Case Color Ruger Vaquero .44-40 Win. 7.5″ Single Action Revolver, MFD 199
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB251130SL065
Make: Sturm, Ruger and Co.
Model: Vaquero
Serial Number: 55-56741
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 “55-56741”. 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: 7.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter moon blade, with a square notch in the top strap. The front sight is canted to the left.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece elk antler grips. There are little to no handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There are wear marks and thinning concentrated on the ejector shroud and muzzle. There are light surface scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: he 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: Ruger hard case, paperwork.
Our Assessment: This case colored Ruger Vaquero in .44-40 Winchester represents Ruger’s early Vaquero production from the mid 1990s, a period when the company intentionally leaned into traditional single action aesthetics to support the growing popularity of cowboy action shooting. Manufactured in 1995, this revolver is built on Ruger’s original large frame Vaquero platform, offering substantial strength while closely emulating nineteenth century frontier era revolvers. The .44-40 Winchester chambering further reinforces that historical connection, as it was one of the most iconic cartridges of the Old West and a natural fit for the Vaquero concept. Fitted with a 7.5 inch barrel, this revolver offers a long sight radius and classic profile reminiscent of late nineteenth century cavalry length single actions. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion present, rating a solid 9.5 out of 10 with only light fouling noted. Fixed sights consist of a quarter moon front blade and a square notch cut into the top strap, consistent with period styling, though it should be noted that the front sight is canted slightly to the left. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and reflects Ruger’s reputation for durable, reliable single action revolvers.
Overall condition remains strong, with approximately 98 percent of the original blued and case colored finish retained. Wear and thinning are concentrated on the ejector shroud and muzzle, with light surface scratches present elsewhere, all consistent with limited handling and carry. The screw heads are sharp and the markings remain clear. The elk antler grip panels are particularly attractive, showing minimal handling wear and no cracks or chips, and they present in Excellent condition. Accompanied by its Ruger hard case and paperwork, this Vaquero stands as a well preserved and visually striking example of Ruger’s early fixed sight single actions, combining traditional chambering, strong overall condition, and classic western character. -R.E.
