A friend of mine has a 1994 Vaquero, 45LC with a 7 1/2” barrel on it. It is the large frame version. I noticed that the current Vaquero’s are not manufactured with the 7 1/2” barrel. I’m curious if that makes the earlier models with that length barrel have a higher value since the current models don’t have it. He hasn’t decided to sell it, but he is thinking about. If he does, I have first shot at it. So I wanted your thoughts on a value. No box or paperwork and I would call it an 80% condition.
1994 Vaquero 7 1/2” barrel
- Thread starter dstegjas
- Start date
contender
Ruger Guru
As noted,, not a current offering. But many consider them desirable.
80% ???
That's pretty rough. Are you using the NRA Gun Grading Guide to get that number?
80% ???
That's pretty rough. Are you using the NRA Gun Grading Guide to get that number?
Honestly the condition rating was a guess on my part. Here is the picture he sent me.
contender
Ruger Guru
That's MUCH better than an 80% condition.
It appears to have the faux color case stuff Ruger applied back then. But the overall condition is at least 95% in general from what I see.
It appears to have the faux color case stuff Ruger applied back then. But the overall condition is at least 95% in general from what I see.
IIRCC I sold two NIB 7 1/2" Vaquero's one blue the other SS in .44/40 a few years back for $650.00-$700.00.
The .45 Colt is the most prominent caliber in the 7 1/2" guns with the .44/40 the scarcest.
Best
Terry
The .45 Colt is the most prominent caliber in the 7 1/2" guns with the .44/40 the scarcest.
Best
Terry
Well Don't feel bad. That makes me twice as STOOOOOPID. I sold two stainless ones that had custom grips, Super Hammers, spring kits, and cylinder throats reamed to correct diameter. Did I need the money NO, sold them for less than I had in them.
I think they are the best-looking Vaqueros produced. Think Matt Dillon and Paladin.
I do like 45 Colt
Armybrat
Hunter
The New Vaquero with 7.5” barrel is currently available in .357…..
https://grabagun.com/ruger-vaquero-357-mag-38-spl-7-5-barrel-6-rounds.html
https://grabagun.com/ruger-vaquero-357-mag-38-spl-7-5-barrel-6-rounds.html
Attachments
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
T.A.WORKMAN's recollection is the same as mine. Of the 7 1/2 in original Vaqueros the .45 Colt was the most common and the 44-40 was the least common (with the 44 Mag in the middle). I don't think it was produced in 357 but I could be wrong on that.
I only remember seeing a few 7 1/2 inch Vaqueros over the years so any of them is scare as far as I can tell. I have two; one stainless steel in 45 Colt and one blue/color case in 44-40.
Your example shows a turn line and the end of the ejector housing is a little worn but the colors on the frame are intact. It's much better that 80%, but it is shooter grade and, after all, guns are meant for shooting. If I remember correctly, the early blue/cc version had an aluminum alloy ejector housing and the later ones were steel. These can be easily replaced if desired.
I can't offer an opinion on it's value. Gun prices have gone crazy in the last couple of years. I would check on sold items (not asking prices) on Gunbroker to see what original Vaqueros have been selling for. I don't think I would pay a premium for the long barrel though.
I only remember seeing a few 7 1/2 inch Vaqueros over the years so any of them is scare as far as I can tell. I have two; one stainless steel in 45 Colt and one blue/color case in 44-40.
Your example shows a turn line and the end of the ejector housing is a little worn but the colors on the frame are intact. It's much better that 80%, but it is shooter grade and, after all, guns are meant for shooting. If I remember correctly, the early blue/cc version had an aluminum alloy ejector housing and the later ones were steel. These can be easily replaced if desired.
I can't offer an opinion on it's value. Gun prices have gone crazy in the last couple of years. I would check on sold items (not asking prices) on Gunbroker to see what original Vaqueros have been selling for. I don't think I would pay a premium for the long barrel though.
Those were great guns... I had one myself back in the mid-90's.
Originally the New Vaquero was offered as a 7-1/2" version ...But, they just weren't popular, and thus discontinued. I had one in 45 Colt, and really liked it! Although, I do generally prefer shorter barrels.
I only traded it because a nice Marlin 1894 CL in 25-20 WCF was offered up, and I figured that I could always get another one. But, they're now HTF, and command much higher prices than my tightwad azz is willing to pay...
I even had an extra 45 ACP cylinder for it! And, both were opened up to the proper dimension to provide for excellent cast bullet accuracy...
This is what I traded it, plus a small amount of cash towards. But, I still have and enjoy it!...So no regrets really.
Originally the New Vaquero was offered as a 7-1/2" version ...But, they just weren't popular, and thus discontinued. I had one in 45 Colt, and really liked it! Although, I do generally prefer shorter barrels.
I only traded it because a nice Marlin 1894 CL in 25-20 WCF was offered up, and I figured that I could always get another one. But, they're now HTF, and command much higher prices than my tightwad azz is willing to pay...
I even had an extra 45 ACP cylinder for it! And, both were opened up to the proper dimension to provide for excellent cast bullet accuracy...
This is what I traded it, plus a small amount of cash towards. But, I still have and enjoy it!...So no regrets really.
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Thanks for input guys. I appreciate the correction on my guess at the condition. As far as a sale price. I am cheap at heart, but I don’t want to offend anyone. I will probably offer him between $400 and $450 and see what he has to say. He also said he had a Savage 12 gauge single shot. Maybe we can work a deal for both of them.
Thanks again everyone.
Thanks again everyone.
I used to have a large-frame high-polish 7.5” (non-Bisley) Vaquero in 45 Colt. It was accurate, but I didn’t like the grip frame for Ruger-only loads, so I sold it. When I owned it, I observed there were not many on the market, but I figured Ruger limited production due to low sales. While we all own and love our 7.5” and longer barreled handguns, the truth of the matter is, they’re harder to sell compared to short-barreled handguns. Short barrels out-sell long barrels.
