Ruger New Vaquero

Shooting and discussing one of the most common single action revolvers of cowboy action shooting, the Ruger New Vaquero. This one is in .357 Magnum with 5 1/2" barrel. The holster is El Paso Saddlery.
Gun belongs to Dave Evans, a good friend, shooter, and horse trainer. If you're a "horse person," you can see videos of him demonstrating his equestrian skills at / horselovermagazine
------------------- ------------------------ Remember to check out our video clips on the Hickok45Clips channel: / @hickok45clips
Also, check out the Hickok45talks channel for new “talking” content. / @hickok45talks
Please check out and support the people who help make this channel possible:
Become a Gong Club member at our Patreon Page: / hickok45
SDI (Sonoran Desert Institute): www.sdi.edu/hi...
Alabama Holster: alabamaholster...
Talon Grips: talongungrips....
Ballistol: ballistol.com/
The short FAQ Videos playlist will answer most questions you have:
• FAQ Videos
Find us on Hickok45 Twitter and Facebook, as well as “therealHickok45” on Instagram.
Hickok45 videos are filmed on my own private shooting range and property by trained professionals for educational and entertainment purposes only, with emphasis on firearms safety and responsible gun ownership. We are NOT in the business of selling firearms or performing modifications on them. Do not attempt to copy at home anything you see in our videos. Firearms can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@dbmccann9]

What I love is that 11 years later he’s doing videos the exact same way.

[@strikemaf]

It’s 13 years now 😂

[@DestindKnee]

why change? If he turned into something like demolition ranch id stop watching

[@user-ly5tf1sz6h]

Because of Hickok45, just today, I bought my first single action: Ruger New Vaquero stainless steel in .357. I'm in love!!!

[@tenhundredkills]

Congrats on your new purchase! I can't wait to get my own in .45LC!

[@RottenCore69]

+Joder7777 Good choice, I have one in .45 Colt, blued.

[@HerrMueller93]

single actions are best actions.

[@AmericanHandgunner44]

My first was a Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 magnum!

[@wayneschnaak762]

+Nathan Mueller mine also

[@TheMajHavoc]

Only one thing bad about Hickok's videos everything he shoots I wanna buy one

[@TheMajHavoc]

I was so close to buying this pistol when my VFW friend called and told me they picked my ticket & I won the Uberti .45LC SA. Thanks Hickock45 & VFW, it's a beautiful wheel gun.

[@fakenews6133]

Ikr. I'd be bankrupt if I gave in. But damn those are some nice pieces.

[@jeffreyottinger3165]

Lol hard life right amigo lol!

[@txxr542]

I have already bought a 22 revolver lol the man is awesome

[@endallbeall1211]

I have one

[@hickok45]

@Godswarrior101 , Short answer: The Ruger is very similar on the outside, but it's made differently on the inside. It's not meant to be a replica or exact clone of the Colt; it's meant to be more modern in it's strength and design.

[@johnweymouth5685]

Is that the convertible with the extra cylinder for 9mm?

[@SUFFOCATIONFAN]

this guy reminds me of my grandfather who passed on. He had a few ruger single actions, no vaqueros, but multiple blackhawks and a single six. Seeing this is kind of an emotional thing and comforts me. I would like to meet hickok, but living in Ohio this could be tough. I feel a vaqyero could be in my future...with those lovely wolf springs

[@kubotamaniac]

Hickok, I appreciate the fact that you mention "FUN", in shooting!! That is the most important thing, I guess.. That is the reason I reload most of the guns I shoot.....

[@alessandrosaldi7089]

The "intro" it's just gold

[@hickok45]

@gapster46 , Nobody can hold a sight perfectly still, so it's always a matter of squeezing the shot off at the right instant.

[@MathMatt17]

Great video, Hickok. My Dad is in law enforcement. As a gift, he gave me his Ruger Security-Six .357 magnum, made in 1975. It was a secondary weapon he had, so he didn't fire it much; it's still basically new. I cleaned it and fired it at the range for the first time this weekend (it was my first time firing a .357 magnum). What a bark!

