[4] The Ruger Vaquero is a New Model Blackhawk with fixed sights consisting of a front blade and a notch milled into the frame at the rear.

[4] In 1998 some models began shipping with a faux-ivory grip and limited runs with gold inlay and engraving were offered.

[6] Unlike original Single Action Army revolvers, both versions are safe to load all six chambers of the cylinder, having a transfer bar design; additionally, both variants permit reloading by simply opening the loading gate, thereby freeing the cylinder to rotate freely, without pulling the hammer into the half-cock notch.

The original Vaquero was built to safely fire higher pressure 45 Colt ammunition than the Black powder chamberings, having significantly thicker cylinder walls than other revolvers.

Ruger New Vaquero model revolvers, having thinner cylinder walls, are not considered safe for use with the Ruger-only loads taken from the older editions of these manuals.

Ruger states that the "New Model Vaquero" will handle +P and +P+ ammunition without any issues, but warns users not to shoot reloads in any of their guns as it will void the warranty.

[6] The Firearms Distributor known as Davidson's offered three exclusive chamberings of the Vaquero with convertible cylinders: In 2000, the San Diego Sheriff's Association ordered a Commemorative Edition Vaquero chambered in .40 S&W (the caliber of the SDSA's service weapon), to celebrate the agency's 150th anniversary.