The Ruger Vaquero is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special with a 3.75-inch barrel, 6-round cylinder, and a high-gloss stainless steel finish. It weighs 37 ounces and uses a Birdshead black laminate grip. Sights are a blade front and integral U-notch rear. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Vaquero 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Barrel Length: 3.75 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 37 ounces (2.31 pounds) 
• Finish: High Gloss Stainless Steel 
• Action Type: Single Action 
• Grip Material: Birdshead Black Laminate 
• Sights Front/Rear: Blade / Integral U-notch 
   

Detailed Features 

 
Single-action means the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot, which gives the trigger a short, light break and encourages deliberate shooting. The high-gloss stainless finish looks good and holds up well to weather and holster wear. The Birdshead grip profile distributes recoil differently than a traditional plow-handle grip — many shooters find it more natural for pointed shooting at close range. 
 
Ruger's transfer bar safety lets the gun be carried with all six chambers loaded safely, which is an improvement over original Colt-pattern designs that required leaving one chamber empty. 
 

Usage 

 
The Vaquero works well for competitive cowboy action shooting, where single-action revolvers are a standard class. The .357 Magnum chambering also makes it viable for field carry and personal protection, and it will fire .38 Special for lighter practice loads. At 37 ounces it is a substantial gun, which helps manage .357 recoil but makes it less suited to extended daily carry.

The Vaquero earns consistent appreciation for its stainless finish and overall build quality. Owners regularly mention that the action is smooth out of the box and that accuracy holds up well at typical handgun distances.

The design's Old West styling is a genuine draw for a portion of the buyer base, especially cowboy action competitors. The grip is generally well-received, though fit depends on hand size and shooting style.

Weight comes up as a practical consideration on both sides: heavier guns soak up .357 recoil better, but 37 ounces is a lot to carry all day. Aftermarket parts and accessories exist but the selection is narrower than for more common platforms, which matters to shooters who like to customize. The overall tone in owner discussions is positive, with most treating the Vaquero as a do-it-all revolver that also happens to be enjoyable to own.