RUGER NEW VAQUERO Instruction Manual
S
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
FOR
RUGER
®
NEW VAQUERO
®
SINGLE ACTION REVOLVERS
For Product Service on this Model Please Call:
(603) 865-2442 (See p. 26)
STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.
Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE
TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR
PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.
MVQ & KMVQ/9-04 C
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM
BLUED &
STAINLESS
STEEL
CALIBERS
.357 Magnum
& .45 Colt
State-By-State Warnings
Certain states require by law that their own specified warning
notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included
by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms
sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our
products may be sold in these states, we include the following:
California:
Connecticut:
“UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAY
RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.”
Florida:
“IT IS UNLAWFUL, AND PUNISHABLE BY
IMPRISONMENT AND FINE, FOR ANY ADULT TO
STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHIN
THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR UNDER 18
YEARS OF AGE OR TO KNOWINGLY SELL OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION
OF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR A PERSON OF
UNSOUND MIND.”
WARNING
“Children are attracted to and can
operate firearms that can cause
severe injuries or death. Prevent
child access by always keeping
guns locked away and unloaded
when not in use. If you keep a
loaded firearm where a child
obtains and improperly uses it,
you may be fined or sent to
prison.”
ADVERTENCIA
“A los niños los atraen las armas
de fuego y las pueden hacer
funcionar. Ellos pueden causarses
lesions graves y la muerte. Evite
que los niños tengan accesso a las
armas de fuego guardándolas
siempre con llave y descargadas
cuando no las esté utilizando. Si
usted tiene un arma de fuego
cargada en un lugar en que un
niño tiene acceso a ella y la usa
indebidamente, le pueden dar una
multa o enviarlo a la carcel.”
2
Maine:
“ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A
CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION
WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE
SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE
TRIGGER LOCKS.”
Maryland:
“WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause
death or serious injury. It is a crime to store or leave a loaded
firearm in any location where an individual knew or should
have known that an unsupervised minor would gain access to
the firearm. Store your firearm responsibly!”
Massachusetts:
“WARNING FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY
GENERAL: This handgun is not equipped with a device that
fully blocks use by unauthorized users. More than 200,000
firearms like this one are stolen from their owners every year
in the United States. In addition, there are more than a
thousand suicides each year by younger children and
teenagers who get access to firearms. Hundreds more die from
accidental discharge. It is likely that many more children
sustain serious wounds, or inflict such wounds accidentally on
others. In order to limit the chance of such misuse, it is
imperative that you keep this weapon locked in a secure place
and take other steps necessary to limit the possibility of theft
or accident. Failure to take reasonable preventive steps may
result in innocent lives being lost, and in some circumstances
may result in your liability for these deaths.”
“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEP A FIREARM,
RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACE
UNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH A
TAMPER-RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STORED
OR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.”
3
New Jersey:
“IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED
FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.”
New York City:
“THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK
IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS
STORAGE. FIREARMS SHOULD BE STORED
UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS
BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND
INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND OTHER
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.”
North Carolina:
“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM
THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A MANNER THAT A
REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS
ACCESSIBLE TO A MINOR.”
Texas:
“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR
ABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACE
WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN
OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.”
Wisconsin:
“IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE
REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE
FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD
IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITS
THE FIREARM.”
****************** *****
Please check with your licensed retailer or state police for
additional warnings which may be required by local law or
regulation. Such regulations change constantly, and local
authorities are in the best position to advise you on such legal
matters.
4
WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE
WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER?
Certain states and jurisdictions now require that all newly manufactured pistols
and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired
from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container
bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.
At the time of retail sale in those jurisdictions, firearms dealers must forward
such test cartridge to a designated destination such as their State Police
Laboratory. As independent Ruger Distributors have nationwide markets without
territorial restrictions, we have decided to include a fired cartridge case with all
new Ruger pistols and revolvers, to minimize the possibility of inadvertent noncompliance with these laws.
Retail customers located in other states, where laws or regulations do not require
the dealer to so act, may be assured that the fired cartridge case they receive with
the firearm at the time of retail purchase is proof that your new Ruger firearm
has undergone our normal test firing procedures during manufacture.
5
• Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction,
including when you are installing or removing your
locking device.
• Always verify that your firearm is completely unloaded
before installing your locking device.
• Do not
install locking devices in the trigger guard;
always keep your fingers and locking device outside the
trigger guard during device installation and removal.
• Store firearms, ammunition and keys separately and
securely, away from children and careless adults; do not
store your firearm with the keys in the locking device.
• Do not attempt to work the action of your firearm with
the locking device in place; this may damage your
firearm.
