Vaquero 40 S&W Conversion

[phoenix604]

Hi y'all -

Looking to add a cylinder for my 40 S&W so I can shoot CAS classic cowboy - wouldn't a 38-40 cylinder drop in relatively easily?

ANy other suggestions?

p

 

[maxpress]

There was a limited run of 38-40/40sw convertables but I dont know much about them.

 

[Lee Martin]

38-40 would be an ideal second cylinder. You'll be hard pressed to find a factory version however due to their scarcity. A custom built one would be your best option.

 

[JD Trampas]

These ruger's in 38/40 and 40 were a special run by ruger for Davidsons, they are scarce and high priced. They made 674 in 4 5/8 and 753 in 5 1/2 barrel length. Most were wood grips and a few of them had stage grips, the ones with stag grips bring a very high price. I just sold one of these to a fellow cowboy shooter so he could have a back up for the 2 he already shoots. From what I can see they are bringing $800 and up if you can find them.


All for now JD Trampas

 

[Glupy]

I have a convertible Vaquero like this and it is pretty cool.
I like shooting the historic cartridges.

You had better plan on reloading if you do shoot much of the 38-40 ammunition.
Factory ammo is expensive.
The brass is still easy to get and Lee still makes dies.
I even loaded some Triple Seven for some blackpowder shooting.

There was an earlier thread on the Vaquero convertibles too.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=67936&highlight=3840

Interesting that you guys think that they are worth $800.
I tried to sell mine last year with dies and a handloader for $750 and no one seemed interested.
I decided to keep it now that I learned about the rarity.

Here is a picture if you want to drool.

Dave

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I have a pair of those Davidson's 38-40/40S&W revolvers. They are great shooters! Although they get used with 38-40 occasionally, they have been used almost exclusively with lead bullet 40S&W for CAS. It is much easier to load on a progressive press with carbide dies.

It should be easy enough to have a cylinder chambered in 38-40 if you can find a spare 40S&W one. Otherwise, you would have to have a smaller one rebored and chambered. The original Ruger charge holes are a little peculiar in dimension, such that most common sizing dies do not work well for completely resizing the brass to fit. Many people loading for them have found it necessary to grind off a bit to the die bottom to set the shoulder back more.

 

[Lee Martin]

I really recommend the 38-40. You always here the thin brass argument, various chamber dimensions, etc, etc. All that being said, it's easy to load, accurate, and powerful in a strong gun like a Ruger.

In fact, one of my favorite revolvers is this Blackhawk 38-40:

And if anyone wonders what the old 38-40 is capable of, give this a read:

http://www.singleactions.com/files/3840WinchesterArticle.pdf