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Adjustable sights on a Vaquero

7.2K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  temmi  
#1 ·
Bought my Ruger Bisley Vaquero thinking (first problem) I wanted the simplicity and ruggedness of fixed sights. Every now and then I wish I had adjustable sights. Can it be done? Anyone done it? Buy another pistol?
 
#5 ·
Alan Harton put them on a bearcat for me. He did a fine job. they usually use a smith and wesson K frame sight but i think harton now makes his own. vaqueros look pretty good with the smith sights on them.
 
#8 ·
Why? I've been trying different bullets and loads and sometimes think life would be better if I could easily adjust the sights. I' have two of these revolvers and in my ideal word I'd have two loads that shot the same. One for plinking at the SASS range and one for carrying in the woods that would shoot through a grizzly. Been working with the 300 and 265 gr Beartooths and some 250 plinkers.
I do like the simplicity and ruggedness of the fixed sights. Just wih it was easier to get them sighted in.
 
#9 ·
FWIW, and IMHO, if the fixed shoot my fun/everyday shootin' load where Im lookin I know I can load up something stiffer for 'the griz', etc. and, at the distance I would 'need it' they would go where I was lookin' too. In a scenario like that I wouldnt see sights anyway, it would be point & pull.
....... :p (last time I met the bear, eye to eye at about 10 feet, we both lived to tell about it, no shots fired).
 
#10 ·
Likewise...I have a .44 Vaquero that shoots low/left with most loads. It was elevation perfect and about 2" left at 50 yds with my 320gr LBT LFN's but I don't really want to shoot that heavy a bullet all the time. What I'd really like would be a rear like is on my 1911 and a front with replaceable inserts shorter/taller for elevation. My gunsmith around the corner said he could mill out the topstrap and put in a set of S&W sights but I haven't priced that route yet or asked if he do as I described above.
 
#11 ·
I've learned that the way I hold my Vaquero and pull the trigger, I have to hold the front sight low and to the right side of the groove and then sit the target on top of the front sight for me to be accurate with it. Must be something with me as all my adjustable sight pistols have the rear sight run over to the right. Never thought of adjustable sights on a Vaquero, would be nice if someone would post a pic.
 
#12 ·
kynardsj, I had that same problem when I first started shooting single actions. I have smaller hands and found I was scooting my grip around to the right resulting in shooting high and left. When I made it a point to move my hand so my forearm was in line with the barrel or shot two handed, it shot to the sights. Check your grip. I used to grip it the wrong way so it was easier for my thumb to reach the hammer to cock it. That was solved by putting a SBH hammer in my Rugers. I still have a 'reach' problem with Colt style guns, but I love 'em anyway! 44 Man
As to the adjustable sights on a RV, I'd use that gun as is with a fun 'woods walk'n' load and buy another RBH with adjustable sights for my 'bear load'. It's cheaper that way and 2 guns are more fun that 1 gun that you have to keep moving the sights on for different loads. Just the way I'd do it.
 
#13 ·
Clements just recently raised his prices on those sight conversions from affordable to out of this world expensive. Must have a lot of call for them or a boatload of work to do that.
I just sent a 44 spec. Vaquero away to Jim Stroh to have the adjustable sight conversion done.
One other option that I had done with my Old Model Bisley Vaquero 44 mag. Had a dovetail front sight installed, with an additional, higher front sight made. Got real lucky as I have a 250 gr. LBT LFN gc that shoots a 1000fps load with a 6 oclock hold to the sights and a 1300fps load that shoots windage perfect but 3" higher. Same bullet 2 different powders. Also playing with a 280gr. LBT WFN gc that shoots the same as the 1300 fps load but 2" left, interchangable loads all of them. Like I said though I do believe I got lucky.
Crash87