[@KusagariBlues]

Matthew Stevenson Two years later, you any better at shooting it?

[@ChipMautz]

I bought a used Police or Security trade in, 4" Ruger Security Six from the mid 70's. It's amazing. Pachmayr presentation grips (rubber), it's a tack driver. Load it down w/ 38's for practice and .357's for carry or hunting. Good thing is it'll shoot any load you need, from factory 38/357 to hot rodded 'Ruger Only' handloads for defense or hunting!

[@jonerrek7806]

I purchased a Ruger 44 mag. several years ago. Not cheap, but just one of those things I had to have. Couldn't talk myself out of making the purchase. Not this time anyway, where normally I would. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has battled with should I or shouldn't I.

[@travisclark8952]

I think what I really like about your videos Hickok45 is that you are honest, we all miss at some point and you aren't the type to be like "I never miss, I am perfect." and I admire that.

[@rodneybrimer1712]

I just traded for a Vaquero today. I love the weight of the gun trigger,hammer everything. Very accurate.shooter and durable. One of my guns I'll pass on one day to my grandson,just can't beat a Ruger. Thanks for video and all you do.

[@mrwhite5555]

It's still a beautiful peice I recently got 1 and Im still not over how good it is

[@1sostatic]

I love the older historical guns you show - also love the Hickok45's use of old western euphemisms

[@ifronnin]

I love these videos. One of my horses just died. This helps keep my mind off it.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Sorry to hear that man. I dunno about you but the loss of a pet hits me harder than losing people. I grieve over it like a little kid and I’m 38 years old 🤦‍♂️. But I hope your doing well. Godspeed my friend Johnny Buck creek, Kentucky

[@MrAzrancher]

In researching for purchase the .357 has out grown the .45 lc because you can load .38 and shoot which is lighter and less expensive. Then kick it up to .357 if needed. Plus many lever rifles are in .357/.38 now so you can have rifle/pistol with one type ammo. Great video's!!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

or go 44 mag and shoot 44 special

[@bajadan2769]

@@Wildwestwrangler I just bought the .45.amd load them up or down -the big ole slug works for me !

[@jongecsek5085]

I just bought and LOVE my New Vaquero 45 LC!! Fun gun!! Thank you Hickok45 and thank you Ruger!

[@bulsi]

I have one in 45LC and love it. It became my favorite to shoot from the moment I first fired it.

[@RAGINxxXxxCAJUN]

Thanks a lot Hickok45 for making me buy another firearm. Since I met you I brought 10 guns I never even though of

[@jamisoncurtis2387]

Years ago I picked up a Winchester 94AE in .45 and enjoy it, eventually at the local gunshop there was a Ruger vaquero in .45 so I bought that. The Ruger was stainless and some ivory looking grips. Fun to shoot targets with and great to have a lever gun and revolver in the same caliber.

[@delandmona]

I've had one of the first Ruger Vaqueros in .45 LC since 1994. As Hickok says, it's a tank, but a really great gun. Hardly any recoil due to the heavy weight of the weapon. I had a Colt Peacemaker also, and I always believed the Ruger is twice the gun for half the price.

[@JeffinTD]

Wish Ruger still offered the larger original Vaquero…

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@JeffinTD Me, too. I liked the option to load them much hotter than a Colt, and the extra weight was great for recoil control.

[@troy9477]

Great revolver. I worked in a gun shop from 1993-95. I remember when the Blackhawk based Vaqueros came out. They were a bit heavy. The new streamlined ones should be ideal. Hard to beat a good 357 for a trail/woods gun too. I imagine it is perhaps a shade lighter than my 4" 686, or would feel lighter due to the balance with the longer barrel. Something else to add to my list, and i have plenty already. Love your videos. Thank you

[@kurtistjones6337]

You sir deffinately have the most thorough. To the point. Well spoken reviews. And probably the coolest range on KZbin 👌

[@scottperson9487]

Shot one for the first time this week. Another great revolver from Ruger.

