Lipsey’s Ruger New Vaquero 4 5/8″ .357/9mm Single Action Revolver, 2017
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260525GM014
Make: Ruger
Model: New Vaquero (5161)
Serial Number: 513-08647
Year of Manufacture: 2017 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum / 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “513-08647”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER NEW VAQUERO / .357 MAG. CAL.”. The underside of the barrel is marked with the Newport address line.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black quarter moon blade. The rear sight is a square notch cut into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth wood factory thin panels with silver Ruger medallions on either side. There are a few faint handling marks throughout. Overall the grip panels are in Excellent condition.
Cylinder Quantity & Condition: 1x 6 round fluted cylinder for .357 Magnum & 1x 6 round fluted cylinder for 9mm Luger
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
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 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. The cylinder has a crisp turn line. There are a few faint nicks and scratches throughout. The action has light wear from use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original Ruger hard case, spare 9mm cylinder, lock, paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Ruger New Vaquero was introduced as a modernized single-action revolver designed to capture the handling characteristics and appearance of the classic Colt-style sixguns while incorporating Ruger’s updated transfer-bar safety system. Developed with a smaller XR-3 style grip frame and a more traditional profile than the larger Blackhawk series, the New Vaquero has become popular among enthusiasts seeking a balance of historical styling and modern functionality. This 2017 Lipsey’s distributor exclusive example is chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum and includes an additional 9mm Luger cylinder, allowing the shooter to utilize two different cartridges from the same revolver. With its 4 5/8″ barrel, blued finish, adjustable handling characteristics, and factory thin-panel wood grips, this revolver represents a desirable convertible configuration. This revolver remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original blued finish. The revolver exhibits only a few faint nicks and scratches, along with a crisp cylinder turn line and light operational wear. The screw heads remain sharp, the markings are clear, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece smooth wood factory thin-panel grips show only a few faint handling marks and remain in Excellent condition. Both the .357 Magnum and 9mm Luger six-shot fluted cylinders are included, adding versatility and collector interest. The action functions correctly, and the revolver is accompanied by its original Ruger hard case, lock, paperwork, and spare cylinder.
For collectors and shooters interested in modern Ruger single actions, Lipsey’s exclusive New Vaquero models offer unique configurations that are often unavailable through standard production. The combination of the classic New Vaquero styling, convertible .357 Magnum and 9mm Luger capability, factory accessories, and excellent condition makes this revolver particularly appealing. The interchangeable cylinder system provides practical versatility while maintaining the traditional feel of a sixgun. With its desirable distributor-exclusive configuration, strong bore, and documented factory accessories, this Ruger New Vaquero represents an excellent example of Ruger’s continued refinement of the classic single-action revolver platform. -R.E.