Since its introduction in 1993, the Ruger Vaquero has dominated the cowboy action shooting world and earned its reputation for rugged reliability due to its strength and mechanical superiority. It is often referred to as the gun that won the New West because of its widespread popularity among single-action shooters and cowboy action competitors. The Ruger Vaquero combines the original Old West single-action look and feel with modern features. The mid-size steel frame and cylinder are scaled-down to the same size as the original 1955 Ruger Blackhawk, closely resembling the classic single-action revolvers of the late 1800s.