Major Art Tillery Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 I am thinking of turning my 44-40 Ruger Vaqueros from 7 1/2 to the 5 1/2. Anybody have any experience in doing this? What is the best route to take.... rebarrel or having them cut down? Any recommendations on a good gunsmith for the work? Thanks pards. Major Art Tillery
Rio Brazos Kid Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 If done by a competent gunsmith, I see no real difference. Just choose the most economical way, and go for it. RBK
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 You can't buy stock Ruger barrels so that means you need custom barrels. A lot cheaper to cut the ones you have down.
Huntingtoys Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 I have been looking into this also, 44 barrels are hard to find and pricey. They also sell as soon as they are listed. I was quoted 150 for stainless and 180 for blue cut crown and reinstall the sight. 357/45 may be cheaper the change they run about half what I have found 44 barrels for.
Charlie Harley, #14153 Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 I had Ruger do a re-barrel on mine about ten years ago. Cost was reasonable and the work was great.
Adirondack Jack, SASS #53440 Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 Call Ruger and ask about a re-barrel. If they will do it, and the price isn't bad, and IF ya get the original barrel back, you can sell the original to help offset the cost...
gunrunner joe #17093 Posted June 19, 2013 Posted June 19, 2013 Ruger will do it at a cost $165.00 total price.
Major Art Tillery Posted June 19, 2013 Author Posted June 19, 2013 Ruger will do it at a cost $165.00 total price. That ain't too bad at all, I will call them and see. They also need to fix the tight throats on the cylinders anyway.. so might be the best way to go.
backshootin beauford mcgee Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 The other thing to think of is that the 7 1/2 inch barrel was the least manufactured length in the 44-40. If you have not race tuned them and they are lightly used. You could probably sell them and buy shorter ones and pocket some extra cash. Just a thought.
Hashknife Cowboy Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 I used Gary Reeder in Flagstaff AZ to shorten two OMV from 7.5 to 5.5. He does great work! Also there are no Ruger barrels to be bought anywhere right now.
Major Art Tillery Posted June 25, 2013 Author Posted June 25, 2013 The other thing to think of is that the 7 1/2 inch barrel was the least manufactured length in the 44-40. If you have not race tuned them and they are lightly used. You could probably sell them and buy shorter ones and pocket some extra cash. Just a thought. They have been shot plenty, and have my alias engraved in backstrap. But I considered just buying a shorter set... never have to many guns right?
Major Art Tillery Posted June 25, 2013 Author Posted June 25, 2013 I used Gary Reeder in Flagstaff AZ to shorten two OMV from 7.5 to 5.5. He does great work! Also there are no Ruger barrels to be bought anywhere right now. Does he have a websight or anything?
Mustang Gregg Posted June 26, 2013 Posted June 26, 2013 I cut both of my 10.5" K-Super Blackhawks back to 7.5". I crowned them without unscrewing the barrels. The only other machine work was to tap the screw hole for the front sight. Definitely the cheaper way to go, I reckon. BTW----No change in the POA. Mustang Gregg
slate mike sass#29204 Posted June 26, 2013 Posted June 26, 2013 I have a set of Gary Reeder Ultimate Vaqueros. They are great pistols and the grip frame is just about perfect for me. That aside, it looks like his wait time is really backed up although maybe not for barrel work. I'd definetly try to find a set of barrels (maybe on Gunbroker or a Ruger site) and sell your old barrels. SM
backshootin beauford mcgee Posted June 26, 2013 Posted June 26, 2013 Absolutely nothing wrong with extra sets! I have a set of 44mag/44-40 vaqueros in 4 5/8 and a set of 44 mag bisley vaqueros in 5 1/2. I would not mind a set of the 7 1/2's too!
Cowboy Junky Posted June 26, 2013 Posted June 26, 2013 Hogleg Smith from GA cut my old 44 7 1/2's down to 5........yes five.......I couldn't decide if I wanted 5 1/2 or 4 3/4 so I split the difference. It was kinda' cool having 5 inch SA's. It was cheaper than a re-bbl and he did a great job.
Major Art Tillery Posted June 26, 2013 Author Posted June 26, 2013 Maybe it would be best to have them just cut down by gunsmith... have them tuned up at same time. I thinking 5 1/2 would be about right..
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