ArchAngelCD
Member.
Well, I was at my local shop today and this just fell into my lap. A guy came in looking to sell a Ruger Vaquero but the dealer didn't want to buy it. I have been looking to buy a .45 Colt Single Action for a while now so I agreed to buy it. I was VERY happy when he quoted me a price of only $250 since it was in such great shape. When I got it home I was even happier and I'll explain why....
This Vaquero is not a "New" Vaquero but an "Old" Vaquero! That means I can fire those heavier loads from it if I choose to. (correct??) I didn't realize it was an old Vaquero but it did seem a little large and heavy at first. I asked if it were an old Vaquero and he said he didn't think so. The Serial Number is 58-80xxx which confirms it's a 2004 model Vaquero just one year short of the New Vaquero production in 2005.
Now for the real questions...
1. The grips have a half moon rounded cut out up near the top I haven't seen on other Vaqueros. Is this an oddity or just something I haven't seen before? Is it possible the grip frame is different, been changed? That cut out matches the grip frame. EDIT - I was looking around on some of the gun sites and realized someone put a Ruger Bisley grip frame on this Vaquero... I like it!!
2. The hammer is very different on this Vaquero. It is flattened down instead of being straighter up like the ones I've seen. I know this it's different and I know it's easier to cock without moving my hand. Target hammer???
3. The trigger is also very different. It is rounded rather than straight and it's closer to the back of the trigger guard than other triggers I've seen on Vaqueros. Also, the back of the trigger is "notch" and is extended back, not a full straight piece like the other Vaqueros. Target or special trigger???
Any information that can be added would be appreciated. I don't know much about these revolvers but I think I did better than I originally though when I bought this one.
Note: First 3 pictures are of my revolver and the forth picture is another Vaquero to use as a comparison so you can see the differences I'm asking about.
This Vaquero is not a "New" Vaquero but an "Old" Vaquero! That means I can fire those heavier loads from it if I choose to. (correct??) I didn't realize it was an old Vaquero but it did seem a little large and heavy at first. I asked if it were an old Vaquero and he said he didn't think so. The Serial Number is 58-80xxx which confirms it's a 2004 model Vaquero just one year short of the New Vaquero production in 2005.
Now for the real questions...
1. The grips have a half moon rounded cut out up near the top I haven't seen on other Vaqueros. Is this an oddity or just something I haven't seen before? Is it possible the grip frame is different, been changed? That cut out matches the grip frame. EDIT - I was looking around on some of the gun sites and realized someone put a Ruger Bisley grip frame on this Vaquero... I like it!!
2. The hammer is very different on this Vaquero. It is flattened down instead of being straighter up like the ones I've seen. I know this it's different and I know it's easier to cock without moving my hand. Target hammer???
3. The trigger is also very different. It is rounded rather than straight and it's closer to the back of the trigger guard than other triggers I've seen on Vaqueros. Also, the back of the trigger is "notch" and is extended back, not a full straight piece like the other Vaqueros. Target or special trigger???
Any information that can be added would be appreciated. I don't know much about these revolvers but I think I did better than I originally though when I bought this one.
Note: First 3 pictures are of my revolver and the forth picture is another Vaquero to use as a comparison so you can see the differences I'm asking about.
Last edited: