Discover the Ruger Vaquero: A Timeless Tribute to the American West

For enthusiasts who cherish the spirit of the Old West and demand a firearm that perfectly blends classic aesthetics with modern reliability, the Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum is an unparalleled choice. This iconic single-action revolver, specifically the Ruger 5108 model, is more than just a handgun; it's a meticulously crafted piece of history reimagined for today's shooter. Whether you're a dedicated competitor in Cowboy Action Shooting, a discerning collector of authentic Western firearms, or simply someone who appreciates the feel of a traditional revolver in their hand, the Vaquero delivers an experience that is both authentic and deeply satisfying.

Imagine stepping onto the range, the sun glinting off the high-gloss stainless steel finish of your revolver, feeling the substantial weight of quality craftsmanship. This is the experience the Ruger Vaquero offers. It answers the call for a robust, safe, and visually stunning single-action revolver that harkens back to the legendary Peacemakers of the frontier era, while incorporating Ruger's renowned engineering for exceptional performance and durability.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ruger Vaquero

The Ruger Vaquero was born from a desire to create a modern single-action revolver that truly captured the essence of the classic Colt Single Action Army, often referred to as the "Peacemaker." Unlike some historical replicas, Ruger engineered the Vaquero from the ground up to be incredibly strong, reliable, and user-friendly, while retaining the beloved traditional look and feel. The Model 5108, chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum, exemplifies this philosophy, offering a perfect blend of power, precision, and historical charm.

What makes the Vaquero a standout among single-action revolvers? It's Ruger's commitment to both tradition and innovation. They understood that shooters wanted the crescent-shaped ejector rod head, the traditional beveled cylinder for easy holstering, and the classic lines of a Western revolver. But they also integrated their patented safety features and robust construction methods that set Ruger firearms apart. This commitment ensures that while the Vaquero looks and feels like it stepped out of a classic Western movie, it performs with the consistency and peace of mind expected from a contemporary firearm.

Precision Engineering and Superior Craftsmanship

At the heart of the Ruger Vaquero's legendary performance are its meticulously engineered components and the use of premium materials. The model 5108 features a solid stainless steel frame, cylinder, and a 5.50-inch barrel, all finished in an eye-catching high gloss. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about unparalleled durability and resistance to the elements, ensuring your Vaquero will stand the test of time, whether on the dusty range or showcased in a collection.

Key Design and Manufacturing Highlights:

• Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The 5.50-inch barrel on the Vaquero 5108 is cold hammer-forged, a superior manufacturing process that creates ultra-precise rifling. This results in exceptional accuracy, ensuring your shots land where you intend, whether you're aiming for a tight group on paper or a quick steel target during competition. The uniform grain structure produced by this method also enhances the barrel's strength and longevity.
• Patented Reverse Indexing Pawl: For anyone familiar with traditional single-action revolvers, loading and unloading can sometimes be a bit fiddly. Ruger's innovative patented reverse indexing pawl is a game-changer. It simplifies the process by precisely aligning the cylinder chamber with the loading gate, making it faster and smoother to load new cartridges and extract spent casings. This feature significantly enhances the shooting experience, particularly during timed events in Cowboy Action Shooting.
• Traditional Beveled Cylinder: The cylinder on the Vaquero is subtly beveled at the front. While seemingly a minor detail, this traditional design element serves a practical purpose: it simplifies holstering. When you're drawing or re-holstering your revolver, this slight bevel helps guide the cylinder smoothly into the holster, reducing snagging and allowing for quicker, more fluid movements.
• High Gloss Stainless Steel Finish: The high gloss stainless steel finish is more than just beautiful; it's incredibly practical. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to blued steel, making the Vaquero more resilient to moisture, sweat, and environmental factors. The high polish adds a touch of elegance that perfectly complements the revolver's classic lines, making it a true showpiece.

Unparalleled Security: Ruger's Transfer Bar Safety System

One of the most significant advancements Ruger brought to the single-action revolver platform is its renowned transfer bar mechanism. Traditional single-action revolvers, particularly those of the Old West, were often carried with an empty chamber under the hammer for safety, meaning they effectively had one less round of capacity. Ruger ingeniously solved this with their patented transfer bar system, providing an "unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge."

How the Transfer Bar System Works:

• Enhanced Safety: In the Ruger Vaquero, the firing pin is not directly struck by the hammer. Instead, the hammer strikes a transfer bar, which then transfers the energy to the firing pin.
• Only Fires When Trigger is Pulled: The key safety aspect is that the transfer bar only rises into position between the hammer and the firing pin when the trigger is fully pulled. If the trigger is not pulled, the transfer bar remains out of the way, preventing the hammer from contacting the firing pin, even if the hammer is accidentally struck or dropped.
• Loading Gate Interlock: Further enhancing safety, the Vaquero features a loading gate interlock. This mechanism works in conjunction with the transfer bar system, ensuring that the revolver cannot fire if the loading gate is open. This prevents accidental discharges during the loading or unloading process, providing an additional layer of peace of mind.

These integrated safety features allow the Ruger Vaquero to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded, utilizing its full 6-round capacity, without compromising safety. This is a crucial advantage for both competitive shooters and those who prioritize maximum readiness.

Ergonomics and Authentic Western Styling

Holding the Ruger Vaquero is an experience in itself. Its traditional Western-style, hand-filling grip is designed to provide exceptional comfort and control, even during extended shooting sessions. The model 5108 features beautiful hardwood grips, which not only enhance the revolver's classic aesthetic but also offer a natural, secure feel in the hand. The choice of hardwood contributes to the overall authentic look and adds a touch of refined elegance.

