Ruger Vaquero .45 Long Colt Revolver, 4.6" Barrel, Silver – 5158 For Sale

Is the Ruger Vaquero discontinued?

No, the Ruger Vaquero is not discontinued. Ruger continues to produce this model, known for its classic design inspired by Old West single-action revolvers.

What is a 45 long colt good for?

The .45 Long Colt is a versatile cartridge with several uses:

1. **Hunting**: It is suitable for hunting medium to large game at short to moderate ranges due to its stopping power and effectiveness.

2. **Self-Defense**: The .45 Long Colt can be used for self-defense, offering significant stopping power, though it is less common for this purpose compared to more modern calibers.

3. **Target Shooting**: Enthusiasts use it for target shooting and cowboy action shooting due to its manageable recoil and historical appeal.

4. **Historical and Collectible Firearms**: The cartridge has historical significance and is popular among collectors and enthusiasts of cowboy or Old West firearms.

Overall, the .45 Long Colt is favored for its versatility and historical background.

What is the difference between the Ruger Vaquero and the new Vaquero?

The Ruger Vaquero and the New Vaquero are both single-action revolvers popular for their classic western styling and rugged construction, but there are notable differences between them:

1. **Size and Frame**: The original Ruger Vaquero, produced from 1993 to about 2005, is built on a larger, heavier frame similar to the Ruger Blackhawk. The New Vaquero, introduced in 2005, is built on a smaller frame that more closely resembles the size and weight of the original Colt Single Action Army revolvers.

2. **Grips and Ergonomics**: The New Vaquero has slightly more compact grips and an improved grip angle for better handling, making it more appealing to those looking for a more traditional feel.

3. **Sights**: While both versions have fixed sights, the New Vaquero features a wider rear sight notch and a narrower front sight, offering improved sight picture and accuracy.

4. **Safety Mechanism**: The New Vaquero incorporates Ruger’s transfer bar safety mechanism, which prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed, enhancing safety over the older model.

5. **Markings and Aesthetics**: The New Vaquero has roll markings and finishes that more closely resemble classic revolvers, making it more attractive to those interested in historical accuracy and cowboy action shooting.

6. **Ammunition Compatibility**: While both handle standard caliber loads, the original Vaquero’s heavier frame can withstand more powerful loads, whereas the New Vaquero is designed for standard pressure ammunition due to its smaller frame.

These differences reflect Ruger’s response to customer feedback requesting a more traditional-sized revolver for cowboy action shooting and historical authenticity.

What ammo does a Ruger Vaquero use?

The Ruger Vaquero is typically chambered for .357 Magnum or .45 Colt ammunition. It’s important to verify the specific chambering of your firearm, as different models may support different calibers.

What is the difference between single action and double-action?

Single-action and double-action refer to the mechanisms by which firearms, especially handguns, operate.

1. **Single-Action**:
– In a single-action firearm, pulling the trigger performs only one action: releasing the hammer or striker to fire the gun.
– The hammer must be manually cocked before the trigger can be pulled. This might be done manually by the user or by the cycling of the slide in semi-automatic handguns or after each shot in revolvers.
– Single-action firearms generally have a lighter and shorter trigger pull since the hammer is already cocked.

2. **Double-Action**:
– In a double-action firearm, pulling the trigger performs two actions: cocking the hammer and then releasing it to fire.
– Double-action revolvers and semi-automatics allow the trigger to both cock and release the hammer, enabling the gun to be fired without manually cocking the hammer first.
– Double-action triggers tend to be longer and require more pressure compared to single-action, but they allow for quicker successive shots since manual cocking is not necessary.

Some firearms are capable of both single-action and double-action operation. These are often referred to as double-action/single-action (DA/SA) firearms, where the first shot can be fired in double-action mode with subsequent shots in single-action mode after the slide has cocked the hammer.

Does Ruger Vaquero have a safety?

The Ruger Vaquero has a transfer bar safety mechanism. This safety system prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, making the revolver safer to carry with all chambers loaded.

Will 45 Long Colt stop a bear?

The .45 Long Colt is a powerful handgun cartridge, traditionally used for self-defense and hunting. However, when it comes to stopping a bear, especially a large and potentially aggressive one, the .45 Long Colt might not be the most reliable choice. Bears can have thick hides, dense bones, and substantial muscle mass, which require a lot of stopping power to ensure a quick and humane stop.

For bear defense, many experts recommend larger caliber firearms or those designed for big game, such as the .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, or even higher power rifles and shotguns with slugs. Bullet placement, penetration, and energy are critical factors, and even with a suitable caliber, stopping a bear effectively can be challenging. If you are in bear country and concerned about bear defense, it’s essential to carry a firearm specifically recommended for that purpose and to consider other measures like bear spray as well.

Is a 45 Long Colt as powerful as a 44 magnum?

No, the .45 Long Colt is generally not as powerful as the .44 Magnum. The .44 Magnum typically has higher pressure and energy, resulting in greater velocity and stopping power compared to the .45 Long Colt. While both cartridges can be effective for various purposes, the .44 Magnum is often preferred for tasks requiring more power, such as big game hunting.

Is 45 Colt more powerful than 9mm?

Yes, the .45 Colt is generally more powerful than the 9mm. The .45 Colt typically fires a larger and heavier bullet at moderate velocities, which results in greater stopping power and energy. In contrast, the 9mm is known for its higher velocity and moderate recoil, making it a popular choice for self-defense and law enforcement. While both cartridges are effective for their intended purposes, the .45 Colt has the edge in terms of raw power.

What gun is Ruger best known for?

Ruger is best known for the Ruger 10/22, which is a widely popular semi-automatic rifle favored for its reliability, versatility, and ease of use.

What is the quintessential cowboy gun?

The quintessential cowboy gun is often considered to be the Colt Single Action Army revolver, also known as the “Peacemaker.” This iconic firearm, introduced in 1873, was widely used in the American West and became a symbol of the cowboy era.

What is the most powerful Ruger revolver?

The most powerful Ruger revolver is typically considered to be the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan chambered in .454 Casull. This revolver is known for its robust design and is capable of firing the high-pressure .454 Casull cartridge, which offers significant power and stopping capability.

Does Ruger still make the old army?

No, Ruger no longer manufactures the Old Army revolver. Production of the Ruger Old Army ended in 2008.

Does Ruger make a vaquero in 44 Magnum?

Yes, Ruger does make a Vaquero model available in .44 Magnum.

Does Ruger still make the single six Hunter?

As of my last update, Ruger’s Single-Six Hunter model was still part of their product lineup. However, availability can change, and it’s always a good idea to check Ruger’s official website or contact a local dealer for the most current information on specific models.