Ruger Vaquero Instructions Manual

							21 1
1. 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. Hook the two ends of the trigger spring
over the trigger spring retaining pin
(KXR06300) as shown in Figure 4-C.
13. Be certain the mainspring strut seat is
correctly positioned on its step in the
grip frame. Then, draw the hammer
back to the full cock position and
remove the small pin from the
mainspring strut. Pull trigger and allow
hammer to fall.
14. Open the gate, withdraw base pin and
install the cylinder. Reinsert the base
pin and be certain it is fully seated and
locked in position.
15. Before loading cartridges into the chamber, cycle the revolver several times.
Check to be sure that cylinder rotates and locks correctly, that trigger returns
in a positive manner when released, and that loading gate opens and closes
normally.
CARE AND CLEANING
MAKE SURE GUN IS UNLOADED!
Always be certain the revolver is completely unloaded before cleaning. At regular
intervals or when the revolver has been exposed to sand, water or other adverse
conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it.
To clean the revolver after firing:
1. Remove the cylinder as described on p. 16.
2. Clean the barrel from the muzzle by running a cleaning rod with a solvent
coated patch through the bore several times. A bronze wire brush, of a size
appropriate to the bore size, attached to the cleaning rod should then be
pushed the full length of the bore several times.
3. Again swab the bore with a solvent coated patch. Then wipe the rod clean
and, using a dry patch, swab the bore until it is clean.
4. Repeat the above procedure for each of the six chambers.
5. Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore and each chamber.
B
A
4-C
Figure 4 
						

							Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any
other material even partially obstructing the
bore may result in damage to the revolver
and serious injury to the shooter and those
nearby.
Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on
ammunition. If the powder charge of a
cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may
not be ignited, but the energy from the
primer may be sufficient to push the bullet
into the bore where it may become lodged.
Firing a subsequent bullet onto the
obstructed bore may damage the revolver
and cause serious injury or death to the
shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants
properly. You are responsible for the proper
care and maintenance of your firearms.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS
22
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. A few
drops of light oil recommended as suitable for firearms, applied periodically
about the various frame openings, will work its way into the mechanism parts.
The exterior of the revolver should be cleaned with a solvent and then wiped with
an oily cloth.
!WARNING – LUBRICATION
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
Do notkeep the revolver in a leather, fabric or canvas holster when it is stored.
These materials attract moisture, even though the holster may appear to be
perfectly dry.
TO RENDER THE REVOLVER INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, open the loading gate and check all
chambers of the cylinder to be sur
e the revolver is completely unloaded! Depress
the basepin latch on the side of the frame and remove the basepin by pulling it
toward the muzzle and out of the frame. Next, remove the cylinder from the
frame.
Store the revolver and frame in different locations. When disassembled in this
manner, this revolver is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the revolver until the
cylinder and basepin have been correctly replaced.
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE REVOLVER FOR STORAGE.(SEEPAGE5) 
						

							23
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.
While the revolver is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when
disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with
the supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun
safe or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults.
Guns should always be stored securely, unloaded
and separate from their
ammunition.
CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVERS
Firearms made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to corrosion than
blued steel firearms. However, you should still inspect it frequently and clean,
lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative as required.
Sometimes surface discoloration may be noted, particularly in the grip area of
stainless steel handguns, resulting from perspiration. Contact with some types of
holsters can also cause stains or rusting. Rusting may also occur as a result of
the handgun being exposed to moisture, humidity, salt air or chemicals.
Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stained area with an
abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When using
any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve a
blending of ‘color’ with those areas that are not discolored.
Never place or store any firearm in such a
manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms
should always be stored securely and
unloaded, away from children and careless
adults. Use the locking device originally
supplied with this firearm for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety lock is
only one aspect of responsible firearms
storage. For increased safety, firearms
should be stored unloaded and locked in a
location that is both separate from their
ammunition and inaccessible to children
and any other unauthorized person.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
!WARNING – STORAGE
LOADED 
						

							24
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. When applying the wax take care that it does not get into the
mechanism or on the functioning parts such as the cylinder latch, trigger or
cylinder locking notches. A properly applied hard wax coating will not interfere
with comfortable gun handling and it will provide a measure of protection
against the formation of rust.
CARE OF “COLOR CASE FINISHED” FRAMES
The special finish process used to simulate the old-time “color case hardened”
frames of antique revolvers is quite durable, but not as wear-resistant as a
conventional blued steel finish. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS ON ANY
“COLOR CASE FINISHED”FRAMES.Note that the frames are “through
hardened” just like other Ruger®revolvers. This finish is provided for those who
prefer its mottled “old west” appearance.
FIXED SIGHTS
RUGER®VAQUERO & BISLEY VAQUEROrevolvers feature a blade
front sight and a fixed rear sight. They are factory set to be on target at 25 yards.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER®
VAQUERO or BISLEY VAQUERO revolvers, please write or call (603-
865-2442) our Newport, New Hampshire Product Service Department, fully
describing all circumstances. If you should return your revolver to the factory for
repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the following suggestions for
prompt service:
WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY
FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT
AND ITS CYLINDER OR MAGAZINE ARE
UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP CARTRIDGES
WITH A FIREARM.
! 
						

