA Just funninf. olsherm

Since Old Model Blackhawks are not marked as so, but New Model Blackhawks are marked as New Model, shouldn't it be "Old Vaquero" and New Vaquero" :lol:

Some one had an Old Model "Vaquero" on here at one time. Ok it was an old model blackhawk made to look like a Vaquero.

Cheers Olsherm, this is more fun than "words with friends" :lol:

 

[Hondo44]

The problem with writing or saying just "Vaquero" is that the reader or listener doesn't know if the writer or speaker knows there are two and/or the difference, which is often the case, they don't. So the inevitable question always follows: "Which one?" So it's important to use more than just the correct name "Vaquero" for the large frame just as those "in the know" on this forum all use the terms flat top and old model Blackhawk or old model Single Six not just Blackhawk or Single Six for Rugers made prior to the Ruger named "New Models".

So the precedent has been set, therefore, that the best to say in the case of the Vaqueros is, "original or large frame Vaq." and "New Vaq." But not 'old model Vaq' for the obvious contradiction with the already established terms above.

The 1st rule of clear communication when talking about anything is always to make no assumptions about what the other person knows.

 

[planefixer45]

thanks for beating my stick horse, me and splinter and old vaquero will never ride again!!planefixer45

 

[Hondo44]

planefixer45,
Sorry to hijack your thread, ole "splinter" is safe and sound my 'editorial gun' wasn't aimed at him.

The Bisley hammer mods to fit a standard grip frame are not that difficult. Here's some photos from another thread:

Before you trace your old hammer, make sure it’s flush to the grip frame ears.
Use the hammer pivot pin to hold the hammers together and scribe both sides, then grind, file and re-blue the portion you filed away(if blued).

G2’s photo
Bisley before, after and standard hammer comparison:

 

[planefixer45]

thanks very much hondo44 the photos are great. now to get me a hammer to work on again thanks. I was poking no one just some hummor. planefixer45

 

[flatgate]

Now, if one wants to get really confused....... how about a Bisley hammer on an Old Model Flattop .44 ?
It also has a New Model Super Blackhawk grip frame but a round trigger guard.
:shock:

flatgate

 

[George Tucker]

I really like that Carl.

 

[two bit okie]

swap hammer, grip frame. all 44 mags