Bought my Vaq in 2001, stainless, 4-5/8", .45 Colt, and haven't had a single problem with it except the tolerances at the back of the cylinder are a bit tight. If a leave a primer just a smidge high - like .003" - .004" - it'll drag as the cartridge passes through. I like the Blackhawk strength for bear loads (which I have never needed, thankfully). First thing I did was install Wolff springs to get the hammer and trigger down to shootable levels of pull. After I started to get older and began to suffer from severe arthritis, I last year rounded the tips of the grip straps and thinned the width a tad, one side being left thicker to suit my aim, and checkered the grips. The result is that the grips feel rounder, and less "wedgy." Now, when my old thumb reaches for the hammer, the gun stays steady. Should have done that years ago, when I was more active at the range. NOTE: You can carry six. Rugers are completely modern revolvers.
All the new Ruger single actions are designed to carry six. The transfer bar system will not allow the hammer to engage the firing pin without the trigger held to the rear. Even if the gun falls and lands on the hammer it cannot fire. In bear country I would rather have one more shot. I live in north Idaho and we got bears! I had a Blackhawk .44 mag, 5 1/2" barrel and it operated identical to your Vaquero. Single actions just work. Reliable and always a good trigger even on a gun not slicked up. It's also the romance. Who doesn't see or feel like John Wayne when they handle a single action???
@@ITW.Firearms Sorry I piled on about carrying six in the Ruger. I read further down and it sounded like you got hammered on that. 😉 Good intentions, right?? Have a great weekend!
I’ve had a Uberti and a Cimarron but I’ve always really wanted either a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in .357. Well, I finally found me a beautiful Vaquero in stainless chambered in .357 with a 4 5/8 barrel. Man is she sweet!
I used to have the exact model you do, it was a damn fine gun. I found an old model Vaquero in .45 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel at a gun show and traded my .357 for it
@@Morgan_Blackhanddo you prefer the 45 over the 357? I'm debating on which one to get right now. Leaning toward the 357 mostly because I have others in that cartridge and no 45s
I have owned a Ruger Blackhawk in .45colt since 1980 ; & I have even killed N.M. mule deer @ 30 yards ! & I also own a Uberti 1873 cattlemen in .45 colt in the slowest/ weakest loading the .45 colt is a devastating round! My Ruger Blackhawk has some hotter loads in it! I'm an older guy now,so the adjustable sights on the Blackhawk are what I need for the accuracy! & I will never sell either one! My Blackhawk has been re- blued & timed at the factory & has new rosewood checkerd grips & is still a great looking handgun! I like Ruger products, not bad mouthing any other manufacturers, Im just saying I have had great results with Ruger and their customer service!
Very nice. I have the Old Model Vaquero and those are built on a Blackhawk frame and can handle the hotter Buffalo Bore loads. But yours can still handle a pretty powerful load. A 225 to 250 grain hardcast bullet will plow through a bear skull with no problem. I also like the fact Ruger has the transfer bar safety so you can safely carry six rounds. They absolutely will not go off unless the hammer is fully cocked and the trigger pulled. The .45 Colt is still such a versatile cartridge.
I recently came across your channel and I honestly enjoy your videos. I bought a Vaquero from a friend at work who got himself in a financial pickel about 3 months ago. Its an old model Vaquero that says Special Edition on the box, I'm not sure what makes it a Special Edition, but it has 2 cylinders, 1 for 45lc and 1 for 45 acp. Keep the videos coming my friend, your doing an awesome job 👍
Nice revolvers, the Ruger New Vaquero is definitely a nice piece. I own a Uberti Model 1873 with an antique finish chambered in 45 Colt 5.5 in barrel, and a Taylors&Co 44-40 7.5 in barrel. The next single action revolver that I want is a Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 magnum.
@ITW.Firearms If you don't reload, you're gonna have a hard time finding it unless you pay an outrageous price online for it or find it in a pawn shop, so since I don't reload I don't ever shoot it lol.
I have a Ruger Sheriff’s model. 3 1/2” barrel, .45, color case hardened frame, white grips. Awesome to belt carry with all 6 rounds. For those folks that think the ejector tod is too short to clear the cylinder…. Nope. When I first got it, it did shoot low 2” and left by 3” with Silver Tips. I filed the front site down for elevation, then sent it to Ruger to have them fix the windage issue and reblue the front site. They were awesome to deal with. I print silver dollar size holes at 25 yrds. to POA.
Your Vaquero is beautiful! I still need to add one of these to my very small collection of 2 single actions lol. I have a Cimarron Frontier cch .357 5.5 and a Great Western II in .357 mag. Now I need a 7.5 in .45 colt lol. Great video, as always. Cheers Bryson
I got my Blackhawk in 44 special only 4-5 months ago but I have wanted a vaquero for probably 15 years. I keep going back and forth between wanting the 45 colt and 357 for ammo availability and ability for 38 special
Looking for info about the ammo belt you have from the guy in Wisconsin. Also does RUclips give you any issue for posting gun videos? I would like to share some with my 460 mag but thought they might strike my channel????
My leather guy has gone rouge.. Haven't heard from him in a while. I'll find a CO local soon and test their work and circle back with you. Fortunately, YT has not had any issues with my channel. Safe and responsible conduct is pretty good with them
I've had my Single Action .45 LC Ruger New Vaquero for over 5 years now and honestly what got me into it was simply holding it. It was the 2nd time I had gone to a gun store with the intent on buying a 1911 and ended up walking out with a revolver. I just asked the guy to let me see it because I wanted to see how it felt, and I had zero intention on actually buying it. Well, I'm a firm believer that the gun chooses you, not the other way around. Zero regrets and zero issues. Hands down the best gun I've ever owned and I trust it with my life.
She’s a looker. I’ve owned an old vaquero for over 20 years, it’s never let me down. Good enough for wild hogs in Texas and the wilds of Wyoming. It’s a tank.
