Here is a pair of Rugers you don't run across every day, consecutive serial numbered .40 S&W Vaqueros (non-dual cylinder models) in stainless steel with 4 5/8 inch barrels, both NIB.
Back in 1999, the Deputy Sheriff's Association of San Diego County California, under Sheriff Bill Kolender, contacted a major firearms distributor through California Police Supply about producing a special commemorative handgun for association members to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the origination of the office of Sheriff in San Diego County California, to be celebrated in the year 2000. Several different handgun models were given consideration, but in the end, it was decided that the Ruger Vaquero 4 5/8 inch barrel version in stainless steel would best represent the early history of the office of Sheriff, and serve as an especially durable material due to the proximity of San Diego County to the salty pacific ocean environment of Southern California.
Originally, the .45 colt caliber was discussed as a fitting representation of the 45 year history of the DSA itself, held in 1999, but further consideration eventually turned to the department-issued .40 S&W caliber that membership roles were already familiar with, and Sturm, Ruger was approached about producing the revolvers especially for this purpose.
The commemorative editions were eventually engraved (laser etched) in large black letters on the right side of the barrel bearing the inscription "San Diego Sheriff". The right grip wood panels were laser etched with the 150th Anniversary San Diego Deputy Sheriff badge logo. The individual presentation revolvers were made available engraved with the purchaser's name across the grip-frame backstrap, and were supplied with glass topped oak presentation cases French fitted with green flocking material. Commemorative 150th year Anniversary Badges were also made available with the revolvers in either silver plate or solid sterling silver with the buyer's department and rank engraved into the badge along with the signature of Sheriff Bill Kolender, dated 2000.
The Red Eagle News Exchange indicates that there were reportedly only 1000 of the base Ruger Vaquero models produced for use in making these commemorative revolvers, while other sources indicate a possible total production run of only 580 pieces, and that the vast majority were eventually etched and fitted with the commemorative grips, while a very small number are thought to have later been sold as "over-runs" through California Police Supply, with either the engraving, commemorative grips, and/or presentation cases. The few remaining "un-engraved" examples in stock Ruger plastic cases as originally supplied by the Ruger factory are considered very rare. Those shown are the un-engraved versions.
