Original Vaquero in 44-40 wanting to add 44mag cylinder

[Tall Pine]

Hello. I have an original Vaquero (the older larger frame) in 44-40 and wanted to add a 44mag cylinder. Is it has easy as finding a 44mag cylinder and having it fitted (if needed)? Would I need an old model or new model cylinder? Would it need to be a Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk cylinder?

Any concerns shooting a 44mag projectile (presumably .429 or .430) down the factory 44-40 barrel?

Thanks much,
Tall

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

No problem shooting 44 mag projectiles in the 44-40 barrel; Ruger used .429 barrels for both calibers and the frame is the same also. The only problem might be if someone previously filed down the front sight, which will affect POI.
Adding such a cylinder also allows for 44 Russian and 44 special to be used, too.

 

[Tall Pine]

Great news, thanks SJ. My Ruger is factory Original 44-40 and there has been no front sight filing on it. Good point to know that the POI will possibly be drastically different between all the calibers (and depending on load levels too).

I guess all I need to know now is which 44mag cylinder will fit (Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk, New or Old, etc)

 

[Timbo23]

As you already know, you have an original Vaquero in 44-40 which was also chambered in 44 Mag, 45 Colt, 357 Mag, and some other calibers in Blue and a case colored frame or stainless steel during the production run.
They were made on the New Model Blackhawk frame, which is the same size as the New Model Super Blackhawk frame and is also called the Large cylinder frame. You can source a 44 Magnum cylinder from either another original Vaquero or a New Model Super Blackhawk.
These have been made for many years and so there might be some some slight variation amongst them. You might get one that just 'drops in' perfectly.
Good luck with your search and just be sure to get a New Model cylinder.

 

[hittman]

Classifieds here may be a source

 

[Tall Pine]

Thanks Timbo!

Sounds like a New Model cylinder is what I need to find. And it doesnt matter if its from a Blackhawk or a Super Blackhawk, correct?

ETA: obviously an original Vaquero 44mag cylinder would work too but I'm sure those are much less common than the BH or SBH cylinders.

 

[contender]

The best & easiest way to get a "spare" cylinder in .44 mag is to look for a Super Blackhawk, New Model,, that has the same OAL as your current cylinder,, or maybe a few thousands longer. If longer it can easily be honed down. Too short isn't as ideal. usually has end-shake & if shims are used,,, you still have a larger cylinder/barrel gap.

 

[peachhead]

I got lucky with mine: The cylinder from one of my supers fit my vaquero perfectly. I then was able to take one of my spare 44 cylinders and fit the super.
The Vaquero is now one of my 44 specials.