Questions About New Model Vaquero

[4Fingers]

Can someone tell me approximately what year the New Model Vaquero was introduced by Ruger?  I'm waiting for delivery of a, "new in box" 7.5"  blue/case colored "new model" in .45 Colt which was advertised as, "model discontinued".  Do you know approximately when this model was discontinued and why?  Will the gun have a date of manufacture somewhere or can I find out from Ruger via the serial number?

Thanks,

4F

[bowiemaker]

Ruger introduced the Vaquero in 1993 and changed to the smaller framed "New Vaquero" in 2004.

Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production: (Approximate)
55-00001 1993
55-10037 1994
55-51006 1995
56-01218 1996
56-30005 1997
56-72004 1998
56-98838 1999
57-52004 2000
57-82791 2001
58-01006 2002
58-31543 2003
58-50474 2004
58-91296 2005

[4Fingers]

Ruger introduced the Vaquero in 1993 and changed to the smaller framed "New Vaquero" in 2004.

Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production: (Approximate)
55-00001 1993
55-10037 1994
55-51006 1995
56-01218 1996
56-30005 1997
56-72004 1998
56-98838 1999
57-52004 2000
57-82791 2001
58-01006 2002
58-31543 2003
58-50474 2004
58-91296 2005

Okay, thanks for the information.

4F

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[Dances With Coyotes]

Not exactly an answer to your question but useful info nonetheless. How to spot a New Vaquero vs a Old Model in pics on internet. On left side of frame it will say "Ruger New Vaquero" Old model will just say " Ruger Vaquero"............A NV has the warnings and reading your owners model info on the bottom of the barrel....the old model will have that info posted on the side of the barrel. Another thing that is not so reliable thanks to the aftermarket parts industry. The NV comes standard with a crescent moon ejector rod, the old models just have a small button (although there are aftermarket crescent buttons for the old models) I can't tell you how many times I've seen an internet auction saying they had a New Vaquero for sell and after looking at the pics its obvious its one of the old models.

[Waldo Bodfish]

what is probably meant by the "discontinued" is the "case colored" finish. It is no longer offered by Ruger. Choices now are SS and Blued.

[Sacramento Johnson]

Howdy!
I suspect this is actually a New Vaquero as opposed to the old model Vaquero that ended around 2004.  When Ruger first marketed the New Vaquero in 45 colt, the 7 1/2 inch barrel was available in blued and SS.  These did not sell well, though, and were discontinued around 2-3 years ago.  The only barrel lengths now available  are the 5 1/2 in and 4 5/8in in that caliber.

[COLT_45_SAA]

Howdy!
I suspect this is actually a New Vaquero as opposed to the old model Vaquero that ended around 2004.  When Ruger first marketed the New Vaquero in 45 colt, the 7 1/2 inch barrel was available in blued and SS.  These did not sell well, though, and were discontinued around 2-3 years ago.  The only barrel lengths now available  are the 5 1/2 in and 4 5/8in in that caliber.

.....or if you can find one the NV Montado comes with a 3 3/4 inch barrel and wide spur lowered hammer.

[Danny Bear Claw]

Colt 45...  are they real pearl grips or "pearlite"?  I have both.  Real pearl on an old Colt Police Positive and pearlite on my Ruger Bisley Vaquero.  I think the pearlite looks better and is a lot stronger.   

[COLT_45_SAA]

Colt 45...  are they real pearl grips or "pearlite"?  I have both.  Real pearl on an old Colt Police Positive and pearlite on my Ruger Bisley Vaquero.  I think the pearlite looks better and is a lot stronger.   

They're the Eagle Pearlite's-Fit great, no movement, look good, & much stronger.