Old Model Vaquero Information

[paledun]

My web search for the actual weight of OMV's in 45 Colt and 44 Mag with equal length barrels has not been productive.  While this information is easily available from Ruger for the New Model, their customer service center does not have OMV information.  Since I doubt the frame, cylinder or barrel sizes differ between the two calibers, the 44 Mag should weigh more since the chambers and bore widths are smaller than the 45 Colt. Any web site suggestions for finding actual weights for the OMV by caliber and barrel length?  Thanks for the assistance.  Paledun

[Blackfoot]

Your assumption is probably correct.  In fact I weighed .44 mags against .357 mags.  The .357's weighed more empty but the .44 mags weighed more  when loaded than the loaded .357's.  Keep in mind that all other things must be equal, like grip frame, sight configuration and such.

Lafitte

[Mustang Gregg]

Possibly later in the week, I may have some free time to look up old Ruger catalogs.  
I have some '90's & early 2000's in storage.

What in particular models, barrel lengths would you like to know?

Can I ask why?

Mustang Gregg

EDIT>>>
BTW:  Blackfoot is correct (if my memory serves rightly). 
The .357's weight a couple oz. more than the .45's when each is empty.

[paledun]

Mustang, I currently shoot SASS with Ruger OMV's in 45 Colt using 7 1/2 and 4 5/8 barrel lengths.  Am considering the purchase of a pair of OMV's in 44 Mag with 7 1/2 in barrels.  My shooting category is Frontier Cartridge Duelist and am thinking of trying Gunfighter.  In honesty, the recoil with my heavy black powder loads is a bit much with the left hand and thought the extra weight of the 44 may make it easier to handle.  Just and old fool having a great time playing cowboy.  And, who can't use another pair of Rugers?  Paledun

[Blackfoot]

If everything else is the same I don't think you will notice that much difference in recoil due to weight.  With 44's you might be able to shoot a lighter load because of case capacity.  Might even consider .44 special brass for less recoil.

Blackfoot

[Pettifogger]

.429 vs. .452 bore and similar chamber dimensions.  Not enough to make a difference you can feel.  If you are worried about recoil get the .45s and shoot cowboy special brass or put in some filler.  The weight figures on most web sites and it old catalogs is frequently useless.  They often don't tell which barrel and caliber they are using and just put down an average.  The only way I get actuate weights is to weight them myself.

[Trailrider]

No reason to buy .45 LC and .45 Cowboy brass if you like .44's. You can shoot .44 Special or even .44 Russian ammo in the .44 Mangle-em chambers. Just have to clean the chambers out a bit ahead of the brass. No different from shooting .22 short rimfires in a .22 LR.  If full-bore BP loads bother you, just shoot light smokeless loads. In point of fact, those OM Vaqueros with a 7-1/2" barrel helps cut the felt recoil. Go with 200-225 gr bullets rather than 240. Some would go even lighter than 200 grain in .44. Depending on just how light a load you want, you might even stick with the .44 Magnum brass and reduced smokeless loads. The .44 Magnum brass has quite a bit LESS powder capacity than .45 LC or .44-40. In point of fact, in my .44-40/.44 Magnum convertibles, I use 94 % of the load I use in .44-40 brass to get the same velocity from .44 Magnum brass (I call the .44 Mag loaded down, ".44 Extra-Long Russian".    You could also use MODERN .44 Colt's brass, which is mid-way between .44 Russian and .44 Special in length.  Very versatile cartridge the .44 Magnum.

[Pappy Myles]

My main guns are OM Vaqueros, blue and 5 1/2 barrel 45 colt.  When I shoot holy black, I've picked up a couple hundred 45 Scofield brass and load DD ROAII bullet sized down to 452.  I shoot double duelist.   Its a nice load, still get the bang, the smoke and not as much recoil.