Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt, 5.5 in, 1997 Production, Original Large-Frame, Blued/Color-Case-Style, 6-Shot SAO
This 1997 Ruger Vaquero stands out as an original large-frame (pre-New Vaquero) .45 Colt with a 5.5 inch barrel and fluted six-chamber cylinder. It wears a blued finish with a color-case-style frame and comes with aftermarket stag/antler-style grip panels installed, plus the original Ruger hardwood grips with medallions. The revolver is in excellent overall condition and retains Ruger’s transfer-bar safety system for safe carry with all six chambers loaded.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: This firearm is in great shape. There are minor scratches and blemishes present. There are small spots of discoloration in the color-case-style frame finish.
What’s Included
- Ruger factory plastic case with serialized end label
- Paperwork
- Ruger factory hardwood grip panels with Ruger medallion
- Aftermarket stag/antler-style grip panels (installed)
The Vaquero shown here is cataloged as RBNV-455 and built on Ruger’s original large-frame platform. It features the standard (non-Bisley) grip frame and hammer, a 5.5 inch barrel, and a fluted six-chamber cylinder. The factory label identifies mfg part number 00590.
Chambered in .45 Colt and configured for single-action-only operation, this revolver uses fixed sights with a blade front and frame-notch rear. The sighting setup and barrel length deliver a classic, straightforward arrangement for this model.
Construction is all steel, with a blued barrel and cylinder complemented by a color-case-style frame. The result is a traditional aesthetic paired with robust materials throughout the barrel, frame, and cylinder.
Ruger’s transfer-bar safety is integral to the design and allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded. This example includes aftermarket stag/antler-style grip panels installed for a distinctive look and feel, while also providing the original Ruger hardwood grip panels with medallions in the case.