[@yellowman1972]

My father just gave me the greatest gift. 2 consecutive numbered ruger vaqueros that had been worked on by the legendary ron powers. He sent them in 2005 and got them back in 2007. They are the most beautiful looking and shooting revolvers i have ever touched. Makes me want to wear my rig everywhere. I am getting a set of tru ivory grops put on right now but am going to post a vid when they get back. Cant wait for my next club shoot to show these works of art off.

[@horsecrazy4011]

i seem just like your cowboy friend. im an experienced horseman, and i love the old west guns especially the single action revolvers!

[@littlerube8358]

Cause of Hicock he made me a gun enthusiast....and this my dream gun

[@hickok45]

@gamerguy1991, Yes, any .357 Magnum can shoot .38 Special ammo, too.

[@davidgomez5116]

This is the best intro so far... I ain't never see a deck wit 5 aces bang! bang! bang!

[@NightSailor]

El Paso Saddlery is a fine match for that gun.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

I just LOVE these single-action revolvers. And that hat sure suits you sir!

[@miltonloupe1290]

Hickok is just one expert shooter and historian. Wow-I would have loved a instructor like this in the Marine Corps.

[@hickok45]

@glynamus , When you quit getting black or brown lube coming out of it. If you soak the insides with a good BP lube, such as Ballistol, you will find that the residue won't do any damage in the short term, maybe even the long term. When I was shoot more matches, I tried to make sure I broke down my Colts completely at least once a year.

[@MichiganPowersports]

I have a 22 single action and I love it. I can just sit outside all day long on 15 bucks and never run out of ammo.

[@nugginfutz]

Same

[@commiesnzombies]

fast forward to 2022, i am looking for a single action replica bb/pellet model since ammo is over priced or non existent

[@1337Flaps]

the concept of buying a gun is alien to us brits very very very interseting history in all you vids, keep it up !

[@thomaslail9244]

You sir are an exquisite marksman. I have seen many videos of yours and you are always an amazing shot, just wanted to give you 2 thumbs of for the eagle eye you are keep up the shooting.

[@EbenezarGold]

That looks like a lot of fun. I got my buddy a reload kit for his rifle that shoots .223 for a wedding gift a long time ago, but now I am thinking of getting into reload myself. I think one of these Cowboy guns would be good to get into shooting a different style and also start into reloading. great video, guys.

[@bengarcia3063]

My dad has one in 45 colt. His is in chrome and it goes beautifully with my new Henry big big silver in the same caliber.

[@gund2281]

I found one of these at my local dealer the other day. Hadn't ever seen one "in the flesh" so to speak. It too was in .357 mag. I asked the guy to see it and OH...MY...GOD!!! If you're thinking about this gun, I'd recommend it based SOLELY on the action! I haven't even fired one yet. The hammer came back SO smooth. I was seriously in awe. Even with one of those cylinder protectors in, it was just like butter. Can't wait to get one myself!!!

[@georgeclark2349]

my new ruger redhawk 45 is in and what a wonderful piece the double action trigger would put my smiths to shame it is going to be a wonderful shooter. actually let my lovely dealer have my single action for 100 bucks she spent a lot of time securing my new gun, and she had shot it before and loved it. nice to have suppliers that will go out of their way to help you.

[@burntzapato8446]

My dad would've loved your channel Hickok45.

[@AppalachianCryptidDoge]

This is my favorite video so far. I have a 5.5 Stainless Vaquero on order through the local shop. Ive got a stash of .38 so I ordered the .357 model.

[@joeydoesthings4955]

Was finally able to pull the trigger and buy a 5.5” stainless steel Vaquero in .357 today! It will be my prettiest gun, and I have no doubt it will be my new favorite gun (which is currently my Ruger LCRX snub nose in .357).

