INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BLUED & STAINLESS STEEL CALIBERS .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .44/40 & .45LC RUGER® VAQUERO® & BISLEY VAQUERO SINGLE ACTION REVOLVERS ! READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on this Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 24) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
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: ! WARNING ! ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
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.
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 WEAPONS STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
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.
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® VAQUERO® or BISLEY 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.
! WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Lead Exposure Ammunition Handling Firing 5 7 11 12 12 13 Safe Carrying Position Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers Malfunctioning Parts 14 17 22 23 26 27 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
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.
NOMENCLATURE Bisley Adjustable Sight Model Shown (Bisley Vaquero Has Fixed Sights; Otherwise Identical) HAMMER HAMMER PIVOT EJECTOR BASE PIN BASE PIN LATCH TRIGGER PIVOT TRIGGER CHAMBER GATE (Loading Gate) CYLINDER FRAME GRIP FRAME 9
The mechanism of the RUGER® VAQUERO & BISLEY 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.
! WARNING - LEAD EXPOSURE Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
WARNING – AMMUNITION ! Death, serious injury, and damage can result from the use of wrong ammunition, bore obstructions, powder overloads, or incorrect cartridge components. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors.
TO LOAD AND FIRE 1. Do not load the revolver until you are ready to use it. 2. Note – The loading gate cannot be opened unless the hammer and trigger are fully forward, and the hammer cannot be cocked once the gate is opened. 3. Open the gate. This permits the cylinder to rotate. 4. Turn cylinder clockwise, by hand, and insert cartridges in chambers. 5. Align a chamber with the barrel and close the gate.
DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded gun is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the gun is pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The Ruger New Model revolvers can be dry-fired without damage to the firing pin or other components. “FANNING”: NEVER fan any revolver.
TO ‘UNCOCK’ (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to its forward position (against the frame), proceed as follows: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB SLIPPING DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR. 1. Make certain that the revolver is pointing in a safe direction (See Rule 2, Page 35). 2.
The revolver is now in its normal carrying condition -- hammer and trigger fully forward and transfer bar lowered out of firing position. CAUTION: The hammer must be carefully eased fully forward before the hammer is drawn back to the full-cock position for the first shot. The hammer should be drawn with a firm positive motion to the fullcock position for each shot, thus actuating the working parts for complete indexing.
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE 2 3 1 REPEAT FOR ALL CHAMBERS 4 Do not eject unfired cartridges onto any surface where the cartridge primer might strike a solid object and discharge the cartridge. ! WARNING – DISASSEMBLY 2 Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver while it is loaded. Never install or remove a loaded cylinder. A loaded cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck. Read instructions before disassembling gun.
The tip of the screwdriver blade should perfectly fit the grip frame screw slots. A tip too large will scrape away metal, while too small a tip will damage the screw slots. Before taking the gun apart, set up to do it properly. Cover the work surface with a soft cloth so that the gun finish (and sights) will not be damaged, and provide a tray into which the parts can be put as they are removed from the gun. DISASSEMBLY (Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!) 1.
7. Remove cylinder latch, gate detent spring, and gate. 8. Remove hammer pivot. Then remove the hammer/pawl assembly and the trigger/transfer bar assembly. (Note that the hammer is attached to the pawl and the transfer bar is attached to the trigger. See Figure 2). (Groove in Hammer Pivot) (Groove in Trigger Pivot) Figure 1 Figure 2 ALTHOUGH THE FOREGOING OUTLINES THE CORRECT PROCEDURE, WE WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT SUCH DETAILED DISMANTLING IS SELDOM IF EVER NECESSARY.
3. Replace cylinder latch and gate detent spring as shown in Figure 3. Note that the lug on the cylinder latch fits between the arms of the gate detent spring and that the end of one of the arms of the spring is formed at a 90 degree angle. The projection thus formed, is designed to fit through the square hole in the bottom of the frame and to ride on the cam surface of the gate pivot. Note also that this projection holds the loading gate back and in place. 4. (Refer to Figure 1, p. 19).
11. See Figure 4, and note the end of the trigger spring (the arrow marked “A”). This end of the spring must be depressed so that it slides under the rear portion of the trigger when the grip frame is forward. With all the above springs and plungers aligned, fully mate the grip frame and cylinder frame and install the five grip frame screws. Note that the long screw (XR01901) should go in the grip frame hole on the gate side (Figure 4-B) of the revolver. 12.
