Ruger Bisley New Vaquero Single-Action Revolver: The Enduring Spirit of the Old West Meets Modern Reliability

For enthusiasts of classic firearms, competitive shooters in disciplines like Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), and collectors who appreciate the blend of historical authenticity with modern engineering, the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero Single-Action Revolver in .45 Long Colt stands as an iconic and highly sought-after firearm. This magnificent revolver, with its SKU 05129 and UPC 736676051298, isn't just a gun; it's a testament to Ruger's commitment to quality, tradition, and performance. Often hailed as "the gun that won the New West," its widespread popularity among single-action aficionados and cowboy action competitors speaks volumes about its unparalleled reliability and robust construction.

Why Choose the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero? Answering Your Top Questions

Are you searching for the best single-action revolver that balances historical feel with contemporary dependability? Do you need a robust and accurate firearm for competitive shooting, or are you simply looking for a piece of the Old West to add to your collection? The Ruger Bisley New Vaquero is designed precisely for these needs. It solves the common dilemma faced by shooters who desire the classic aesthetics and handling of a 19th-century revolver but demand the safety and durability of a modern firearm.

This revolver is an exceptional choice for:

• Cowboy Action Shooters (CAS) and SASS Competitors: Its design, historical accuracy, and mechanical reliability make it a staple in competitive circuits worldwide. It is consistently praised for its fast handling and consistent performance under pressure.
• Recreational Shooters & Plinkers: For those who enjoy the satisfying experience of shooting a single-action revolver at the range, its smooth action and comfortable grip provide hours of enjoyment.
• Firearm Collectors: With its classic lines, high-gloss stainless finish, and simulated ivory grips, it's a stunning addition to any collection, embodying a rich piece of American firearm history.
• Individuals Appreciating Traditional Firearms: If you value the craftsmanship and operational simplicity of an Old West-style revolver, but with the peace of mind of modern safety features, the New Vaquero is an ideal match.

Key Features and Design Philosophy: Blending Heritage with Innovation

The Ruger Bisley New Vaquero embodies a unique design philosophy, meticulously combining the classic look, size, and feel of original Old West single-action revolvers with critical modern enhancements. Since its introduction in 1993, the Ruger Vaquero series has dominated the cowboy action shooting world, largely due to its inherent strength and mechanical superiority. The "New Vaquero" variant specifically features a mid-size steel frame and cylinder, scaled down to the same dimensions as the original 1955 Ruger Blackhawk. This crucial design choice results in a revolver that closely resembles the iconic single-action revolvers of the late 1800s, offering a truly authentic handling experience.

What sets the Bisley New Vaquero apart are its specific enhancements tailored for precision and comfort:

• Bisley Grip Frame: This distinctive grip frame, originating from the Bisley-styled Colt revolvers, is renowned for its ergonomic design. It offers a longer, lower, and more vertical grip angle compared to the traditional Vaquero, which significantly enhances control and comfort, especially when shooting the powerful .45 Long Colt cartridge. Shooters often find the Bisley grip naturally points better and helps manage recoil more effectively, leading to improved accuracy and reduced hand fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
• Longer, Lower Bisley Hammer: Complementing the Bisley grip, the Bisley hammer is designed for easier cocking, particularly for those with shorter thumbs or who prefer a more ergonomic reach. Its lower profile also contributes to the revolver's sleek lines.
• Gunfighter-Style Grip Panels: These panels, often made from simulated ivory or other classic materials, are designed to fit the hand more comfortably and provide a secure, traditional grip, further enhancing the revolver's handling characteristics.

Unpacking the Specifications: What Makes the Bisley New Vaquero Perform?

Every component of the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero is thoughtfully designed to contribute to its overall performance, reliability, and classic appeal.

• Caliber: .45 Long Colt: This iconic cartridge is synonymous with the Old West. The .45 LC offers a fantastic balance of power and manageable recoil in a robust platform like the New Vaquero. It's a popular choice for cowboy action shooting due to its historical accuracy and effectiveness.
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches: This barrel length strikes an excellent balance between portability, sight radius for accuracy, and muzzle velocity. It's a historically appropriate length that contributes significantly to the revolver's authentic feel and balance.
• Grooves: 6: The rifling ensures consistent bullet spin for accuracy.
• Twist Rate: 1:16" right-hand twist: This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the common bullet weights used in .45 Long Colt, ensuring excellent accuracy downrange.
• Capacity: 6 rounds: Staying true to the original single-action revolver design, the New Vaquero holds six rounds in its cylinder, providing ample capacity for most shooting scenarios and competitive stages.
• Sights: Blade front and notch rear sights: Simple, robust, and effective, these traditional sights provide a clear sight picture for quick target acquisition and precise aim, aligning perfectly with the revolver's historical design.
• Finish: High-gloss stainless finish: Not only does this finish provide a stunning aesthetic that evokes classic nickel-plated revolvers, but it also offers superior corrosion resistance and durability, making the revolver easy to clean and maintain even after rigorous use.
• Grips: Simulated ivory grips: These provide a striking contrast to the stainless finish and offer a comfortable, secure hold, while maintaining the vintage look.
• Overall Length: 11.12 inches: This dimension reflects the classic proportions of the revolver, making it comfortable to handle and holster.
• Weight: 45 oz. (approximately 2.8 lbs): The substantial weight, primarily due to its all-steel construction, helps absorb recoil, making the .45 Long Colt cartridge feel more manageable and contributing to the revolver's robust feel.