[@Dietzeeeee]

I have 2 ruger old vaqueros. I am currently working on some loads that are starting to get into the +P range for 45 Long colt. Remeber the New vaquero in 45 long colt IS NOT to be loaded to +P loading. Only the older model that is "build like a tank" can handle these loads. I have found my favorite target load is a 200 grain round shoulder flat point lead alloy with 7.2 grains of titegroup. gives me about 820 FPS out of a 4 7/8 inch barrel LOVE MY VAQUEROS. Great review hicok45

[@quityercryinglibitards7203]

Just found this video. Ive been around a few years but I was still a dinosaur in 2010 as far as phones and computers go. So thats my lame excuse for missing this fine video. Better late than never. I own both Colts and OLD MODEL VAQUEROS.That said, I prefer the OLD MODEL VAQUEROS. Even over my SAA's as far as shooting is concerned. I would enjoy a future review of the Old Model Vaqueros,mainly in 44 mag and/or 357 mag if the opportunity ever arises. I would be glad to even loan you the ones I own. Thanks for what you guys do to support our shooting sports and second amendment freedom.I look forward to every new video that comes from the compound.

[@hickok45]

Thanks, and you very likely have MORE homework to do since you were "computer illiterate" through many of our years of making videos. Around 1800 videos on your homework assignment, so better get at it; I'll bring a pop quiz by when I think you're caught up. :-)

[@quityercryinglibitards7203]

@@hickok45 You would be surprised how much catching up Ive done. I rarely go a day without visiting the Hickock 45 library If theres not a new video waiting in the subscribed page. And dont get me wrong about the Colts. They are Iconic. Its just that I could afford the Old Vaqueros that I own when they were new at the LGS.So therefore they feel more natural in my hand from use than the Colts I finally allowed myself to purchase after the kids left the nest. Be safe on the road this week out west, and I will have coffee and donuts waiting for that pop quiz. Thanks.

[@crankybuzzard6867]

My favorite for sure. Great review Hickok45. Totally fun to shoot!

[@donh5755]

Just bought a Ruger/Talk Vaquero in 44mag, birdshead grip, 3 3/4" barrel, hi polish stainless steel.....sweet!

[@funsponge8550]

After seeing this, I had to go buy one of these. And it's the favorite of my collection.

[@justinprather8846]

+hickok45 You should review a Merwin and Hulbert revolver. I know there's no modern clones, but if we're talking cowboy guns that pistol needs to be talked about.

[@randyguapo9517]

I've Been Really Happy With Anything El Paso Saddlery has Sent Me. There Fabulous Holsters.

[@PunchRockGroin]

You're right, I do love that metal "ting" sound. Nothing like it.

[@jardo531]

Man, I love your videos. I was just looking at some used ruger vaqueros online and I clicked over to see if you had any reviews on one. Low and behold there is hickok 45 shooting one. Great vids. Really appreciate them. I will be picking up that vaquero tomorrow. Can't wait.

[@tomomalley7550]

Never a disappointment, thanks for a good presentation.

[@skrimisher08]

"Don't come back to Tennessee" hahaha i love it!

[@jimmyruger7529]

love it love it love it, I bought a 45 LC New Vaquero yesterday , !!

[@munchmunchie5290]

Jimmy Ruger how do you like it 10 months later?

[@toddmiller3387]

Sent my vaquero back to ruger to work on. They acutuneed it for me. Change spring polished some of the parts, all I now is it's a tack driver. Just smooth like glass....in 45 long colt..

[@tiggerr42431]

Those grips really add a lot to the looks of a very well made model.

[@elijaht.wreckingball5532]

Great. Now I need to buy a single action revolver. Thanks a lot hickok45. Watching you have fun is killing my bank account :)

[@nickanto]

hickok you've got the best gun/shooting vids on youtube by far.

[@chauncymcbaddass]

The Old Vaquero as far as I can recall, was basically a Blackhawk with fixed sights. If you want to shoot Blackhawk loads with a "cowboy" gun keep an eye out for a used Old Vaquero. I've had my eye on a 357 Ruger SA for quite a while still torn between Blackhawk convertable (6.5" bar. 357/9mm) or Vaquero (5.5" bar.) As of right now the only SA I have is a really old Single Six (22lr/22wmr) love it. Thanks once again Hickock45 for the great videos.

