Which Vaquero do I have and...

[gssp]

I've recently come in to a very nice 7-1/2" Vaquero. I'm not sure which one I have and am wondering how large a load can I shoot in it; 14,000 psi, 23,000 psi or 32,000 psi loads?

Also, would it be a good base gun for a custom hunting gun by one of the big name 'smiths? Something to turn into a 480 Ruger maybe?

Serial # 55-108##

Thanks,

Alan

 

[gak]

You have the orignal large frame Vaquero--same basic gun as the NM (non-flattop) Blackhawk, same limitations--that is, virtually none. The hotter or "Ruger Only" loads are fine with it. Rule of thumb, to date--other than the oddity of the .44 Special New Vaqueros which are marked just "Vaquero"--if it is the smaller (mid) frame it will say "New Vaquero" on the frame--and in .45 those do have the lower limitations.
The new-ish .45 Flattops are midframes, same as the New Vaquero, with the lower load limitation.

 

[Hondo44]

Exactly what gak said.