Need Some Single Action ID help

[Carry_Up]

I got a quick look at an interesting Ruger single action and would like to know more about it before I decide to go back and make an offer. Looking through the Kuhnhausen book and Iowegan's guide I do not see the combination described below. Need some help from single action gurus.

-Heavy frame (about the same weight as a GP-100 6") single action which the owner describes as "old model Vaquero"
-.357 magnum caliber, 5-1/2" barrel
-Has a transfer bar, and is pinned (no screws on the frame), but might have been modified by the factory.
-Birdshead grip, stag grip panels
-Low spur hammer similar to a Bisley
-Non adjustable Vaquero-like sights
-Blued, with Ruger's version of case-colored frame
-No 1/4 or 1/2 cock notches on the hammer
-Round gate

Is this firearm a mix-and-match, or a real Ruger model?
Thanks!
-cu

 

[Hondo44]

As described by seller, it's the original Vaquero, a standard production model made on Ruger's largest single action frame, the Super Blackhawk size. Can handle any of the hottest "Ruger only" loads in all calibers it's chambered for. Several limited production variations were made for distributors. The birdshead grip with Bisley hammer on the one you're considering could be one of those. Or it could be an owner modified example of which there are many out there and just as good as the matching factory version. If the box is included, it will be possible to verify what configuration it had when new from the factory. Or you can get a verification letter from Ruger for $10.

It was wildly popular from the gitgo. The "New Vaquero" is made on the mid-size frame and even more popular because they aren't as heavy. And preferred by those who don't need to shoot maximum loads or own the large frame Blackhawk single actions for their hot loads and for hunting.

 

[gak]

The low profile hammer makes it at least partially modified as there were no factory-installed Bisley or SBH hammers on either plowhandle or birdshead (ie non Bisley) Vaquero bodies. Don't recall if there was an original limit-run birdshead in .357 (there was .45), but otherwise as Jim said, generally a standard production item.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

It depends on what you mean when you say 'low profile' hammer.

The hammer on the 'original model' Vaquero was different than the hammer on the New Vaquero. On the 'original model' Vaquero the hammer spur was low enough that the gun could be sighted with the hammer down. When the New Vaquero first came out, the hammer spur was higher, and it blocked the sights when the hammer was down. Hammer had to be cocked to sight the gun, no different than a Colt.

These Vaqueros have the standard 'original model' hammers.

This is a Bilsey model with the Bisley hammer. Very distinctive hammer.

Some Cowboy shooters have replaced the hammer on the Vaquero with a Super Blackhawk hammer. They do so because they do not have to reach as far to grab the hammer spur. This has become very popular of late.

 

[rdf009]

Sounds like one of those "FrankenRugers" that we often talk about.

I could be wrong, but I don't recall Ruger ever making a Birdshead Vaquero with a 5.5" barrel (only 4 5/8" for the .357s and 3 3/4" for the .45 colts)

It sounds like this gun probably started life as a Vaquero with a "plowhandle" or bisley gripframe that was swapped out for a birdshead.

The grip panels would also be aftermarket. Ruger never offered a stag birdshead panel. Only black micarta and simulated ivory.

 

[gak]

Sounds like one of those "FrankenRugers" that we often talk about.

I could be wrong, but I don't recall Ruger ever making a Birdshead Vaquero with a 5.5" barrel (only 4 5/8" for the .357s and 3 3/4" for the .45 colts)

It sounds like this gun probably started life as a Vaquero with a "plowhandle" or bisley gripframe that was swapped out for a birdshead.

The grip panels would also be aftermarket. Ruger never offered a stag birdshead panel. Only black micarta and simulated ivory.

Good observations - I'd skipped over the barrel length. Does sound like a put-together.

 

[Carry_Up]

Thanks for your comments and photos. The hammer spur is actually the Bisley design and not just a lower version of the SAA. I just could not recall all these features being in one gun. I've always associated a bird's head grips with small frame or derringer models and these grips look a little strange on such a heavy frame.

-cu

 

[rdf009]

If it's a Bisley hammer on a Birdshead frame, then the hammer has also been modified (the bisley "hump" has been removed). This is something, however, that is fairly common to see on Ruger single actions, as is the swapped out gripframe.

If you like the gun and the price is right, then don't let the fact that this is a "put-together gun" stop you from buying it. There are some who would pay a premium price for a Ruger single action that is "put together" in the exact configuration that they are looking for. If the Vaquero you're looking at is in good condition or better I could easily see it being worth $350-$400, even though the parts have been swapped. If the stag grips are real stag then it could be worth even more.

Just my opinion.