Does anyone out there have any experience with the Ruger Vaquero? How hard and how does it cut?

Lee Griffiths
8/29/2006 9:45:19 AM

I engraved a couple SS Vaqueros. It wasn't too hard for stainless - the cylinder was a little harder than the frame or barrel. I just had to sharpen a bit more than usual. A Ruger #1 stainless rifle was harder metal for me - and it was still doable, especially with Lindsay's carbalt gravers.

John

John Vukos
8/29/2006 10:12:40 AM

hi lee.. i at one time refused to do a ruger but since i have been using Lindsay's cobalt chisels i will do them but , i will charge more for a ruger because of the hardness of the steel .. Ron p.

Ron Nott
8/29/2006 12:16:59 PM

I have not done an actual Vaquero, but have done a few S.S. Blackhawks and like all other Rugers, some can be decent and some downright impossible. I'm sure this holds true on the Vaquero as well. Just beware when you attempt them. You might get a couple of good ones and then get that nasty one when you least expect it!

Rex Pedersen
8/29/2006 2:15:35 PM

Lee, I've done several.........SS and carbon steel....no problems.
The cylinders and loading gates are slightly harder.
On SS,carbide gives a "gummy" cut......HSS gives a brighter cut but dulls quicker.
Go ahead and have at it.While your there,have one of your gunsmith friends remove the barrel and spin sand that safety booklet that the factory roll stamped all over it. The shorter barrels will have to have the front sight removed and replaced. The slightly smaller diameter barrel will not affect the ejector rod housing.
Brian

Brian Powley
8/29/2006 3:13:05 PM

Lee...The Vaqueros I have done in the past I found the barrels and the cylinders the hardest. Backstrap, trigger guard and frame no problem. I used to use industrial hacksaw blades to make my chisels, but like Ron and John mentioned Lindsay's Carbalt gravers will work fine. I like a 50 degree face and a 15 degree heel. As for the lettering on the barrel, all I do is remove the injector rod cover, injector and spring..take a chasing hammer tap lightly on the lettering and start to file all the way down the barrel and around the barrel until the lettering starts to disappear...then I go in with an Arkansas stone and after that 220 wet & dry...now I go on the buffer 140 to 400 and then to 555. Should take you 45 minutes to an hr. No need to remove the barrel. Keep up the good work.

JJ Roberts-Manassas, VA

J.J Roberts
9/3/2006 9:42:29 AM

hi lee. i just got some of the NEW VAQUERO to engrave i will let you know how they are .. ron p.

Ron Nott
9/3/2006 10:03:02 AM

here are some photos of a ruger that cj engraved and did a beautiful job . i am posting them for him ..


Ron Nott
9/7/2006 12:44:04 PM

and this is the left side . cj can respond and tell how he did it and how hard it was to cut .. ron p.


Ron Nott
9/7/2006 12:46:07 PM