							25
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;. W
e will not accept collect
shipments.
The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most States and localities, do
not prohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or
possessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for
repair. However, before shipping your firearm to us, be certain that your State or
locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving
it from us after it has been repaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then please
have a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer ship the gun to us. If your gun is sent
to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a handgun
(pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a Federal
Firearms License, it must
be shipped via U.P.S. (Next Day Air) Persons who do
not hold a Federal Firearms License are prohibited by Federal law from shipping
a handgun by mail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are impounded by
the Post Office.
Please do not include revolver case, sling, telescopic sights or custom accessories
with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN
BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS
– THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT.Always
insure your shipment. 
Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial
number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have
experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Merely stating
that the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $20.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the RUGER
®
VAQUERO & BISLEY VAQUERO revolvers is $50.00 plus a $20.00
shipping and handling charge. W
e cannot apply the “color case finish” of the
Ruger Vaquero to any other single action revolver.Custom gunsmithing service
or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Service Departments. 
						

							26
!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.
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY
ORDERING PARTS
Please contact the New Hampshire Product Service Department for parts
availability and current prices. All parts orders for the RUGER®VAQUERO
& BISLEY VAQUERO revolvers should be sent to : Sturm, Ruger & Co.,
Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New
Hampshire, 03773, 603-865-2442. 
We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. orders. Payment in the form of a
check, money order, Visa or Mastercard must accompany your order. Credit Card
orders must include the account number, expiration date and whether it is a Visa
or Mastercard account. Minimum parts order is $1.00 plus $3.50 shipping and
handling charge. Order parts by Part Name and Part Number and include the
entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are being ordered.There is
a minimum net labor charge of $20.00 plus $20.00 shipping and handling charge
if the parts are factory fitted. All factory fitted parts are fit on an exchange basis
only. We will not return the replaced parts.
Barrels, cylinders and a number of other component parts must be fitted at the
factory. Company policy is to proof-test and/or function fire all barrels after
fitting to the receivers in which they are to be used. This procedure ensures
maximum protection to our customers. The special proof-test ammunition used
in this testing is sold only to bonafide firearms manufacturers and is not
available to gun shops, gunsmiths, or individuals.
Because it is a serial numbered part, the cylinder frame of RUGER
®
VAQUERO & BISLEY VAQUEROrevolvers is defined as a ‘firearm’ by
Federal Law and is not offered for sale as a component part.
Parts designated by an (*) must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on an
exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return
any part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See
“Warning – Parts Purchasers” above. 
						

							27
CAUTION: A gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning,
or badly worn parts should not be fired.
!
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.
CYLINDER NOTE:Cylinders are only available for installation in the model they
were intended for.
BARREL NOTE: All barrels are marked with a safety message, (“Before using
gun, read warnings in Instruction Manual available free from Sturm, Ruger &
Co. Inc., Southport, CT, USA”).
SHIPPING REVOLVERS FOR
INSTALLATION OF A SAFETY CONVERSION KIT:
If you would like to have any “old model” (pre-1973) Bearcat, Single-Six,
Blackhawk, or Super Blackhawk revolver factory fitted with a free Conversion Kit
(to help prevent accidents caused by a blow to the hammer if the user has failed
to keep an empty
chamber under the hammer)please write to Sturm, Ruger &
Co., Dept. KC, 1 Lacey Place, Southport, CT 06490 for a box and shipping
instructions. Be sure to include information as to model, caliber, and serial
number. Please do not send your old model single action revolver until you
receive shipping instructions and a box from us.Please note that the Kit will be
fitted at our Newport, New Hampshire facility. All other servicing of “old model”
single actions will also be performed at our Newport facility, but only after a
Conversion Kit is first installed. 
						

