Caveat Emptor

If you know what you want and know what you will spend for it.. auction sites are great. I usually lock in my max bid early and do not look back until after the auction is over. If I win, great, if not there will be another along here soon.

If you have to touch it and feel it first to fall in love with it... these will only whet your appetite and make you search out a store that has what you want.

I have purchased and sold several items through Gunbroker and Auction arms with 100% satisfaction.

I see that you got the 44/40 bug Handloader.

I have never had a gun, that when I pulled it out of my shooting bag, all that I hear is OO's and AH's from fellow shooters. They even hold the Vaquero like it's gold.

I took your advice and tonight, went to the Range with a file, filed down the front sight, and now my 44/40 is dead on at 25 yards.

Thanks for all of the help and advice.
If not for you telling my to go for it, I most likely would have passed on, what is now, my all time favorite revolver.

I might just try to pick up another one when the time comes to go with the Vaquero that I now have.

Eric

ElyBoy: Whether camping, guiding elk hunters, or on my own outdoor adventures, a Vaquero will be the "go to" handgun. I've got a few Smiths, Colts and Freedom Arms and enjoy them all, but, for ruggedness and packing I find the Old Model Vaquero 4 5/8" versions to be best for me. With my 45 Colt Vaquero, I have killed two black bear and two bull elk along with numerous coyotes and a ton of jackrabbits.

I'm pleased to see you find similar characteristics to your Vaquero 44-40. I doubt you will ever be able to wear it out and that it may even be among the heirlooms you hand down to future generations to enjoy and use.

Most may be aware, but, to repeat that most SAA fixed sight revolvers have an intentionally high front sight that needs to be filed down once the pet load for it has been established. A nice fine flat bastard file will cut the front sight and bring the point of impact higher as needed. Some cold blue will easily retouch the finish. On one Vaquero I had an old silver dime cut down to proper height and silver soldered in place of the original sight. I like it.

Regretably, Ruger never made an Old Model Vaquero in 41 Magnum, so, I found a donor 357 Vaquero 4 5/8" and had the barrel and cylinder rebored to 41 Mag. Neat and potent. Soon it will go to Turnbull's for color case hardening and high polish blue. The projects never end.

Gil,
You are correct, the prices on some of these sites are enough for a bingo game. I prefer to see what I am buying before I part with the cash. Take care...
Joe

Being that my Vaquero is the Ruger high gloss stainless, after filing, I finished with very fine grit paper, and the sight looks as good as new.

Eric

Eric, I have a Vaquero with that same finish and found that "dulling" the finish on the front sight helped me see it better.