[Pistol_Pete]

Originally Posted by indy36

Sounds like you need a Ruger Vaquero.

+1 my dad has one and its sweet. 45 lc

[dalv]

Ah, the plot thickens! Looks like I have some investigation ahead of me as I embark on a brave new world

So, if I have it right the older non transfer bar have the 4 clicks - I gotta try one of them just to see what it is all about then check out the newer models.

I saw a Bird's Head Vaquero over at Gunblast that is s-w-e-e-t! Not sure how it handles with the grip shape but it sure is purty. http://www.gunblast.com/Birdshead.htm

Gawd, I love this stuff - picking up the Redhawk tomorrow night which I haven't even shot yet but looking for the next one. I hope Steve doesn't have a SA at the shop when I go there tomorrow - just got Momma to agree to the latest one.

[Bob Wright]

Incidentally, a four screw single action Ruger, or any other Colt or clone single action, can be cocked silently without dragging the hammer over the trigger sear. This should only be done with experienced single action users, though, and after settling into you stand and getting still.

When loaded properly, with an empty chamber under the hammer, bring the hammer to full cock. Then ease the hammer back down to the loading position. The cylinder remains locked, with a live round under the hammer. If this unsettles you, place a rawhide thong between the hammer and frame.

When ready to fire, hold the trigger rearward as you cock the hammer, and release it when fully cocked. Not a sound (click) will be heard.

You can't do this with a New Model Blackhawk.

Bob Wright

[Halfwatt]

So the Ruger catches my eye! The Uberti looks nice too. I do believe I want a traditional single action revolver. I'm thinking Eastwood style. Not "Dirty Harry" though. More like "Blondie"(The Good,the Bad, and the Ugly) or "Hang'em High".

[eric1229]

I have a ruger vaquero in 45lc...great wheel gun. Put some new ruger grips on that gives a more full grip. Love the gun, shoots great!

[Colby]

Originally Posted by Bob Wright

Ruger does ofer this service, and for free. BUT.......

If you want the transfer bar safety, buy a New Model Blackhawk. Those converted are turned into revolvers with stiff, gritty trigger pulls and clackety-clack actions. If you don't want, or are scared of a traditional single action, sell it or trade it. I've had one Super Blackhawk so converted and bought two already converted. They are all now back in their original condition.

Here is a converted three-screw .357 Magnum I bought several years ago:



The same gun, now a .44 Special and back to original configuration:



Bob Wright

Bob,
Hope you don't mind explaining to a not so well versed mate - about your gun. You converted this gun from 357 to 44 Mag? How? Replace barrel and cylinder? Is that easy stuff to do??
Thank.

[trainman]

I have two Vaqueros in LC. One is in stainless steel, and the other blue with that cool colored frame. Great shooting guns. I don't care about clicks. I wish I could find a good used one in .357, but they seem scarce these days.

[Bob Wright]

Originally Posted by Colby

Bob,
Hope you don't mind explaining to a not so well versed mate - about your gun. You converted this gun from 357 to 44 Mag? How? Replace barrel and cylinder? Is that easy stuff to do??
Thank.

The original .357 Magnum cylinder was re-bored and chambered to .44 Special. In my case the original barrel was re-bored and rifled to .429" dia. But a new .44 barrel, either from a .44 Magnum or a custom, can be used.

Esy to do? If you're Dave Clements who did my work, I reckon its easy. I couldn't do it, though. It is a job left to an experienced gunsmith.

Why do it? The original Ruger .357 were built on a medium frame, hence are lighter and more compact than current Ruger .44 Magnums. The new .44 Special Flat Top is an exception, going back to the old mid-size frame. But then, it is a transfer-bar model.

Bob Wright

[Halfwatt]

I just got to play with a Ruger today. Very nice. Both the 4.20 inch and the 5.5 inch. They both shot great.

[Halfwatt]

I just got the 5.50 inch Vaquero in. 357. Love it. Put 40 rounds through it this last Sunday.