Ruger Vaquero .357 Magnum, 5.5-inch, Bright Stainless, 1997 Single-Action Revolver
This Ruger Vaquero is an original large-frame model built in 1997, chambered in .357 Magnum with a 5.5-inch barrel. It features bright stainless steel construction throughout, fixed sights, and a six-shot fluted cylinder. Smooth hardwood grips with Ruger medallions and Ruger’s robust single-action design round out a classic, durable configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: A few surface scratches are visible on the metal. The bright stainless finish remains strong with minimal loss.
What’s Included
- Ruger factory hard plastic case (gray)
- Ruger instruction manual for New Model Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Bisley, Hunter & Vaquero single-action revolvers
Built in the USA in 1997, this original large-frame Vaquero pairs classic single-action operation with modern Ruger safety systems, including a transfer-bar safety and loading-gate interlock. The six-shot fluted cylinder is chambered for .357 Magnum, delivering a proven and versatile caliber in a traditional configuration.
The revolver is all-stainless, including the frame, barrel, cylinder, and receiver, with a uniform bright stainless finish. The 5.5-inch barrel balances the gun well and complements the fixed-sight setup. Smooth hardwood grips with Ruger medallions provide a clean, period-correct look.
Fixed sights consist of a rounded blade front and a topstrap groove rear, true to the Vaquero’s straightforward design. The base pin is retained by a crossbolt latch for secure function, and the crescent-style ejector rod head with a steel ejector housing supports positive case extraction.
Factory markings include the 'RUGER VAQUERO' model mark and '.357 MAG. CAL.' rollmarks, along with Ruger’s safety legend on the barrel. These details align with the features expected of the original large-frame Vaquero series.