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45 ACP cylinder for Vaquero

37K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  Hondo44 
#1 ·
I'm probably gong to fix this yearning by buying a BH convertible, but if I did get the urge, will Ruger make me a cylinder for 45ACP to fit my Vaquero?
 
#2 ·
i had the same thought, and ruger told me that it is not available for the vaquero. i called hamilton bowen, who told me that he would fit a cylinder for around 500 bucks, and we both sort of agreed that it would be more economical (and more fun) to buy a BH convertible and just have two guns. he noted that it is impossible to sight in a fixed sight model for 2 calibers, since what is right for 45 colt will not be right for 45 acp. i ordered a BH convertible at my lgs, but it never came in and i lost interest.
 
#3 ·
If you talking about the original full sized Vaquero they are the same frame as the Blackhawks and use the same sized cylinders. One trick is to measure the length of your .45 Colt cylinder and look for an ACP cylinder no shorter than that. Generally they will fit and sometimes you'll actually get one to time up without gunsmithing it.

If you are talking about the smaller New Vaquero, there is no ACP cylinders available for them from Ruger as they have not made any. At that point your at the mercy of the custom gun builders.

Joe
 
#4 ·
Yep, this is the older Vaquero,,,,guess it wouldn't hurt to look for a cylinder...

Where do istart?
 
#7 ·
I looked around on the internet some,,,I will probably just buy a convertible Blackhawk,,makes more sense anyways...however, I see a spare 45 acp cyclinder out there, I may jump on it...you never know..
 
#8 ·
Vaquero 45 ACP cylinder

I have the original 45LC Vaquero(birds head grip), I emailed ruger with the same question, they replied that they never offered that option so it is not available.
Gary Reeder Custom Guns will make a 45ACP cylinder for the vaquero for $250. I think that is reasonable, check out his site, google Gary Reeder Custom Guns, he does great work.:cool:
 
#11 ·
I would have serious doubts about the utility value of a convertible with fixed sights. My SS Bisley convertible (5½") adjustable sights have plenty of adjustment room for both calibers. There is a considerable difference in point of impact with 200 gr bullets to 300 gr bullets (as a for instance). A revolver that doesn't shoot to the sights is not very useful, in my humble opinion...

FWIW
Dale53
 
#12 ·
Dale,

If your going from one extreme to the other I'm sure you are right. However if you shoot mostly factory type loads, say the 250-255gr .45 Colt and the 230gr .45 ACP my experience has been they hit so close to the same point the difference is negligible.

I have an OM BH .45 with a 7.5" barrel. I bought an ACP cylinder to burn up a couple thousand rounds of ACPs I had left over from my last 1911. I fired one cylinder of .45 Colts with 255gr bullets into a target at 25 yds then switched cylinders and shot another full cylinder of 230gr ACPs into the same target. You couldn't tell the difference. 12 holes in the same small group.

I think an ACP cylinder is more than worth the trouble, even if the pistol has fixed sights.

Joe
 
#14 ·
Well my wants or yearnings are for a Ruger Single Action .45acp so since I don't have a Ruger SA in .45LC! A new gun is going to be my approach or a good deal on a uesd gun. A Ruger BH convertible or a Ruger Vaquero BirdsHead in .45acp is my first choice but wow pricey!!!
 
#17 ·
The 45 Convertible BH is one of my favorites to plink with. Love the thump of the 45 Colt followed by the lighter hit of the 45 ACP.


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