{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "ruger-vaquero", "name": "Ruger Vaquero", "manufacturer": { "id": "ruger", "name": "Sturm, Ruger & Co." }, "category": "revolver", "action": "single-action-revolver", "calibers": [ ".45 Colt", ".357 Magnum" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "New Vaquero" ], "coversAlso": [], "page": "firearms/ruger-vaquero.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/ruger-vaquero.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "high", "verification": "manufacturer-manual-verified" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "published", "limit": null, "statement": "Ruger's procedure removes the base pin and cylinder, then gives owner guidance for going further (ejector housing, base pin latch/nut). It does not tell owners to stop.", "source": { "title": "Instruction Manual for the Ruger Vaquero Revolver (PM170)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/newVaquero.pdf", "page": "20", "pdfPage": 20, "pageUrl": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/newVaquero.pdf#page=20", "quote": "The revolver is disassembled as far as it needs to be for major cleaning and maintenance. However, if it is necessary to go beyond the above steps, the following cautions and suggestions should be useful:" } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 1, "group": "revolver", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "New Model coil-spring lockwork with fixed sights (51 pieces); described as not difficult. Extra small traps are the cylinder rotation-stop detent and spring set by a tiny screw in the hammer channel, plus the usual pawl plunger, grip-frame springs and loading gate.", "confidence": "medium", "partCount": { "value": 50, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "Current (New) Vaquero, 2005 on; the original large-frame Vaquero is not covered (50 line items)", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "Instruction Manual for the Ruger Vaquero Revolver (PM170)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/newVaquero.pdf", "page": "29", "pdfPage": 29, "pageUrl": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/newVaquero.pdf#page=29", "quote": "50 Grip Panel Dowel" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "Owners describe the New Vaquero strip as not difficult, done with knowledge of the parts.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Ruger New Vaquero Disassembly", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=19598.0", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "It's not difficult....quite a few folks reference this page for the Ruger...." } }, { "issue": "The pawl spring and plunger must go back in the right way round, plunger in and spring out.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Ruger New Vaquero Disassembly", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=19598.0", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "# 45 - Pawl Spring and Plunger assembly...make sure when you put the gun back together to get the plunger in and spring out." } }, { "issue": "The latch spring has to be compressed off the trigger pin and the loading-gate spring pops out of place on reassembly.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Ruger New Vaquero Disassembly", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=19598.0", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "getting the latch spring to release from the trigger pin was a chore..." } }, { "issue": "The New Vaquero adds a spring-loaded cylinder rotation-stop detent held by a small set screw in the hammer channel.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "No clicks heard when rotating cylinder on brand new NMV", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=49794.0", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "if you cock the hammer and look in the hammer channel on the lower left side you can see the allen screw that holds the detent and spring in." } }, { "issue": "Aligning the grip frame to the cylinder frame without displacing the two springs that sit between them is touchy.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Ruger New Vaquero Disassembly", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=19598.0", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "it took me for ever to get the handle and the gun lined up with out damaging the springs that fit between them, there are 2 one by the hammer, one by the trigger touchy and easy to pop out of place" } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 25, "rebuild": 40, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimated for an experienced tech: cylinder, ejector housing, base pin latch, grip frame, lockwork and gate out of the cylinder frame. Rebuild is longer for the pawl spring/plunger, the two springs between grip frame and frame, the loading gate and the transfer bar, then a function check.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Cylinder, ejector and base pin", "removes": [ "base pin and cylinder", "ejector housing with compressed ejector spring and rod", "base pin latch, nut and spring" ], "tools": [ "jaw-protected pliers" ] }, { "assembly": "Grip frame", "removes": [ "grip panels", "mainspring assembly (captured on its strut)", "grip frame / trigger guard screws and grip frame", "trigger spring, trigger spring pivot and retaining pins", "cylinder latch spring plunger and spring" ], "tools": [ "pin or nail to capture the mainspring", "fitted hollow-ground screwdrivers" ] }, { "assembly": "Cylinder frame", "removes": [ "hammer pivot and hammer with pawl, pawl spring and plunger", "trigger pivot, trigger and transfer bar", "cylinder latch", "loading gate and gate detent spring", "firing pin, rebound spring and recoil plate cross pin (if the frame is stripped bare)", "front sight blade (fixed-sight model; rear notch is in the frame)" ], "tools": [ "small pin punches" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 11, "springs": 5, "detents": 6, "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "Fitted hollow-ground screwdrivers", "usedFor": "Grip-frame, ejector housing and base pin latch screws" }, { "tool": "Jaw-protected pliers", "usedFor": "Holding the base pin latch nut while the latch is unscrewed (Ruger manual)" }, { "tool": "Pin, nail or paper clip", "usedFor": "Capturing the mainspring on its strut" }, { "tool": "Small pin punches", "usedFor": "Hammer, trigger and spring pivot pins" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Cylinder rotates and locks in each chamber, trigger returns, loading gate opens and closes normally", "why": "Ruger’s own post-reassembly check for the single actions.", "source": { "title": "Instruction Manual for Ruger New Model Blackhawk Single-Action Revolvers", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/blackhawk.