The Ruger Vaquero 1st Gen in blued finish is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special. The blued steel and hardwood grips give it a classic cowboy-era look, while the underlying design is modern enough for practical use. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Ruger 
• Model Name: Vaquero 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action: Single Action 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.62 inches 
• Overall Length: 10.25 inches 
• Weight: 43 oz (2.69 lbs) 
• Sights: Front Sight: Blade | Rear Sight: Integral 
• Grip Material: Hardwood 
• Finish: Blued 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
   

Detailed Features 

The cold hammer-forged steel barrel is built for durability and holds its accuracy over time. The blued finish protects against corrosion while maintaining the revolver's traditional appearance. 
 
The polished hardwood grip includes the Ruger medallion and keeps the gun comfortable to hold through rapid-fire and extended range sessions. The single-action mechanism requires cocking before each shot, which shortens trigger travel and tends to help accuracy by encouraging deliberate aim. 
 
The transfer bar safety blocks the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, reducing the risk of accidental discharge from drops or mishandling. The revolver also accepts .38 Special loads, making it practical for lower-cost practice sessions.

User feedback on the Ruger Vaquero 1st Gen Blued .357 Magnum covers both genuine appreciation and some practical concerns.

On the positive side, build quality is consistently praised. The blued finish is popular for its traditional look, and the gun feels solid and well-made. Accuracy and reliability come up repeatedly. The .357 Magnum chambering delivers real stopping power for target shooting and personal defense, and the action is typically reported as smooth.

The single-action design and cowboy-style profile resonate with fans of Western firearms, and many cite cowboy action shooting as a primary use. Grip comfort is generally rated well, particularly for extended range sessions.

On the critical side, the weight is occasionally mentioned as a drawback for those who want something lighter. Some users find the trigger pull heavier or less refined than contemporary double-action revolvers. The six-round single-action cylinder is a genuine capacity limitation compared to semi-automatics, which matters in some defensive contexts. Price relative to other brands comes up in some discussions, though most feel the quality justifies it.

The Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum is a true gem, especially if you're a fan of classic single-action revolvers with a modern twist. I absolutely love the look and feel of this gun. The polished stainless steel finish not only makes it visually striking but also gives it durability and weather resistance, making it a perfect choice for range days or even outdoor carry. One of the standout features for me is the Vaquero's modern safety upgrades, like the transfer bar system. Unlike the original Colt Single Action Army, this lets you safely carry six rounds without worrying about accidental discharge. Ruger’s decision to eliminate the half-cock loading process is also a nice touch, just open the loading gate and rotate the cylinder to load or unload. It's an efficient blend of old-school design with smart modern improvements. Shooting the Vaquero is an absolute blast. The balance is excellent, and while it's not the fastest gun to load or shoot, there’s something incredibly satisfying about the single-action experience. Whether you're into cowboy action shooting or just want a classic revolver, this one’s tough to beat. Plus, the .357 Magnum chambering adds versatility, you can run .38 Specials for lighter recoil or go full power with .357 for some serious punch.