The consignor will be donating 100% of their proceeds to the Park County Animal Shelter in Wyoming.
Make: Ruger
Model: Vaquero Special Edition
Serial Number: 58-09321
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Caliber: Cylinders are included for both .38-40 Winchester and .40 S&W.
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The panels are alternately slightly proud and shy to the metal. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some scattered stubborn fouling. There is a little leading in the forcing-cone. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks and the action shows light operational wear. There is scattered stubborn fouling. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: A free-spin pawl has been installed. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black plastic Ruger case with serial-matching label, the .40 S&W conversion cylinder and a Ruger soft zipper case. The additional cylinder has no sign of use and is serial-matched to the revolver.
Our Assessment: This stainless Ruger Vaquero Convertible chambered in .38-40 Winchester and .40 S&W offers a unique blend of Old West styling with modern versatility and durability. Built on Ruger's original Vaquero frame, this single-action revolver provides a classic Colt SAA-style experience while incorporating Ruger's robust engineering and safety enhancements. The convertible feature allows shooters to swap between .38-40, a historic frontier cartridge, and .40 S&W, a modern semi-auto round, making this an excellent option for both cowboy action enthusiasts and practical shooters looking for flexibility in their ammunition choices. The stainless steel construction ensures exceptional resistance to wear and the elements, making it a durable, reliable firearm for the range or the field. The revolver has been equipped with a set of custom checkered grips and has a free-spin pawl, allowing the cylinder to be spun in either direction when the loading gate is open. This customization makes it even more desirable for competitive shooters. Additionally, this Special Edition is particularly rare, with only around 500 of this model produced, further increasing its value and collectability.
For collectors, cowboy action shooters, and fans of convertible revolvers, this stainless Ruger Vaquero is an exceptional find. The combination of classic styling, modern safety features, custom action work, and caliber versatility makes this revolver a standout addition to any collection. Whether displayed as a tribute to the Old West, used in competition, or taken to the range for an enjoyable day of shooting, this convertible Vaquero offers a perfect blend of history, practicality, and rugged reliability. Better still for the Cowboy Action Shooters, this auction also includes this revolver's twin, so if you win both you'll have a very neat pair. Please see our photos and good luck!