Nice video and sharing. After getting into lever actions and especially liking the .45 Colt, I bought a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley with Turnbull case hardened finish in that caliber. This became and still is my favorite caliber and bought a Rossi R92 lever action in .45 Colt. Nice guns. Next was a Taylor’s & Co. Antique finish Uberti Cattleman II. I now have a stainless New Model Vaquero with .45 Colt & .45 ACP cylinders. And just bought a 7.5” New Model Blackhawk in stainless for those power loads for hunting or bear defense. Be careful it can be habit forming. Been here in SE Montana (Billings) for anbout a year and getting to know this great state.
I believe that the original "Ruger Vaquero" was built with the larger stronger Black Hawk frame and can handle the "Ruger Only" published .45 Colt heavy loads. Where as the smaller framed "New Vaquero" should be restricted to the same loads as all SAA replicas. Either way they are both fine quality revolvers. Great video ❤DJ
I bought my N. Vaquero around '04 so I could have a rugged sixgun that would endure the rough handling in gunfight shows. It's amazing and I love it. Still have the Uberti SAA for the more historic events or movie shoots. Love them both, but if I go out to the desert for some R & R, I take the Ruger!
An older friend got me into SA, and got my first SA (Ruger Bearcat) when I age 13. Later as an adult I owned a Ruger SBH 44 Mag (3 screw), Ruger Super Single Six (3 screw) and a Ruger Old Army (yes I like Rugers). I really got into the cowboy fastdraw, fanning the SA and the mystique and simplicity of single actions.
I have the same Ruger New Vaquero in .45 Colt. What I like about it is that it's stainless steel and has the transfer bar so you can carry all 6 cartridges safely. What I didn't like about it was the wood grips felt too thin so I replaced them with fatter grips. I also do not like that it's not really a Colt design and if you ever have to disassemble it you will find that out, it's nothing like a Colt and you need three hands to put it back together (almost). I have handled and fired both Uberti and Pietta 1873 clones and for me Pietta is the way to go. If I can find a Pietta GW2 for a decent price, it will be my next purchase. I really don't like what Uberti is doing with the hammer safety design so that's out!
@@ITW.Firearms I would not load +P in the Pietta. In a Ruger New or Old Vaquero YES I would. I would load my standard handloads or standard Factory ammo in the Pietta or Uberti 1873 clone.
Good stuff, beautiful firearm. Personally I've grown very fond of the pietta line of single actions, mabey not all of them are as flashy as some but built extremely well and very reliable guns aswell. Have had nothing but good to say about them over the years and have held them side by side with colts and can almost not tell a difference. Have even fooled a few old friends with them that own original colts. Its alot of the reason I'm drawn to the pietta's, 4 clicks and functions Identical with loading and unloading, very smooth actions aswell. For anyone that gripes on the fact "oh the frames arnt as strong" or "45 colt standard loads arnt enough...." then I'm sorry hoss, get a different caliber, single actions in my opinion arnt for ya. Been usin 45 colt for a good number of years now for a woods caliber, huntin caliber and defensive caliber. My opinion it's a beautiful thing, and does very well for how old it is no doubt.
I don't believe the 45 Long Colt was one of the original chamberings of the SAA. I could be wrong but I thought 44-40 was one of the early big cartridges.
Some years ago came across a Winchester 94AE in 45 it’s been a fun lever gun about a year later gun shop had a used Ruger Vaquero in their display case. Ruger was stainless with 5 1/2 barrel. Was instantly sold, I liked the idea of both a revolver and lever gun in the same caliber. Looked online the serial on the Ruger it tells me it’s the older vaquero. My understanding the older vaquero can withstand stronger loads than the newer version
You don't have to cowboy carry with the Vaquero. That's exactly what the transfer bar is designed for, safe to carry with 6 rounds chambered. Good looking gun!
Just found myself a used new model Vaquero .45 Colt.. it's got holster wear, but hey, it was under $600, and ITW Firearms I live in the area you spoke of in your video here in NW Montana, and here we love Rugers.
Interesting you mentioned Flathead National Forest. I just moved to Utah from the Flathead Reservation last February. Beautiful country out there and its Grizzly bear country in the Mission Range as ell as most of NW Montana. I was surprised when asking locals what they carry in Grizzly country to hear alot of '45'. Both 45 Colt and 45 ACP (or 45 Super) were named probably as much if not a little more than 10mm. It makes sense though - the 45 Colt has historically taken care of business in the U.S West and the bottom line is a 45 diameter bullet at apx 250gr at apx 900fps does the job - including big bears. 45 ACP does that easily, 45 Super even easier and a modern 45 Colt will do that even easier. While I'm not a single action guy (yet) or 45 Colt (I'm wanted a Henry Lever in 45 Colt) I'm a big 45acp/45Super fan and a 1911 is my main woods carry if I'm not carrying rifle. When I first moved to Montana I was packing through the Cabinet Mountains (Vermillion river / Elk Lake area) in NW Montana and had a mountain lion scream at me at apx 30-40 yds. I was heavily wooded and wasnt exactly sure if it was being or in front definitely to the side of me... I was a mile from the car and a mile from the lake. I had my 1911 with hot loaded RCBS 45-250s over Unique at apx 950fps...so what else can you do? I gave out a loud long deep as I could roar-yell - and just kept going. Nothing happened but I was on my toes and head on a swivel...when I got to town and was talking to locals they told me 200+ pound mountain lions in that area are common - and told me a 220lb one being taken a few months back....haha...God bless the 45!
Man I love NW Montana. There is no country like it or as beautiful. I cannot wait to be back there. Thanks for sharing your encounter story! I was in Kalispell. Loved every min
Hi from Pennsylvania. Single actions are awsome i have 3 all rugers. A 22lr, 357 mag, and a 44 mag. All 7 1/2 barrels. These revolvers have taken grouse, squirrel deer here in Pennsylvania. God bless. And keep that henry 45-70. 😊
1. You don't have to "cowboy carry" a New Vaquero. And if you are in Grizzly country I wouldn't. 2. Being a rabid single action shooter (Old Vaquero in 44 mag, and Uberti 45 LC) the only thing I'd carry besides your main weapon, the 45-70, is a Glock 20 (10mm) with 10mm, Underwood, Extreme Penetrator ammo). Maybe I'd be OK with the 45LC as long as you have the Henry with you, but while I use to say I would be OK with any single action (45LC and UP) I'm not willing to take any chances when the hard hitting 10mm Glock is tossing 15 rounds of hell at that big ball of fur. To each his own. Good luck brother. Sounds like you're "living the life".
Thanks for sharing. I’m aware that you don’t have to Cowboy carry the vaquero. No firing pin resting in the cartridge but I do anyway out of habit. I’m going to pick up a 10mm soon.
I have some ruger, old vaqueros, new vaqueros, blackhawks, and Cimarrons. I load up 45 colt on my press. It's about the only way I can afford to shoot it. My first single action was a ruger single six from my grandfather. I've been hooked every since.
The Ruger is a great choice! I have a recently acquired Uberti myself. Consider a LEE Loader, some primers and powder, and some nice jacketed hollow point bullets. You will save a ton on ammunition. I made a recent video on my channel on the LEE loader. It will save you a ton!
Hi, I have the Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt and love it. The Action is really smooth and it’s very Accurate. Mine is the Old Vaquero. I would love to have the New Vaquero because the Grips aren’t as big as on the Original one. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Ruger Vaquero. They are built Strong and will handle anything you put in them. Thanks for the Video about them. Mine is the Nickle Finish like yours, but I still have the Stock White Grips. By the way, you don’t have to carry with the Hammer on an empty Chamber. The Ruger has the Hammer Block Safety.
Ruger is the only legitimate choice. I would recommend stop playing cowboy and carry the Ruger with the full 6 rounds. If Bear are your concern and you have other people you are Responsible for. At least go with a full chamber. That transfer bar is an Awsome design. Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
@@ITW.Firearms yes I understand the " Old Habits" thing. Haha! I carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag for many years on my outdoor adventures. I had it in a couple of tight spots. Such a well made firearm in one of the larger calibers can be a Very Formidable tool. I enjoyed your video! Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
I love my single action revolvers, I have 2 colts, 2 Ruger's,6 uber 5:38 tis,4 pietta and 5 heritage revolvers. I wouldn't keep any that don't work right
Started with old Ruger blackhawks and went to full blown custom Rugers and then onto Freedom Arms. Freedom Arms became my favorite single action revolver but now ive moved onto carry an S&W 629 44mag and Ruger Alaskan 454 not far from where you worked. Marlin 45-70 and double action revolver for me in this season of life. Then theres the 22lr and there im hopeless because i love anything 22lr.
I have the Evil Roy model. My 1st revolvers were 1851 Navy and 1858 Remington. The little 36 just isn't enough for usage on my farm and hunting. I love the old guns, and they work even the black powder ones . You just have to use them and learn how to work them and maintain them. 🤠
According to some research I have been doing into Brian pearce work he did with ruger new vaqueros and the uberti made single actions 1990 through now, the strength of the 2 are very similar as far as the load they can handle, though i would still think the ruger could handle just a bit more. That said neither are large frame revolvers i would recommend individuals research this on their own before going any further with this information.
I didnt really get an explanation as to "why single actions" it seems like you would be much better suited with a double action in 44 mag or even as someone else pointed out a glock in 10mm but as far as revolvers go theres a lot less that can go wrong if you get in a bind with a double action than a single action, its 6 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger no need to worry about the hammer
I think Cowboys preferred a single action because shooting a pistol single action has a faster ignition time than a double action. I think that was important as a horse is a less stable shooting platform than your two feet on the ground.
Don’t overlook the Pietta GW2 guns. The looks of a colt, 4 clicks, but factory hardened internals and very well made. I got a “Hand of God” replica from the movie 3:10 to Yuma, and it’s been flawless.
Ive owned multiple saa ranging from uberti to cimmaron to a Blackhawk i always love the classic look amd feel of an saa revolver. The cimmaron is way more well polished than a uberti but the ruger is a tank. If you plan on more than plinking and dont cars about nostalgia the ruger is an absolute tank that can handle heavy rounds and hotter loads that break most saa.
Beautiful single action revolvers my friend, I have a Blackhawk and a gp100 bout 357 mag. A Ruger vaquero 45 Colt is in my short list, I don't reload and ammunition is expensive but I still want one. Great video and story, take care and stay safe.👍
Owned a lot of modern-day Self-Defense pieces and a lot of single actions. There's just something about a single action. Revolver it feels good in the hand. They're accurate, simple, and they come really in handy horseback riding or even on an ATV because we're on horseback or an ATV if you have to use that revolver it's safe. Hammer goes down. Trigger becomes useless and if you're off-roading or on horseback you will not accidentally touch off around
Ruger Blackhawk .357 was my first gun I bought myself. Still have it. I also have a Ruger Old Army and a Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt/.45 ACP. I like the old stuff....with updated modern metallurgy and safety. Hope to add more variations (Bisley grip, Bird's Head grip, different calibers) soon.
You and your dad's philosophy is correct. A pistol is only for fighting your way to a rifle. That said, Colt Single Action Army revolvers are hella fun! The balance and handling characteristics are amazing. Better than most modern pistols IMO (even if the rest is outdated). I have a Ruger New Vaquero and love it. As a bonus, mine was second hand from a gunsmith (or talented amateur) who got it to get into cowboy action shooting, slicked it up, then changed his mind and sold it. BTW I commend you for "cowboy carrying" with one empty cylinder. Technically you don't have to because Ruger Vaquero triggers work differently from actual Colts or Uberti clones and are drop safe. But as you alternate between the two types, it's best to stick to one safety protocol.
There's a Callahan.44 magnum from Uberti. I believe it also has a transfer bar safety. I've seen them for as low as 600. But I'll stick to my original Vaquero.45 Colt. It's hard to go wrong with Ruger.
Love my vaquero in 45Colt, but probably favor the Blackhawk 45Colt. The Blackhawk will take some stiff loads, I like the 325gr WFN fueled by H110 or W296, for about 1200fps, or if you don’t load Buffalo bore makes factory ammo in the same ballpark . Vaquero won’t handle those loads, if you do shoot them out of it your cylinder timing will get out of whack, and the top strap will stretch, continued firing will lead to total failure. but it’s a slimmer and arguably more handy than the Blackhawk.