[@1jimmarch]

My daily-carry-without-fail piece is that gun with a 4.68" barrel (same length as the ejector) in 357, with a lower-slung SuperBlackhawk hammer grafted on, loaded six-up with the nastiest ammo DoubleTap brews up (125gr @ 1,600fps). Leather is custom, high-and-tight crossdraw under a light jacket generally, and radically modified sights like nothing else. I love that gun.

[@John-xk6qg]

This video was posted a decade ago

[@J_Braz_]

"Hey... "That's the first deck of cards I've seen with five Ace's in it." 😂😂🤣🤣

[@spoilerwarning28]

this video is what made me decide on my new vaquero. THANK YOU HICKOK!

[@davisgunner6687]

How many guns is enough?? Just one more!

[@johnc.crispell5660]

I wish my wife UNDERSTOOD that!! :)

[@jimoverly5386]

btw, you have excellent videos. many years ago, i had a .45 colt, ruger blackhawk, and, it was deadly. a few months back, i bought a new vaquero, .45 colt, 4.6" barrel, and found i couldn't hit with it. texas grips was only maker, but, those grips would cost me over $200. in canada. so, added a piece of 5/8" urethane to bottom, held on with gorilla tape, then, wrapped the whole grip with golfer's grip tape. much more hand filling, and not slippery, and, can be readily removed. worth a try, if grip is too small and slippery.

[@hickok45]

@DREAMFINISH09 , They are all good. If you're not sure, I guess go with the middle size, 5 3/4"

[@Toyuzu]

I just bought my first SA Ruger revolver - a bisley stainless convertible in 45 Colt / 45 ACP. I enjoyed the review, thanks!

[@shannonwalley2909]

I have a ss 7.5 inch ruger vaquero 45lc can I buy a different cylinder and shoot the 45acp I have seen a few convertibles that shoot both

[@Derenk83]

With the Old Colt Single Actions if you let the hammer rest on a live round and you dropped it and lands hammer first there is a good chance the gun will fire, the old cowboys did it for safety. However, all Vaqueros have a transfer bar so it is safe to load all six.

[@Popgunner101]

I love my Vaquero. Mine's in 44 mag. I can download it to 44 special power or load it hot to full 44 mag loads. It goes well with my Winchester AE 44 mag Mod 94.

[@eddykay57]

Hickok45 has the best review vids. Hands down... I've owned a 4" case hardened frame Vaquero 45LC for over 20 yrs. Pairs well with the Henry Big Boy same caliber. Had a small red insert notched up front and added some stag grips. Are you kidding me? This "ole revolver shoots and looks beautiful. As Hickok mentions more frame beef than the "New" model. I welcome this. Even after 100 round+ outings of 225g JSP's we're still good. Clean, repeat...

[@CptSmokeAlot]

I just bought one today mines the 4 5/8 barrel, great video I'm jealous of your back yard range

[@radsixgun]

ive had my eyes on a ruger new vaquero in .357 thanks for the vid im actualy a pretty big fan too :)

[@csedan7916]

I did A LOT of research on SA .45's before I bought this and it was trouble out of the box. Brass sticks on entry and discharge (it's not me not aligning the cylinder properly) and the cylinder will tighten up on when spinning it through on 2 of the 6 chambers. Sending it back to Ruger.

[@EverythingisFire]

Could be my first revolver here :) I loveee single action revolvers like this

[@mackmyles9034]

Got one yesterday in 45 and I believe is stainless steel not sure but it’s my first single action and I love it even though I haven’t shot it just pulling back the hammer fills so smooth and well done

[@tiggerr42431]

A very good video to start a morning read of the paper. I like the historical feel to these guns and my childhood Saturday morning memory of Roy Rogers, Hopalong, and Gene. Of course I am also thinking of the new Rossi Mare's Leg not because it is practical but because of Steve McQueen's show.

