Just thought I'd share a few thoughts on the Ruger Vaquero and the new grips that I just received from Texas Grips.
I just recently picked up a Ruger New Vaquero 45 Convertible in bright stainless with a 4 5/8" barrel. Though I'm not really a revolver guy, and especially not a single action revolver guy, I do love and appreciate their design and beauty. I've always concentrated my funds more towards firearms as defensive tools, so the vast majority of my collection is polymer frame 9mm and .45 handguns, with a few ARs and AKs sprinkled in for good measure.
I've reached a point where I don't have any need for another polymer frame pistol or semi auto rifle. This Vaquero is the first gun that I've bought in a long time for the sheer enjoyment of ownership and range fun. I don't otherwise have a single use for this pistol, although being a convertible able to shoot .45 ACP, it could certainly be pressed into service for a defensive role with the stock of ammo I have for my other .45s. No, this is a fine piece of machinery with a design that pays homage to one of the many guns that helped settle the west. Some may turn their nose up at a piece that is not a Colt or Colt clone, but I'm betting that the stronger design and ability to safely load 6 would have made a believer out of more than one gunfighter worth his salt in the old days.
As for the iconic "plow handle" grip on most single action Peacemaker style pistols...well, meh. Some love and swear by the original design, but I've always found the plow handle to be a bit awkward, and in the case of the New Vaquero, small. Almost a 2 finger grip in my case, which is not a good thing for feel and balance on a piece with the heft of the Ruger. I have handled a Bisley grip New Vaquero, and would have gone with that style of grip in a heartbeat, but a convertible .45 model is not to be had from the factory with the Bisley grip. Being that I wanted something that would shoot the cheaper and ubiquitous .45 ACP ammo, I went in search of a solution.
I found Texas Grips online and ordered a set of extended grip panels. The original grips from Ruger are rosewood. I went with Texas mesquite for the new grips.
I have to say that I have never been more happy with a new set of grips for anything that I've ever owned. These things are not only gorgeous, but completely change the balance and feel of the pistol in hand. It's honestly like a different model! Almost like a Bisley grip, but more of a flare in the rear of the grip. This thing feels awesome in hand.
Here is the pistol with the original grips.
Ain't it pretty?
Now here are the original grips on top of the newly installed Texas grips.
And the new and improved!
My polymer pistols have come and go, but this one will be with me until I'm gone. It's been a long time since I've had a gun where I'm thinking, "Yeah, I'll never sell this one."
I love this pistol so much, I might have to name it Salma.
I just recently picked up a Ruger New Vaquero 45 Convertible in bright stainless with a 4 5/8" barrel. Though I'm not really a revolver guy, and especially not a single action revolver guy, I do love and appreciate their design and beauty. I've always concentrated my funds more towards firearms as defensive tools, so the vast majority of my collection is polymer frame 9mm and .45 handguns, with a few ARs and AKs sprinkled in for good measure.
I've reached a point where I don't have any need for another polymer frame pistol or semi auto rifle. This Vaquero is the first gun that I've bought in a long time for the sheer enjoyment of ownership and range fun. I don't otherwise have a single use for this pistol, although being a convertible able to shoot .45 ACP, it could certainly be pressed into service for a defensive role with the stock of ammo I have for my other .45s. No, this is a fine piece of machinery with a design that pays homage to one of the many guns that helped settle the west. Some may turn their nose up at a piece that is not a Colt or Colt clone, but I'm betting that the stronger design and ability to safely load 6 would have made a believer out of more than one gunfighter worth his salt in the old days.
As for the iconic "plow handle" grip on most single action Peacemaker style pistols...well, meh. Some love and swear by the original design, but I've always found the plow handle to be a bit awkward, and in the case of the New Vaquero, small. Almost a 2 finger grip in my case, which is not a good thing for feel and balance on a piece with the heft of the Ruger. I have handled a Bisley grip New Vaquero, and would have gone with that style of grip in a heartbeat, but a convertible .45 model is not to be had from the factory with the Bisley grip. Being that I wanted something that would shoot the cheaper and ubiquitous .45 ACP ammo, I went in search of a solution.
I found Texas Grips online and ordered a set of extended grip panels. The original grips from Ruger are rosewood. I went with Texas mesquite for the new grips.
I have to say that I have never been more happy with a new set of grips for anything that I've ever owned. These things are not only gorgeous, but completely change the balance and feel of the pistol in hand. It's honestly like a different model! Almost like a Bisley grip, but more of a flare in the rear of the grip. This thing feels awesome in hand.
Here is the pistol with the original grips.
Ain't it pretty?
Now here are the original grips on top of the newly installed Texas grips.
And the new and improved!
My polymer pistols have come and go, but this one will be with me until I'm gone. It's been a long time since I've had a gun where I'm thinking, "Yeah, I'll never sell this one."
I love this pistol so much, I might have to name it Salma.