The new Vaquero is not designed to withstand magnum 45 Colt pressures either, though probably more then a Colt SA. The old Vaquero (Pre-2000) and all the black hawks or red hawks can and will. So if you are sold on the looks of the new Vaquero but want to run very hot hand loads or even Garrets Cartridges/Buffalo Bore you want a Vaquero from pre 2000. Ruger's are also completely safe to carry six rounds in and I would recommend it.
Cimmaron and Taylor both import uberti. They both tune and pick through the guns though compared to stoger that just imports on mass. Enjoying your channel
You've been carrying these cowboy guns for a while,and probably choose to carry this with an empty chamber for a reason. What have you observed about the transfer bar, that makes you distrust it?
I once had a Ruger Vaquero in .44 mag. The barrel was 3" or so long, and it had a birds head grip. Great revolver, easy to carry, but a relatively small birds head grip is NOT the best thing for a .44 magnum!
I grew up in the 80's. Grew up with Ruger 3pins. Never an issue. These days, Im looking for a 44 mag to go with my marlin..I dont like 44 mag in a hand gun..and the marlin was bought 23 years ago..I love 44 mag. But quality control today across the industry has really sucked. Most my singles are cap and ball today.
Any single action revolver with a transfer bar or a safety notch is safe to carry 6 rounds. The safety notch is drop safe and has been tested to hold out for 100s of lbs of force. You would have to drop it 15 ft onto concrete or asphalt in order to fail the safety notch system.
You mentioned that the Walther CCP was not going to cut it in the line of work you were in. What exactly was wrong with Walther for what you were doing at the time?
Force of habit I intend to drop. But it originates from “cowboy carry”. The old colt hammer rested on a cartridge. Accidental discharge could be caused by knocking into something of falling etc. So most only carried 5 rds on an open cylinder
@@ITW.Firearms I have put some heavy loads through my original Vaquero, 7” barrel and it handles them well. In some of the reloading manuals there is a section in the 45Colt data that says Ruger and Thompson Center ONLY. Have had folks tell me that it does not apply to the New Vaquero and the Ruger web site confirms it.
The question is what is "hot"? Buffalo Bore has a 255gr load rated at 1000fps that is save in new Vaquero. I would say these are hot loads. But they also offer +p loads where they mention that they are only safe in old Vaqueros.
UH, no, the New Vaquero CANNOT handle the max loads. Ruger says so, ammo makers say so, and other owners say so. The Old Vaquero could, but the New Vaq cannot. Ruger made it a bit smaller, so don't use +p or CprBon or the hott Buffalo Bore, or you just might earn a new nickname, "Stubby", or maybe "One Eye"
Do not shoot "Ruger Only" loads in the New Vaquero. It can take loads up to 23K psi, which is more than old Colts limited to 14Kpsi, but NOT 32Kpsi reserved for the Blackhawk and Redhawk.
I have a new vaquero like yours. Carry six. It's safe in the Ruger and that 6th round could be the difference in life or death. Thanks for sharing
I still Cowboy Carry because I've carried the uberti for so long. Thanks for commenting and watching!
The old model Vaquero has a transfer bar also, as I understand it
@@brucebanner6149 Yes it does, being a Blackhawk.
You are correct
The hell with cowboy carry its a new model ruger carry 6 yes I own ruger blackhawk 's and I carry 6
Bought my Vaq in 2001, stainless, 4-5/8", .45 Colt, and haven't had a single problem with it except the tolerances at the back of the cylinder are a bit tight. If a leave a primer just a smidge high - like .003" - .004" - it'll drag as the cartridge passes through. I like the Blackhawk strength for bear loads (which I have never needed, thankfully). First thing I did was install Wolff springs to get the hammer and trigger down to shootable levels of pull. After I started to get older and began to suffer from severe arthritis, I last year rounded the tips of the grip straps and thinned the width a tad, one side being left thicker to suit my aim, and checkered the grips. The result is that the grips feel rounder, and less "wedgy." Now, when my old thumb reaches for the hammer, the gun stays steady. Should have done that years ago, when I was more active at the range.
NOTE: You can carry six. Rugers are completely modern revolvers.
All the new Ruger single actions are designed to carry six. The transfer bar system will not allow the hammer to engage the firing pin without the trigger held to the rear. Even if the gun falls and lands on the hammer it cannot fire. In bear country I would rather have one more shot. I live in north Idaho and we got bears! I had a Blackhawk .44 mag, 5 1/2" barrel and it operated identical to your Vaquero. Single actions just work. Reliable and always a good trigger even on a gun not slicked up. It's also the romance. Who doesn't see or feel like John Wayne when they handle a single action???
Amen
@@ITW.Firearms Sorry I piled on about carrying six in the Ruger. I read further down and it sounded like you got hammered on that. 😉 Good intentions, right?? Have a great weekend!
All good! Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a good weekend and stay warm
I’ve had a Uberti and a Cimarron but I’ve always really wanted either a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in .357. Well, I finally found me a beautiful Vaquero in stainless chambered in .357 with a 4 5/8 barrel. Man is she sweet!
I used to have the exact model you do, it was a damn fine gun. I found an old model Vaquero in .45 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel at a gun show and traded my .357 for it
@@Morgan_Blackhanddo you prefer the 45 over the 357? I'm debating on which one to get right now. Leaning toward the 357 mostly because I have others in that cartridge and no 45s
@@ChrisCraftWowi would go for 357 because it’s easier to find that 45 long colt as well as being more powerful
@kylewood8327 do you prefer the ruger over the uberti?
@@orckiller91 Ruger,better built
I have owned a Ruger Blackhawk in .45colt since 1980 ; & I have even killed N.M. mule deer @ 30 yards ! & I also own a Uberti 1873 cattlemen in .45 colt in the slowest/ weakest loading the .45 colt is a devastating round! My Ruger Blackhawk has some hotter loads in it! I'm an older guy now,so the adjustable sights on the Blackhawk are what I need for the accuracy! & I will never sell either one! My Blackhawk has been re- blued & timed at the factory & has new rosewood checkerd grips & is still a great looking handgun! I like Ruger products, not bad mouthing any other manufacturers, Im just saying I have had great results with Ruger and their customer service!
