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New Vaquero

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:24 am
by gcp
Hi all, yesterday I bought a Ruger Vaquero (older model) from a buddy of mine who has quite a few in his bag of tricks (he made me a deal I couldn't pass on). It's practically new, tunned to perfection (Wolf springs, including a trigger job and a trigger which breaks at 2lbs 14.2oz). It came with a custom hand made leather holster made by Mr. Bachman. Gotta make cocobolo grips for it next.....

I've already reloaded some 230gr JHP rounds, with 6.5gr Tite group so, needless to say, I can't wait for the weekend so I can shoot it a bit.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/Vaquero/

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:21 am
by toyfj40
I wish I had a friend like that... or just a "friend"... ;)

nice looking pistola, congrats on the new family member...

Uh... I presume it's the .45Colt (not .357) from the bullet wt.
let us know how it/you shoot... take care...

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:36 am
by bearandoldman
toyfj40 wrote:I wish I had a friend like that... or just a "friend"... ;)

nice looking pistola, congrats on the new family member...

Uh... I presume it's the .45Colt (not .357) from the bullet wt.
let us know how it/you shoot... take care...
You got friends, but they want to kkep their guns and their friends too. How goes the move Tex?

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:16 am
by Bullseye
Looks real nice George. I like the finish.

R,
Bullseye

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:33 pm
by Blindpig
Good looking Ruger! Like Toy, I wish I had a friend like that. On the other hand, you didn't say how much he charged so it could be I may want to just stick with the friends I have. At least I know they're a bunch of thieves and murderers when it comes to trying to get in my pocket! :lol:

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:42 am
by gcp
Actually the cost was $430 for the package ($350 for the Ruger and $80 for the holster) so I'm happy!

Thanks for the complements guys,

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:14 pm
by John fox
I have a couple of Vaq's and some Blackhawks in different calibers and just bought a new model "New Vaquero". Had to file down the front site as it was shooting too low. Works good now!

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:30 pm
by gcp
Mine shoots low as well but I'll play with my reloads before I go to filling the sight.

I've reloaded 7.5gr titegroup with 200gr LRN, and 6.5gr tiregroup with 230gr JHP. I've not shot them as of yet but I will report back once I do.

Yes it is 45LC BTW.

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:24 am
by John fox
I reloaded light loads which should shoot high and still shot low so I filed the front sight down. It has been said on many forums that Ruger has high front sights on purpose so you can modify for your loads.

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:31 pm
by gcp
John fox, what instrument did you use to file the front sight blade, and how much did you file it? Nine also insists on shooting low and to the left a bit. BTW, mine is the SS version so I don't want to mess it up or make it look bad since I can't cover it with bluing. Any and all info on how to do this professionally will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
gcp

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:38 pm
by John fox
gcp wrote:John fox, what instrument did you use to file the front sight blade, and how much did you file it? My Ruger is SS and I don't want to mess it up or make it look bad. Any and all info will be appreciated.

Thanks,
gcp
36/1000 according to a formula I use and then touched up the front site. The formula is: front site to rear site in inches times how many inches you shoot low divided by distance in inches.
I've also done this to a Vaq in 45 Colt and polished the top of the front site.
Use a fine file and only do a little at a time making sure you're cutting straight.

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:47 pm
by gcp
Thank you!

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:44 pm
by gcp
Here's my first Vaquero target at 10 yards. I used my reloads which were 200gr lead RN over 6.5 gr tightgroup.
Image

Unfortunately at 25 yards my groups opened up because I can't hardly see the target any more. These 4 reloads were 230gr JHP over 6.5 gr tightgroup.
Image

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:04 pm
by gcp
Looks like I'll be able to dial mine with 250gr bullets and max pressure load.

Image

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:16 pm
by John fox
Back off on the pressure a little and it will shoot a little higher. GOOD SHOOTING!