Vaquero 44 Mag

[sgtchris]

Been thinking hard about gettin a Ruger Vaquero .44 mag with a 5 1/2" bbl. My one worry is that the recoil could be un manageable in the Single Action Army type frame. I have never fired a SAA before. Does anybody use and enjoy this caliber in the Vaquero?

 

[goodtime]

You could go with an old style Vaquero if you want to look for one used. They're a bit heavier than the version made and sold today, and will soak up a bit more recoil. Also, you could opt for the Super Blackhawk, which is almost the same as the Vaquero, but with adjustable rear sight, modern front sight, and it's significantly heavier.
Or, you could shoot .44 special loads if/when you don't want to feel the heavy recoil.

 

[1911Tuner]

The New Model Vaqueros aren't available in .44 Magnum due to being nearly identical to the original '73 SAA frame size.

Neither are they suitable for the loading manuals' "Ruger Only" data for the .45 Colt cartridge...for the same reasons. That data applies only to Blackhawks and original, large-framed Vaqueros. For the record, Ruger has never approved the hot-rod data...even for the brutally strong Blackhawk.

The original Vaqueros, which are built on the same frame and cylinder size as the Blackhawk's, are becoming hard to find. I haven't seen one in a dealer's used gun case in a while. Seems that the people who bought'em don't want to let go of'em.

And, yes...like the Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk...the original Vaqueros are quite a bit heavier than the new models. Not an issue for a range gun, but during a long day in the field...even carried in a good shoulder rig... an extra 4-6 ounces can show us geezers just how long it's been since we were 19.

The .45 caliber New Vaqueros are stronger than the Colt, lending themselves to upping the ante a bit with handloads...just not as much as the Blackhawks or the original Vaqueros. The two that I've been using have digested a couple thousand rounds each of 9 grains of Unique pushing a 260-grain cast bullet with no ill effects. Chronographed velocities through the 4 and 5/8ths barrels crowd 950 fps. Not a .44 Magnum by any stretch...but not exactly enemic, either...especially when fired from a 38-ounce revolver. The same load from a 5.5-inch barrel should break a thousand fps.

As with any top-end handload...the above data should be approached carefully. A given gun could reach its limits with less powder, and all caveats apply.

 

[RippinSVT]

When my search was on for new Ruger SA (after a heart-breaking sale of my .44 mag Super Blackhawk a few years back), I went out looking for a Vaquero or Blackhawk in .44mag or .45LC. By complete chance I stubbled upon a New Vaquero in .357. I almost passed it up, but the case-colored 5.5" gem for $400 stole my heart. Now, with hotter .45LC loads, I wouldn't wanna wield this thing for too many shots, but with the hotter .357's, it's not too bad, AND the frame size is perfect for my medium-large hands. If you really want a .44mag, get a Blackhawk since they are easier to find, but if you'd settle for .357, these New Vaqueros are sweet little shooters.

 

[thunder173]

I routinely shoot a 4 5/8 Ruger Super Blachawk. Stout, but doable with hot .44 Mag loads,...a pussy cat with .44 Specials,....one of my favorite carry guns for hunting and trips into the back yard. Actually quite a nice shooter,..and they're built like tanks,....definitely not light though,.....

 

[1911Tuner]

Rippin...I'm currently in the market for a .357 Vaquero so I can get the "feel" and let my .45s rest a little...and because I've got probably 10,000 .357 SWCs cast up and ready to size. More bullets to the pound means more shootin' for the buck...and that's always a good thing.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have an older 5 1/2" .44 Magnum Super Blackhawk, and don't find the recoil isn't manageable, although you will notice it. The plow-handle shape of the grip allows the revolver to sort of roll up in your hand and absorbs the recoil.

You might consider the Bisley grip option. It looks a little funny, but does help with heavy recoil. It's an extra expense, but any Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero with a transfer bar safety can be owner-converted without getting into gunsmithing.

And I agree with Tuner. Unless you need or desire the .44's power, consider the .357 Magnum. You'll have the full range of .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges to pick from, and the ammunition is easier to find and less expensive.

 

[gb6491]

You might consider the Bisley grip option. It looks a little funny, but does help with heavy recoil.

I'm very happy with mine

Regards,
Greg

 

[1911Tuner]

FUff...I just recently picked up a SBH with 4 and 5/8ths barrel. Those don't have the Dragoon-style trigger guard, and it makes for a pretty handsome SA revolver with very good balance. It's also got the new hammer, which I like a lot.

Also lookin' to add a short .41 Blackhawk soon. The long-barreled one in my stable is good...but I just prefer the balance of the short ones.

