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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 16, 2016 16:59:35 GMT -5
Aluminum grip frame showed up today, took about 4 hours to get all the black finish off, true up the surfaces, and refinish to 400 grit. Not sure if I want to high polish the grip frame or do a fine brushed finish on the rest of the gun.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 15, 2016 14:57:19 GMT -5
I received a similar response about another project last year. He's a very busy man these days.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 15, 2016 14:45:13 GMT -5
I agree, even a best grade from BCA would cost much less than the fully engraved #5 build.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 15, 2016 8:04:15 GMT -5
Timeless indeed, either cartridge loaded to it's full potential is something to behold.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 15, 2016 7:42:05 GMT -5
I thought that might be the case, excellent work!
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 15, 2016 7:36:33 GMT -5
If I had a welder and mill that would be a nice project.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 19:33:21 GMT -5
I wish they'd do the aluminum XR3, you can get close by reshaping a RED but not all the way there.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 19:25:32 GMT -5
Got my pawl plus in the mail and it works like a charm, though I still need a Belt Mountain pin to tighten up the cylinder play.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 13:16:46 GMT -5
Again, defeats the purpose. If the cartridge needs to be fiddled with then may as well load and shoot 45 colt! if I'm looking for a new model Blackhawk cylinder, are they all the same? no different dimensions out there like original and new vaquero? A BH is a BH? I have A LOT of .45 ACP brass... No, they are not. Guns starting with a two digit serial number will be large frame. Those with a three digit prefix are medium frame, which I believe are only the Flattop models at the present. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong there. Best idea if buying take off cylinders is to have them send you the length and diameter to confirm dimensions. Jeff Quinn has a nice article with the numbers here: www.gunblast.com/Ruger-NewVaquero.htm
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 12:14:17 GMT -5
I'm going to approach the weight reduction slowly. My first 44 was a 329PD so I've had a good deal of experience with hot loads in a 26 oz gun, I don't want to go that light in a single action. I'm guessing ~30 oz will be as light as I would want to touch off the full power 320+ gr loads with regularity.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 12:01:48 GMT -5
This is turning into a tighter race than I thought, all those 44 fans are keeping it lively.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 12:00:50 GMT -5
That blows! Hopefully it's an easy fix.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 11:57:56 GMT -5
Did a little fund raising and there is an original 3.75" 45 Colt Vaquero en route. There will soon be an aluminum grip frame to fit as well, I'm going to work up some max loads and see how I like it at ~33oz before I start shaving off more weight. After playing around with some different mock ups I think I'll keep the factory barrel length and reshape/serrate the front sight to start. After an action job and free spin pawl we should be in business. I'm excited!
The idea was to see if I still enjoy something this light with 30k psi loads, if so there may be a light weight 500 JRH or 480 Ruger in the works next year. Along the lines of Bowen's 50AE lightweight but without going to titanium route. JRH seems to be the man for this type of project.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 14, 2016 11:43:15 GMT -5
They are currently making the New Vaqueros in both 45 Colt and ACP, blued or stainless finish for either caliber. I gave up on waiting and just found one of the large framed 45s for a good deal.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 13, 2016 18:57:33 GMT -5
I have to agree about shooting steel, it's my favorite most of the time. My current practice is to sight in on paper at 25, then fine tune at 50. After shooting plenty of 12" plates at 50 yards I'll try paper at 100.
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