• While locking devices are an important aid to security
measures, they are not a substitute for safe firearm
handling and proper storage. Remember that any
mechanical device can be bypassed with enough time,
knowledge, determination and equipment.
LOCKING DEVICES MUST BE USED
SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY
EXTERNAL LOCKING DEVICE
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – USE OF LOCKING DEVICES
Correct Installation of Lock For
Ruger
®
New Vaquero Revolvers
(New Model Blackhawk Shown)
Use the Correct Lock: While the basic locking device is substantially similar
for all Ruger
®
firearms, due to the different shapes of the many Ruger
®
firearms, some firearms utilize different locking devices. NEW VAQUERO
®
revolvers utilize a 2 1/2” lock. It is very important to use the correct locking
device!
To Install the Factory-Supplied External Locking Device:
1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your fingers outside the
trigger guard at all times!
2. Be sure the firearm and its cylinder are completely unloaded and contain no
cartridges or cartridge casings!
3. Completely remove the cylinder by opening the loading gate, pressing the
basepin latch, pulling the basepin fully forward, and rotating the cylinder out
of the frame.
4. Loop the shackle through the cylinder window in the frame. Next slip the
cylinder onto the shackle of the lock as shown in Figure 1.
5. Close the lock by pressing the shackle into the body of the lock (the part that
receives the key) as tightly together as possible. The lock has bumpers and
the shackle is coated with a non-marring material that will not harm the
metal finish of your firearm; be careful not to dent the frame or grip panels
of the revolver.
6. Once the lock is securely closed, remove the key and pull firmly on the lock
to test the connection and be sure it is locked. Do not leave or store your
firearm with the key in the lock! Store your locked, unloaded firearm and the
key in secure, separate locations, away from ammunition, children, or
unauthorized adults.
Figure 1
6
OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK
Never rely upon any safety mechanism or mechanical device to justify unsafe or
careless handling of a firearm. When securing your revolver or to prevent
unauthorized access, you should rely first and foremost on the key-operated locking
device supplied with your pistol. (See Page 6.) However, for added security, and to
comply with certain state and local laws, your RUGER®NEW VAQUERO
®
revolver also is equipped with a manually operated internal lock. When actuated,
this internal lock will secure the hammer in the uncocked or “full down” position.
Before activating the internal lock on your revolver, first visually inspect the
chambers to verify that they are empty and do not contain any cartridges.
To activate the internal lock, make sure that the revolver is pointed in a safe
direction and that the hammer is in the full down position. Using a small
scewdriver, remove the screw securing the grip panels and remove the right grip
panel to expose the internal lock. (See “Internal Lock,” p. 11.) Inser
t the key into
the keyway and rotate the key fully clockwise (about 180º from the fully unlocked
position) until it stops. (See Figure 2.) After you have fully rotated the key 180º
clockwise until it stops, remove the key and verify that the internal lock is engaged
by attempting to cock the hammer. If the internal lock is engaged, you will not
be
able to cock the hammer.
To deactivate the internal lock, place the internal lock key into the internal lock
keyway (see “Internal Lock,” p. 11) and rotate the key counter-clockwise (about
180º from the fully locked position) until it stops. (See Figure 2.)
Be sure to store the internal lock key in a secure location, away from children and
careless adults. Do not
store your firearm with the key in the internal lock keyway.
Never lock a loaded gun – always unload the gun before locking.
OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK
REMOVE KEY AFTER LOCKING OR UNLOCKING
Place Hammer
in “Full Down”
Position
Lock “On”
Lock “Off”
180º
Always Rotate the Key
Fully Until it Stops!
Figure 2
7
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING
INTERNAL LOCK THROUGH RIGHT GRIP PANEL
If you would like to access the internal lock on your NEW VAQUERO
®
without removing the grips, you can drill a small hole through the right grip
panel as follows:
1. Remove the right grip panel by unscrewing the grip panel screw.
2. On the inside of the right grip panel is a drill point (see Figure 3, below). On
the inside
of the grip panel, drill a 1/8” hole starting at the drill point.
3. Turn the grip panel over and, using the 1/8” hole you just drilled as a guide
hole, enlarge the hole using a 3/16” bit, this time drilling from the outside of
the panel inward.
4. Reattach the right grip panel and tighten the grip panel screw. The 3/16” hole
will allow key access to the internal lock without removing the grip panel.
Figure 3
8
DRILL POINT AS
STARTING POINT FOR
KEY HOLE
INSIDE OF RIGHT GRIP PANEL SHOWN
9
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT
CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care
for your RUGER
®
NEW VAQUERO®revolver properly. Please contact us if
you have any questions about it.
Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly
carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live
ammunition. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a
particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction.
Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or
police departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National
Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. They will
assist you.
The person with a gun in their possession has a full-time job. You cannot guess;
you cannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do not use
any firearm without having a complete understanding of its particular
characteristics and safe use.
Remember: There is no such thing as a foolproof gun.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
External Locking Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 - 6
Operation of Internal Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 8
General Information and Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
To Uncock (Decock) The Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
To Unload or Eject Cartridge Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
To Remove or Replace Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Care of Stainless Steel Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Care of “Color Case Finished” Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fixed Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Shipping Firearms for Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 - 33
Parts Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 - 38
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
“Ruger,” “Blackhawk” and “Vaquero” are registered U.S. trademarks.
Locking Devices 5 Disassembly 20
Alterations 10 Lubrication 24
Lead Exposure 13 Storage 25
Ammunition 13 Shipping Firearms 27
Handling 14 Parts Purchasers 28
Firing 15 Malfunctioning Parts 29
Safe Carrying Position 16
OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR
THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.
WARNING–ALTERATIONS
This product was designed to
function properly in its original
condition. Alterations can make it
unsafe. Do not alter any part or add
or substitute parts or accessories
not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.
DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN
10
FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS–
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS
MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
GENERAL INFORMATION
AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The mechanism of the RUGER®NEW VAQUERO®, like the other Ruger
New Model single action revolvers, differs significantly from that of any other
single action revolver. The information and instructions which follow apply only
to
the NEW VAQUERO
®
revolver.
The RUGER
®
NEW VAQUERO®has fixed sights and either a “color case
hardened” or polished stainless steel finish which evokes the classic single actions
of yesteryear. Its frame is slightly smaller than the original Ruger Vaqueros.
The NEW VAQUERO
®
is a New Model single action revolver, which means it
utilizes the same mechanism as the Ruger New Model Blackhawk
®
revolver. It
incorporates an additional new “reverse indexing cylinder mechanism” for ease of
loading and reloading.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE
FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:
The patented Ruger New Model single action revolver mechanism incorporates a
transfer bar. The transfer bar – which is raised into firing position as the trigger
is pulled to the rear – transmits the energy of the hammer blow to the firing pin.
This transfer bar mechanism makes a “safety” notch unnecessary.
The gate (loading gate) can be opened only when the hammer and trigger are
fully forward. Opening the gate immobilizes the trigger, hammer, and transfer
bar. When the gate is opened the cylinder is unlatched and can be turned for
loading or ejection. When the gate is closed, the cylinder latch functions in the
normal manner. The loading notch is therefore unnecessary in the New Model
design.
Unlike the earlier single action revolvers which have four hammer positions –
“cocked,” “loading,” “safety” and “all the way forward” – the New Model has only
two hammer positions – “cocked” and “all the way forward.”
11
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
OWNERS OF ALL “OLD MODEL” (PRE-1973) RUGER SINGLE ACTION
REVOLVERS, INCLUDING BEARCATS WITH SERIAL NUMBERS BELOW
93-00000, SHOULD WRITE FOR DETAILS CONCERNING OUR FREE
SAFETY CONVERSION, WHICH CAN HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS
CAUSED BY A BLOW TO THE HAMMER IF THE USER HAS FAILED TO
TAKE THE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTION OF KEEPING AN EMPTY
CHAMBER UNDER THE HAMMER. See Page 29.
NOMENCLATURE
NEW VAQUERO
®
Frame
Hammer
Barrel
Basepin Latch
Grip Panel
Screw
Hammer Pivot
Trigger
Pivot
Trigger
Ejector
Basepin
Cylinder Frame
Gate (Loading Gate)
Chamber
Grip Frame
Parts referred to frequently are indicated by arrows.
Mechanism shown at rest. Transfer bar is not in line between hammer and firing pin. This
is the carrying position.
Mechanism shown with trigger pulled and hammer beginning to fall. Transfer bar is in
firing position, between hammer and firing pin.
12
The mechanism of the RUGER®NEW VAQUERO provides maximum
security against accidental discharge. As with any other firearm, however, the New
Model must be used with strict attention to correct safety practices. In addition,
the revolver should be inspected frequently to assure that it is working properly.
The Ruger New Model revolver mechanism is illustrated below. The same basic
mechanism is found in the entire line of Ruger New Model single action
revolvers – Single-Six, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley, Vaquero, Bisley
Vaquero, and New Vaquero Models.
INTERNAL LOCK
Internal Lock
Internal Lock Keyway
(shown with right grip panel removed)
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