New 10mm Vaquero

[DM1906]

I remember seeing those when they came out and I considered getting one, but I'm just not a single-action guy.  IIRC it came with dual cylinders in 40S&W and 38/40.  Neat idea having it reamed out!

This one only came in .40 S&W.  I toyed with the idea of getting a spare cylinder for 10mm and one for 38/40.  For a 38/40 cylinder, Cylinder and Slide said I'd have to re-barrel it as the dimensions between 38/40 and 10mm were too great.   I called Ruger, to see if they had a conversion cylinder...since mine was only made in .40, they said NO.

I figured that the revolver only cost me $250 brand spanking new, so I wasn't out much if the conversion didn't go well.  It works great though!  I've not gotten any bullets to reload yet, but the Buffalo Bore Heavy 10 mm in 180 grain shoots nice, and with authority.

The only real concern with a .38-40 Vaquero conversion would be the cylinder diameter, but only if using ammo (handloads) above original.  The Buckeye Special is a Super Blackhawk frame/cylinder, so no problem pushing pressures up to .44 Mag (Been there.  Do that).  I'm not familiar with the Vaquero .40, so can't say.  If the numbers match, you could have an extra cylinder made in .40 S&W (not cheap, but not bad), and ream it to .38-40.  The original .38-40 cartridge is only rated to 14K PSI (ANSI/SAAMI).  Less than .38 Spl.  The only concern should be the cylinder length, diameter, and that it's a 6-shooter (cylinder latch relief weakness with small cylinder diameters).

[DR505]

This Vaquero is the older model...there is a huge distance between charge-holes in the cylinder.  It is built on the .44 Magnum frame.  I also have one in .45 Colt that can be loaded hot according to the various manuals I have.  The New Vaquero's have a MUCH smaller frame and the .45 Colt must be kept to SAAMI pressure limits.

[OnTheFrontLines]

(Y)

[Smee78]

I am green with envy, that is a awsome piece, I would love to do that! Talk about a great looking gun, it looks perfect to me. I saw one of these once in the wild and I passed on it because I was not into 40 anymore and did not think a conversion into something like this would have such a great price. Congrats on your super new toy.

[Ronin]

In case anyone is interested,  Enck's Gun Barn in Newmanstown, PA had four Vaqueros in 38/40 with the .40 S&W cylinder as of last Friday.

[RRMan03]

What were they asking for the 38-40/40SW?

[Ronin]

$600 each.  I don't know if they still have them.

[gandog56]

Underwood has fresh new 200 grain ammo. Sort of uberammo. At least they did earlier today. But they go fast!

http://www.underwoodammo.com/10mmauto200grainxtpjacketedhollowpointboxof50.aspx

[475/480]

Alan Harton is one of the very best gunsmiths. His work is exeptional and he just happens to live right down the street from me, that gets expensive .


Sean

[MCQUADE]

I agree, Alan is a top notch smith. That Vaquero is one sweet piece of iron.

[Hunter]

I am not trying to take away from how cool this revolver is but I really dig the photographs.
Nice job on the revolver and photographs.

[dakota1911]

Nice.  I forgot they even made that guy.  Something else to add to my mental list of 200 or so used guns I look for in gunstores.

[DR505]

Nice.  I forgot they even made that guy.  Something else to add to my mental list of 200 or so used guns I look for in gunstores.

A couple of months ago there was a guy asking $5,000 Buy It Now for consecutive numbered .40 S&W Vaqueros.  I don't know if they sold, but the last bid I saw of $1800 didn't make reserve.

[gandog56]

I would prefer a longer barrel. But I also probably would not pass one up, either.

[chriso]

Ill  be looking for one!