Thank you for commenting and sharing all of that! I would like to get a Blackhawk at some point.
Killed a mule with it? That is incredible
My wife and I got into SASS shooting back 25 years ago.
Very nice. I have the Old Model Vaquero and those are built on a Blackhawk frame and can handle the hotter Buffalo Bore loads. But yours can still handle a pretty powerful load. A 225 to 250 grain hardcast bullet will plow through a bear skull with no problem. I also like the fact Ruger has the transfer bar safety so you can safely carry six rounds. They absolutely will not go off unless the hammer is fully cocked and the trigger pulled. The .45 Colt is still such a versatile cartridge.
I recently came across your channel and I honestly enjoy your videos. I bought a Vaquero from a friend at work who got himself in a financial pickel about 3 months ago. Its an old model Vaquero that says Special Edition on the box, I'm not sure what makes it a Special Edition, but it has 2 cylinders, 1 for 45lc and 1 for 45 acp. Keep the videos coming my friend, your doing an awesome job 👍
I have the same Ruger in 45 long colt and love it . Shoots better than some of my high end custom Rigs .
Thanks for sharing. Do you mind I ask what kind of high end you have? I thought the ruger was high end haha
Nice revolvers, the Ruger New Vaquero is definitely a nice piece. I own a Uberti Model 1873 with an antique finish chambered in 45 Colt 5.5 in barrel, and a Taylors&Co 44-40 7.5 in barrel. The next single action revolver that I want is a Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 magnum.
How is getting ammo for the 44-40?
@ITW.Firearms If you don't reload, you're gonna have a hard time finding it unless you pay an outrageous price online for it or find it in a pawn shop, so since I don't reload I don't ever shoot it lol.
I have a Ruger Sheriff’s model. 3 1/2” barrel, .45, color case hardened frame, white grips. Awesome to belt carry with all 6 rounds. For those folks that think the ejector tod is too short to clear the cylinder…. Nope.
When I first got it, it did shoot low 2” and left by 3” with Silver Tips. I filed the front site down for elevation, then sent it to Ruger to have them fix the windage issue and reblue the front site. They were awesome to deal with. I print silver dollar size holes at 25 yrds. to POA.
Beautiful revolver!
Your Vaquero is beautiful! I still need to add one of these to my very small collection of 2 single actions lol.
I have a Cimarron Frontier cch .357 5.5 and a Great Western II in .357 mag.
Now I need a 7.5 in .45 colt lol.
Great video, as always.
Cheers Bryson
Hey thanks for commenting. I would love a cimarron. Nostalgic since it was the first single action I ever held
I got my Blackhawk in 44 special only 4-5 months ago but I have wanted a vaquero for probably 15 years. I keep going back and forth between wanting the 45 colt and 357 for ammo availability and ability for 38 special
The .44 IS Special . . . ☆
Looking for info about the ammo belt you have from the guy in Wisconsin. Also does RUclips give you any issue for posting gun videos? I would like to share some with my 460 mag but thought they might strike my channel????
My leather guy has gone rouge.. Haven't heard from him in a while. I'll find a CO local soon and test their work and circle back with you.
Fortunately, YT has not had any issues with my channel. Safe and responsible conduct is pretty good with them
Your dad must be a heck of a guy. Seems like you reference him a lot in your videos. Nice single action .45 Colt.
Haha he sure is. Videos coming soon with the guest star
I've had my Single Action .45 LC Ruger New Vaquero for over 5 years now and honestly what got me into it was simply holding it. It was the 2nd time I had gone to a gun store with the intent on buying a 1911 and ended up walking out with a revolver. I just asked the guy to let me see it because I wanted to see how it felt, and I had zero intention on actually buying it. Well, I'm a firm believer that the gun chooses you, not the other way around. Zero regrets and zero issues. Hands down the best gun I've ever owned and I trust it with my life.
Your my favorite youtuber right now!
That means the world! Making a new video today
She’s a looker. I’ve owned an old vaquero for over 20 years, it’s never let me down. Good enough for wild hogs in Texas and the wilds of Wyoming. It’s a tank.
Nice video and sharing. After getting into lever actions and especially liking the .45 Colt, I bought a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley with Turnbull case hardened finish in that caliber. This became and still is my favorite caliber and bought a Rossi R92 lever action in .45 Colt. Nice guns. Next was a Taylor’s & Co. Antique finish Uberti Cattleman II. I now have a stainless New Model Vaquero with .45 Colt & .45 ACP cylinders. And just bought a 7.5” New Model Blackhawk in stainless for those power loads for hunting or bear defense. Be careful it can be habit forming. Been here in SE Montana (Billings) for anbout a year and getting to know this great state.
I believe that the original "Ruger Vaquero" was built with the larger stronger Black Hawk frame and can handle the "Ruger Only" published .45 Colt heavy loads. Where as the smaller framed "New Vaquero" should be restricted to the same loads as all SAA replicas. Either way they are both fine quality revolvers. Great video ❤DJ
I bought my N. Vaquero around '04 so I could have a rugged sixgun that would endure the rough handling in gunfight shows. It's amazing and I love it. Still have the Uberti SAA for the more historic events or movie shoots. Love them both, but if I go out to the desert for some R & R, I take the Ruger!
Old west type guns are my favorite, like ruger the best.
Nice piece..you’re living the real American dream out there..I’ve been wanting the New vaquero in 357 w a birds head grip..some day
I also got a Ruger Vaquero in 45 colt for my college grad gift. Mine was an old vaquero with a 5” barrel.
What college degree did you get to be a cowboy? I sure could go for a cowboy major.
Haha Homeland Security
An older friend got me into SA, and got my first SA (Ruger Bearcat) when I age 13. Later as an adult I owned a Ruger SBH 44 Mag (3 screw), Ruger Super Single Six (3 screw) and a Ruger Old Army (yes I like Rugers). I really got into the cowboy fastdraw, fanning the SA and the mystique and simplicity of single actions.
