AJ
US Veteran
What are the pro's & con's of the Ruger New Vaquero Birdshead Grip revolvers?
Pro's & Con's of the Ruger New Vaquero Birdshead Grip revolvers
- Thread starter AJ
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
I like how they feel in hand and point naturally. I found no cons.
I can't help you with the New Model Vaquero, but I do have an Old Model Vaquero in .45 Colt with birdshead grips and I really like it.
I normally carry it in a shoulder rig.
I normally carry it in a shoulder rig.
The only downside to the new Vaquero that I know of is you’re not supposed to shoot “Ruger only” loads in em. For that reason I prefer the original Vaquero, of which I only have one. It’s a 1 of 1000 3 5/8 inch sheriff is model in 45 Colt from Accusport in 2000, and it has the regular plow handle grip frame. As a bonus, it came with a factory 45 acp cylinder that was fit after it left the factory.
Attachments
Last edited:
If it is a New Vaquero with a 2 digit serial number prefix you can shoot heavy loads in them. That identifies it as a heavy frame gun. The 3 digit prefix guns are the smaller frames and you don't want to go with heavy loads. I had a New Vaquero in 44 mag. Should've kept it.
Last edited:
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I own 4 Old Model Vaqueros, the only Birds Head New Model I've shot was borrowed and shot with light reloads of about 200 grain @ 700 fps (Cowboy Action ammo) I held on to it fine. But with the 255-grain factory ammo and Silver Tip Hollow Points 185-grain factory, the recoil rolled that round high polished grip in my hand. There was no second shot without readjusting the grip! So, think twice before thinking of CCW.
Ivan
Ivan
Pisgah
Member
Pro's: Some people love the grips.
Con's: Some don't.
Con's: Some don't.
Casual Smith Nut
Member
AJ,
I’ve had the opportunity to spend some range time both with the new vaquero 45 acp birdshead 3.75” and the same gun in 45 colt. I found that the grip FOR ME had much more felt recoil in anything above the lower end of moderate loads… think 230-255gr at approx 800fps. It became unpleasant after a cylinder full. Others with me who were shooting the same guns had the same experience. Your experience could be different. The same loads in a standard plough handle grip frame didn’t give the same unpleasant recoil. The grips on the examples I had were the factory dark gray wood made by altamont I think. The grips fit wasn’t great though as many altamont grips lack the rounded edges and beveling to mate well with the grip frame, particularly at the top of the frame where the web of the hand meets the thumb. Maybe with different grips it would be different.
That’s my personal experience and it’s worth what you paid for it. I’ve heard from others who absolutely love the birdshead grips on big bore revolvers. You’ll just have to try it to see for yourself if it’s something for you or not… and have fun doing it Lol.
In summary:
- Pros: cool looking, more portable grip so less bulky
- Cons: recoil unpleasant for me beyond powder puff loading level. However could be mitigated with proper fitting grips to remove any sharp edges… likely applicable to any big bore gun.
I’ve had the opportunity to spend some range time both with the new vaquero 45 acp birdshead 3.75” and the same gun in 45 colt. I found that the grip FOR ME had much more felt recoil in anything above the lower end of moderate loads… think 230-255gr at approx 800fps. It became unpleasant after a cylinder full. Others with me who were shooting the same guns had the same experience. Your experience could be different. The same loads in a standard plough handle grip frame didn’t give the same unpleasant recoil. The grips on the examples I had were the factory dark gray wood made by altamont I think. The grips fit wasn’t great though as many altamont grips lack the rounded edges and beveling to mate well with the grip frame, particularly at the top of the frame where the web of the hand meets the thumb. Maybe with different grips it would be different.
That’s my personal experience and it’s worth what you paid for it. I’ve heard from others who absolutely love the birdshead grips on big bore revolvers. You’ll just have to try it to see for yourself if it’s something for you or not… and have fun doing it Lol.
In summary:
- Pros: cool looking, more portable grip so less bulky
- Cons: recoil unpleasant for me beyond powder puff loading level. However could be mitigated with proper fitting grips to remove any sharp edges… likely applicable to any big bore gun.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Succinct and to the point-I like it.
I absolutely agree with smith nut
BigMuddy
Member
For me:
Pros, they look cool.
Cons, I hate shooting them.
Dan
Pros, they look cool.
Cons, I hate shooting them.
Dan
BigMuddy
Member
One of the dumbest things Ruger ever did was releasing the medium frame gun and not coming up with a name other than “Vaquero”. Please, there’s no need to explain the difference to me. I get it. But start explaining that difference to a newcomer and you will see the definition of frustration. Would be much easier if there were different names. Sorry for the “drift”.
Dan
Dan
Erich
Member
For me, the mild recoil of the .45 ACP in this revolver is directed straight back allowing me to maintain control. The low SBH hammer is easy and fast to manipulate.
I've shot one of the original Vaquero birdsheads in .44 Magnum ... straight back, yowza. There's a round that is better suited to having the gun roll in the hand in recoil.
I've shot one of the original Vaquero birdsheads in .44 Magnum ... straight back, yowza. There's a round that is better suited to having the gun roll in the hand in recoil.
If it is a New Vaquero with a 2 digit serial number prefix you can shoot heavy loads in them. That identifies it as a heavy frame gun. The 3 digit prefix guns are the smaller frames and you don't want to go with heavy loads. I had a New Vaquero in 44 mag. Should've kept it.
The original Vaquero 1993 to 2005 has a two digit serial number, the new Vaquero 2005 to present has a three digit serial number. The new Vaquero is smaller and has a smaller diameter cylinder with thinner walls.
Ruger Vaquero Serial Number History
Ruger New Vaquero Serial Number History
Last edited:
OP
AJ
US Veteran
Took the New Vaquero to the range this morning. Using 5.6 grains of Bullseye with a 250 grain bullet there was considerable rolling of the revolver in my hand. A friend had another load of 4.5 grains of Bullseye with a 230 grain bullet and it was much friendlier to the shooter. Also seemed more accurate. He has a New Vaquero with a 6 inch barrel and the plow shaped grip. Now I am considering find a new grip frame for mine. Just punching paper with this so I can be somewhat experimental with it.
Erich
Member
OP
AJ
US Veteran
Sorry, yes it is a .45 Colt.
bananaman
Member
Only my opinion, but they don't feel right or look right. Had a 45Colt Bisley, which felt great! Currently have a 45 Colt Blackhawk Convertible with oversize target stocks. Bob
Last edited:
I never cared for the feel or the looks of the gun.
I think if they had copied the Colt 1877 or the 1878 style and given the backstrap a 'knuckle' at the top it would have done a lot for the style.
Plus given the revolver much more control with heavier loads.
Maybe not such a drastic round butt shape either.
I think if they had copied the Colt 1877 or the 1878 style and given the backstrap a 'knuckle' at the top it would have done a lot for the style.
Plus given the revolver much more control with heavier loads.
Maybe not such a drastic round butt shape either.