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Check to be sure that the cylinder rotates and locks correctly, that the trigger returns in a positive manner when released, and that the loading gate opens and closes normally." } }, { "check": "Transfer bar moves freely and the hammer cannot reach the firing pin with the trigger forward", "why": "A pinched transfer bar stops trigger return; this is the New Model safety.", "source": { "title": "Blackhawk Trigger Return Issue Help?", "publisher": "24hourcampfire", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/15795388/2/blackhawk-trigger-return-issue-help", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The transfer bar is a prime candidate because it links directly to the trigger. Look hard at both sides of it, where it should travel freely in the frame." } }, { "check": "Base pin fully seated and latched; base pin latch nut tight", "why": "A pin that is not home walks forward under recoil (entry commonIssues).", "source": null }, { "check": "Ejector housing screw re-threadlocked (non-permanent)", "why": "Ruger installs it with thread locker and asks for it to be reapplied.", "source": { "title": "Instruction Manual for Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Revolvers", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/wrangler.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "NOTE: The ejector housing screw is installed with a thread-locking adhesive." } } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [ { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Disassembly Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOsqz4nQxkA", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "field-strip" ], "appliesTo": "Ruger single-action revolvers (generic Ruger video); assumed to cover the Vaquero / New Vaquero", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" }, { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Reassembly Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbFwlGTJy_4", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "reassembly" ], "appliesTo": "Ruger single-action revolvers (generic Ruger video); assumed to cover the Vaquero / New Vaquero", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" }, { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Cleaning Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Z4bkfa988", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "cleaning" ], "appliesTo": "Ruger single-action revolvers (generic Ruger video); assumed to cover the Vaquero / New Vaquero", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" }, { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Cylinder Removal Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0DCJw33rJ0", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "field-strip" ], "appliesTo": "Any Ruger Single Action revolver (per the description)", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" } ], "configurations": [], "tools": [], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Open the loading gate on the right side of the frame. On a New Model this frees the cylinder to rotate." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Rotate the cylinder to bring the first chamber in line with the loading gate and push the ejector rod rearward to eject the cartridge or case.", "partsFreed": [ "One cartridge or case per cycle" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Repeat for every chamber, rotating and ejecting one at a time." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Rotate the cylinder through a full revolution and look into every chamber to confirm each is empty.", "warning": "Every chamber, verified individually. There is no way to see them all at once." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Confirm the bore is clear and remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [ { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Disassembly Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOsqz4nQxkA", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "field-strip" ], "appliesTo": "Ruger single-action revolvers (generic Ruger video); assumed to cover the Vaquero / New Vaquero", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" }, { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Cylinder Removal Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0DCJw33rJ0", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "field-strip" ], "appliesTo": "Any Ruger Single Action revolver (per the description)", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" } ], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip — Cylinder Removal", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Open the loading gate.", "tip": "The cylinder will not come out with the gate closed." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press in the base pin latch on the left side of the frame ahead of the cylinder and hold it." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Pull the base pin forward and out of the frame.", "warning": "A small part the revolver will not function without. Set it where it cannot roll away.", "partsFreed": [ "Base pin" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Roll the cylinder out through the loading gate opening on the right side of the frame.", "partsFreed": [ "Cylinder" ] }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Close the loading gate once the cylinder is out. This is as far as you need to go for routine cleaning." