Ruger Bisley Vaquero 45LC Questions

Tall Pine · October 13, 2006, 11:12 PM

1. Can you get a 45acp cylinder for it? The non-Vaquero Bisley (one with adj sights) seems to come with it in the stainless model.

2. Are there any limitations in using this gun in the different CAS competitions since it varies from the original Colt (ergo grip, safety stuff, etc).

3. Whats the difference between OLD or NEW Vaqueros (bisley or no bisley)? Seems like the old Vaqueros are coveted but I don't know why.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

timothy75 · October 14, 2006, 02:13 AM

1. You could have one made and fitted to your gun, but they dont sell them in stores. 2. Yes you could shoot that acusport bisley in CAS but you would have to shoot in modern class. 3. Old Vaqueros are liked because they were made on the oversized 44 frame and can handle magnum power 44's and 45's when handloaded. The new vaqueros can not.

Tall Pine · October 14, 2006, 09:15 AM

Thanks again 75. But the Vaquero model doesnt have adj sights. The "regular" Bisley (non-Vaquero) is the one with the adj sights.

Does this mean the Bisley Vaquero could be used in the non-modern events? I didnt know if the modified grip or the transfer bar safety thingie would force it into the modern class.

gunslinger454 · October 15, 2006, 12:23 AM

The modern category of CAS is for single actions with adjustable sights. The Vaqueros - old, new, & Bisley - have traditional styled fixed sights and are most often used in the Traditional category of SASS competition. Depending on the ammunition used and the style of shooting they can be used other categories as well; any category a Colt SAA can be used in a Vaquero can be used in as well.

As far a the differences between the New Vaquero and the original, size is the primary one. The Vaquero was originally built on the same frame as the Blackhawk & Super Blackhawk, and like them was capable of handling magnum level loads in all calibers, including .45 Colt. The New Vaquero is built on the same size frame as the original .357 Blackhawk last year’s 50th Anniversary Blackhawk (not the current 50th anniversary .44 Magnum Blackhawk which is larger). The bad news, for some, is that the new model isn’t capable of handling the same heavy loads as the old model. The .357 is the largest magnum it’s available in and stuffing a .45 Colt with magnum level loads is a good way blow up your gun, and possibly your hand. Personally I don’t see that as a handicap – magnum loads are most useful in adjustable sighted guns anyway.

For its intended purpose the New Vaquero is a much better model than the old. The biggest problem with the original Vaquero is its weight and its somewhat uncomfortable grip. The new model is both smaller and lighter, handling very much like a Colt Single Action Army, and like the Colt it has a very comfortable grip. With the original Vaquero the only model that came from the factory with a comfortable grip was the Bisley Vaquero. The new Vaqueros are not available in Bisley form.

October 13, 2006, 11:12 PM	#1
Tall Pine Member Join Date: November 3, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 90	Ruger Bisley Vaquero 45LC Questions 1. Can you get a 45acp cylinder for it? The non-Vaquero Bisley (one with adj sights) seems to come with it in the stainless model. 2. Are there any limitations in using this gun in the different CAS competitions since it varies from the original Colt (ergo grip, safety stuff, etc). 3. Whats the difference between OLD or NEW Vaqueros (bisley or no bisley)? Seems like the old Vaqueros are coveted but I don't know why. Thanks to anyone who replies.

October 15, 2006, 12:23 AM	#4
gunslinger454 Junior Member Join Date: October 13, 2006 Location: Jackson Purchase Area of Western KY Posts: 5	Bisley Vaquero The modern category of CAS is for single actions with adjustable sights. The Vaqueros - old, new, & Bisley - have traditional styled fixed sights and are most often used in the Traditional category of SASS competition. Depending on the ammunition used and the style of shooting they can be used other categories as well; any category a Colt SAA can be used in a Vaquero can be used in as well. As far a the differences between the New Vaquero and the original, size is the primary one. The Vaquero was originally built on the same frame as the Blackhawk & Super Blackhawk, and like them was capable of handling magnum level loads in all calibers, including .45 Colt. The New Vaquero is built on the same size frame as the original .357 Blackhawk last year’s 50th Anniversary Blackhawk (not the current 50th anniversary .44 Magnum Blackhawk which is larger). The bad news, for some, is that the new model isn’t capable of handling the same heavy loads as the old model. The .357 is the largest magnum it’s available in and stuffing a .45 Colt with magnum level loads is a good way blow up your gun, and possibly your hand. Personally I don’t see that as a handicap – magnum loads are most useful in adjustable sighted guns anyway. For its intended purpose the New Vaquero is a much better model than the old. The biggest problem with the original Vaquero is its weight and its somewhat uncomfortable grip. The new model is both smaller and lighter, handling very much like a Colt Single Action Army, and like the Colt it has a very comfortable grip. With the original Vaquero the only model that came from the factory with a comfortable grip was the Bisley Vaquero. The new Vaqueros are not available in Bisley form. __________________ JLA

October 14, 2006, 02:13 AM	#2
timothy75 Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2005 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,146	1. You could have one made and fitted to your gun, but they dont sell them in stores. 2. Yes you could shoot that acusport bisley in CAS but you would have to shoot in modern class. 3. Old Vaqueros are liked because they were made on the oversized 44 frame and can handle magnum power 44's and 45's when handloaded. The new vaqueros can not.

October 14, 2006, 09:15 AM	#3
Tall Pine Member Join Date: November 3, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 90	Thanks again 75. But the Vaquero model doesnt have adj sights. The "regular" Bisley (non-Vaquero) is the one with the adj sights. Does this mean the Bisley Vaquero could be used in the non-modern events? I didnt know if the modified grip or the transfer bar safety thingie would force it into the modern class.