Ruger NRA Gun Of The Year Vaquero Matched Set 5.5″ .45 SA Revolvers, 2009
SOLD FOR; $1,400.00
LSB#: LSB250628BE038
LSB#: LSB250628BE039
Make: Ruger
Model: New Vaquero (05123)
Serial Number: NRAL – 0242
Serial Number: NRAR – 0242
Year of Manufacture: 2009 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver with Ejector Rod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “NRAL – 0242”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER NEW VAQUERO / .45 CAL.”. The underside of the barrel is marked with a safety warning and the Ruger Southport Address and the right side of the barrel is marked, “NRA “2009 GUN OF THE YEAR” MATCHED SET”.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “NRAR – 0242”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER NEW VAQUERO / .45 CAL.”. The underside of the barrel is marked with a safety warning and the Ruger Southport Address and the right side of the barrel is marked, “NRA “2009 GUN OF THE YEAR” MATCHED SET”.
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Left Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black plastic panels with silver Ruger medallions. There are no handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent + condition.
Right Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black plastic panels with silver Ruger medallions. There are no handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent + condition.
Type of Finish: Case Color, Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Left Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Right Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Left Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% The balance of the finish shows faint operation and handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent + condition.
Right Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% The balance of the finish shows faint operation and handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent + condition.
Mechanics: Both actions function as intended. We did not fire these handguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original Ruger hard case, test fire cartridges, paperwork, 2x locks, certificate of authenticity.
Our Assessment: The Ruger New Vaquero has long been a favorite among single-action enthusiasts, offering the styling and handling of the classic Colt Single Action Army with the strength, safety features, and modern metallurgy of Ruger design. In 2009, Ruger partnered with the NRA to produce this limited-edition matched set of New Vaqueros, designated as the “NRA Gun of the Year.” Chambered in .45 Colt with 5.5-inch barrels, these revolvers were built as a collector’s set and are specially roll-marked on the barrel to commemorate the NRA edition. The two revolvers are consecutively numbered “NRAL-0242” and “NRAR-0242,” underscoring their exclusivity as a matched pair. Both revolvers remain in outstanding condition, each retaining about 99% of their original case-colored and blued finishes with only faint signs of handling and operation. The bores are mirror-bright with sharp rifling, rating a perfect 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The grips are pristine, with crisp checkering and sharp Ruger medallions, showing no signs of wear, cracks, or chips. The mechanical function of both revolvers is excellent, with tight lockup, positive cylinder rotation, and smooth single-action trigger pulls. They are housed in their original Ruger case, accompanied by locks, test-fire cartridges, paperwork, and a certificate of authenticity, ensuring they remain complete and highly collectible.
For collectors, these matched Vaqueros represent a rare opportunity to acquire a limited NRA commemorative set that combines Ruger’s strong reputation for quality with the classic appeal of the .45 Colt cartridge. Their condition, consecutive numbering, and complete accessories make them especially desirable, not only as a tribute to Ruger’s partnership with the NRA but also as a showcase piece in any collection of single-action revolvers. Whether displayed as a collectible set or held as an investment-grade pair, these revolvers stand out as both historically significant and visually striking examples of Ruger’s craftsmanship. -R.E.