Some cartridges with lead bullets deposit metal fouling in the chamber throats, in the forcing cone of the barrel, and in the bore. If ‘leading’ is noted in your revolver, clean it out before it builds up and interferes with reliable functioning and accuracy. A special ‘lead removing’ cleaning tool (for bore and chambers) is available from gun stores. The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without disassembly.
To reassemble the revolver for firing, open the loading gate and reinsert the cylinder. Next, press the basepin latch on the frame and fully reinsert the basepin. Check to be sure the cylinder rotates freely in a clockwise direction. With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, close the loading gate. The revolver is now reassembled and can be loaded and fired.
Exposed surfaces on the firearm should be cleaned and wiped dry after use or after exposure to adverse conditions. If the firearm is to be stored, coat it with a light film of oil or preservative. Where the firearm is in continuing use, and the presence of oil or grease would be objectionable, then the external surfaces can be coated (after cleaning and drying) with a paste wax formulated for use on metals. Apply the wax sparingly, allow time for it to dry hard, then buff lightly with a soft cloth.
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR RUGER® VAQUERO & BISLEY VAQUERO revolvers returned to the factory for repair should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773. Telephone (603) 865-2442. The complete revolver should be shipped. Please do not send your holster, custom grip panels or other accessories with any revolver being shipped to us. Guns should be sent prepaid;. We will not accept collect shipments.
! WARNING –PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchaser and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the revolver after such installation.
IMPORTANT – REGARDING PARTS ORDERING. Ruger Vaquero and Bisley Vaquero Single Action revolvers are manufactured in Blued steel and Stainless steel versions. WHEN ORDERING PARTS BE SURE TO STATE WHETHER YOUR REVOLVER IS BLUED OR STAINLESS. ALSO, INCLUDE THE COMPLETE SERIAL NUMBER AND SPECIFY THE CALIBER AND BARREL LENGTH. NOTE: A few component parts, as example grip panels, are the same for blued and stainless models.
RUGER® VAQUERO® & BISLEY VAQUERO PARTS LIST Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded Views on Pages 33 & 34) 28 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Part Name Barrel, 4 5/8” - .357 cal. Barrel, 4 5/8” - .357 cal. Barrel, 5 1/2” - .357 cal. Barrel, 5 1/2” - .357 cal. Barrel, 4 5/8” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. Barrel, 4 5/8” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. Barrel, 5 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. Barrel, 5 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag.
* * * * * * * * Part Name Base Pin Latch Nut Base Pin Latch Nut (high gloss finish) Base Pin Latch Spring Base Pin Latch Spring Cable Lock, 10” - For Ruger Revolvers Only Case Only - 3” - 5 1/2” barrels Case Only - 7 1/2” barrels Cylinder - .357 cal. Cylinder - .357 cal. Cylinder - .44 mag. cal. Cylinder - .44 mag. cal. Cylinder - .44/40 cal. Cylinder - .44/40 cal. Cylinder - .45 LC Cylinder - .
Part Name Ejector Rod Assembly Ejector Rod Assembly Ejector Rod Assembly Ejector Rod Assembly Firing Pin Firing Pin Firing Pin Rebound Spring Front Sight Blade - .357 cal. Front Sight Blade - .357 cal. Front Sight Blade - .44 mag. cal., .44/40 cal. & .45LC (except 7 1/2” barrels) Front Sight Blade - .44 mag cal., .44/40 cal. & .45LC (except 7 1/2” barrels) Front Sight Blade - .45LC (7 1/2” bbl.) Front Sight Blade - .45LC (7 1/2” bbl.
Part Name Grip Frame Screw - B - Back (hex screws - 2 Req’d.
Part Name Hammer Strut Mainspring Mainspring Mainspring Seat Mainspring Seat Medallion, 2 Req’d. Pawl Pawl Spring Pawl Spring Pawl Spring Plunger Pawl Spring Plunger Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Cross Pin Recoil Plate Cross Pin Transfer Bar Trigger Trigger Trigger Trigger Trigger Pivot Pin Trigger Pivot Pin Trigger Spring Trigger Spring Trigger Spring Pivot Pin Trigger Spring Retaining Pin Part No.
VAQUERO® MODEL EXPLODED VIEW 33
RUGER® BISLEY VAQUERO EXPLODED VIEW 34
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot! 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should by used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
