New to Vaquero's, questions please?

[BLeeber]

I inherited a Vaquero from my brother when he passed several years ago. I've been going through his collection recently to see exactly what he had and what I might want to start using. His taste in guns was completely different from mine. My purchases were mainly practical hunting purchases and he didn't hunt, just shot a lot.

Anyway, I'm not much on single action revolvers so I'll need a little assistance. After looking on Ruger's website, it seems to be right on the cusp of 2004 & 2005...I guess right when the transition was from original Vaquero to the New Vaquero? Serial number starts with 58-88...The frame just says "Vaquero". I assume I have an old Vaquero? If so, are these the models that will handle the heavier 45LC loads?

What are the pro's and con's of these revolvers? I'd like to use it for range work to practice for hunting deer/hogs. I already have a Redhawk in .44mag but thought it might be fun to hunt with the Vaquero. The rear site is fixed and may not be easy to get accurate with out to 50 or 60 yards? But, I'm sure I can get to hunting accuracy with it...or is that not easy with these guns?

Thanks for any tips, comments, suggestions!!

 

[lfpiii]

First my condolences on your loss.

The original Vaquero will handle the Ruger only loads. These guns are great as a camp and field gun. I have several friends that have bagged game with the Vaquero. I have just started hunting with the Blackhawk which has adjustible sights.

 

[Hugh]

Ruger Vaquero, serial number range 55-XXX through 59-XXX. Larger frame revolvers. These were the first of the Vaqueros made, through 2005 with cleanup and later production revolvers made as late as 2011. .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, through .44 Magnum caliber.

Ruger New Vaquero, serial number range 510-XXX through 511-XXX. Smaller frame revolvers similar in size to the Colt SAA. Start of production about 2005. Through .45 Colt caliber.

Fixed sight revolvers. With sights properly adjusted the Vaquero .44 Magnum and .45 Colt may be very effective hunting arms for hogs and other game at short ranges; 25 - 50 yards, perhaps greater ranges. Haven't used mine for such purposes yet, but am willing.

 

[maxpress]

Find a load that shoots to point of aim. Ussually 250 @ 1000.

 

[jpickar]

You have a good gun. Shoot it and practice with it. If you can hit with it use it for hunting. They are great guns and fixed sights are just as accurate as adjustable sight guns if they shoot to point of aim.

Unfortunately I can't hunt with a handgun anymore. The affirmities of aging! I shoot handguns for the fun of it and just in case for close range protection.

John

 

[BLeeber]

Thanks for the comments! I look forward to practicing and getting good with that gun.

 

[ar15ed]

welcome to the forum!

 

[Cowboy Billy]

8) Welcome to the Forum. I have 4 vaquero's as I'm alittle nuts! These are great guns. I hunt with mine and practice out to 100 yds. It takes some practice, but it's alot of fun. These guns will shoot better than the guy on the trigger. The fixed sights do take getting use to. The new vaquero is a more comfortable gun to shoot. But wont handle the heavy loads. However, a 250 grain hollow point at a 1000 fps. will drop anything you hit with it,if you hit in the vitals. :wink:

 

[David LaPell]

Vaquero's, especially the older ones, are alot of fun. They are as strong as a bank vault and you can use it for darn near whatever.