Original Vaquero: Can a 45 ACP Cylinder Be Had?

[blackmamba]

I recently obtained an original Vaquero in 45 Colt, which shoots beautifully.  Is there any way to get a 45 ACP cylinder for it, and if so, how?
Thanks!

[nicholst55]

Here you go:


Ruger Blackhawk .45 ACP Cylinder 

BTW, no guarantee that it will fit YOUR gun.

[shorty500]

Easiest way I’d think would be to shop online for a used one if you can either fit it yourself or have a local gunsmith that’s versed in properly doing so to do it. Next alternative would be see if one of the big names guys has a pull off from a conversion build

[blackmamba]

Thanks, guys!

[contender]

Can it be done?

Yes.

Best advice,, is to get measurements PRIOR to a purchase.

First off, get a OAL from the rear of the ratchet to the front of the cylinder boss. You will need a cylinder with the same OR,, slightly longer dimensions than your existing cylinder. You can always hone down the boss section a few thousands to properly fit the OAL!

Next,, make sure the Outside Diameter of the cylinder is the same (approximately) as your current cylinder. Buy a cylinder like that.


Oh,,, and make sure it's a cylinder for a New Model, NOT a 3-screw Old Model. The cylinder boss is different on those.

[Professor]

Ive sold all of my convertible cylinders here in the lounge. Most fit in the new owners guns with minimal fitting. Be sure to get the correct size either new vaquero which is shorter length than the new model super blackhawk frame size. You could have a 41 mag cylinder rebored. The 357 cylinders are shorter in length.

[singleaction]

Aug 10, 2024 8:07:19 GMT -5 Professor said:

Ive sold all of my convertible cylinders here in the lounge. Most fit in the new owners guns with minimal fitting. Be sure to get the correct size either new vaquero which is shorter length than the new model super blackhawk frame size. You could have a 41 mag cylinder rebored. The 357 cylinders are shorter in length.

The 41 mag cylinders are longer than 357, but shorter than 44mag/45 Colt.

[Jamey Worrell]

Aug 9, 2024 18:08:26 GMT -5 blackmamba said:

I recently obtained an original Vaquero in 45 Colt, which shoots beautifully.  Is there any way to get a 45 ACP cylinder for it, and if so, how?
Thanks!

Blued or stainless?

[blackmamba]

[marcruger]

Something to consider: Are you looking to have a convertible and switch cylinders back and forth, or a dedicated 45acp Vaquero?
In a Blackhawk with adjustable sights getting both cartridges sighted in is easy. In a Vaquero the sights are for intents and purposes “fixed”. Hard enough getting one accurate load to sight in on a fixed sight gun. Two different cartridges? If the application is very short ranged, then no worries. Anything longer may be frustrating if you plan to switch cylinders back and forth. Best of luck with this.

[Jamey Worrell]

PM sent...

[harveylogan]

Yes they can be had, ~$140 +/-


Another consideration is Starline Cowboy Special, 45 ACP length with a rim.

www.starlinebrass.com/45-cowboy-special

Don’t hand load, good time to start, $140 will get you there, and save money in the long run.

[nicholst55]

In my experience, take-off cylinders have REALLY increased in price recently. The days of buying a .45 ACP Blackhawk cylinder for $125-150 are over - at least based on what I see on Gun Broker or Ebay.

[Jamey Worrell]

Aug 14, 2024 8:42:28 GMT -5 nicholst55 said:

In my experience, take-off cylinders have REALLY increased in price recently. The days of buying a .45 ACP Blackhawk cylinder for $125-150 are over - at least based on what I see on Gun Broker or Ebay.

You guys need to hush...you're costing BlackMamba $$$

[nicholst55]