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Clean the chambers, bore, cylinder face, and forcing cone." } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Base pin", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Cylinder", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": { "parts": 50, "scope": "Current (New) Vaquero, 2005 on. The original large-frame Vaquero (1993–2005) differs and is not covered by this list. Exploded view on p. 30" }, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [ { "component": "Frame", "material": "Alloy Steel", "finish": "Blued", "appliesTo": "Blued, Model 5101 (.45 Colt, 5.50 in)", "note": null, "source": { "title": "Ruger Vaquero Blued Single-Action Revolver — Specifications (model 5101)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger.com/products/vaquero/specSheets/5101.html", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Material Alloy Steel … Finish Blued" } }, { "component": "Grips", "material": "Hardwood", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "Model 5101", "note": null, "source": { "title": "Ruger Vaquero Blued Single-Action Revolver — Specifications (model 5101)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger.com/products/vaquero/specSheets/5101.html", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Grips Hardwood" } } ], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [ { "title": "Ruger® Single Action Revolver Reassembly Tech Tip", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbFwlGTJy_4", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "reassembly" ], "appliesTo": "Ruger single-action revolvers (generic Ruger video); assumed to cover the Vaquero / New Vaquero", "published": "2021-11-19", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UC9Ge9rpeTPQxnjlMH0VDwIA", "name": "RugerFirearms", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@RugerFirearms", "owner": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc." }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" } ], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Open the loading gate and roll the cylinder back into the frame from the right side." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Align the cylinder with the base pin hole and slide the base pin in from the front.", "tip": "If the pin will not go fully home, the cylinder is not aligned. Rotate it slightly rather than forcing the pin." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Push the base pin fully home until the latch snaps into its groove.", "warning": "Confirm the latch has engaged by pulling forward on the base pin. A base pin that walks forward under recoil will tie up the revolver." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Close the loading gate and perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"NOTE: The ejector housing screw is installed with a thread-locking adhesive. If the screw is removed it is recommended that a non-permanent thread-locking adhesive be reapplied to the screw.\" (Instruction Manual for the Ruger Vaquero Revolver (PM170), PDF p. 20)" }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify every chamber is empty before each check.", "Cock the hammer and confirm the cylinder indexes and locks at each chamber.", "With the hammer cocked, confirm the cylinder is locked with minimal rotational play.", "Press the trigger and confirm a clean hammer fall.", "With the hammer down, press forward on the hammer. On a New Model the transfer bar should prevent the firing pin from being struck.", "Open the loading gate and confirm the cylinder rotates freely and the hammer cannot be cocked.", "Confirm the base pin is fully seated and latched." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": null, "title": "Ruger Instruction Manuals", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/manuals.php", "accessed": "2026-09-14" }, { "n": 2, "id": "tier-038b1550", "title": "Instruction Manual for Ruger New Model Blackhawk Single-Action Revolvers", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/blackhawk.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-14" }, { "n": 3, "id": "tier-67a0484f", "title": "Instruction Manual for Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Revolvers", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/wrangler.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-14" }, { "n": 4, "id": "ruger-vaquero-manual", "title": "Instruction Manual for the Ruger Vaquero Revolver (PM170)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/newVaquero.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 5, "id": "ruger-specs-75c4ca", "title": "Ruger Vaquero Blued Single-Action Revolver — Specifications (model 5101)", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger.com/products/vaquero/specSheets/5101.html", "accessed": "2026-10-03" }, { "n": 6, "id": "pat-sturm-ruger-co-inc-015c0e", "title": "Ruger Patents", "publisher": "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://ruger.com/micros/Patents/index.html", "accessed": "2026-10-13" }, { "n": 7, "id": "tier-4af12237", "title": "Ruger New Vaquero Disassembly", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=19598.0", "accessed": "2026-10-29" }, { "n": 8, "id": "tier-e52ce6c7", "title": "No clicks heard when rotating cylinder on brand new NMV", "publisher": "Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS City) forum", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=49794.0", "accessed": "2026-10-29" }, { "n": 9, "id": "tier-aafa4307", "title": "Blackhawk Trigger Return Issue Help?", "publisher": "24hourcampfire", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/15795388/2/blackhawk-trigger-return-issue-help", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }