RUGER 5170 VAQUERO 357 MAGNUM SS/WD 7.5" BBL LIPSEYS EXC

The Ruger Vaquero (5170) is a single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, featuring a 7.5-inch cold hammer-forged high-gloss stainless barrel, hardwood grips, and the small-frame XR-3 grip frame, offered as a Lipsey's distributor exclusive. This long-barrel 357 Magnum single-action revolver is built for cowboy action shooters, western-style enthusiasts, and handgun hunters who want the classic lines of a traditional single-action with modern Ruger engineering underneath.

Key Features

• Manufacturer part number: 5170
• Caliber: .357 Magnum, also compatible with .38 Special
• Action: Single-action
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Barrel length: 7.5 inches, cold hammer-forged
• Barrel twist: 1 in 16 inches, right-hand
• Frame: Steel, small-frame XR-3 size scaled to original 1955 Blackhawk proportions
• Finish: High-gloss stainless
• Grip frame: XR-3 steel
• Grips: Hardwood
• Sights: Blade front, integral notch rear, fixed
• Overall length: 13.25 inches
• Weight: 47 ounces
• Safety: Transfer bar mechanism with loading gate interlock

Special Features

• The 7.5-inch barrel length in stainless with hardwood grips is a Lipsey's distributor exclusive configuration, a combination not found in Ruger's standard production Vaquero lineup.
• The small-frame XR-3 steel grip frame replicates the dimensions of the original 1955 Ruger Blackhawk, producing the narrow, hand-filling profile that closely mirrors the grip of a classic Colt Single Action Army.
• The high-gloss stainless finish is intentionally polished to replicate the appearance of a nickel-plated revolver from the late 1800s, giving the 5170 authentic period aesthetics without the maintenance demands of a nickel surface.
• The cold hammer-forged barrel delivers ultra-precise rifling geometry that extends barrel service life and maintains consistent accuracy across both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition.
• The patented reverse indexing pawl allows the cylinder to index smoothly in reverse during loading and unloading, speeding up the manual process compared to earlier single-action designs.
• The crescent-shaped ejector rod head provides a traditional western form factor while still offering a positive purchase for pushing empty cases from each chamber during reloading.
• The transfer bar mechanism combined with the loading gate interlock allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded, a meaningful upgrade over the half-cock safety system used on original Colt-pattern designs.

Practical Benefits

• The 7.5-inch barrel gives you the longest sight radius in the Vaquero lineup, which translates directly into more precise long-range shot placement for both cowboy action stages and hunting applications.
• Compatibility with .38 Special means you can run lighter loads for practice and cowboy action shooting matches, then switch to full-power .357 Magnum hunting or defensive loads using the same revolver.
• At 47 ounces with a 13.25-inch overall length, the Ruger Vaquero (5170) balances with the front weight that experienced single-action shooters prefer for steady hold and consistent swing during staged cowboy action shooting.
• The high-gloss stainless finish and hardwood grip combination give this revolver a presentation-quality appearance that photographs well, displays prominently, and holds up equally well in the field.
• The XR-3 grip frame fits a wide range of aftermarket single-action grip options designed for Colt SAA dimensions, giving you the ability to customize the grip feel without searching for Vaquero-specific options.
• If you are a cowboy action competitor or single-action shooter who has wanted the Vaquero in a 7.5-inch stainless configuration, the (5170) gives you that specific setup in a revolver that shoots as well as it looks.

The Ruger Vaquero (5170) in .357 Magnum is a proven platform and a solid fit for cowboy action shooters, western revolver collectors, and field hunters who want a long-barrel single-action built to period aesthetics with modern reliability.