Base Gun for a Custom 45 Colt Single Action Project?

[rWt]

I am considering using a Ruger New Vaquero as a base gun for a custom 45 Colt project.

Are the current cylinder throats good as is, or are people having custom cylinders made. If the later, are they buying base guns in .357 and then having the cylinders reamed out?

Same question for barrels, although I may be headed down the octagonal path.

Thank you.

[bushog]

I always use a .44 for .45 Colt conversions. I think the cylinders are longer than the .357s

[rWt]

.44 Rem Magnum good then?

Reamed out to .4525 throats?

[bamagreg]

Just curious, what do you gain by having a re-chambered cylinder in the medium frame "New Vaquero"? The factory cylinder throats are probably tight (.451"). Why not just open them up to .4525"?

[rWt]

Jul 22, 2024 12:33:00 GMT -5 bamagreg said:

Just curious, what do you gain by having a re-chambered cylinder in the medium frame "New Vaquero"? The factory cylinder throats are probably tight (.451"). Why not just open them up to .4525"?

Thank you.

Are Ruger's .45 Colt cylinder throats consistently and predictably running tight--.451?

[Encore64]

The Blackhawk I just bought is .4515" and very accurate. I got it for factory equivalent or slightly +P Loads.

Were I building a custom, I'd start with a 44 Magnum too. That way throats can be line bored and chambers cut appropriately tight.

[bamagreg]

Jul 22, 2024 12:46:36 GMT -5 rWt said:

Jul 22, 2024 12:33:00 GMT -5 bamagreg said:

Just curious, what do you gain by having a re-chambered cylinder in the medium frame "New Vaquero"? The factory cylinder throats are probably tight (.451"). Why not just open them up to .4525"?

Thank you.

Are Ruger's .45 Colt cylinder throats consistently and predictably running tight--.451?

Every one I've owned that was made in the last 20 years (maybe longer) has been tight.  A quick trip to Fermin (2-dogs) will take care of that.   

[Odin]

Is the New Vaquero chambered in 44 Magnum? I thought 44 Mag was only offered on the large frame guns…

[bamagreg]

Jul 22, 2024 14:00:38 GMT -5 Odin said:

Is the New Vaquero chambered in 44 Magnum? I thought 44 Mag was only offered on the large frame guns…

The late ones are stamped "New Vaquero" but the 44 mags are still on the original large frame

[bigbore5]

I think Rugers biggest problem is that the chambers are large. Throats being consistently tight is actually good in my book, because it's relatively cheap to have Fermin to correct them. He can't make the chamber smaller.

I would start with a 44 and have it chambered to Linebaugh's 45C specs.

[Professor]

The only oversize 45 colt Ruger cylinders Ive had were in 3-screw guns. The new models all tight, but others have different experiences. The 357 cylinders are shorter in length than 41, 44, and 45 cylinders. Not all smiths will open a 44 to 45, but some will. I like new vaquero, but like the original ones better.

[bushog]

Jul 22, 2024 14:00:38 GMT -5 Odin said:

Is the New Vaquero chambered in 44 Magnum? I thought 44 Mag was only offered on the large frame guns…

Sorry…guilty of not reading yet again….. you are correct….

[rWt]

Will a .44 mag cylinder from a large frame Vaquero work in a medium frame Vaquero?

[Odin]

Jul 23, 2024 5:56:26 GMT -5 rWt said:

Will a .44 mag cylinder from a large frame Vaquero work in a medium frame Vaquero?

Nope.

[Encore64]

Jul 23, 2024 5:56:26 GMT -5 rWt said:

Will a .44 mag cylinder from a large frame Vaquero work in a medium frame Vaquero?

No...the distance from the center axis of the cylinder to chamber centers are different on the two frames.

If you could locate a Midframe 44 Special Cylinder you'd be in a great starting point.