Am I missing something here?

I know that this seller is wrong, as there's no such thing as an "Old Model" Vaquero, but what else would drive that price?

Is .44-40 that rare or desirable?


It's been listed quite a few times, most likely because of the price, but I'm just wondering if I'm not as smart as I think I am.

Thanks

Aqualung

Since there is a "New Model" Vaquero, many folks refer to the original as Old Models, just like with Blackhawks and Single Sixes. Referring to them as "original" might cause someone to think of a first-year production, and calling it a "not New-Model" might make them think it was used even if it was new.

The 44-40 with the 4 5/8" barrel isn't as common as some other combinations, but I saw one like it sell for $619 recently on another auction site, so this price is way high, IMO.

Easy to differentiate by roll mark on left side of cylinder frame. The "VAQUERO" 4 5/8" & 7 1/2" barreled guns in .44-40 command a premium.
I would put the value at $750.00 - $850.00, N.I.B. with shipper & paper work in crisp condition. But with todays gun market who knows?
Like rugerguy say's "Run her up the flag pole and see who salutes" JMHO
Terry
VAQUERO - 1st Issue heavy framed guns.
NEW VAQUERO - 2nd Issue lighter frame.

...yessir as other here have always said ,both models of the Vaquero or to quote" All Vagueros are New models"...so it is NOT a "New Model Vaquero" but as MR Workman notes above "New Vaquero" versus the "older, original version Vaquero" ah , yes the English language rears its ugly head...RIP Mrs. Ward, RHS English teacher.......

Turns out I'm not as smart as I think I am.

I knew you'd educate me.

Thanks

Aqualung

I saw several harder to find, rarer Ruger SA's this past weekend at the OGCA show that I'd classify as being in the same category as this Vaquero. And the asking prices,,, were MUCH higher. I knew he'd be carrying them home at the end of the show.

I agree with the above,, that price is too high in my opinion.

That price does not seem out of line for what you might expect on GunBroker today. Everything is more expensive. The 44-40 Vaqueros were made in low quantities relative to other standard calibers. That is no doubt due to lower demand for the caliber back then, but we are closing in on 20 years since the last 44-40 Vaquero was made. Yellow boxed Rugers are generally 25+ years old. And nice boxed guns always bring a premium.

I'm with you Weasel, if you see something you want and the cost doesn't upset your financial cart, then just buy it. It isn't like these style guns are going to all of a suddenly flood the market and become dirt cheap.

noahmercy said:

Since there is a "New Model" Vaquero, many folks refer to the original as Old Models, just like with Blackhawks and Single Sixes. Referring to them as "original" might cause someone to think of a first-year production, and calling it a "not New-Model" might make them think it was used even if it was new.

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With all due respect-

ALL Vaqueros are "New Models"- they have two pins in the frame, and transfer bars.

There are "Vaqueros," and "New Vaqueros." That's what is says, right on the frame.

Anyone referring to an "Old Model Vaquero" is just perpetuating the confusion.

Referring to these revolvers as anything other than the model name given to them by Ruger just generates confusion, IMHO.

The last two lines of T.A. Workman's post above, put it very succinctly.

Carry On!

That price is slightly high at the present time in my opinion; that would have been a selling price in 2021 from what I've seen. More recently, I've seen them listed for $800-$900 and sell, in the last 6-8 months and that is not with box and papers. 44-40 Rugers were the least made of all the old first generation Vaqueros. (And among the 44-40s, I heard the 44-40s with the 7 1/2 inch barrels were the least made.) Ruger has never done another run of them since discontinuing that version of the Vaquero in 2005 and I doubt they ever will. They are desired among Cowboy Action shooters as it is a great BP caliber and very historically accurate for the Old West.

Another perfect example of how people think they know what something is yet due to simple ignornace and interjecting what they've seen others do, call it an "Old Model". Explained this to one person and they went bonkers on me. Iget that humans are creatures of habit and that nowadays simple and ignornace is the fashionabel thing but it still amazes me that people have gotten so uninformed.

T.A. WORKMAN said:

VAQUERO - 1st Issue heavy framed guns.
NEW VAQUERO - 2nd Issue lighter frame.

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To add to the confusion the above statement is not necessarily true. The 44 Magnum marked "New Vaquero" is the heavy frame.

Ruger needs to change their way of assigning names to the different models

lolbell said:

To add to the confusion the above statement is not necessarily true. The 44 Magnum marked "New Vaquero" is the heavy frame.

Ruger needs to change their way of assigning names to the different models

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Point taken on the .44 New Vaquero…

T.A. Workman's opening sentence still stands, though-
"Easy to differentiate by roll mark on left side of cylinder frame."

Happy Sunday morning, everyone!

lolbell said:

To add to the confusion the above statement is not necessarily true. The 44 Magnum marked "New Vaquero" is the heavy frame.

Ruger needs to change their way of assigning names to the different models

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Or people simply need to READ what the gun it, what the manufacturer calls it and go with that rather than what a bunch of ignorant (as in unknowledagble - gotta out that as too many get "offended" by that word now) people use.

… and then throw in the much over-used "SS" …

Stainless steel?
Speed Six?
Single Six?
Security Six?
Single Seven?
Service Six?

Or those "flattop" or Vaquero-style Single Six's that aren't really either …

BlkHawk73 said:

Or people simply need to READ what the gun it, what the manufacturer calls it and go with that rather than what a bunch of ignorant (as in unknowledagble - gotta out that as too many get "offended" by that word now) people use.

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I'll agree 100%. But it would be a big help if Ruger didn't make it a riddle to read what the gun it.

It's priced that high because it's at, #1) a pawn shop...........& #2) a pawn shop in PA.

One thing about .44 Magnum Ruger SA revolvers is that they are ALL on the large frame since 1956 introduction to present. So once you know that, there is 'no' confusion regardless of the XXX-YYYYY serial number tell-tell or New Vaquero frame marking that you'd normall assume as medium frame.....

3manfan said:

It's priced that high because it's at, #1) a pawn shop...........& #2) a pawn shop in PA.

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Isn't THAT the truth!

The various Forums that I follow are filled with anecdotes from folks who have found gun bargains at pawn shops.

I rarely find a bargain at a pawn shop, and have NEVER found a bargain on a firearm at a pawn shop here in MN. Not once!