Ruger Forum

wsteinborn · July 18th, 2012, 07:58 AM

Yesterday I received a New Vaquero birdshead in .45ACP

Today I went to the range, shooting at 15 yards. (Eyes getting old!)
This is a smooth shooting gun, with a trigger like butter.

It is shooting about 4 3/4 in low and a couple of inches left. For each of Federal FMJ, Winchester Ranger-T JHP, Wilson Combat LWSC.

Aiming at the red target. Had to move it around to get close to the center. 12-shot group.

I can file the top of the front sight to make the group come up.

How to change horizontally? File the rear notch to the right?

Colt Seavers · July 18th, 2012, 10:13 AM

Couple of things; first, every different type of ammo shoots differently. Therefore, I would try and find a specific brand or two of ammo that you like/plan to use often and shoots to POA before either home or proper gunsmithing your sights.
Second, the vaquero's grip is very differen from a gp100's (for instance). I would therefore also try to ensure that it is not an improper grip (especially for follow up shots after some readjusting of one's grip) that is not causing the anomoly(ies) brfore going down the home/proper gunsmithing route. It could even be a trigger pull problem because of a new grip.

I apologize if this comes across as 'user error' as I am not trying to imply lack of either skill or knowledge on your part, I just notice throughout the years that these things can be an overlooked culprit by everyone (myself included).

You should also have someone else shoo the weapon to verify it is the weapon's sights that are off and also try to fire the weapon from a ransom rest for instance as well.

If after all this the weapon is still shooting low and left, I would send it to ruger before spending money for a gunsmith to mess with it.

If ruger cannot fix it (assuming it is the weapon's flaw), only then would I either home or proper gunsmith it.

wsteinborn · July 18th, 2012, 11:23 AM

After I got home, I stuck a boresighting laser down the barrel. The bore is definately pointing to the left.

This is not my first single action, so I know about gripping it differently. This is my first fixed sight S/A. I tried a tight hold, very very loose hold, one hand, etc.

If I held it with just the middle and ring finger, and let it whip up, I got it higher but only about 2 inches and it felt really sloppy.

I tried 3 different loads (bulk FMJ, self defense JHP, and lead target loads). All hit fairly close together. My goal is to use the same ammo in this and my autoloader. I put 160+ rounds downrange.

Maybe I should contact Ruger.

Colt Seavers · July 18th, 2012, 11:36 AM

In that case, I would most definately contact ruger and provide them with all the information you've provided here thus far to expedite a fix from them and avoid at least an initial response like my first post. They'll set your shooting buddy straight.

rclark · July 18th, 2012, 01:54 PM

Shooting heavier bullets will drive the POI up. Be glad yours is shooting low! You can always file the front sight down to bring it up for your pet load. Just make sure before you do that you have 'picked' a load you are going to use...

My .44Spec Sheriff is shooting high, so I will eventually have to send back to Ruger to put a new taller sight on! Yes I could shoot lighter bullets, but I like the Skeeter load and want to stick with it.... Currently I have a super glued sliver of wood up on the front sight to get it POI down. The Sheriff also shot left. I ended up gluing a sliver of wood to the left side of the rear sight to push the sight picture right. Trimmed it back with a file until I was centered... I painted it silver and can hardly tell it's there.... I used soft balsa wood for easy adjustment.

wsteinborn · July 18th, 2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclark

... The Sheriff also shot left. I ended up gluing a sliver of wood to the left side of the rear sight to push the sight picture right. Trimmed it back with a file until I was centered... I painted it silver and can hardly tell it's there.... I used soft balsa wood for easy adjustment.

Now that is a nice non-permanent fix. Shoulddn't ruin the value.
Thanks!

Do you have a closeup photo of that?

rclark · July 18th, 2012, 05:00 PM

Here is a picture that I took before testing. Filed back as needed.... Then painted.

wsteinborn · July 19th, 2012, 01:01 PM

Just got an e-mail from Ruger telling me to call for an RMS # (not a label, darn it).

I called, and was on terminal hold. Finally left a message.

I hope they can resolve this very quickly. I got to really like that piece in the 160+ rounds I ran through it.

brimic · July 19th, 2012, 04:28 PM

Ruger fixed a Bearcat for me a few years ago with a similar problem, except that it shot about a foot low and afoot to the left. I think they asked what ammo I use and at what distance I normally shot it at (or maybe it was the gunsmith who sent it back for that asked that). When it came back, not only did it shoot within an inch o POA, but they also performed a trigger job on it, improving the trigger drastically.
The trip to Ruger and back took a couple of months.

wsteinborn · July 24th, 2012, 05:43 PM

They finally e-mailed a label and the gun will be delivered to Ruger tomorrow.

Now to see what happens......

wsteinborn · August 7th, 2012, 09:32 AM

OK, having heard NOTHING from Ruger, I just called. 18 minutes on hold !

They "worked on it" and took it to the range and still could not get POI and POA to get close to each other, so now it is in the shop for a new barrel.

My personal hunch is that the hole/channel in the frame, that the barrel is threaded into, is off. But I guess we will see.

And last week I went to a different gun store and found the one I had really wanted, which was in BLUE and $566 on the tag.

*sigh*

Frank V · August 7th, 2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colt Seavers

In that case, I would most definately contact ruger and provide them with all the information you've provided here thus far to expedite a fix from them and avoid at least an initial response like my first post. They'll set your shooting buddy straight.

This is good advise. I'd forget to mention any handloads!

The bbl can be turned to bring the front sight to center. You have to move the front sight in the OPPOSITE direction you want point of impact to go. Ruger should be able to fix that quickly. I'd also send a target with the gun using factory ammo, & not aiming at a different aiming poing. I'd aim center & show them where it's hitting for you.

Let us know what you decide. All of us here are Ruger fans.
I like fixed sighted six-guns!
Frank

I'm sorry, I forgot my manners. I forgot to congratulate you on your new six-gun!!! That New Vaquero in .45 ACP & with the Birdshead gripframe is becoming very popular.
FV

wsteinborn · August 7th, 2012, 11:19 AM

Frank, you should read my post above yours.
We are beyond that now. The Ruger boys and girls could not make it work, so they are putting on a new barrel.

wheelyfun101 · August 7th, 2012, 04:52 PM

Glad to see that you got the Birdshead you were wanting, but so sorry to hear that it wasn't right!

Sucks to wait for it to be made right, but eventually....you will get it back and it will be right...

did you have to trade off your S&W 625 for it?

My blued Vaq Birdshead hits right to POA with 230gr and also with 185 and 200 gr defensive loads (from 12 yds or less).

Just made a quick range visit today (100 rounds) and I continue to be in love with this gun!