Vaquero questions?

[300grJHP]

I bought a used Ruger Vaquero 44mag today.

It's serial number begins with 57.  Any idea what year was it made?

Also, can I dry fire this without damaging the gun?  And is +p ammo, such as buffalo bore and garrett's safe to shoot in it?

What else should I know about this gun.

FWIW, the gun looks brand new and I paid $415 for it.

Thank you for any answers, advice,
300grJHP

[LONGTOM]

I really can't help on the serial # as I don't have a book on Rugers.
I assume it is an old style Vaquero and yes it will take the +P loads but why would you want to.
It will definely be a hand full and will only beat the gun and you up if you shoot many of them.
The standard level loads in 44 mag will do anything you want.
As far as the dry fireing, some say yes and some say no.
I have done it on almost all of my Rugers with no ill effects.
To each his own on this one.
The price seems a little high on a used one but not to bad.
I can buy a NIB one now for $429.00 + tax at my favorite Candy Shop.
If it is in good shape and you like it, who cares, it's what you want.
Maybe someone else can help you with the serial #.


LONGTOM

[Flash]

I bought a used Ruger Vaquero 44mag today.

It's serial number begins with 57.  Any idea what year was it made?

Also, can I dry fire this without damaging the gun?  And is +p ammo, such as buffalo bore and garrett's safe to shoot in it?

What else should I know about this gun.

FWIW, the gun looks brand new and I paid $415 for it.

Thank you for any answers, advice,
300grJHP

You paid about retail for that used Vaquero. Keep in mind I specified "Used". If it were new, retail would have been a tad higher. your gun was made in 200 or 2001 with the 57 prefix. I wouldn't shoot +P loads in anything except 44 specials in a mag or 38 specials in a 357 mag. I never stretch my guns to the limit.

[rawhidekid]

Ruger used to have the serieal # /date of manufacture available on their web site.  My Bisley owners manual states dry firing is OK. Hope this helps.