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Question for'eastbank' about .44-40 Vaqueros

rareblair
Eastbank..., In an earlier post you mentioned that some older Vaqueros had .426-.427 cylinder throats with .429-.430 barrels.

If I were to go shopping for a Vaquero in .44-40 how would I know whether the gun I'm looking at had this problem or not? Did this only apply to a certain serial number range, or varient, or do you take calipers, or ball gauges and micrometers, to measure, or just how do you know?

Sorry if this sounds foolish, I'd just never heard about this before and wanted to know how to tell what to look for, and how.

Thanks,
Blair
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Comments

2 comments

Date Votes
  • Killian19
    I found out that all the Vaqueros had the problem, when I went to purchase one in 44-40. At time Ruger was offering 44mag with an extra cylinder in 44-40, which was discontued, or maybe never deliver. After a year or so the 44-40 were dropped. I even called Ruger and was told they were working on the problem, and production would continue once sloved, it never happened. In fact the surplus 44-40 cylinders were sold to Gun Parts, who only got around 100 when Ruger was telling produuction would continue, and sold out immediately. If your shooting 44-40. Vaqueros aren't good. I have several EMF Deluxe Hardfords made in 1995-97 that are great before all the problems. They grade above Navy Arms Uberti (1998). I also have Great Western (1957 era) that listed for $99.00 when Colts were reintroduced at $125. I would go for the Italian Clones. Sorry for the mis spelling bu I had eye surgey, and cann't see to good the from 0 to 18", which means maybe my shooting days are over.
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  • Hawk Carse
    I don't know but if you fall in love with a .44-40 Ruger, Cylindersmith will ream the throats to .4305" for $30 + $10 return shipping.
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