Kitchen Table "Custom" Vaquero

[x101airborne]

With advice and encouragement from the good folks here, I decided to try my hand at a "kitchen table custom" Vaquero. 
This is the new, smaller frame Vaquero in 45 Colt. 
It started off life from a Vietnam Veteran friend of mine and I have posted about it a couple times in the past. It was a birdshead model with either a 3 or 3 1/2 inch barrel. The birdshead grip and my meat grabbers did NOT play well together. One of the good people here sold me an aluminum Blackhawk grip frame for a very affordable price. After using a file to remove the ears on the gripframe, it all installed pretty easily and all the original New Vaquero parts fit in well. I am still going to see Ronnie some time soon I hope as I believe there is still a better mate to my hands available. Plus going to the aluminum frame saved a lot of weight. 

Besides still wanting to send it off for a proper action tune and trigger job, I am thinking about sights. I was wondering for a rear sight that is roughly adjustable and near bullet proof, would it be better to have the frame milled out for a Micro rear sight or just do a sort of blade dove tailed into the frame? Also, not really caring for the "half dime" front sight, what front sights are available that would sit low enough to the barrel for proper line of sight? I know Fermin will cut me near anything I want, but I need to know what I really need before wasting anyone elses time. Any of you good folks gone down this road before? Got any hints or suggestions? Also, who would yall suggest I get in line with to have the trigger job and action tune done?

Thanks in advance!  

[jgt]

I would opt for a dovetailed front sight with a patridge-type blade. Rear would be something like Justin Linebaugh uses or a Smith & Wesson. Good luck on your project.

[needsmostuff]

I second the dovetail /Patridge front idea .
And Yup , maybe not pretty but if you take your time you can do them at the kitchen table.

[x101airborne]

The sights I will pay someone to do. I just need to gather the parts.
Thanks for the replies so far.

[x101airborne]

Does anyone know who made or where to find the old "Micro" brand of rear revolver sights?

[bigmuddy]

I have purchased front sights from Freedom Arms made for their fixed sight guns requiring a dove tail. Have them on two Vaqueros. There are a few different heights available and can be filed if needed as well. Provides a good sharp sight picture and allows some adjustment.

Dan

[x101airborne]

Thank you Dan!

[squawberryman]

Santa's bringing Trey an old Micro, square front from a 357 Blackhawk

[x101airborne]

Yeah. As we spoke on the phone, Im standing by the mailbox waiting on the invoice. LOL.
Thank you so much for the sight. I really do appreciate it.

Anyone know of a 'smith that will set the sights up and do the milling?

And a "thank you" to Fermin. He called me about setting me up with a front sight. What a great group of guys here!!!

I got a "pay it forward" due so anyone who needs something, holler at me!

[contender]

We'll be needing a few pics,, when it's done.

[x101airborne]

Oh yes! Yes! Pics are manditory!
Shot some 300 grain "boulder breakers" the other day. Really not all that bad, but it is not a Sunday afternoon load.

[messybear]

This is a bit late so sorry for that.
We have put in just the dovetail front and had plenty of adjustment. Then you can add witness marks and r and r the sights using different heights. You can contour the front for holster use as well. I like a modified patridge with a bit of relief on the top for holstering.
Eliminates the need for an adjustable rear. Then you can open the rear to allow better visibility with a wider front blade. Makes Vaquero sights as visible as most adjustable ones. Also on the rear, we have been experimenting with different contours and finishes on the frame around the notch to cut glare and reflection.
Might be able to con a couple guys to offer up pictures of their sights.

[JM]

Bead blast finish is nice to reduce glare. Apply completely or just along the top.

[bigbrowndog]

I took a birdshead gripped Vaquero and converted it to Bisley as well, redid the rear sight trough with a better idea and had a ramped FO placed on it. It became the inspiration for my avatar gun 500L, I took the stainless and polished it to look nickel and have never had any issue with it spooking game. It’s first game was a bobcat at 25-30 yards, barrel length is 3.5” - 3.75” can’t recall exactly. It shoots 265gr. Speer JHP to 3” at 50 easily. It is one of my favorite carry guns for the ranch.

Trapr

[x101airborne]

NICE!!
I am not worried about the finish spooking game, I am concerned with being able to have a crisp sight picture with the bright sun (that God has seemed to bless S. Texas with freaking constantly).