[@mildlyupset]

Can't wait to see the video! The Vaquero is my favorite revolver!!!

[@kenttowne2611]

Thinking of buying a Vaquero? Just buy it!!

[@georgexwilson1787]

Just bought the Ruger New Vaquero .45LC/.45ACP Convertible, Model 5144. Can't wait to shoot it! :-)

[@LittleMaggot50]

hickok45= coolest guy on youtube, and he says some funny stuff at the beginnin of vids, epic

[@dreddycore]

Just bought one as a birthday gift (from myself to my self). Mine is inox awesome piece

[@sweetassteel]

Would love to see you make a video of a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 LC

[@chryskymknelsen2042]

i would love to see that also

[@franciskowalsky7574]

I ab

[@MrSirMick]

Love your video's Hickok45. Been a fan of Ruger for a long time.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

Great guns. Very successful. Mine is the old model based on the Blackhawk with the 4-1/2" barrel in .45 Colt. I don't know about thwe trigger and hammer pull weight on the mew style, but mine greatly benefitted from installing Wolff springs. Bought it new in 93. It's been perfect unless I'm not very careful of primer height when reloading. There's almost no space for forgiveness as the cartridges pass thru the frame if you have a primer that's even .005" high. Even after some thousands of cowboy rounds, the clearance between the chamber mouths and the forcing cone remains between .003"-.004" gap. Brutally strong guns.

[@waltlars3687]

I perfer the older larger guns in 45. fits My hands better and I can shoot hotter loads for hunting or long range plinking

[@sbmcbaker]

Yes I believe so... .357 is a very user friendly round to purchase... Plus you can even save some money and have fun shooting .38 special ammo

[@mcbridecreek]

Watching Hickok45 shoot the gong reminds me of Elmer Keith saying a man who can really shoot a SAA .45 can make it really hot on targets out to 500 yards.

[@jasonsampson9408]

I give him credit hes got a steady one handed shot

[@calebriddle4939]

I have a pair of these stainless in .357. Great guns.

[@IIIMAVER1CK]

whoop i live in TN now to through the army. love your revolver vids. your a badass sir. and havnt seen ya miss with em yet.

[@surfing636]

I had to laugh when you said " Let's try couple shots across the hill"! I have a .357 mag DA 6" barrel and won a bet on a 150 yard shot. I asked my friend if he thought I could hit a target at that distance, he said NO WAY! After hitting the target, I emptied the gun, hitting the target with each shot. This was proof that a long barrel revoler with a powerful cartridge can reach out & touch. Watching your video reminded how you fire, short delay, then "ping" (target hit). Good video!!!

[@gragrn]

Awesome shooting Wild Bill. Wish I was half as good. Respect!

[@kellydoty712]

Going to buy my first ruger vaquero because of hickok 45

[@MrCharleyHart]

thanks Hickok! Keep up these videos! I'm in the market for a Ruger .45LC and this surely helped!

[@G1951-w1y]

Mine's one of the first ones with the case colored frame in .45 Colt. I also have one of the old Vaquero's, a Bisley in .45 Colt for the heavy loads.

[@45678ret]

We shouldn't assume anything, but from what I've seen in recurring videos, especially with his automatics, it's worth a hell of a lot of money.

[@Retris3]

HEY! That's the first deck Ive seen with 5 Aces! hahah what a goober, i love it.

[@jobpowers4030]

No man can call himself a cowboy if he is lacking a good ole fashioned revolver.

[@MrRelentlessassault]

Uberti Cattleman 5.5 bbl .357 Great shooter modern cartridge. Love it !

[@darbyheavey406]

Good discussion on caliber selection.

[@legroll]

I'm a Hickok45 addict. I'm also a gun-buying addict, and Hickok's videos allow me to live vicariously. Now....what to do with all these Glocks........

[@Ghostginthree]

Excellent video review. I'm thinking of getting a 45 long colt Vaquero. Great Six shooter