Case Color Ruger Vaquero .44-40 Win. 4 5/8″ Single Action Revolver, 1995
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
LSB#: LSB260430DB015
Make: Sturm, Ruger and Co.
Model: Vaquero (00540)
Serial Number: 55-78659
Year of Manufacture: 1995 / Modern
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “55-78659”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER VAQUERO / .44-40 WIN.”. The side of the barrel is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. SOUTHPORT CONN U.S.A” with a safety warning.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter moon blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch cut into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth walnut panels with silver Ruger medallions on either side. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no 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 case color frame has faint spots of fading. There are light handling marks throughout. The cylinder has a thin turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver 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. This revolver sports a free-spin pawl and a Kieth #5 base-pin.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original pawl & base-pin / parts.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Vaquero is one of the most successful modern single-action revolvers inspired by the American Old West, combining traditional styling with Ruger’s renowned strength and durability. Chambered in the classic .44-40 Winchester cartridge, this 1995-production example pays tribute to one of the iconic frontier chamberings while offering the reliability of a modern revolver. Built on Ruger’s original large-frame Vaquero platform, it features a 4 5/8-inch barrel, fixed sights, a color case-hardened frame, and smooth walnut grips, making it equally appealing to cowboy action shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts of traditional sixguns. This example remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with only light handling marks and a thin cylinder turn line from light use. The color case-hardened frame exhibits only faint areas of fading, while the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, earning an excellent 9.75/10 rating. The smooth walnut grips with silver Ruger medallions remain in Excellent condition with only faint handling marks and no chips or cracks. The screw heads are sharp, the markings remain clear, and the revolver features a free-spin pawl, a desirable upgrade that simplifies loading and unloading.
For Ruger collectors and cowboy-action enthusiasts, this early large-frame Vaquero in .44-40 Winchester is a particularly attractive revolver. The .44-40 cartridge is deeply rooted in American firearms history and remains a favorite among shooters who appreciate traditional western calibers. Combined with the color case-hardened frame, excellent overall condition, and desirable free-spin pawl modification, this Vaquero is an outstanding choice for collecting, competition, or recreational shooting. -R.E.