The revolver's overall dimensions, including its 11.12-inch overall length and 45 oz weight, contribute to its balanced feel and stable shooting platform. The traditional blade front sight and integral rear sight provide a classic sight picture that is quick to acquire and effective for the type of shooting the Vaquero excels at. The exposed hammer style further solidifies its traditional cowboy revolver appearance, allowing for easy single-action cocking.

The Power and Versatility of the .357 Magnum

The Ruger Vaquero 5108 is chambered in .357 Magnum, one of the most popular and versatile revolver cartridges ever developed. This choice of caliber makes the Vaquero suitable for a wide range of applications, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil.

Benefits of the .357 Magnum Cartridge:

• Versatility: The .357 Magnum can fire a wide variety of bullet weights and types, from light target loads to powerful hunting or self-defense rounds. It is also capable of safely firing .38 Special ammunition, which is a less powerful and more economical option for practice and plinking, allowing shooters to train effectively without the full recoil or expense of magnum loads.
• Power: As a magnum cartridge, the .357 Magnum delivers significant energy, making it effective for target shooting, small to medium game hunting (where legal), and even as a formidable self-defense round.
• Accuracy: The inherent accuracy of the .357 Magnum, combined with the Vaquero's cold hammer-forged barrel, allows for impressive precision on the range.

Real-World Applications: Where the Vaquero Shines

The Ruger Vaquero 5108 is a highly sought-after firearm for several distinct purposes, truly cementing its place as a versatile and cherished revolver.

• Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS): This is arguably where the Vaquero truly excels. Its traditional appearance, smooth action, and robust construction make it a favorite among competitors in various cowboy action shooting organizations. The reverse indexing pawl aids in faster reloading during stages, and the transfer bar safety allows for carrying all six rounds, a significant advantage in timed events. If you're looking to dive into the exciting world of CAS, the Vaquero is an excellent starting point and a competitive choice.
• Target Shooting and Plinking: For recreational shooters who simply enjoy the art of shooting revolvers, the Vaquero offers immense satisfaction. Its comfortable grip, clear sights, and inherent accuracy make it a joy to shoot at the range. The ability to use less expensive .38 Special ammunition for practice also makes it an economical choice for regular range visits.
• Collecting and Historical Appreciation: The Vaquero 5108, with its high gloss stainless steel and classic design, is a beautiful piece to own for any firearm collector. It represents a modern homage to a pivotal era in American history, offering a reliable and safe alternative to genuine antiques while retaining their charm.
• Home Defense Considerations: While a single-action revolver requires manual cocking for each shot, which might be a consideration for some self-defense scenarios, the .357 Magnum caliber offers significant stopping power. For those who are comfortable with the single-action manual of arms and prioritize reliability and stopping power, the Vaquero can serve as a dependable home defense option. Its classic aesthetic also makes it a conversation piece.

Caring for Your Ruger Vaquero

Maintaining the pristine condition and reliable operation of your Ruger Vaquero 5108 is straightforward. The stainless steel construction makes it relatively low-maintenance compared to blued firearms, as it is highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Maintenance Tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After each shooting session, clean the barrel, cylinder chambers, and action to remove powder residue and lead fouling. A good quality solvent and brush, followed by a light coat of gun oil, will suffice.
• Protecting the Finish: While stainless steel is durable, the high gloss finish can show fingerprints and smudges. A soft cloth and a silicone-impregnated rag will keep it gleaming. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the polish.
• Lubrication: Lightly lubricate moving parts in the action, but avoid over-oiling, which can attract dirt and grime.
• Storage: Store your Vaquero in a cool, dry place, ideally in a padded gun case or a humidity-controlled safe.

Why the Ruger Vaquero Model 5108 Stands Out

When considering a single-action revolver, the Ruger Vaquero 5108 consistently rises to the top for several compelling reasons:

• Unmatched Ruger Reliability: Ruger has built a reputation for producing incredibly robust and dependable firearms. The Vaquero is no exception, designed to withstand years of use.
• Superior Safety Features: The patented transfer bar and loading gate interlock systems provide peace of mind unmatched by many traditional single-action designs.
• Authentic Western Aesthetics: From the hand-filling hardwood grip to the crescent-shaped ejector rod and high gloss finish, every detail evokes the spirit of the Old West.
• Versatile .357 Magnum Caliber: Offers power, flexibility (with .38 Special compatibility), and widespread availability of ammunition.
• Precision Manufacturing: Cold hammer-forged barrel ensures exceptional accuracy.
• Designed for the User: Features like the reverse indexing pawl greatly improve the loading and unloading experience.

The Ruger Vaquero 5108 in .357 Magnum is more than just a gun; it's an investment in a piece of American heritage, a reliable tool for sport, and a beautiful addition to any collection. For those who seek the quintessential cowboy revolver, built with modern precision and safety, the Vaquero remains the gold standard.

This exceptional revolver, the Ruger Vaquero 5108, is readily available at DEGuns, your trusted source for quality firearms. Explore this timeless piece and experience the spirit of the Old West today.

Ruger Vaquero 5108 Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Ruger
Model	Vaquero
Caliber	357 Mag
Capacity	6rd
Action	SAO (Single Action Only)
Barrel Length	5.50"
Barrel Finish	High Gloss Stainless
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Frame Finish	High Gloss Stainless
Frame Size	Medium
Grips	Hardwood
Cylinder Material	Steel
Cylinder Finish	High Gloss Stainless
Sights	Blade Front / Integral Rear
Safety	Transfer Bar
Overall Length	11.12"
Weight	45 oz
Hammer Style	Exposed
UPC	736676051083