Anyway...back to the OP's topic:

If you just want a small-framed big-bore SA revolver, and don't specifically need or want .44 Special...I recommend the New Vaquero in .45 Colt caliber. It can be downloaded to very gentle levels, or...if you don't reload..."Cowboy" ammunition is available from a couple different manufacturers. It's pretty mild stuff, but pricey.

 

[Old Fuff]

I would have gotten the 4 5/8" length, but at the time the only short length that was offered was 5 1/2", and it has worked out well. Bil Ruger Sr. was bound and determined that the Magnum cartridges need longer barrels to obtain Magnum performance, and the extra weight helped control the recoil. I was present when "Skeeter" Skelton discussed this with him, and like Elmer Keith begged him to produce a version of the Super Blackhawk without the Dragoon style trigger guard, a 4 5/8" barrel, and a fluted cylinder. Bill listened, but as usual didn't change his mind. The "short gun" did come about, but after he passed away.

I do have a 1st issue (3 screw) .41 Magnum Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel that I planed to convert to .45 Colt until I shot it. Then I quickly changed my mind.

 

[1911Tuner]

I do have a 1st issue (3 screw) .41 Magnum Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel

Fuff...You've had MY Blackhawk long enough. Time to send it back to me...

 

[rishooter]

44 Magnum Vaquero

The 44 Magmun Vaquero LOOKS like it's on an SAA frame,but is actually on a Blackhawk frame.The differences are fixed sights and a "western"look.I own one and shoot 44 mags with no isssues at all.The 45 Colt Ruger Vaquero likewise is on a Blackhawk frame.NOTE:The Ruger NEW VAQUERO in 45 Colt is on an SAA type frame and will not handle "heavy"+P 45 Colt loads.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I have a Vaquero 44 and while I haven't run nuclear grade loads through it the way I have on a Super BlackHawk Hunter, there are ways of taming the recoil.

First, get skinnier grips. Ajax gunfighter grips are almost 1/4 inch thinner than standard grips. That doesn't sound like much but allows me a LOT more control over the Vaquero and heavy loads. OR you could go the opposite route and get oversized grips. The Vaquero has a pretty small gripframe and that's its biggest downfall.

I want to get another one in the shorter 5&1/2 inch barrel for the better balance--and just for grins.

I shot a lot of Ultramax "cowboy" grade ammo out of mine before getting 'into' the 44 magnum cartridge. Privi partizan makes an EXCELLENT 300 gr jfp that my Vaquero loves.

 

[1911Tuner]

rishooter...The New Vaqueros are also on Blackhawk frames...but they're the smaller, old model .357 Blackhawk frames. The Blackhawk was beefed up around 1973 with the New Model, and all models are built on the same frame.

The grip frames on the old models and the New Vaqueros are almost-but-not-quite-the-same as the Colt 1873 SAA...but close enough for gub'mint work.

Ruger has used several different grip frame styles over the years...I suppose to add to our confusion.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

Have about 400 rds 325 LBT 21grsH110 thru my old Vaquero-hot in anybody's book-no problems with the gun but once my right arm was numb for a month after a too long session.[45 colt]

 

[rishooter]

Thanks for the input

1911 Tuner-I recently bought a New Vaquero in 45 Colt and it's pretty comparable in size to my USFA SAA 45 Colt and my Colt 2nd Generation 38 Special SAA.There are some differences though.I like 'em all

 

[Christopher P]

I have a 4 5/8 Super Blackhawk. It has a stout kick with really heavy loads but is manageable with normal loads. It barely kicks with 44 specials. I have shot the exact pistol you mentioned and it recoiled very much the same as my pistol. I am not personally sensitive to heavy recoil but some people can never be steady with a "hard kicker". Just remember you can always step down to 44 special or better yet, reload your own! With practice you should be able to master the recoil of that Vaquero. The one pictured up there sure is nice with those stag grips!

 

[corpsmanup!]

Can I show mine off?

Both are SBH 44Mag- one is round trigger housing with 4 5/8", and the other is square trigger housing with 7 1/2".
The hogue rubber grips make shooting stout loads easy to handle.

 

[Matt-J2]

My BiL just got one of those Houge grips for his .44mag Vaquero. He hates how they look, but he can actually get his pinky on the grip now, doesn't bash his knuckle on firing, and has much better control with heavy loads.

I prefer my New Vaquero in .45 Colt. Though I've only fired BP loads in it, and 38gr of Pyrodex P isn't exactly light kicking, but it ain't overboard, either. Soon as I can get some real black, I'll be loading with that.

 

[theNoid]

I hace shot my buds 44mag Vaquero many times and have no probs with it. If anything, shoot 44 specials, they are a real treat after a few cylinders full of the mags.

Noidster