The Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum is a single-action revolver with a blued alloy steel frame and hardwood grips. Capacity is 6 rounds, barrel is 5.5 inches with 8 grooves and a 1:16" RH twist, overall length is 11.12 inches, and weight is 2.75 lbs (44 oz). The transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge. Sights are a fixed blade front with an integral rear. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Ruger 
• Model: Vaquero 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum 
• Action: Single Action 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 11.12 inches 
• Weight: 2.75 lbs (44 oz) 
• Finish: Blued 
   

Detailed Features 

1. Alloy Steel Frame: Durable construction with a traditional blued finish. 
    
2. Hardwood Grips: Comfortable and provides adequate control during firing, with a classic look. 
    
3. Transfer Bar Safety: Prevents the revolver from firing without a full trigger pull, which is an improvement over original single-action designs. 
    
4. Fixed Sights: Blade front with integral rear, simple and fast to use at typical revolver distances. 
    
5. Barrel Twist: 1:16" RH twist with 8 grooves provides stability across .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads. 
    

Usage Scenarios 

1. Home Defense: .357 Magnum from a 5.5-inch barrel produces effective stopping power with manageable single-action operation. 
2. Competitive Shooting: Well-suited for cowboy action events requiring both speed and accuracy. 
3. Hunting Small Game: The ability to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special gives flexibility across field applications.

The Ruger Vaquero in .357 Magnum blued finish is well-regarded among owners who value Western-style single-action revolvers. The traditional blued finish gives it a classic look that holds up in collections and earns recognition at the range.

Shooting performance is consistently reported as reliable and accurate. The 5.5-inch barrel finds a good balance between handling and velocity, and the smooth trigger pull is often mentioned as a highlight. The ability to run both .357 Magnum and .38 Special is practical: cheaper .38 Special for practice, full-power .357 for field use.

Single-action mechanics require more deliberate operation than double-action alternatives, which some buyers find appealing and others consider a limitation for defensive applications. Weight at 44 oz can be fatiguing during extended sessions. Price discussions follow a familiar pattern: some find it good value for the quality, others think it should be more competitive. Overall the Vaquero .357 is a well-built, traditional revolver that earns appreciation from its target audience.