Were did you buy the coat ......nice
Shaffer jacket at a Montana antique store for like $15
I have the same Ruger New Vaquero in .45 Colt. What I like about it is that it's stainless steel and has the transfer bar so you can carry all 6 cartridges safely. What I didn't like about it was the wood grips felt too thin so I replaced them with fatter grips. I also do not like that it's not really a Colt design and if you ever have to disassemble it you will find that out, it's nothing like a Colt and you need three hands to put it back together (almost). I have handled and fired both Uberti and Pietta 1873 clones and for me Pietta is the way to go. If I can find a Pietta GW2 for a decent price, it will be my next purchase. I really don't like what Uberti is doing with the hammer safety design so that's out!
I’m in the market for a Pietta. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Can they do +P?
@@ITW.Firearms I would not load +P in the Pietta. In a Ruger New or Old Vaquero YES I would. I would load my standard handloads or standard Factory ammo in the Pietta or Uberti 1873 clone.
Good stuff, beautiful firearm. Personally I've grown very fond of the pietta line of single actions, mabey not all of them are as flashy as some but built extremely well and very reliable guns aswell. Have had nothing but good to say about them over the years and have held them side by side with colts and can almost not tell a difference. Have even fooled a few old friends with them that own original colts. Its alot of the reason I'm drawn to the pietta's, 4 clicks and functions Identical with loading and unloading, very smooth actions aswell. For anyone that gripes on the fact "oh the frames arnt as strong" or "45 colt standard loads arnt enough...." then I'm sorry hoss, get a different caliber, single actions in my opinion arnt for ya. Been usin 45 colt for a good number of years now for a woods caliber, huntin caliber and defensive caliber. My opinion it's a beautiful thing, and does very well for how old it is no doubt.
I don't believe the 45 Long Colt was one of the original chamberings of the SAA.
I could be wrong but I thought 44-40 was one of the early big cartridges.
@@brucebanner6149 it was followed by 45.colt later. But still 1860s I believe.
You might check out the Standard Manufacturing SAA. Impressive!
Some years ago came across a Winchester 94AE in 45 it’s been a fun lever gun about a year later gun shop had a used Ruger Vaquero in their display case. Ruger was stainless with 5 1/2 barrel. Was instantly sold, I liked the idea of both a revolver and lever gun in the same caliber. Looked online the serial on the Ruger it tells me it’s the older vaquero. My understanding the older vaquero can withstand stronger loads than the newer version
You don't have to cowboy carry with the Vaquero. That's exactly what the transfer bar is designed for, safe to carry with 6 rounds chambered. Good looking gun!
Thanks and it’s an old force of habit
As I was taught, a pistol is a last ditch self defense weapon.
thats a great backdrop for a video :)
Just found myself a used new model Vaquero .45 Colt.. it's got holster wear, but hey, it was under $600, and ITW Firearms I live in the area you spoke of in your video here in NW Montana, and here we love Rugers.
Hey thanks for commenting! 600?? what a deal!
Also, I miss and love NW MT. What I'd give to be back in the Flathead.
looks cold....
Great video! I have to know who makes that jacket
Nice I love it! FJB POS
Interesting you mentioned Flathead National Forest. I just moved to Utah from the Flathead Reservation last February. Beautiful country out there and its Grizzly bear country in the Mission Range as ell as most of NW Montana. I was surprised when asking locals what they carry in Grizzly country to hear alot of '45'. Both 45 Colt and 45 ACP (or 45 Super) were named probably as much if not a little more than 10mm. It makes sense though - the 45 Colt has historically taken care of business in the U.S West and the bottom line is a 45 diameter bullet at apx 250gr at apx 900fps does the job - including big bears. 45 ACP does that easily, 45 Super even easier and a modern 45 Colt will do that even easier. While I'm not a single action guy (yet) or 45 Colt (I'm wanted a Henry Lever in 45 Colt) I'm a big 45acp/45Super fan and a 1911 is my main woods carry if I'm not carrying rifle. When I first moved to Montana I was packing through the Cabinet Mountains (Vermillion river / Elk Lake area) in NW Montana and had a mountain lion scream at me at apx 30-40 yds. I was heavily wooded and wasnt exactly sure if it was being or in front definitely to the side of me... I was a mile from the car and a mile from the lake. I had my 1911 with hot loaded RCBS 45-250s over Unique at apx 950fps...so what else can you do? I gave out a loud long deep as I could roar-yell - and just kept going. Nothing happened but I was on my toes and head on a swivel...when I got to town and was talking to locals they told me 200+ pound mountain lions in that area are common - and told me a 220lb one being taken a few months back....haha...God bless the 45!
Man I love NW Montana. There is no country like it or as beautiful. I cannot wait to be back there.
Thanks for sharing your encounter story!
I was in Kalispell. Loved every min
Hi from Pennsylvania. Single actions are awsome i have 3 all rugers. A 22lr, 357 mag, and a 44 mag. All 7 1/2 barrels. These revolvers have taken grouse, squirrel deer here in Pennsylvania. God bless. And keep that henry 45-70. 😊
Awesome gun collection
Thanks!
I work a waygu operation in ohio and i carry a heritage rough rider in 22 and a rossi 92 in 44 mag the worst thing i have to contend with are coyotes
Another questions is where did you get the jacket? It just looks awesome.
What length barrel are both of your SA? Looking into getting my first!
5.5
I recommend the 5.5 for starters. the 4 5/8 is a bit short for my liking
Very nice!
Thank you! Cheers!
1. You don't have to "cowboy carry" a New Vaquero. And if you are in Grizzly country I wouldn't. 2. Being a rabid single action shooter (Old Vaquero in 44 mag, and Uberti 45 LC) the only thing I'd carry besides your main weapon, the 45-70, is a Glock 20 (10mm) with 10mm, Underwood, Extreme Penetrator ammo).
Maybe I'd be OK with the 45LC as long as you have the Henry with you, but while I use to say I would be OK with any single action (45LC and UP) I'm not willing to take any chances when the hard hitting 10mm Glock is tossing 15 rounds of hell at that big ball of fur.
To each his own. Good luck brother. Sounds like you're "living the life".
Thanks for sharing. I’m aware that you don’t have to Cowboy carry the vaquero. No firing pin resting in the cartridge but I do anyway out of habit.
