been looking into the vaquero in 45lc.. would like to see some reviews on this platform before i buy?

I have a Ruger Vaquero stainless 4 5/8 barrel but in 44 special. It is one of my favorite tote around guns. I have put over 1000 rounds through mine without a hitch.

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A truely successful life is mostly based on how well you handle PLAN B.

I have the Vaquero in 45 colt. No functional problems with it at all. Very handy size for farm and woods carry for me. Mine has one small, 4 mm area on the case colored frame that is prone to a "red rash". I have to be careful to keep it oiled at that spot to prevent rust. I don't know it something was missed in the finish during manufacturing or whether I might have gotten some chemical on the case color that caused it. That little area does not have the deep colored appearance that the rest of the frame shows. Even at that I would not hesitate to get another one.

This is the best review I have ever seen even though it is a few years old.
From Rifle Magazine web site an archive of a Handloader magazine article by Brian Pearce April 2005
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazin...34_preview.pdf
Scroll down to page 7 of the PDF

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"Had his shooting been as good as his running, he might have given a better account of himself."
James. C. Henderson

First thing you you need to know Louie, is that there are a few different versions of Vaquero.

Up until 2005, the Vaquero was on the same frame size as the Blackhawk so you could load Ruger Only level .45 Colt loads in it.

In 2005, Ruger discontinued that model and delivered a slimmer, trimmer, lighter revolver, named New Vaquero to satisfy Cowboy Action Shooters who wanted a good, solid revolver that was more "Colt like".
This one will come apart with Ruger Only .45 Colt loads. Don't do it.

In the last couple years, Ruger has stopped stamping the New Vaquero with the word New. It is still the lighter, slimmer, trimmer gun that will not handle Ruger Only loads. It's just marked Vaquero.

I own a couple .45 Colt Vaqueros. The Original pre 2005 models. They handle and shoot very nicely. Heavy and robust guns.Ruger's color case finish is just that. It is a finish and not color case hardening, so it does rub of or rust easily. I have a couple bald spots on one of mine. They aren't really noticable unless you're really looking for them. It has no effect on how the gun functions.

I've also got a couple Blackhawks in .45 Colt as well. Well built revolvers again. I'd say buy one and use it. It'll serve you very well for decades.

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Be popular? Heck, I have enough friends.
and...
"That way lies madness".

Have 4 of them. One 44 Special, 3 45 Colts. One is an old model. Buy it and never look back. With resaonable care they will be passed down to the next 2 generations.

Have fun, Don