Ruger Vaquero Question

[AJ]

Do the Ruger Vaqueros have a half cock? I thought they did away with the half cock by using the open loading gate to spin the cylinder for loading.

 

[s&wchad]

You're correct on both counts.

No half cock and opening the loading gate allows the cylinder to spin. They have a transfer bar safety, which prevents the gun from firing if you fumble the hammer while cocking.

Mine are early large frame Vaquero's worked over by Gary Reeder.

 

[pantannojack]

I recently handled a stainless 44 spcl with Micro rear sight and Bisley grip frame. It felt gummy rather than stiff to turn the cylinder with the gate open. There was no click when rotating. Over all it was a nice solid feeling revolver. I don't know if the Micro is original, but it appeared NIB. May or not be Vaquero.

 

[pasound]

I have two Vaquero 44's, built nearly 10 years apart. No half cock, and the cylinder moves fine (in one direction). But with the loading gate open most Ruger SA's have a little bit of "free spin".
A Wrangler spins freely both ways when the gate is open.

 

[robvious]

they make a "Free spin pawl" kit that allows an old model Vaquero cylinder to spin both ways with the loading gate open.. not necessarily needed but nice.

 

[AJ]

My Birds Head gripped Vaquero will spin either way.

 

[alwslate]

The Wrangler has a free spin pawl. My guess is that the free spin pawl feature will become standard in all new Ruger single action revolvers.

 

[AJ]

Thank you for the replies, gentlemen.

 

[DR505]

I have an old model Vaquero. It originally came as a .40 S&W but had Alan Harton make it a 10mm and add adjustable sights.:

 

[Muley Gil]

Do the Ruger Vaqueros have a half cock? I thought they did away with the half cock by using the open loading gate to spin the cylinder for loading.

IIRC, some CAS shooters have modified their Rugers to have a half-cock notch.