Custom Consecutive Pair Old Model Ruger Vaquero Bisley .357 Magnum MFD 2003
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 210903SG24 & 210903SG23
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Custom Bisley Vaquero (Model #00523)
Serial Numbers: 58-64922 (SG24) 58-64923 (SG23)
Year of Manufacture (Both): 2003 (RUGER Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber (Both): .357 Magnum
Action Type (Both): Single Action Side-Gate Loaded Revolvers
Markings (SG24): The left side of the barrel has a warning over “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame under the cylinder is marked “RUGER VAQUERO® / .357 MAG. CAL.”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number, “58-64922”. The back of the cylinders are marked “S”.
Markings (SG23): The left side of the barrel has a warning over “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame under the cylinder is marked “RUGER VAQUERO® / .357 MAG. CAL.”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number, “58-64923”. The back of the cylinders are marked “S”.
Barrel Length (Both): 5 1/2”
Sights/Optics (Both): The front sight is a steel blade hand-painted yellow set into the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition (SG24): The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels on a Bisley grip frame. Both panels have minor nicks along the lower edges. The right panel has a small area at the top where the checkering is lightly worn down. There is a spot of handling residue there also. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Stock Configuration and Condition (SG23): The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels on a Bisley grip frame. The underside of each panel has a few minor nicks and a few light draglines. The right panel has a larger area of handling residue. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish (Both): Stainless
Finish Originality (Both): Original
Bore Condition (SG24): The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp, and there is no erosion.
Bore Condition (SG23): The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is minor stubborn fouling in the bore near to the forcing cone.
Overall Condition (SG24): This handgun retains about 92% of its stainless steel finish. All metal has minor nicks, scuffs, and swirl marks. There is more pronounced wear of this type on the frontstrap and backstrap. There is paint residue on the back edge of the cylinder in two spots. The cylinder has a turn-line through the finish along with the same type of wear found elsewhere. Pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Overall Condition (SG23): This handgun retains about 88% of its stainless steel finish. All metal has light nicks, scuffs, and swirl marks along with some more pronounced holster wear on the right side of the barrel. There is paint residue on the back edge of the cylinder in two spots. The cylinder has a turn-line through the finish along with the same type of wear found elsewhere. Pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Mechanics (Both): The actions function correctly. These revolvers have been customized. The transfer bars have been removed, the hammers have been welded up to strike the firing pins directly, half-cock notches have been cut and each has a short-stroke action job. The cylinders lock with light play at each stop. We did not fire these revolvers. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories (Both): Each revolver comes with a gray plastic Ruger box with serial-matching label.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Vaquero is a fascinating revolver. In all ways that matter it is a timeless single-action revolver that evokes all manner of nostalgia for the old west, for more wild and dangerous times. But like always, Sturm, Ruger & Co. has a keen ability to recognize gaps in the market and fashion truly fine products to fill them. Timeless though the Vaquero may appear, it dates back only to 1993, and this consecutive pair dates back to 2003, near to the end of the production cycle for the ‘old’ model Vaquero (in 2005, Ruger would create a new version). The revolvers have been significantly customized, almost certainly for use in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. These modifications, as well as the Bisley frames, are popular with shooters in the Duelist and Gunfighter categories where the revolvers are operated single-handed. Both are in Fine or better condition with bright bores and strong mechanics. Chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, these revolvers are beasts—the Bisley grip frame is a nice counter to that given how well the pattern mitigates excessive recoil. Prospective Cowboy Action Shooters would do well to place a bid for these!