Ruger Vaquero 00551 .45 Colt Single Action Revolver, 1993 Case Color 4 5/8”

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 220124EH001

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: Vaquero (Model #00551)

Serial Number: 55-03240

Year of Manufacture: 1993 (RUGER Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Side-Gate Loaded Single Action Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with a factory warning. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER VAQUERO / .45. CAL.”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number “55-03240”. The back of the cylinder is marked “S”.

Barrel Length: 4 5/8”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with inset Ruger phoenix logo medallions. There are light handling marks and the bottom of the left panel has a few light nicks/compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright for the most part, and the rifling is sharp. While there is no erosion, there is minor stubborn fouling near the throat.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few minor nicks scattered about. The recoil shield and the loading gate both have a bit of minor scuff wear. The frame has scattered minor nicks on the sides. The cylinder has a distinct turn line through the finish along with scattered minor hairline nicks and scuffs. Case color is still rather strong, though it is thinning at the far edges of the frame. The screws are sharp, the pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with minor play at each stop. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Vaquero includes a non-matching gray plastic Ruger factory snap case and the manual.

Our Assessment: The Ruger Vaquero is a fascinating revolver. It seems to be a classic single-action revolver that evokes all manner of nostalgia for the Old West, for more wild and dangerous times. But like always, Bill Ruger had a keen ability to find gaps in the market and target fine products to fill that gap. As classic as the Vaquero looks, it dates back only to 1993, as this example does, very early in the production history of the “old” model Vaquero (in 2005, Ruger would revise the gun). Ruger brought the Vaquero to market to meet the demands of Cowboy Action Shooters as the popularity of that sport grew. This revolver is in great shape with a clean bore, strong mechanics, and wear that is only aesthetic. Good luck and happy bidding on this neat revolver!

Ruger Vaquero 00551 .45 Colt Single Action Revolver, 1993 Case Color 4 5/8”
Ruger Vaquero 00551 .45 Colt Single Action Revolver, 1993 Case Color 4 5/8”