My intro to Ruger wa via the 5.5" Blackhawk two cylinder convertible .45 ACP/Colt, bought to dispatch my .45 ACP stash. I sold it in a weaker moment as I planned to buy a SS version, which my dealer had promised me. That turned out to be a Vaquero, ie, non-adjustable sight, version. I highly suggest anyone so-interested try one of the convertibles - including the .357/9mm - with adjustable sights due to the wide variation in ammo available.
My favorite low to nuclear .45 Colt SA is the limited 5.5" SS Bisley gripped version I have. I like my 4.625" SS Bird's Head Grip Vaquero, too, for shear fun - with low-moderate loads. The round grip 'rolls' under recoil... I even bought a .357M Vaquero BHG and am currently converting a similar size .44M Super Blackhawk to that BHG. The BHG Vaquero's are fun, but that .357 version, due to the small holes in same sized barrel & cylinder, is the heaviest! Typical Vaquero, you have to hunt to find a load which hits POI near POA, but that is the nature of any fixed sight revolver. The Bisley-Vaquero is also available, should you want/need that longer grip. The Bisley hammer is a great aid, too... it permits easy one-handed cocking - and allows you to 'sight' before you cock the hammer. The Super Blackhawk hammer is nearly as good. Remember - all new Rugers are six-shooters - Colts and clones are 5-shooters - you must put the hammer down on an empty chamber for carry. I have fitted Bisley hammers to my Vaqueros.
As to new prices, my .44 4.625" SBH was $389 and the .357 BHG Vaquero $409 last week when I bought them locally (c.A. - 'Central Alabama'). The last .45 ACP/Colt BH convertible was $359- $379, I think. Good luck.