I have a dumb question to ask...it's not my first by a long shot, and won't be my last...but anywho, I think there are Vaqueros that come with two cylinders, one for .45LC and one for .45ACP, is that right? If so, and you already have a Vaquero in .45LC, could you just buy a cylinder for .45ACP and use in interchangeably in the gun you already have?
Vaquero cylinder question
- Thread starter GKC
- Start date
Not a dumb question at all. Comes up often. If Ruger sells the particular model as a convertible then they would probably fit a .45ACP cylinder for you back at the factory. If not, you can check around for a .45 ACP cylinder (good luck with that!) and have it fitted by a gunsmith (although some just 'work' as is) or go the custom route. Keep in mind there is the 'original' Vaquero (Large Frame) and the New Vaquero (Medium frame). Cylinders will not interchange.
Thanks for the response.
So, if I understand correctly, the convertible model that comes with both cylinders (45LC and 45ACP) is somehow different than the model that comes with only one cylinder, either LC or ACP? So, I couldn't just buy an additional cylinder and put it in the gun, without having it fit by Ruger or a gunsmith, is that right?
Sounds like I'd be better off just to find a Vaquero chambered in .45ACP to start with, if I can, rather than try to convert one. The reason I asked is because I see the .45LC models all the time, but I have yet to see one that is .45ACP; I don't want the LC model because I have lots of ACP ammo and no LC ammo.
Of course, these days you can't find ACP ammo, and everyone has LC ammo.
So, if I understand correctly, the convertible model that comes with both cylinders (45LC and 45ACP) is somehow different than the model that comes with only one cylinder, either LC or ACP? So, I couldn't just buy an additional cylinder and put it in the gun, without having it fit by Ruger or a gunsmith, is that right?
Sounds like I'd be better off just to find a Vaquero chambered in .45ACP to start with, if I can, rather than try to convert one. The reason I asked is because I see the .45LC models all the time, but I have yet to see one that is .45ACP; I don't want the LC model because I have lots of ACP ammo and no LC ammo.
Of course, these days you can't find ACP ammo, and everyone has LC ammo.
chet15
Hawkeye
The cylinders are going to be same/same in length regardless of whether they come out of a Blackhawk or Vaquero. There might only be minor fitting needed.
You're probably not going to find a Vaquero chambered for .45 ACP only, but they did make a few in both blue and stainless for .45ACP only. But since all the barrels are the same for .45 ACP or .45 LC, your easiest bet will be to just get a .45 ACP cylinder from somebody (Ruger probably won't do it) and fit it to your gun.
Chet15
You're probably not going to find a Vaquero chambered for .45 ACP only, but they did make a few in both blue and stainless for .45ACP only. But since all the barrels are the same for .45 ACP or .45 LC, your easiest bet will be to just get a .45 ACP cylinder from somebody (Ruger probably won't do it) and fit it to your gun.
Chet15
You can't just buy one from Ruger. They would require the gun to go back for fitting. This is IF the gun qualifies to be fitted (has to be an existing model that was either a convertible or came with a .45 ACP cylinder from the factory). Every once in awhile you may find someone selling a cylinder. In that case it would the luck of the draw if it fit your gun. Most do drop right in I understand. But if it doesn't fit (to tight, to loose, not timed properly) you need a gunsmith to take care of it.
Again watch the terminology between 'original' Vaquero and the New Vaquero. There is a big difference.
Seems like Davidsons or Lispey was selling .45ACP only New Vaqueros. I have two .45 Flattop Convertibles from Lipseys where are very nice. I, of course, shoot 99.99% .45 Colt.
Wheelyfun44
Single-Sixer
There is a recent run of 45ACP Vaquero Birdshead revolvers.....
If you hate birdshead grip frame, you can change it out for plowhandle style...
If you hate birdshead grip frame, you can change it out for plowhandle style...
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A good point was starting to be made about terminology. There is a big difference between the cylinders and cylinder frames of the old/original/large Vaquero (and same frame Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk) and smaller mid-frame New Vaquero (alsosame size as .357/.44 Sp/.45 Colt Flattop). SO, a Blackhawk (non Flattop) or large Vaquero cylinder will not fit--and cannot be fitted--into the smaller mid-frame and vice versa. Know which size you are dealing with. In the Vaquero/New Vaquero lines, it's easy with the .45 (and .357 for that matter): If it is the smaller frame "New Vaquero" model or larger "Vaquero," it'll say so respectively on the frame.
Different caliber, but the one anomaly in all this nomenclaturing is the .44 Special New Vaquero which says just "Vaquero" on it. All factory .44 Specials are the smaller midframe whether New Vaquero or Flattop.
Different caliber, but the one anomaly in all this nomenclaturing is the .44 Special New Vaquero which says just "Vaquero" on it. All factory .44 Specials are the smaller midframe whether New Vaquero or Flattop.
oh they do swap around from time to time , here are a couple we just for "fun" switched the cylinders and the blued one "dropped in the Vaquero, but the stainless cylinder needs to be just "tweaked" to drop in the Blackhawk,BUT NO we would not "tweak" it as then it would be too sloppy going back to the "mother ship" ( Vaquero)...but yes, the 45 ACP cylinder is the "spare", across the board, they did not make a 45 ACP ONLY version as far as we know of , even in a distributor spoecial , it was a convertible....we've heard of guys who just sent their gun to Ruger for another cylinder (45 acp ) and they did it, other guys have called, and asked and they were told NO ???? go figure............seems we rcall some time back , 'reddstick' sent in a stainless 357 Blackhawk and they made a 9mm cylinder for him !!! luck of the draw.........................
Wheelyfun44
Single-Sixer
GKC said:
Here's a link to a couple: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=327964229
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=327852675
The 45 ACP models seem to be drying up......get them while you can!
rtl
Single-Sixer
If you don't have any luck finding an ACP cylinder and go the custom route, Gary Reeder can make and fit one to your .45 colt Vaquero for about three bills and a few months of patience. I'm hoping to have my .45 Montado "convertible" real soon.
protoolman
Service-Sixer
Get in contact with forum member Seebs. He is a dealer and had a couple of the birdhead grip short barrel new vaqueros in .45 ACP last time I cecked with him. I bought one in .45 Colt from him and located a cylinder in ACP and had a bad experience with a gunsmith trying to fit it. Long story short I did get it fitted myself with the help of other forum members. Anyway, seebs had them in both ACP and Long Colt a while back.
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