Engraved-cylinder Stainless Vaquero

Help Support Ruger Forum:

edwardyoung

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jun 19, 2001
Messages
174
Location
Lexington, NC
I just picked up this large-frame 45 Vaquero. I'm guessing it was probably an overrun from the gold-filled, engraved cylinder models. I've never seen one that wasn't gold filled, anyway. Unfortunately, it didn't come with the box or the original grips, which I assume were faux ivory. Serial number suggests 1999 date of manufacture. I'm wondering if someone here might have any information to share? Maybe model number or if it is a distributor special or some sort. I Googled around, but didn't see anything about engraved cylinder models without gold filling. I don't think it's some high-value collectible model, just curious if it has a story. Thanks

414140783.jpg

414140781.jpg

414140782.jpg
 

edwardyoung

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jun 19, 2001
Messages
174
Location
Lexington, NC
Looks like here's the info:

Here is the information on this engraved series, hope this helps you some.

These Ruger Vaquero's were made in 1997 and 1998. They were shipped from the factory complete with the Gold Engraved cylinders. There are 12 different guns that make up the collection. Six are in 4 5/8" barrel length and six are in 5 ½" barrel length. They are in 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum and 45 Long Colt. With each one in Blue case color finish and stainless high polish finish.

KEY: "BNV" = BLUE BLACKHAWK NEW MODEL VAQUERO WITH CASE
COLOR FINISH CYLINDER FRAME

"KBNV" = STAINLESS BLACKHAWK NEW MODEL VAQUERO WITH
HIGH POLISH FINISH

"34" = 357 MAGNUM CALIBER, 4 5/8" BARREL
"35" = 357 MAGNUM CALIBER, 5 ½" BARREL
"474" = 44 MAGNUM CALIBER, 4 5/8" BARREL
"475" = 44 MAGNUM CALIBER, 5 ½" BARREL
"44" = 45 LONG COLT CALIBER, 4 5/8" BARREL
"455" = 45 LONG COLT CALIBER, 5 ½" BARREL
"IE" = WITH SIMULATED IVORY GRIPS, ENGRAVED

BNV-34-IE LESS THAN 500 MADE S/N RANGE 56-36421 – 56-52234
BNV-35-IE LESS THAN 500 MADE S/N RANGE 56-32809 - 56-49936
KBNV-34-IE LESS THAN 500 MADE S/N RANGE 56-44826 – 56-77805
KBNV-35-IE LESS THAN 700 MADE S/N RANGE 56-42687 – 56-77469
BNV-474-IE LESS THAN 350 MADE S/N RANGE 56-38119 – 56-78252
BNV-475-IE LESS THAN 1000 MADE S/N RANGE 56-20805 – 57-19812
KBNV-474-IE LESS THAN 300 MADE S/N RANGE 56-38755 – 56-78731
KBNV-475-IE LESS THAN 1000 MADE S/N RANGE 56-53541 – 57-22665
BNV-44-IE LESS THAN 1500 MADE S/N RANGE 56-44251 – 57-20325
BNV-455-IE LESS THAN 1750 MADE S/N RANGE 56-23192 – 57-15224*
KBNV-44-IE LESS THAN 1000 MADE S/N RANGE 56-80755 – 57-11460
KBNV-455-IE LESS THAN 1500 MADE S/N RANGE 56-27713 – 57-03040

* NOTE: THE EARLIEST BATCH OF THIS MODEL HAD A BOX LABEL THAT STATES THE CALIBER AS ".45 MAGNUM"
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
Messages
8,966
Location
Ohio , U.S.A.
good info and no we have not seen one with the gold removed,,,,as a note when they were selling those, were NOT a good mover and they closed them out real cheap, I know our local pawn shop bought a dozen of them, well below dealers cost, they were told at distributor, I know I bought one and it was a bit over $300,,,,,and at that price we shot it, swapped it for something else that shot BETTER 8) :roll: :wink:


I also recall that Davidsons had bought and sold all the remainder of the factory inventory of the "Vaqueros",,,,,quite a few pallets of inventory :roll:
 

contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,142
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
I ordered a pair of the 45 Colts in 4-5/8" from my dealer back then. He called & said they were out of them. I changed calibers, & ordered a blued & stainless in 44 mag.
They came in, and before I was able to pick them up, a guy came in the gunshop & offered the dealer a premium for my guns. I stopped in to get them, and he informed me he'd sold them. He said he'd order more.
I wondered why a guy would pay a huge premium, so I did a bit of quick research, and discovered the very limited quantities of the short bbl 44's. When my dealer called me to say; "They have a stainless & 2 blued ones left,," I ordered & got all 3. (I'd threatened him with a country whooping if he sold them out from under me again.)
They reside with me to this day,,, still in NIB condition,,,!
 

RUFFBIRD

Blackhawk
Joined
Sep 17, 2003
Messages
563
Location
northern ontario, CANADA
Mine was a christmas gift in 2001...
.44 mag stainless vaquero with the 4-5/8" barrel. Less than 300 made!
It is one Never to be parted with,....in my lifetime anyway...
I have only fired 1/2 a box of light cast loads to try it. I will keep it pristine for the next owner who will love it like it always has... :lol:
 
Top