Make: Sturm, Ruger and Co.
Model: Vaquero (00554)
Serial Number: 56-31790
Year of Manufacture: 1996 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a stainless quarter round blade. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black laminated hardwood panels. The panels have no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: High Polish Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no operational or handling wear. There is a very thin turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Excellent Condition and appears unfired outside of factory.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory cardboard box and gray plastic snap case with owner's manual, paperwork, plastic gunsleeve, and lock with key.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the Vaquero in 1993 as a fixed-sight, traditional-style counterpart to its Blackhawk line, and the model quickly became closely associated with the growing sport of cowboy action shooting. The original Vaquero was produced from 1993 through 2005 before Ruger transitioned to the smaller-framed New Vaquero design. Chambered in .45 Colt and finished in high-polish stainless steel, the KBNV-44 combines classic sixgun styling with the strength and modern transfer-bar action of Ruger's established single-action design.
This example is exceptionally well preserved, retaining approximately 99% of its original high-polish stainless finish with little evidence of use beyond a very fine cylinder turn line. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10/10, the black laminated grips remain excellent, and the action functions correctly. It is also accompanied by its factory cardboard box, gray Ruger case, owner's manual, paperwork, gunsleeve, and lock with key, making this a particularly complete example of the original large-frame Vaquero. Its outstanding condition, attractive high-polish finish, .45 Colt chambering, and extensive factory accessories give this revolver considerable appeal to both Ruger and single-action collectors.
