Ruger Vaquero Birds Head Features
Look and Feel of the Old West. Introduced in 1993, the Ruger Vaquero quickly became one of the most popular handguns in the sport of Cowboy Action shooting. Then in 2004, the gun underwent a major design change.
The new version of the Vaquero is based on the beloved Ruger original model Blackhawk. With this latest edition, Ruger has returned to the highly acclaimed shape and size of the XR3 grip, which was first used on the 1851 Colt Navy revolver.
While the original model Vaquero was heavy duty, virtually indestructible, and capable of handling the heaviest magnum loads, it also received many complaints concerning its massive size and weight relative to other Cowboy Action revolvers– which is what eventually forced Ruger to make the extensive design changes.
For starters, the new model Vaquero has a frame that has been lightened by 20%. In fact, a 20% shrinkage occurs everywhere except for the bore. A bevel has been added to the forward end of the cylinder, where the cylinder itself was shortened.
Chamber alignment with the loading gate was also improved to prevent over rotation. The hammer spur, which has been swept back, makes the new Vaquero Birdsheard easier to cock. The ejector rod knob is now a crescent shape like the old Colts and is much easier on both the hand and eye.
Constructed out of solid steel, the ejector rod housing and grip frame have also seen an upgrade over some of the early original parts that were made out of aluminum. Ruger has incorporated a key lock system into the new Vaquero. Like many other firearms manufacturers, this became necessary due to the idiotic gun laws passed in many parts of the country requiring firearms to have such a device.
Unlike those found on most guns, the Ruger system goes unnoticed and in no way detracts from the lines or appearance of the revolver. The lock is hidden beneath the grip panels. Once the grip panel has been removed, the key is inserted and rotated to the Vaquero Birdshead’s action.
The Ruger Vaquero Birdshead uses the transfer bar ignition system, which makes carrying a revolver with a fully loaded cylinder absolutely safe. Until the trigger is deliberately pulled, the gun is incapable of firing and there is no risk of unintentional discharge if the gun is dropped or banged.
For iron sights, the gun wears an excellent set of traditional U-notch fixed rear paired with a blade front configuration that gets on target well. The gun is chambered in .45ACP, has a 3-3/4″ barrel and a deep blue steel finish that provide the revolver with its unmistakably handsome appearance. A set of Birdshead black laminate grips closely follows the contour of the shooter’s hand and allow for easy operation of the new Vaquero.
While Ruger does not provide a written warranty, the company has always promptly, professionally and courteously repaired the extremely limited number of malfunctioning firearms we’ve sent them. In our humble opinion, they have a better warranty and service track record than many manufacturer’s offering a so-called “limited lifetime” policy (which by the way, is not your lifetime, but what that particular manufacturer perceives to be the life of the gun).
Overall, the Ruger Vaquero Birdshead is a throwback design that captures the essence of America’s most storied gunfighter era and is expertly engineered for years of dependable service.
Ruger Vaquero Birds Head Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Family: Vaquero Series
- Model: Vaquero Birds Head
- Type: Revolver
- Action: Single Action
- Caliber/gauge: 45 ACP
- Finish: Blue
- Frame: Steel Frame
- Stock/grips: Black Laminate Gun Fighter
- Barrel: 3.75″
- Capacity: 6
- Sights: Fixed
- Weight: 2 Lbs. 5 Oz.
- Safety Features: Transfer Bar