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I recently acquired this from a friend of mine who was helping out another friend's son by reloading some .45lc for his brand new Ruger. Apparently, he wasn't paying attention to his scale and double red-lined the load. I don't know what kind of powder he was using. This is the result.
Sorry for the picture but it is very windy here so I took this photo inside. According to the friend who was doing the loading, it held together for the first 2 rounds but blew on the 3rd. He felt really bad for the kid and bought him a brand new gun and swore he would never load for anybody else ever again. Nobody was hurt other than the ruger. He didn't want to be reminded of the incident so he gave me all of the pieces that were found. I use it as a reminder about being extra careful when I reload and I never reload for other people.
Just thought you folks might want to have a look at it.
I wouldn't just throw it away. I'd talk to Alan Harton, a gunsmith guru out of Texas. But then again, the price he might charge to repair it may be more than a new Vaquero. I'd still call him. You can get his information by searching the Single-actions forum; http://single-actions.phpbb3now.com/
Just out of curiosity is it an 'original model' Vaquero or a New Vaquero. The name will be on the frame. If it just says Vaquero it is the original model. If it says New Vaquero it is the more recent, smaller model. Judging from the shape of the hammer spur, I'm guessing it is the New Vaquero.
Ruger went to great pains to stress that the New Vaquero is not built to the same ruggedness as the older, larger model. They stressed that the heavier loads in the 'Ruger Only' sections of many loading manuals are not to be shot in the New Model. SAAMI spec only. Of course, an accidental overcharge is an accidental overcharge, and a double charge might blow up the bigger 'original model' too.
Last edited by Driftwood Johnson on Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I don't know where we're going but there's no sense being late.
this looks to be a newer smaller vaquero - they are known not to be as strong as the older vaquero/blackhawk frame - still a bad loss, but glad nobody was hurt. You have to pay attention when reloading....
It is a New model. He gave it to me because I have an old model and thought I might be able to use it for parts. Of course, nothing will fit from it, not even the grips. Believe it or not, but the guy I got it from sent it to Ruger but they said they were not responsible for the blow-up because of the reloads. They offered to send him another one for cost but he didn't want to do that.
By the way, In my humble opinion, I cannot find fault with Ruger as I don't know of any firearm that can handle a double charge. I blame the reloader for not being careful enough. On my old model, I would not be afraid to shoot my own reloads through it(definately not my friend's reloads.)
Ya know, a friend will bail you outta jail, (or buy ya a new Ruger when HE blows your's up; but a TRUE FRIEND (would still buy you a new Ruger), but tell ya, WHOA, BUT WAS THAT A BLAST OR WHAT!!!!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession! AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
nemhed wrote:Well that proves it, Rugers aren't safe for reloads, I've seen the proof on the internet.
BLASPHEMY!!!
Hunter Ed. instructor
NRA Basic pistol Inst.
NRA Personal protection inst.
NRA Range safety officer
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1