| The Ruger Vaquero has undoubtedly become the king | | | | Ruger has taken all of legendary strength of the |
| of the single action revolvers. First introduced in 1992, | | | | Blackhawk frame and action and then slimmed down |
| the Vaquero was an adaptation of the Blackhawk | | | | the profile to match that of the old-world Colt Single |
| frame with the same trigger, action, and hammer but | | | | Action Army. This truly is a 21st century handgun will all |
| was designed for the fast draw of Cowboy action | | | | of the look and feel of yesteryear. |
| shooting with fixed sights and smooth edges. The | | | | The first thing ruger did was to slim the profile of the |
| Vaquero has grown rapidly in popularity due to its | | | | handle and frame. Like the Colt, the handle not longer |
| rugged construction and affordable price tag. If you | | | | feels large in hand. It is quickly acquired from either the |
| attend any major SASS event, the Ruger Vaquero will | | | | hip holster or crossdraw holster and slimmer handle |
| be the common carry gun of a majority of | | | | allows for increased control when rapidly firing. The |
| competitors and observers. | | | | slimmer handle also appeals to smaller shooters, like |
| Ruger has always demonstrated excellent marketing | | | | women who are actively increasing in CASS shooting |
| analysis and have been able to capitalize on the insight. | | | | competitions. Ruger also recognized the competition |
| The Vaquero was perfectly designed to match a | | | | niche of the Vaquero so the wood grips were |
| niche in an exploding market. Cowboy action shooters | | | | replaced with a better gripping checkered hard rubber. |
| were looking for a new firearm which was affordable, | | | | Change always come with loss and in this case it is |
| accurate, and reliable. The most common gun prior to | | | | the 44 magnum caliber. The slimmer profiled of the |
| 1992 was the Colt the SAA. The Colt has history back | | | | new model Vaquero will not accommodate the power |
| into the 1800s when Sam Colt began his first | | | | of the 44 and will not be produced. The Vaquero is |
| production line of revolvers. However, in the 20th | | | | now only available in 357 mag/38 Special and 45 Long |
| century, the Colt Single Action Army was sometimes | | | | Colt. Due to cost and regulations, both of these calibers |
| difficult to get, expensive to buy, and a reputation for | | | | have seen increasing usage and sales. |
| weak springs which tended to give out under the | | | | I was fortunate to enough to give one a test and |
| duress of rapid fire competition. It was often thought | | | | found the gun to be extremely practical and great for |
| the ideal gun would be profile of the colt with the | | | | action shooting. It fits the hand great and allows for |
| lockwork of Ruger. We finally have it. | | | | increased control especially with my less-than-large |
| The original Vaqueros were Hybrid Blackhawks with | | | | hand size. The gun also cycles flawlessly, especially in |
| cosmetic designs and deburred edges. While it had the | | | | rapid fire target acquistion from a hip holster. Having a |
| appearance of a Single Action 19th century handgun, it | | | | matched set or even 3 of them makes for the ideal |
| still lacked something. The new model Vaqueros are | | | | action set up and provides an authentic appearance |
| no longer hybrids, but rather a model line all of its own. | | | | when partaking in CASS events. |