Case Color Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt 5.5″ Single Action Revolver, MFD 1996
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260708ES050
Make: Sturm, Ruger and Co.
Model: Vaquero (00570)
Serial Number: 56-09714
Year of Manufacture: 1996 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER VAQUERO .45 CAL.”. The right side of the frame is marked, “56-09714”. The barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 5.5”
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 faux ivory panels with silver ruger medallions on either side. There are light scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these grips are in Very Good + condition.
Cylinder Quantity & Condition: 1x 6 round fluted cylinder for .45 Colt
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. There is light handling and operational wear. The cylinder has a faint turn line. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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 hard case, paperwork, and lock.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Vaquero was introduced in the 1990s as a fixed-sight single-action revolver combining the traditional appearance of a classic American sixgun with Ruger’s modern New Model transfer-bar lockwork. The original Vaquero was built on Ruger’s larger Blackhawk-size frame and was offered in traditional chamberings including .45 Colt. This 1996 example is an early large-frame Vaquero with a 5.5″ barrel, fixed sights, six-shot fluted cylinder, and factory-style blued and case-colored finish. This revolver remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish. The exterior shows light handling and operational wear, while the cylinder exhibits only a faint turn line. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are undamaged, and the markings are clear. The two-piece smooth faux ivory grips show light scratches but remain free of chips or cracks and rate in Very Good Plus condition. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.
For collectors of Ruger single-action revolvers, an early 1996 Vaquero in .45 Colt is an appealing example of the original large-frame version of Ruger’s modern fixed-sight sixgun. The traditional 5.5″ barrel, case-colored frame, blued barrel and cylinder, six-shot configuration, and strong remaining finish give this revolver a classic appearance. The excellent bore, clean grips, original Ruger hard case, paperwork, and lock further enhance the completeness and presentation of this early Vaquero. -R.E.