Ruger Vaquero Birdshead history...

[Buffco]

When were these made? I see Ruger doesn't offer them anymore. Can anyone tell me what periods Ruger offered these? And were they only offered on the Old Vaquero frame?

 

[sdoyl123]

I believe it was in 2002 from what I have read here. I have 2 on the single six frame and 2 on the Vaquero frame. (see photo in today's revolver section)

 

[chet15]

When Ruger came out with the New Vaquero, the birdsheads were no more. I think they made way too many of the initial batch...they seem to have sat around for quite a while so Ruger must not have had an interest in putting the birdshead on a New Vaquero.
The birdshead Single-Sixes were all .32 Mag's, and of course we all know what happened with the .32 (gone also).
Chet15

 

[Rex Driver]

I am the proud owner of one 4 5/8 357 Case Colored Birdshead Vaquero and it is very lonely. When I first got into Cowboy shooting I bought a pair of Standard Vaqueros in the same caliber and length and my son bought a pair of Birdsheads. Well, a couple of years went by and my son lost interest and I offered to purchase his birdsheads and did. I got a very rude awakening when I found out that one of his 357s turned into an Italian 45 clone with a 3.5 barrel. The clone is gone (Good Riddance) and I am still looking for the mate to my remaining Vaquero. I do have a 45 Cal. stainless Bisley Vaquero in 4 5/8 awaiting to be traded.

Anybody out in "Birdland" with a case colored 4 5/8 357 who just must have a stainless Bisley? I know one day I will once again walk to the line waiting to fire my "Pair" of Birds.

 

[dougader]

Will the birdshead grip from a SS 32 mag fit onto a New Vaquero, or does it take some competent gunsmithing to do it?

 

[BlkHawk73]

It can be done but it'll need to be fitted to your frame. Where as the birds head grip frame isn't a lock model, new hammer springs and hammer strut would be needed as well.
A few really good threads here on D'ingIY. Try a search of the gunsmithing area.