Ruger Old Model Vaquero Sheriff’s 00529 KBNV-453-I .45 Colt Revolver, 1999
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 220212GS013
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: “Old Model” Vaquero Sheriff’s Model, #00529, Catalog# KBNV-453-I
Serial Number: 57-42996
Year of Manufacture: 1999 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action SA Six Shot Revolver
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left side of the barrel is marked with Rugers three -line warning address. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER VAQUERO / .45 CAL.”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “S”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with silver-on-black Ruger eagle medallions at their tops. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light scuffs and scratches, mostly in the backstrap and butt. The cylinder has a thin, faint turn-line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well with barely perceptible movement. The trigger is crisp. 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: Included are a serial matching grey hard case and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s Vaquero needs no introduction, it is touted as one of the most rugged, versatile and reliable revolvers ever to be produced. This is one of the more desirable original Vaqueros with a slightly larger frame and lower hammer spur than current production guns. Among even the desireable “Old Model” Vaqueros, this is a quite scarce variant. We haven’t been able to get much information directly from Ruger, but our research indicates that about 1,000 of these revolvers were made as a distributor exclusive. A “Sheriff’s Model”, the barrel is 3 3/4″ and the head of the cylinder pin is quite short, allowing the cylinder to be removed from the gun without needing to remove the ejector housing. The gun is in Fine-Excellent condition with signs of light and responsible use, a bright bore with sharp rifling, and strong mechanics. Chambered in the classic .45 Colt, this would make a good hunting sidearm or old-style recreational six-shooter, but with this model’s scarcity it will also make a fine addition to a Ruger collection as interest in their guns continues to increase. Please see our photos and good luck!