The Ruger Vaquero: A Timeless American Revolver

The Ruger Vaquero, a quintessential single-action revolver, stands as a testament to American firearm craftsmanship, seamlessly blending the allure of the Old West with modern manufacturing precision. Designed to evoke the spirit of frontier revolvers while incorporating contemporary safety and performance enhancements, the Vaquero is an exceptional choice for a wide range of enthusiasts. Whether you're a dedicated cowboy action shooter seeking a period-correct firearm, a collector passionate about historical replicas, or simply an individual who appreciates the timeless appeal and robust reliability of a single-action revolver for target practice or recreational shooting, the Vaquero delivers an unparalleled experience.

What makes the Ruger Vaquero a standout choice for enthusiasts of traditional firearms?

At its core, the Vaquero is built upon Ruger's renowned strength and durability, promising a lifetime of dependable service. Its design is meticulously crafted to offer an authentic western feel, from its balance in hand to its satisfying hammer click. The revolver’s blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and 4.62-inch barrel, coupled with its elegant rosewood grip, creates a visually stunning piece that feels as good as it looks.

Authentic Design and Ergonomics for a Superior Shooting Experience

The Vaquero's design prioritizes a traditional aesthetic while incorporating subtle improvements for modern shooters. Key features include:

• Hand-Filling Grip: The traditional western-style grip is generously proportioned, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold for a wide variety of hand sizes. This ergonomic design contributes to better recoil management and enhances the overall shooting experience, allowing for more precise and controlled shots.
• Larger Crescent-Shaped Ejector Rod Head: This design element is not just for show; it harks back to classic revolvers, offering improved leverage for positive case ejection. It’s a detail that adds significantly to the Vaquero’s historical accuracy and functional authenticity.
• Traditional Beveled Cylinder: The slight beveling on the cylinder front simplifies the act of holstering the revolver, allowing for smoother and quicker draws. This feature is particularly appreciated by those involved in competitive shooting events like Cowboy Action Shooting, where speed and fluid motion are key.

Innovative Safety and Loading Enhancements

While embracing tradition, Ruger has integrated modern safety features that distinguish the Vaquero from its historical counterparts and even some contemporary single-action designs.

• Patented Reverse Indexing Pawl: This ingenious mechanism significantly eases the loading and unloading process. Unlike older single-action designs where the cylinder might not perfectly align with the loading gate, the reverse indexing pawl ensures precise alignment of the chamber with the gate every time, making reloads quicker and more intuitive. This eliminates fumbling and frustration, especially important in timed competitions or when handling the firearm for casual plinking.
• Transfer Bar Mechanism: A hallmark of modern Ruger revolvers, the transfer bar system is a critical safety feature. It prevents the hammer from directly contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, providing a robust safeguard against accidental discharges if the revolver is dropped or receives an impact on the hammer.
• Loading Gate Interlock: This additional safety measure works in conjunction with the transfer bar, ensuring that the revolver cannot fire if the loading gate is open. This prevents accidental discharges during loading or unloading procedures, further enhancing the firearm's overall safety profile.

Performance and Precision: The Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel

The heart of any accurate firearm is its barrel, and the Ruger Vaquero is no exception. It features a cold hammer-forged barrel, a manufacturing process known for producing barrels with superior rifling and exceptional longevity. This method results in a barrel that is incredibly strong, dimensionally consistent, and highly accurate. The 4.62-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance between portability and ballistic performance, making it well-suited for both target shooting and rapid handling.

The fixed sights, a period-correct feature, are robust and reliable. While not adjustable, they are factory-tuned to provide excellent point-of-aim, point-of-impact for typical loads, making the Vaquero ready for action right out of the box.

Why is the .357 Magnum caliber a versatile choice for the Ruger Vaquero?

The Vaquero chambered in .357 Magnum offers exceptional versatility. This powerful cartridge is renowned for its stopping power and flat trajectory, making it suitable for a variety of applications. However, one of its greatest advantages is its ability to also chamber and fire the less powerful, more affordable .38 Special ammunition. This allows shooters to:

• Practice Economically: .38 Special rounds are generally less expensive and produce less recoil, making them ideal for extended practice sessions without fatigue or breaking the bank.
• Reduce Recoil: For new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, .38 Special offers a gentler shooting experience while maintaining the same handling characteristics of the revolver.
• Broad Ammunition Availability: Both .357 Magnum and .38 Special are widely available, giving shooters a vast array of ammunition choices for different purposes, from target loads to defensive rounds (though the single-action operation typically makes this less of a primary defense choice).

The 1:16" twist rate in the barrel is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights typically found in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads, contributing to the revolver's inherent accuracy.

Who is the Ruger Vaquero for and what problems does it solve?

The Ruger Vaquero is designed for discerning individuals who value tradition, reliability, and precision in a firearm.

For the Cowboy Action Shooter: The Vaquero is an almost indispensable tool for competitors in events like those sanctioned by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). Its traditional form, ease of loading with the patented reverse indexing pawl, and simplified holstering due to the beveled cylinder give competitors a distinct advantage while adhering to historical authenticity. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of competitive use.

For the Collector of Classic Firearms: The Vaquero, with its blued finish, rosewood grips, and faithful adherence to historical aesthetics, represents an iconic piece of American firearms heritage. It's a beautiful addition to any collection, embodying the spirit of the Old West.

For the Recreational Shooter and Enthusiast: For those who enjoy the pure pleasure of shooting a single-action revolver at the range, the Vaquero offers a uniquely satisfying experience. Its crisp single-action trigger pull, combined with its accuracy, makes it a joy to shoot. It’s a firearm that connects you to a bygone era, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern reliability.

For those seeking a Durable and Reliable Revolver: Ruger is synonymous with ruggedness. The Vaquero is built to last, making it a reliable companion for generations. Its simple, robust design means fewer points of failure and easy maintenance.

In essence, the Vaquero solves the desire for a truly authentic, yet safe and reliable, single-action revolver experience. It addresses the need for a firearm that performs exceptionally well in competitive settings, stands out in a collection, and provides immense enjoyment for casual shooting.

The Ruger Legacy: A Commitment to Quality

Ruger has earned its reputation through decades of producing high-quality, durable, and innovative firearms. The Vaquero is a shining example of this commitment. Every component, from the cold hammer-forged barrel to the meticulously fitted rosewood grips, reflects Ruger's dedication to excellence. When you choose a Ruger Vaquero, you are investing in a firearm that is built to the highest standards, ensuring consistent performance and lasting value. These exceptional revolvers, along with a wide range of other firearms, are available from reputable dealers, including quality firearms retailers such as DEGuns.com, ensuring you receive genuine products and expert service.

Specifications of the Ruger Vaquero Revolver

Feature	Detail
Brand	Ruger
Model	Vaquero
Category	Revolvers
Action	SAO (Single Action Only)
Caliber	.357 Magnum
Capacity	6 Rounds
Barrel Length	4.62 inches
Overall Length	10.25 inches
Weight	43.00 ounces
Barrel Finish	Blued
Frame Finish	Blued
Cylinder Finish	Blued
Grip Material	Rosewood
Sights	Fixed
Hammer Style	Exposed
Barrel Twist Rate	1:16"
UPC	736676051076