Henry Rifle Forums

Been thinking about one of these birdshead Ruger Vaqueros in 45 auto for some time, but last week, decided it was time to trade off some semi-autos that were collecting dust and get yet another sixgun. A cowgirl can't have too many six-guns, right? Here it is. Laminated black grips, 37 ounces, 3 1/2" barrel and chambered in good old 45 auto. Cheap and oh so fun to shoot.


Not too far off in overall size and weight from a full size 1911, such as my SA Mil-spec. Obviously, the only things the two have in common is that they both shoot 45 auto.


Most Vaqueros I've had in other chambering shoot low, so it's always a simple matter for me to file down the front sight as needed to raise the POI. This Birdshead 45 auto Vaquero shoots a good 4 inches plus high at 16 yards with standard 230 grain ball ammo. Bummer. Well, a cowgirl can adapt, so by tickling the bottom of the rear sight gutter with the tip of the front sight, I could still shoot decent groups and be happy. Still a touch high, but close enough. Very easy gun to shoot.


The other option for a fixed sight gun that shoots high is to shoot lighter bullets. Returned the next day with some 185 grain self-defense loads and went to work. That did it. Using a standard sight picture, the Birdshead Ruger not only shot to POA, but it told me it loves the 185 grain fancy stuff. Brought a smile to this cowgirl's face.


Now, I'm not telling anyone to use single action revolvers for self-defense, but I have used these guns all my life as woods carry guns for defense against toothy critters and given that I'm actually faster and more accurate with follow up shots using two hands to operate a single action than I am using a 1911, I would not feel unarmed if I actually had to use this gun in a gunfight.

My cowgirl 1911.

Unarmed....HARDLY !! As always, nice target and nice looking Springfield, too

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Looks real good. Thanks.

Man I dont think even Hickok 45 can shoot that good. We need to get you on his show and have a shoot off. Oh by the way Josey Wales didnt have any issues with single actions for his self defense.

Thanks, guys. For me, the bottom line with all my single actions is that I just love shooting them. In fact, I actually find them easier to shoot than many DA revolvers and semi-autos. Much the same with lever guns. Don't care much for sitting at a bench and shooting handguns or rifles, so lever guns also suit me. Have never felt at a disadvantage shooting either type of gun. Now and then, I do take a break and shoot other types of guns, of course, but always drift right back to these guns for the bulk of my shooting. Sure, all the new stuff is impressive, but single actions and lever guns still shoot great, same as always.

Nice revo North Country Gal. And yes you can carry that for self defense. What works really well for quick reloads is to carry a loaded 1911 mag and then just shuck the 45's with your thumb into the cylinder holes of the vaquero. Great way to carry extra ammo for that gat, ask me how I know.

I love SA revolvers and that birdshead is on of my favorites. Great shooin' too Joanie.

Thanks, again, guys.

Al, Josey Wales has to be my favorite western and maybe my favorite movie of any kind.

Bugs, have heard about the 1911 mag trick, but never tried it. Have plenty of 1911 mags, so next time out will see how it works. Thanks for the reminder.

Gene, yeah, I think single actions win in the looks department, anyway, but those birdshead grip versions are even cooler. This one won't be my last.

That's a nice Vaquero. The Springfield looks nice, too.

Well done, very impressive to say the least !!

Like, like and more like.

North Country Gal wrote: Bugs, have heard about the 1911 mag trick, but never tried it. Have plenty of 1911 mags, so next time out will see how it works. Thanks for the reminder.

If you have an older 1911 mag cut a coil or two off the mag spring. Easier to control the rounds as they come out of the magazine.