							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)
Part Name Part No. Model
* Barrel, 4 5/8”  - .357 cal. MR20601 Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 4 5/8”  - .357 cal. KMR20601 Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2”  - .357 cal. MR20604 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2”  - .357 cal. KMR20604 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 4 5/8” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. MR10604 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 4 5/8” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. KMR10604 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. MR10603 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. KMR10603 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 7 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. MR10601 Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 7 1/2” - .44/40 or .44 mag. cal. KMR10601 Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 3 3/4” - .45 LC MR50607 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
* Barrel, 3 3/4” - .45 LC KMR50607 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model
* Barrel, 4 5/8” - .45 LC MR50600 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 4 5/8” - .45 LC KMR50600 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2” - .45 LC MR50601 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 5 1/2”  - .45 LC KMR50601 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Barrel, 7 1/2” - .45 LC MR50602 Vaquero - Blued Models
* Barrel, 7 1/2” - .45 LC KMR50602 Vaquero - Stainless Models
Base Pin Assembly MR02900D Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Base Pin Assembly KMR02900D Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Base Pin Assembly MR22915 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
Base Pin Assembly KMR22915 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model
Base Pin Latch Body XR02700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Base Pin Latch Body (high gloss finish) KXR02701 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
28 
						

							29
Part Name Part No. Model
Base Pin Latch Nut XR02800 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Base Pin Latch Nut (high gloss finish) KXR02801 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Base Pin Latch Spring XR04700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Base Pin Latch Spring KXR04700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Cable Lock, 10” - For Ruger Revolvers Only
PM120 All Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero Models
Case Only  -  3” - 5 1/2” barrels RGC-M Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero Models
Case Only  -  7 1/2” barrels RGC-L Vaquero Models
* Cylinder - .357 cal.  MR-1-357VC Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Cylinder - .357 cal. GKMR-1-357 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Cylinder - .44 mag. cal. MR-1-44VC Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Cylinder - .44 mag. cal. GKMR-1-44 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Cylinder - .44/40 cal. MR-1-4440 Vaquero - Blued Models
* Cylinder - .44/40 cal. GKMR-1-4440 Vaquero - Stainless Models
* Cylinder - .45 LC MR-1-45VC Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
* Cylinder - .45 LC KMR-1-45VC Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Cylinder Latch Assembly KXR04500 All Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero Models
Cylinder Latch Spring XR04600 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Cylinder Latch Spring KXR04600 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Cylinder Latch Spring Plunger XR07700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Cylinder Latch Spring Plunger KXR07700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Ejector Housing - Steel MR02208B Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Ejector Housing (high gloss finish) KXR12202 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Ejector Housing MR02215 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
Ejector Housing KMR02215 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model
Ejector Housing Screw XR03300 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Ejector Housing Screw (high gloss finish) KXR03301 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Ejector Housing Spring XR04400 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Ejector Housing Spring KXR04400 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Ejector Housing Spring MR04400 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
Ejector Housing Spring KMR04400 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model 
						

							30
Part Name Part No. Model
Ejector Rod Assembly XR-55 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Ejector Rod Assembly KXR-55 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Ejector Rod Assembly MR22315 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
Ejector Rod Assembly KMR22315 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model
Firing Pin MR02100 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Firing Pin KMR02100 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Firing Pin Rebound Spring KE-48 All Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero Models
Front Sight Blade - .357 cal. MR03617 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Front Sight Blade - .357 cal. KMR03617 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Front Sight Blade - .44 mag. cal., MR03613 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
.44/40 cal.  & .45LC (except 7 1/2” barrels)
Front Sight Blade - .44 mag cal., KMR03613 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
.44/40 cal. & .45LC (except 7 1/2” barrels)
Front Sight Blade - .45LC (7 1/2” bbl.) MR03615 Vaquero - Blued Models
Front Sight Blade - .45LC (7 1/2” bbl.) KMR03615 Vaquero - Stainless Models
Gate MR02400 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Gate KMR02400 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Gate Detent Spring MR07300 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models•
Gate Detent Spring KMR07300 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Grip Frame XR00301 Vaquero - Blued Models
Grip Frame KXR00300 Vaquero - Stainless Models
Grip Frame BR00300 Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Grip Frame KBR00300 Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Grip Frame MR00308 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Blued Model
Grip Frame KMR00308 Vaquero with Bird’s Head Grip - Stainless Model
Grip Frame Screw - A - Front XR01700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
Grip Frame Screw - A - Front KXR01700 Vaquero & Bisley Vaquero - Stainless Models
Grip Frame Screw - B - Back (2 Req’d.) XR01800 Vaquero - Blued Models
Grip Frame Screw - B - Back (2 Req’d.) KXR01800 Vaquero - Stainless Models
Grip Frame Screw - B - Back BR01801 Bisley Vaquero - Blued Models
(hex screws - 2 Req’d.)