Modifying Vaqueros fo CAS

[Kristian]

Hi!

I have 2 stainless steel 5.5"" New Vaqueros.
I love them for CAS, but the grips are not perfect for my hands. I have average sized hands, but I'm 6'6", so average for me is a little bigger than for most people. And the New Vaqueros have small handles.


I consider a few modifications:

Bisley hammer and grip(not sure about the grip, but just the hammer is not legal). I like it, but I don't know if I can find it in stainless, and I'm not sure that I can find any. They seem very hard to find in production right now. And more pricey. Do they come in halfcock?

Super blackhawk hammer. That is the cheapest and most available option. I seem to recall that someone made a halfcock conversion pack. Does anyone know who/where?

shortstroke modification.
Shotgun Boogies Ruger New Vaquero Short Stroke Kit
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=447582765280222
Shotgun Boogie gun works-gun parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns-QgS1pz2E
But doesn't seem to come with a halfcock, and at 400 euro, they cost 80% of what I paid for the revolvers. 800 euro more for the 1000 euro guns is a hefty investment in the hardware.

halfcock modification for either modification(I hate it when I have to "go around" the drum to get the misfire off, completely throws me off my game plan fo the stage).

I don't have a lot of Bisleys in the area either. I might get the opportunity to check out a SR hammer, but probably not the shortstroked ones.

Suggestion? opinions?

 

[BlackEagle]

Brass Super Blackhawk size gripframes are my preference. They're not cheap, probably $200 each. I think I've got a set if you're interested. They will require a little fitting. Here's a picture of one installed on an original size 45 Colt Vaquero with a 4 5/8" barrel.

 

[schloss]

I've seen a few NV Bisleys up here, usually with 5-1/2" barrel recently. Probably cheaper than changing the grip frames. Although I really love blued revolvers with brass grip frames.

 

[Hondo44]

You need Super Blackhawk Hunter stainless grip frames; $100 each. Same size as the super and brass grip frames but with round trigger guard. Powers Custom makes 1/2 cock Bisley, Super and standard hammers. Both can be found at Brownells: http://www.brownells.com/?WT.mc_ID=1000&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ev=click&gclid=CPum7dfJ340CFQY-hgodcz80MA

But for mis-fires, just remove the little allen screw, spring and alignment pawl in the hammer slot of your New Vaquero and the cyl will free wheel in both directions. No cost. 1/2 cock hammers are over $100 each!

Allen screw in hammer channel:

Indexing pawl button:

I don't understand CAS allowing short stroke kits but not Bisley hammers; short stroking is far from authentic and much more of an advantage than a hammer change!! And when I joined SASS the ethos of the club was not to let "gimmicks" (and therefore higher cost) drive the competitiveness of the sport. But they succumbed just like all the other shooting games. I'm done with them.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
You mentioned you have big hands etc, and want to do some modifications. You mentioned swapping grip frames, hammers etc, and lots of expensive parts.
Have you just considered a different set of grips? Less expensive, easier to get (or make yourself,) and can be fitted to your hands?
I bring this up as you mentioned euros vs US dollars in prices. That means it'll be even more expensive for you to find & get parts.