Modern Safety and Convenience Features: Ruger's Commitment to the Shooter

While meticulously preserving the Old West aesthetic, Ruger has integrated modern safety and convenience features that set the New Vaquero apart from historical counterparts, offering peace of mind without compromising authenticity of operation.

• Transfer Bar Safety System: This is a cornerstone of modern Ruger single-action revolvers. The transfer bar prevents the hammer from directly contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. This allows for safe carrying of the revolver with all six chambers loaded, significantly enhancing safety compared to older designs that often required carrying with an empty chamber under the hammer. This feature is particularly valuable for competitors who need to load a full cylinder quickly and safely.
• Loading Gate Interlock: This ingenious feature prevents the hammer from being cocked when the loading gate is open. This simple yet effective mechanism ensures that the cylinder cannot be rotated or fired accidentally during the loading or unloading process, further enhancing operational safety.
• Reverse Indexing Pawl: A significant convenience feature for single-action shooters, the reverse indexing pawl allows the cylinder to be rotated easily in both directions while loading or unloading. This means you can quickly find the next empty chamber or eject spent casings without fumbling, saving valuable time during competitions or general range use. This seemingly small detail dramatically improves the user experience.
• Traditional Beveled Cylinder: The beveled edges of the cylinder not only contribute to the revolver's classic appearance but also facilitate smoother holstering and drawing, preventing snagging.
• Larger, Crescent-Shaped Ejector Rod Head: Designed for enhanced ergonomics, this larger ejector rod head provides a more comfortable and positive grip for quickly and efficiently pushing out spent casings, an invaluable feature during fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Performance in the Field: Why Competitors Trust the Vaquero

The Ruger Vaquero series has earned its sterling reputation for rugged reliability not just through its design specifications, but through its consistent performance in the demanding world of Cowboy Action Shooting. Competitors rely on these revolvers for their ability to withstand thousands of rounds, maintain accuracy, and operate flawlessly under various conditions.

The Bisley New Vaquero's balance makes it incredibly nimble despite its solid construction. The .45 Long Colt caliber delivers satisfying feedback without excessive recoil, especially when paired with the ergonomic Bisley grip. This combination allows for rapid follow-up shots and maintains accuracy through a string of fire. The smooth single-action trigger pull, characteristic of Ruger revolvers, contributes to precise shot placement, a critical factor whether you're plinking targets or aiming for a winning score in a competition.

Caring for Your Ruger Bisley New Vaquero

The high-gloss stainless steel finish of the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero is not only beautiful but also remarkably durable and easy to maintain. Stainless steel is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for use in various environments. Routine cleaning after each use, focusing on the bore, cylinder chambers, and action, will ensure your revolver remains in pristine condition for generations. A simple wipe-down with an oiled cloth will keep the exterior gleaming.

Where to Acquire Your Own Piece of the New West

The Ruger Bisley New Vaquero Single-Action Revolver (UPC 736676051298, SKU 05129) represents an outstanding investment for anyone passionate about firearms history, competitive shooting, or simply owning a beautifully crafted revolver. Its blend of traditional aesthetics with modern safety and ergonomic enhancements makes it a standout choice.

For those ready to experience the legendary performance and classic appeal of this remarkable firearm, the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero is available at DEGuns. As a reputable dealer with a commitment to customer satisfaction, DEGuns provides access to a wide selection of firearms, ensuring you can find the perfect model to meet your needs, whether for sport, collection, or recreation. Their expertise ensures a smooth and informed purchasing process, making DEGuns the ideal destination for your next firearm acquisition.

Embrace the spirit of the Old West with the Ruger Bisley New Vaquero – a revolver built for reliability, performance, and timeless enjoyment.

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Ruger Bisley New Vaquero .45 Long Colt Revolver Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Bisley New Vaquero
Caliber	.45 Long Colt
Barrel Length	5.5 inches
Capacity	6 Rounds
Overall Length	11.12 inches
Weight	45 oz.
Finish	High-Gloss Stainless
Grips	Simulated Ivory
Sights	Blade Front, Notch Rear
Grip Frame	Bisley Style
Hammer	Longer, Lower Bisley
Safety System	Transfer Bar
Loading Mechanism	Loading Gate Interlock, Reverse Indexing Pawl
Rifling	6 Grooves, 1:16" RH Twist
SKU	05129
UPC	736676051298