Ruger New Vaquero Instructions Manual

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...

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.
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The mechanism of theRUGER®NEW VAQUEROprovides 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...

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AMMUNITION
The table below shows the correct type of ammunition for use in each of the
revolvers listed.
Model Caliber Ammunition
New Vaquero .357 Magnum .357 Mag and .38 SPL
New Vaquero .45 Colt .45 Colt
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...

Any time the revolver is loaded, the hammer is
cocked and the trigger is pulled and held to the
rear, it will fire. Cocking the gun or pulling the
trigger should only be done when you are ready
to fire immediately.
NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER –
COCKED OR UNCOCKED. CARRY AND HANDLE
THE REVOLVER IN SUCH A MANNER THAT
THE HAMMER WILL NOT BE STRUCK.
NEVER CARRY ANY REVOLVER
WITH THE HAMMER COCKED.
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WARNING – HANDLING
HANDLING
CARRYING:Unlike “old model” single action revolvers, which should always...

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6.NOTE– To help prevent scoring of the cylinder, when closing the loading gate
be sure that a chamber is directly aligned with the barrel. This can be achieved
by rotating the cylinder so that a cylinder flute is equally spaced on either side
of the topstrap, closing the loading gate, and then verifying that the cylinder is
locked in place.
7. Cocking – To fire the revolver, the hammer must first be manually cocked.
When cocking the hammer, have a firm hold on the grip with the shooting
hand, and DO...

Never carry revolvers cocked!
The safe carrying position for the
New Vaquero Revolver is with the
hammer fully down and the
trigger forward. In this position
the hammer does not contact the
firing pin. See page 10. In older
(1953-1972) single action
revolvers, the hammer, when in
the full forward position, does rest
against the firing pin.
Accordingly, never car
ry an “oldmodel” revolver with the hammerfully forward and the cartridge inline with the firing pin because alight blow to the hammer canreadily...

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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 cer
tain that the revolver is pointing in a safe direction (see Rule 2, Page 35).
2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,...

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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 full-cock
position for each shot, thus actuating the working parts for complete
indexing. Unless this procedure is followed in any single-action revolver, the
cylinder is...

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DISASSEMBLY
(Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!)
The user of a RUGER®NEW VAQUERO revolver should carefully read all
disassembly directions and study all the illustrations and the Parts List in this
manual before attempting to take the gun apart. Know the names and location of
the parts before removing any of them. Although the Ruger New Model single
action revolver mechanism is composed of only a few parts, it is essential that
the disassembly and reassembly operations be carried out with knowledge and...

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1. With the revolver pointed in a safe direction, open the gate and rotate the
cylinder. Examine every chamber in the cylinder to be certain the revolver is
unloaded. Leave the gate open.
2. Press in fully on the left side of the base pin latch, and while holding it in
that position, withdraw the base pin. Remove the cylinder and close the gate.
This is as far as you need to go for routine cleaning.
DETAILED DISASSEMBLY:
1. Remove grip panel screw and remove grip panels. Unlock the internal lock.
(See...