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Ruger Vaquero

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Critic Rating

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27 Reviews

MSRP:

$399.99

Used Price:

$399.99

Sale Price:

$726.77

Ruger Vaquero Gun Stats

Ruger Vaquero

Ruger Vaquero

Palmetto State Armory Palmetto State Armory

From $399.99

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The new design incorporates some features from the popular single-action Army revolver used during the American Civil War by soldiers on both sides of the conflict, but most notably combines new features engineered by Ruger based on customer feedback with features commonly seen on the Colt Peacemaker such as the larger cylinder and frame size and wooden grips. Although Ruger's earlier Vaqueros were well received, many customers desired a modern revolver with extensive safety features designed to meet 21st-century firearms standards. After thoroughly researching customer demands, Ruger released the new Vaquero with a transfer bar ignition system for enhanced safety in 2005. The trigger design was also modified from previous versions to prevent unintended firing if dropped while still allowing shooters familiar with traditional single-action revolvers to cock the hammer entirely in one smooth motion by pulling it all the way back until it clicks into place (at which point that model's loaded chamber indicator will protrude from the rear of the cylinder). Construction - The exterior construction of the new Vaquero consists of a solid, stainless steel receiver and a blued-steel barrel and grip frame. The hollow aluminum trigger is an industry first for .45 LC single-action revolvers. The large cylinder is designed to hold 5 rounds of ammunition as opposed to six on early models, but it remains compatible with all other Ruger firearms that use this caliber. Ruger has also released several versions of custom Vaqueros such as those with atypical finishes and grips, making them stand out from other variants on the market. Unloaded weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg) empty Overall length: 10 inches (25 cm) Barrel length: 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) Cylinder diameter: 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) Caliber: .45 LC, .44 Special, .44 WCF, .357 Magnum & 9mm Luger Capacity: 6 rounds (.45 LC), 5 rounds (.38/.357 calibers) Trigger pull weight: 4 3/4 lbs to 6 1/2 lbs (2.1 kg to 2.95 kgs). Variables include the material it is pulled on and whether or not a spring kit has been installed into the gun during an assembly at the factory. The Ruger Vaquero became available in blued steel, stainless steel, and a matte black anodized finish. The cylinder of the Vaquero is machined from a single piece of steel and does not have the weak points associated with inserted pin construction. In contrast to earlier models of Vaqueros, which were built on the same frame as Ruger's other traditional-framed revolvers, the new Vaquero has a slightly lengthened frame to accommodate its larger cylinder size. The trigger guard was squared off in order to fit more comfortably with shooting gloves

Ruger Vaquero For Sale

Guns.com

Ruger Vaquero

Guns.com
Guns.com

$697.70

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EuroOptic.com

Ruger Vaquero

EuroOptic.com
EuroOptic.com

$755.84

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Sportsman's Warehouse

Ruger Vaquero

Sportsman's Warehouse
Sportsman's Warehouse

$748.57

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Firearms Depot

Ruger Vaquero

Firearms Depot
Firearms Depot

$748.57

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KYGUNCO

Ruger Vaquero

KYGUNCO
KYGUNCO

$1,156.96

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Cheaper Than Dirt

Ruger Vaquero

Cheaper Than Dirt
Cheaper Than Dirt

$763.11

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Brownells.com

Ruger Vaquero

Brownells.com
Brownells.com

$290.99

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GrabAGun

Ruger Vaquero

GrabAGun
GrabAGun

$979.99

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Guns.com

Ruger Vaquero

Guns.com
Guns.com

$755.84

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Academy Sports + Outdoors

Ruger Vaquero

Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors

$763.11

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Optics Planet

Ruger Vaquero

Optics Planet
Optics Planet

$719.50

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Ruger Vaquero Specs

1 Brand

Ruger

2 Category

Rifles

Technical Data

Caliber

.45 Colt (.45 Long Colt)

Action

Single

Capacity

6

Finish

Black

Gun Type

Revolver

Sights

Fixed

Barrel Length

5.5"

Grip

Wood Walnut

Weight

49 oz

Length

14.10"

Width

1.5 Inches

Height

6.2 Inches

Ruger Vaquero Features

The Ruger Vaquero is a 6-shot revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt.  It is built with a 5.5 inch rifled barrel topped with fixed sights that include a rear sight milled directly into the frame.  This wheel gun is fired from a single-action trigger so you will have to pull the hammer back for every shot.


Ruger Vaquero Ballistics

.45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) Ballistic Data
Range (Yards) Drop (inches) Velocity Energy Wind drift (inches) Time (milliseconds)
0 0 0 0 0 0
50 0 0 0 0 0
100 0 0 0 0 0
150 0 0 0 0 0
200 0 0 0 0 0
250 0 0 0 0 0
300 0 0 0 0 0
350 0 0 0 0 0
400 0 0 0 0 0
450 0 0 0 0 0
500 0 0 0 0 0

Ruger Vaquero Capacity

The Ruger Vaquero is chambered in .45 Long Colt and has a 6-round cylinder.  Rounds are loaded into the cylinder through a loading gate behind the cylinder on the right side of the frame and empty cases and unfired rounds are unloaded from the cylinder through the loading gate with the aid of an ejection rod.

Ruger Vaquero Ergonomics

Ergonomics
The Ruger Vaquero uses a grip style very similar to the Colt New Army revolver.  This curved grip has the distinct advantage of allowing the gun to pivot upwards from the kick to reduce felt recoil and allow the user to maintain control of the gun with its heavy-hitting cartridge.  It also makes it easier to do that spinny thing cowboys do when they holster their piece.

Ruger Vaquero Fit & Finish

The Ruger Vaquero is available with a blued finish or with a polished stainless steel finish.  In both options, the steel components are hardened in proper Ruger fashion to incredible strength making them very durable and resistant to damage from weather and wear.
Fit and Finish

Ruger Vaquero Concealability

Concealability
This gun is intended to be worn on the belt outside the waistband in a leather holster.  If you can’t do that, the next best way to conceal this wheel gun is by way of a shoulder holster under a suit jacket and a Stetson. 

How much is a Ruger Vaquero worth?

In 2024 a new or used Ruger Vaquero value varies depending on supply and demand. In the last 12 months there is great demand for a Ruger Vaquero and most rifles. The Price for a Ruger Vaquero has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2024 compared to 2023.

Estimated New and Used Values for a Ruger Vaquero Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors.

Condition Trade-In Private Party Dealer
New In box $472.40 $617.75 $726.77
Excellent $436.06 $581.42 $654.09
Very Good $399.72 $581.42 $654.09
Good $363.39 $545.08 $617.75
Fair $254.37 $472.40 $581.42
Poor $181.69 $363.39 N/A

Gun Value Conditions explained:

New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Excellent - 95%+ condition with or without box.

Very Good - 90% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Good - 80-90% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Fair - 30% - 80% condition, parts, and finish may or may not be original. Must function properly and shoot.

Poor - under 30% condition. Firearm has severe wear and tear, does not function, or is damaged.

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