I’m going to pick up a 10mm soon.
I have some ruger, old vaqueros, new vaqueros, blackhawks, and Cimarrons. I load up 45 colt on my press. It's about the only way I can afford to shoot it. My first single action was a ruger single six from my grandfather. I've been hooked every since.
The Ruger is a great choice! I have a recently acquired Uberti myself. Consider a LEE Loader, some primers and powder, and some nice jacketed hollow point bullets. You will save a ton on ammunition. I made a recent video on my channel on the LEE loader. It will save you a ton!
Will definately watch! thanks and happy valentines
I really want a Schofield (or two).
Same here my friend
Hi, I have the Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt and love it. The Action is really smooth and it’s very Accurate. Mine is the Old Vaquero. I would love to have the New Vaquero because the Grips aren’t as big as on the Original one. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Ruger Vaquero. They are built Strong and will handle anything you put in them. Thanks for the Video about them. Mine is the Nickle Finish like yours, but I still have the Stock White Grips. By the way, you don’t have to carry with the Hammer on an empty Chamber. The Ruger has the Hammer Block Safety.
Thanks for commenting and sharing! I carry 5 as a force of habit from my Uberti. I'll convert eventually haha
The old Vaqueros are build stronger and can take +p loads that are close to 44 Mag.
It’s funny that you say the Walther CCP was your first firearm
The black one was my first as well
That’s so crazy
Just subscribed 😮
Everyone needs to email Ruger to bring back the Old Model Vaquero
I own one of the old Vaqueros. What is the issue with the new model Vaqueros?
Ruger is the only legitimate choice.
I would recommend stop playing cowboy and carry the Ruger with the full 6 rounds. If Bear are your concern and you have other people you are Responsible for. At least go with a full chamber. That transfer bar is an Awsome design.
Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Thanks Mike for commenting. I will probably switch to the full 6. Old habits from the uberti
@@ITW.Firearms yes I understand the
" Old Habits" thing. Haha!
I carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag for many years on my outdoor adventures. I had it in a couple of tight spots. Such a well made firearm in one of the larger calibers can be a Very Formidable tool.
I enjoyed your video!
Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
I love my single action revolvers, I have 2 colts, 2 Ruger's,6 uber 5:38 tis,4 pietta and 5 heritage revolvers. I wouldn't keep any that don't work right
Started with old Ruger blackhawks and went to full blown custom Rugers and then onto Freedom Arms. Freedom Arms became my favorite single action revolver but now ive moved onto carry an S&W 629 44mag and Ruger Alaskan 454 not far from where you worked. Marlin 45-70 and double action revolver for me in this season of life. Then theres the 22lr and there im hopeless because i love anything 22lr.
I have the Evil Roy model. My 1st revolvers were 1851 Navy and 1858 Remington. The little 36 just isn't enough for usage on my farm and hunting. I love the old guns, and they work even the black powder ones . You just have to use them and learn how to work them and maintain them. 🤠
Greetings from MT - I have the same one on order, pick it up next week.
Man of great taste
According to some research I have been doing into Brian pearce work he did with ruger new vaqueros and the uberti made single actions 1990 through now, the strength of the 2 are very similar as far as the load they can handle, though i would still think the ruger could handle just a bit more. That said neither are large frame revolvers i would recommend individuals research this on their own before going any further with this information.
Would make for a very informative video! Do you have any links to what you've been reading? Thanks for sharing
I would just look up Handloader Magazine Brian Pearce Medium Frame revolvers, and go from there, Sorry I'm not very Tech Savvy.
I didnt really get an explanation as to "why single actions" it seems like you would be much better suited with a double action in 44 mag or even as someone else pointed out a glock in 10mm but as far as revolvers go theres a lot less that can go wrong if you get in a bind with a double action than a single action, its 6 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger no need to worry about the hammer
I think Cowboys preferred a single action because shooting a pistol single action has a faster ignition time than a double action. I think that was important as a horse is a less stable shooting platform than your two feet on the ground.
Don’t overlook the Pietta GW2 guns. The looks of a colt, 4 clicks, but factory hardened internals and very well made. I got a “Hand of God” replica from the movie 3:10 to Yuma, and it’s been flawless.
Ive owned multiple saa ranging from uberti to cimmaron to a Blackhawk i always love the classic look amd feel of an saa revolver. The cimmaron is way more well polished than a uberti but the ruger is a tank. If you plan on more than plinking and dont cars about nostalgia the ruger is an absolute tank that can handle heavy rounds and hotter loads that break most saa.
I need a cinnamon. Ever had a pietta?
Beautiful single action revolvers my friend, I have a Blackhawk and a gp100 bout 357 mag. A Ruger vaquero 45 Colt is in my short list, I don't reload and ammunition is expensive but I still want one. Great video and story, take care and stay safe.👍
Thanks a lot! I’ll probably be getting a Blackhawk soon
I like my super black hawk but that vaquero is nice. I live hear in Alaska so I need a lil more stopping power. All in all good videos bud.
Owned a lot of modern-day Self-Defense pieces and a lot of single actions. There's just something about a single action. Revolver it feels good in the hand. They're accurate, simple, and they come really in handy horseback riding or even on an ATV because we're on horseback or an ATV if you have to use that revolver it's safe. Hammer goes down. Trigger becomes useless and if you're off-roading or on horseback you will not accidentally touch off around
Ruger Blackhawk .357 was my first gun I bought myself. Still have it. I also have a Ruger Old Army and a Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt/.45 ACP. I like the old stuff....with updated modern metallurgy and safety. Hope to add more variations (Bisley grip, Bird's Head grip, different calibers) soon.
You and your dad's philosophy is correct. A pistol is only for fighting your way to a rifle. That said, Colt Single Action Army revolvers are hella fun! The balance and handling characteristics are amazing. Better than most modern pistols IMO (even if the rest is outdated). I have a Ruger New Vaquero and love it. As a bonus, mine was second hand from a gunsmith (or talented amateur) who got it to get into cowboy action shooting, slicked it up, then changed his mind and sold it.
BTW I commend you for "cowboy carrying" with one empty cylinder. Technically you don't have to because Ruger Vaquero triggers work differently from actual Colts or Uberti clones and are drop safe. But as you alternate between the two types, it's best to stick to one safety protocol.
Thank you for commenting! I love my New Vaquero. Also, you're the only one who hasn't given me hell about cowboy carry on the Ruger
@@ITW.Firearms Oh mis read me. I totally AGREE with what you do loading only 5. I don't because all I have are drop safe revolvers.
I want that exact gun. To complete my "old west" collection.
I got into cowboy guns watching 3:10 to Yuma
The only single action I would trust in bear/lion country is RUGER ! Ive seen to many Italian single actions fail. Just Sayin!!
There's a Callahan.44 magnum from Uberti. I believe it also has a transfer bar safety. I've seen them for as low as 600. But I'll stick to my original Vaquero.45 Colt. It's hard to go wrong with Ruger.
Love my vaquero in 45Colt, but probably favor the Blackhawk 45Colt. The Blackhawk will take some stiff loads, I like the 325gr WFN fueled by H110 or W296, for about 1200fps, or if you don’t load Buffalo bore makes factory ammo in the same ballpark . Vaquero won’t handle those loads, if you do shoot them out of it your cylinder timing will get out of whack, and the top strap will stretch, continued firing will lead to total failure. but it’s a slimmer and arguably more handy than the Blackhawk.
Bought a stainless new vaquero in .357 this year great pistol
Totally agree!
why single action? Because they’re fun as fack.
Cool story,,,,,And where U work has Griz,,,be careful...thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed!! Thanks
The new Vaquero is not designed to withstand magnum 45 Colt pressures either, though probably more then a Colt SA. The old Vaquero (Pre-2000) and all the black hawks or red hawks can and will. So if you are sold on the looks of the new Vaquero but want to run very hot hand loads or even Garrets Cartridges/Buffalo Bore you want a Vaquero from pre 2000. Ruger's are also completely safe to carry six rounds in and I would recommend it.
Cimmaron and Taylor both import uberti. They both tune and pick through the guns though compared to stoger that just imports on mass. Enjoying your channel
Thanks for sharing! More content coming soon
No need to cowboy carry since it has the transfer safety bar
Force of habit
You've been carrying these cowboy guns for a while,and probably choose to carry this with an empty chamber for a reason. What have you observed about the transfer bar, that makes you distrust it?
Give me a pair matching numbers !
Open holster .
Greetings from Arizona !
Love my Vaquero! Possibly my most accurate pistol! 2:03
I once had a Ruger Vaquero in .44 mag. The barrel was 3" or so long, and it had a birds head grip. Great revolver, easy to carry, but a relatively small birds head grip is NOT the best thing for a .44 magnum!
I grew up in the 80's. Grew up with Ruger 3pins. Never an issue.
These days, Im looking for a 44 mag to go with my marlin..I dont like 44 mag in a hand gun..and the marlin was bought 23 years ago..I love 44 mag. But quality control today across the industry has really sucked.
Most my singles are cap and ball today.
Why would you cowboy, caring a new Vaquero since it has a transfer bar?
Any single action revolver with a transfer bar or a safety notch is safe to carry 6 rounds. The safety notch is drop safe and has been tested to hold out for 100s of lbs of force. You would have to drop it 15 ft onto concrete or asphalt in order to fail the safety notch system.
You mentioned that the Walther CCP was not going to cut it in the line of work you were in.
What exactly was wrong with Walther for what you were doing at the time?
I have a New Vaquero .45 LC and New Blackhawk .45 LC. Less to go wrong and point like your finger😀
Why carry it on an open cylinder?
Force of habit I intend to drop.
But it originates from “cowboy carry”. The old colt hammer rested on a cartridge. Accidental discharge could be caused by knocking into something of falling etc. So most only carried 5 rds on an open cylinder
@ITW.Firearms that can't happen in the Vaquero. I have one I bought in 1999 it has the transfer bar safety.
That has a transfer bar. You can carry six rounds.
Force of habit
I'm more into double action however I'm not opposed to single action. Revolvers all the way, no interest in semis at all.
I only have a semi for conceal
You don’t have to leave a empty cylinder with a ruger! It has a hammer block safety! Put 6 inu
You're right. Force of habit from the Uberti
Ruger blackhawk and super Blackhawk is the toughest best shooting hunting revolver made. Unless you go to custom made. 😊
Sharp
I have a matched pair of blackhawk convertibles and I can shoot 325 grain +p bear loads ,the new vaquero cant.
Get a colt, pricey but youll never need another
The new Vaquero does NOT handle hot loads but the original model does.
I would love to make a video testing that out
@@ITW.Firearms I have put some heavy loads through my original Vaquero, 7” barrel and it handles them well. In some of the reloading manuals there is a section in the 45Colt data that says Ruger and Thompson Center ONLY.
Have had folks tell me that it does not apply to the New Vaquero and the Ruger web site confirms it.
The question is what is "hot"? Buffalo Bore has a 255gr load rated at 1000fps that is save in new Vaquero. I would say these are hot loads. But they also offer +p loads where they mention that they are only safe in old Vaqueros.
@@Gieszkanne A hot load is any load determined by the manufacturer that will exceed the safe limits of the firearm. I’d rather err on the safe side.
It has a transfer bar , you don’t have to cowboy carry
Force of habit I’ll be dropping
Wind very distracting. A little too much talk before getting to the gun.
Thanks for the critique. Will be getting a mic soon
Cowboy guns rule.
It has a transfer bar... you don't need to carry it on an empty cylinder.
UH, no, the New Vaquero CANNOT handle the max loads. Ruger says so, ammo makers say so, and other owners say so. The Old Vaquero could, but the New Vaq cannot. Ruger made it a bit smaller, so don't use +p or CprBon or the hott Buffalo Bore, or you just might earn a new nickname, "Stubby", or maybe "One Eye"
Do not shoot "Ruger Only" loads in the New Vaquero. It can take loads up to 23K psi, which is more than old Colts limited to 14Kpsi, but NOT 32Kpsi reserved for the Blackhawk and Redhawk.