New Vaquero, .357 or .45LC?

[amprecon]

I've given up on DA/SA revolvers I prefer only one type of action option and that's single action, revolver or pistol. I plan to get the 4 5/8" New Vaquero when I get home from Iraq, but really want the .45lc. However, considering the cost of .45lc ammuntion, I've been thinking of settling for the .357 with the ability to shoot .38spl. I really don't want .357 and prefer .45lc, but the cost of .45lc ammo is just too prohibitive. I don't reload, tried it once and it just wasn't my thing.
I wish they'd offer a .45acp cylinder for it, I'd jump all over that. I know Ruger makes the Blackhawk with a second cylinder in .45acp, but I prefer the fixed sights and smooth looks of the Vaquero. What a conundrum.

 

[Jim Watson]

There is always the secondary market, like so:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976591710.htm

 

[Harbinger]

I have the convertible Vaquero in stainless. Great gun.
Wouldn't spend $600 for it, though.
If I hadn't found it, I would have settled on the .357, as I already have the reloading components for it.

 

[Jim Watson]

Well, the man says he doesn't want to reload. If he is like me and thinks that all the iron around the small holes in a .38 barrel and cylinder make a SA heavy and out of balance and would prefer nothing smaller than .44, he is going to have to pay the price.

 

[Father Knows Best]

As much as I love big bore revolvers, I have to say that the New Vaquero only makes sense in .357 mag. The ammo is a lot cheaper and easier to find as you can use inexpensive .38 special. You can shoot hot .357 mags if you want to. You can NOT shoot heavy +P .45 Colt loads in the New Vaquero. If you want to shoot +P .45 Colt, you need to step up to the old model Vaquero, which has a larger and beefier cylinder and frame.

I picked up one of the 50th Anniversary Blackhawks about a month ago. It is basically a 5-1/2" .357 New Vaquero with adjustable sights. I really like it. If I could find another one at a reasonable price, I'd get it and have a pair. They are in short supply, however, as are the New Vaqueros. If I was you, I'd wait another 6-12 months for supply to catch up with demand and prices to come down a little.

 

[Harbinger]

Agreed, Jim.
So whatcha gonna do, amprecon? HUH? HUH?
You gonna be a real cowboy or what?
I'd keep your eyes open for the convertible. There were 2 on Gunbroker last month for about $400. I was tempted to get myself a twin.

 

[Jim Watson]

The New Vaquero is STILL larger than a Colt, even though smaller than the original version, and heavier than I like in .38. I only shoot SAs for CAS, and have no need whatsolutely for a +P rated .45 revolver. If I wanted one, I would not hamstring myself with a fixed sight gun.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I really really wanted one of those converatbles.

Buy what you want, don't settle for less.

 

[Harbinger]

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=36596345

 

[PWK]

I shot a birds head 357 Vaquero in 357 this past weekend and found it to fit my hand real well. I noted that it was a failrly heavy revolver, easy to hold on target and didn't seem to have much felt recoil at all but that could be due to the weight. Didn't seem very accurate to me but I haven't shot handguns near as much as I have riflles.
I'd be more inclined to a Blackhawk in 357 with a longer barrel.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=13

Me, I am hankerin' fer a Redhawk in 44mag prefer the blued but that is only available in 5 1/2" and I'd prefer a 7 1/2" blued rather than the stainless steel.

 

[Colt46]

I'd still go .45

in spite of not handloading. .357 Single actions just don't seem right. .45 Colt just seems to have more thump at the standard factory levels.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The New Vaquero should be safe with .45 Colt "heavy" loads if you stick to the recommended STARTING loads (around 24,000 CUP.) This isn't much more than the +P .45 ACP generates, and the New Vaquero would be perfectly safe with those.

Now, if Ruger would only offer the New Vaquero with adjustable sights.

 

[bakert]

The .357 probably makes more sense for someone that doesn't reload and it's a good caliber. Having said that though my favorite single action is my 4 5/8" Blackhawk convertible with the extra cylinder for the .45ACP

 

[Gunnutz13]

I own a Ruger...

Bisley Vaquero ( old version ) in stainless with a 5 1/2 barrel chambered in .357 magnum. As you and others have stated, it's a great all around caliber, you can shoot the .38's at a much cheaper price...and still have a firearm capable of dropping a deer or 2 legged varmit at close range. And I really like the form and finish of the Ruger...and don't find the extra two ounces or the slightly "fatter" grip to be a handicap. Let us know what you finally get...and thanks for serving !

DOD employee for 28 years...serving the warfighter !

 

[Moonclip]

357mag for sure if you are not going to reload. 38/357mag ammo is much cheaper than most 45LC ammo you will find.

If you plan on using the gun for protection against dangerous game though or hunting I'd go with the 45LC version or better yet a 44mag Vaquero.

My 45LC chambered firearms see little range use due to ammo costs and availability.

 

[Seventhsword]

I also have the Bisley Vaquero in .44 mag with 4 5/8" barrel. It is a real blast to shoot with the GARRETT 31O-GR SUPER-HARD-CAST HAMMERHEAD AMMO.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My 45LC chambered firearms see little range use due to ammo costs and availability.

Get a Lee mould (mine is the two-cavity 452-255-RF) and make friends with your local tire dealer -- mine provides me about a hundred pounds of wheel weights every few months. Shoot these bullets as-cast and lubed with Liquid Alox.

I like H4227 and Li'l Gun for the .45 Colt -- at 17.5 grains, a pound of Li'l Gun will load 400 rounds, and pressures will be around 20,000 CUP.

 

[BluesBear]

Just wait.
Sooner or later Davidson's will offer a .45C/.45acp combo.

e-mail them and tell them you want one. Perhaps that way it will happen sooner.