Ruger Vaquero Cylinders

[DallasRix]

I have a Ruger Vaquero .44-40, I've noticed on the schematics that the .44-40 and the.44mag share the same barrell and frame...so if I get a .44 mag cylinder can I use .44 mag in my .44-40 vaquero. 

Also I read that there was once a screw up or something in the ruger factory where the wrong cylinders(.44mag) were put in .44-40 guns and they are now collectable...but were they workable -  safe.

I ask this due to the high cost of .44-40 ammo

If anyone can shed some light on this topic I would really be grateful for the insight.

Thanks
Dallas

[Rifled Slug]

I use the same size bullet in both . Some folks say the 44 mag needs a .430 dia bullet and the 44-40 needs a .428 dia bullet . I shoot a .428 in both with good results . Its a good idea to slug your barrels to see what size they are . Some of the earlier RVs had cylinder throat size variation in 44-40 and need to be recut so all are the same size .

[DallasRix]

so if I were to get a 44mag cylinder I should have no problem?

[Marauder]

First, you should check the barrell to see what diameter it is.  It is very possible that Ruger uses the the same size barrell for both.

You would also need to measure the cylinder length to be sure it would fit AND the head spacing (distance from back of cylinder to frame) and cylinder/barrel gap are appropriate.

Then, if you get a cylinder, the timing should be checked and very likely retimed.  The timing portion of Rugers (like essentially all revolvers) requires a little customer fitting.  Plus the spacing check and possibly adjusted as mentioned. 

So it may be possible, but it may be about as cheap to buy a 44 Mag.  Or cheaper yet to buy 38/357 if you want to save the most $ on ammo.

[Mustang Gregg]

He is correct on Ruger usin' the same barrrel bore & same twist. 
I even asked the tech reps at Ruger & they confirmed that.
MG

[russ1943]

Did you ever find a 44 Mag Cylinder.  I have a 44 mag and wanted a 44-40 Cylinder. Ruger offered them for a short period of time and then stopped, according to Gun Parts manager.