vaquero 38-40wcf 40s&w

[DRT]

Found a 2001 ruger vaquero 4⅝" 38-40wcf 40s&w. From what I have seen it should have a black plastic box with limited edition sticker on it. This one has a gray box no end label on it. Previous owner got it in the early 2000's and said this is the box it came in.

 

[contender]

I think you are correct. If my weak memory (concerning New Models,) is correct,, that's the wrong box. But those are great guns!

 

[DRT]

I think you are correct. If my weak memory (concerning New Models,) is correct,, that's the wrong box. But those are great guns!

Thanks! happy to have one of 736 of the 4⅝" out there. im more of a old 3 screw fan but like getting some of the hard to find new model in calibers not offered in the 3 screw.

 

[Timbo23]

I have one with a 5.5" barrel that I bought new in a black box with 'Special Edition' embossed (not a sticker) in gold script on the lid in addition to the regular info sticker on the end.
I like having the Vaqueros in the old west calibers (44-40, 38-40, & 32-20) but having a convertible cylinder in a common modern caliber is great too for cheaper shooting.

 

[Hondo44]

Since your original Vaquero is a large frame, be sure to take advantage of the ".40 WCF Magnum" loads. They utilize the full potential of the .38-40. Hot .38-40 loads for Rugers only and fun to shoot!
I have a converted large frame Blackhawk in .38-40 I really like.
Ruger experimented with it in the early years; a 44 Mag case necked down to .40 as an alternate cartridge for the .44 Mag Deerstalker Semi-auto Carbine but never put it in production.

 

[Threespears]

Congratulations on a very nice revolver.
Mine came in a black box with “special edition” 4 5/8” bbl

 

[DRT]

Since your original Vaquero is a large frame, be sure to take advantage of the ".40 WCF Magnum" loads. They utilize the full potential of the .38-40. Hot .38-40 loads for Rugers only and fun to shoot!
I have a converted large frame Blackhawk in .38-40 I really like.
Ruger experimented with it in the early years; a 44 Mag case necked down to .40 as an alternate cartridge for the .44 Mag Deerstalker Semi-auto Carbine but never put it in production.

Interesting about the necked down 44 mag to 40 cal that would have been sweet in a 44 carbine. I have a couple buckeye special 38-40/ 10mm also that I load for.

 

[DRT]

I have one with a 5.5" barrel that I bought new in a black box with 'Special Edition' embossed (not a sticker) in gold script on the lid in addition to the regular info sticker on the end.
I like having the Vaqueros in the old west calibers (44-40, 38-40, & 32-20) but having a convertible cylinder in a common modern caliber is great too for cheaper shooting.

I would like to find a 5½" someday. Thanks for the clarification on the box!
I have a few ruger vaqueros & blackhawks in 44-40 38-40 32-20 wish they would have done a 25-20.

 

[DRT]

Congratulations on a very nice revolver.
Mine came in a black box with “special edition” 4 5/8” bblView attachment 95696

Sweet! I hope to stumble across the correct box for mine one day.

 

[Hondo44]

I would like to find a 5½" someday. Thanks for the clarification on the box!
I have a few ruger vaqueros & blackhawks in 44-40 38-40 32-20 wish they would have done a 25-20.

I always wondered why Ruger didn't and Colt never did either. I was looking for a 25 caliber barrel like a Hawkeye take off barrel. Couldn't find one. The .218 Bee is virtually the same but in .22 caliber. So I rechambered a single six cylinder to .218 Bee (I had to shorten the case neck a bit to fit in the 22 cylinder. Shot it in a 6 1/2" single six. Accuracy was not that good. I was pretty sure it had to do with the bullets I used and/or the rifling twist rate.

I moved on to a convertible Super Single Six .32 Mag/327 FM/.32-20 (also shortened case necks .040"). That was a success! Slight enlarging of the loading gate chute was needed for the larger diameter .32-20 case rim.

Did a couple of those for friends as well, one of them an Old Model Single Six .22 which required a conversion to center fire firing pin location, and greater enlargement of the loading gate chute from .22 size to .32.
One was a Stainless Vaquerito, but with the standard size grip, not the short grip. I did one for a guy who wanted a single cylinder that shot all 3 rounds. I was surprised how well it worked. Kinda' like shootin' .32-20 and 32 Mag/327 FM in a NM .30 Carbine cylinder.

Super single six .32 mag/.327 FM/32-20. Bisley hammer, grooved SBH trigger, Cyl pin modified to be retained in frame when swapping cylinders. Colt ejector rod. Stainless steel grip frame.

The cylinder pin (OM pin shown) in the background has had another cannelure added near the back end which retains the pin when making cylinder changes in the field so you don’t have to pull it all the way out or worry about it dropping in the dirt.

 

[DRT]

I always wondered why they Ruger didn't and Colt never did either. I was looking for a 25 caliber barrel like a Hawkeye take off barrel. Couldn't find one. The .218 Bee is virtually the same but in .22 caliber. So I rechambered a single six cylinder to .218 Bee (I had to shorten the case neck a bit to fit in the 22 cylinder. Shot it in a 6 1/2" single six. Accuracy was not that good. I was pretty sure it had to do with the bullets I used and/or the rifling twist rate. I moved on to a convertible Super Single Six .32 Mag/327 FM/.32-20 (also shortened case necks). That was a success! Did a couple of those for friends as well one of them an Old Model. One was a Stainless Vaquerito, but with the standard size grip, not the short grip. I did one for a guy who wanted a single cylinder that shot all 3 rounds. I wa surprised how well it worked. Kinda' like shootin' .32-20 and 327 FM in a NM .30 Carbine cylinder.

Now a 32- 20 single six sounds fun! How much do you have to shorten the case to make it work? I have a couple single seven in 327. Really nice having so many different rounds that can be shot out of them.

 

[smith1961]

Since your original Vaquero is a large frame, be sure to take advantage of the ".40 WCF Magnum" loads. They utilize the full potential of the .38-40. Hot .38-40 loads for Rugers only and fun to shoot!
I have a converted large frame Blackhawk in .38-40 I really like.
Ruger experimented with it in the early years; a 44 Mag case necked down to .40 as an alternate cartridge for the .44 Mag Deerstalker Semi-auto Carbine but never put it in production.

Riight!?
Or Lipsey's could do a nice .41 Mag Vaquero...LOL!!!

 

[Hondo44]

Now a 32- 20 single six sounds fun! How much do you have to shorten the case to make it work? I have a couple single seven in 327. Really nice having so many different rounds that can be shot out of them.

As I recall it is .040". If you use long bullets, just seat them deeper in the case. You need a shorter case neck so there's still a throat area left in the front end of the chambers.

 

[Hondo44]

Bowen classic arms quarter-bore 25-20/.256 in one!​

by John Taffin in the American Handgunner​

A convertible made on an OM 357 mid size frame.

 

[DRT]

Bowen classic arms quarter-bore 25-20/.256 in one!​

by John Taffin in the American Handgunner​

A convertible made on an OM 357 mid size frame.
View attachment 95756

View attachment 95757

Take my money!