Ruger Vaquero value question

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nthrut9

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I recently purchased a small collection of pistols, and this was in the group. I have no no need for special editions, etc., and cannot find anything on this pistol.
Ruger Vaquero, serial # 56-71725, unfired, uncocked, w/ plastic insert in cylinder.
4 3/4 " barrel, 45LC caliber
Case hardened frame, engraving on frame, simulated ivory grips.
I probably will offer this, for sale, on this forum first, but, honestly don't have a clue re asking price. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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I just bought one just like it for 450.00 I don't really know if I got a deal or that's just the average price. The case hardening isn't real is a chemical finish that doesn't hold up well and Ruger has offered to refinish it in blue do to the defect.
 
I think it’s an old model vaquero. If so it’s built on the heavier Blackhawk frame. The new vaquero is built on a bit smaller frame.
 
I agree it's an original model Vaquero...worth $450 to $550 imo...Nice looking SAA. If you offer it for sale I'd be interested. Iv'e got 2 original Vaqs in 7.5 inch barrel and bought both for $700 or $750. I think I got a pretty good deal on those 2 however.
 
I bought an original (large frame) Vaquero about two years ago. LGS had two, his and hers, and when "he" died "she" sold them to the LGS. No sign of wear or use on the one I bought. Blue, 4.75" barrel. I had been looking for that exact gun locally for a few years, and was pleased to finally get it. I paid $550 plus tax.

Did I over pay? Not to me. I was tickled to finally find what I had been seeking. I wanted the larger frame of the original model. With that said, I would not have gone higher.

Good luck!
 
10 years ago I bought a pair of the same type gun in stainless for $400 each used. That was a bargain!!! In the LGS's they are asking $600 for your gun now (used, with laser engraving) Cowboy shooting has died off a little and the recent recession, slowed the value climb.

Ivan
 
nthrut9 said:
I recently purchased a small collection of pistols, and this was in the group. I have no no need for special editions, etc., and cannot find anything on this pistol.
Ruger Vaquero, serial # 56-71725, unfired, uncocked, w/ plastic insert in cylinder.
4 3/4 " barrel, 45LC caliber
Case hardened frame, engraving on frame, simulated ivory grips.
I probably will offer this, for sale, on this forum first, but, honestly don't have a clue re asking price. Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Remember, location, location, location.
That's absolutely the older Vaquero in the most desirable caliber, 45LC. Unfortunately, it also has the "chemical" case hardening that eventually wears off. The bright stainless is the more desirable one to have, but still worth $400 in these parts used I'd say, You might get $450 for it and that'd be a great sale for you.
For reference, my Vaquero 45LC in bright.
 

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ThANKS for all the ammo helpful information. I have a friend interested in this. if he doesn't get it, I'll offer it here.
 
It's a Davidson's exclusive from several years ago. There were 12 variations of engraved, gold inlaid cylinder Vaqueros. And yes,, it's an original Vaquero. Some of the variations are quite limited in production numbers & more valuable than others. yes, these were NOT a great seller for them and Davidsons bought out all the remaining stock, and sold them CHEAP, $289.
 
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I don't know how fragile that case coloring is supposed to be. Mine is just shy of twenty five years old and has just under 3,000 rounds fired through it. Its been my shop gun for the past couple of years, residing in my shop with no climate control. I've cleaned it with my Hoppe's No. 9 and oiled it with my 50/50 mix of motor oil and machine oil:

101_0010.jpg


Bob Wright
 
Bob Wright said:
I don't know how fragile that case coloring is supposed to be. Mine is just shy of twenty five years old and has just under 3,000 rounds fired through it. Its been my shop gun for the past couple of years, residing in my shop with no climate control. I've cleaned it with my Hoppe's No. 9 and oiled it with my 50/50 mix of motor oil and machine oil:

101_0010.jpg


Bob Wright
Click to expand...
The only reason I brought that up is because my brothers Vaquero's finish started wearing off, I don't know how old his is though. Could it be possible they actually did real CCH at one time?
 
I have a pair of 5.5" "Case Colored" 45 Colt Vaqueros from the late 80's with around 8000 rounds each through them. They don't look new, but they are still "Case Colored"! The ejector shrouds are aluminum and the black is wearing off. Drawn and Holstered 10,000 times each (at least!) and they still don't have muzzel end wear. (that's what I've done with them, they were used when I bought them!) These guns are built like tanks! Some factory, no "Blackhawk Only" loads, and thousands of 750fps ammo, and not a single repair needed!

Ivan

The Silver Tipped Hollow Point ammo pictured above is scary accurate! When the New Jersey State Police carried S&W model 25's that was the issue ammo! I don't think one bad guy that was shot with it ever complained. And Good for vampires and Zombies! (just how many kinds of ammo are truly good for both?)
 
Well, I am SO glad that someone knew about those gold inlay cylinders because during my happy cowboy action shooting days I saw a lot of Vaqueros, both old and new models and I NEVER saw one with a cylinder like that. Much obliged for that information.

The 56xxxx SN tells you that is an "old" Vaquero. The new model was designed, I think, to more closely match the Colt SAA in size and weight but the old ones were tanks and would shoot forever. Fixed sight Blackhawks.

Nothing ever wore out or off on my guns although they might have picked up some water stains after the 2018 fire at my house. I acquired these two from another shooter at least twenty years ago so while I can't say how many rounds went through them it was definitely not a small number. They are still perfect.

I would guess that for guns that were discontinued 15 or 20 years ago and were mostly popular with cowboy shooters that $400 or $450 would be reasonable but if they have become collectors' items or have a cult following then who knows??!!

I had a similar set in .44-40 - those are rare and would certainly be worth more money based on rarity although my preference was .45 Colt which explains why I sold mine to a friend who was in love with the 44-40 caliber.



iscs-yoda-albums-other-brands-revolvers-picture14061-ruger-vaqueros-right-side-faux-ivory.jpg



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Good solid gun

The only practical plus for this "original" model vaquero is that the large frame can handle "Ruger/TC only" loads. Some of the folks like that. The CCH is the chemical type, and it will fade some. Ruger did not use Bone-Charcoal on any of their guns. Talo and other distributors have a couple of "real" CCH done by Turnbull, like the Super Blackhawk from last year.
Nice gun, and that being said it's worth $450 or more.
 
I got an older one in 44 mag. Bought it used for a song. The chemi-colored finish flaked in some spots and immediately rusted when it flaked. I was surprised as I take really good care of my firearms. Ruger however went above and beyond and re-blued the entire pistol for free also replaced the springs and some of the small parts too! Thing is built like a tank and was my woods/camping gun which it will be retired now somewhat now that I have a S&W M69.
 
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