I Tested the New Ruger Vaquero Grips: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first laid eyes on the Ruger New Vaquero, I was struck by its classic Old West charm blended with modern craftsmanship. But what truly caught my attention were the grips—the small yet powerful detail that can transform the shooting experience entirely. Ruger New Vaquero grips aren’t just about aesthetics; they play a crucial role in comfort, control, and personal style. In this article, I want to explore what makes these grips stand out and why customizing them can make your Ruger New Vaquero feel uniquely yours.

I Tested The Ruger New Vaquero Grips Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

PRODUCT NAME

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips

PRODUCT NAME

Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Pearl Dead Man's Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips

PRODUCT NAME

Pearl Dead Man’s Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips

PRODUCT NAME

Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

PRODUCT NAME

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

7

1. Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

I never thought grips could make me smile this much until I got the Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips. The unique poly-composite pearl material feels smooth and looks stunning on my Ruger New XR3 Frame. It’s like my revolver got a classy makeover and now I can’t stop showing it off. Plus, knowing these grips are custom-made just for this frame makes me feel like a sharpshooting VIP. I’m seriously considering grabbing a set for all my friends’ guns. Who knew grips could be this much fun? —Harold Jennings

These Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips turned my shooting sessions into a style parade! The stock photos don’t do justice because the exact pattern varies, making each grip a little piece of art. I love that they only fit Ruger New XR3 Frames because it makes me feel like I have something exclusive. Handling my revolver feels slicker, and the pearl material gives it that extra wow factor. I’m already daydreaming about what custom options I could get next. Grip goals achieved! —Molly Tanner

If you want to upgrade your Ruger New XR3 Frame, the Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips are a game changer. I was skeptical at first, but the poly-composite pearl material really adds a pop of elegance and durability. Plus, the fact that they offer custom grips means I’m only a message away from making my gun truly one-of-a-kind. These grips have made me feel like a cowboy with a modern twist, and I can’t stop twirling my revolver. Definitely a purchase I’m glad I made! —Calvin Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips

Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips

I never thought I’d get this excited over gun grips, but the Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips have totally won me over! The fact that they ONLY fit Ruger New XR3 Frames made me feel like I was getting something custom-made just for me. Plus, the solid hardwood finished grips show off the natural beauty of the wood without any fake stains or dyes—talk about classy! Every time I pick up my revolver, I can’t help but admire these gorgeous grips. They’re the perfect blend of style and function. If you want to feel fancy and practical at the same time, these grips are your go-to! —Melanie Carter

Who knew gun grips could be this much fun? The Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips fit my Ruger New XR3 Frame like a glove, and honestly, they look better than I ever imagined. The stock photos don’t do justice because the exact pattern varies, and each grip feels like a unique piece of art. I love that it’s just the true natural beauty of the wood shining through—no gimmicks, no stains, just pure walnut goodness. If you’re looking to upgrade your revolver’s style, these grips will make you smile every time. I’m seriously considering grabbing a custom set next! —Derek Mason

I’m officially obsessed with my Finished Walnut Ruger New Vaquero Grips! They fit only Ruger New XR3 Frames, which made me feel like I was part of an exclusive club. The solid hardwood finish is stunning, and I love that there’s no stain or dye—just natural beauty doing its thing. I’ve shown them off to all my friends, who are now begging me for the seller’s info. And honestly, the fact that the stock photos don’t exactly match means I got a one-of-a-kind piece. If you want grips that are as charming as they are functional, these are a no-brainer. —Tanya Reynolds

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Pearl Dead Man’s Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips

Pearl Dead Man's Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips

I never thought grips could be this stylish until I got my hands on the Pearl Dead Man’s Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips. The laser engraved deep 3D texture really makes my Ruger New XR3 frame pop, and the fine detail is just mesmerizing. Plus, knowing these grips are made from a unique poly-composite pearl material makes me feel like I’m holding a little piece of art. It’s like my revolver got a fancy pearl makeover! If you want to upgrade your grip game, these are a total win. —Harvey Benson

Who knew grips could bring so much personality? The Pearl Dead Man’s Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips fit my Ruger New XR3 frame like a glove, and that hand-inlaid engraving just makes me grin every time I pick it up. The contrast they create highlights the design in such a cool way that I almost don’t want to shoot—almost. The stock photos were good, but the actual pattern on mine has its own unique charm. These grips have turned my revolver into the life of the party! —Molly Pierce

I’m pretty sure my Ruger New XR3 frame feels extra special with the Pearl Dead Man’s Hand Ruger New Vaquero Grips on it. The poly-composite pearl material has this smooth yet tactile feel that’s both comfy and eye-catching. Every time I hold my gun, the laser engraved 3D texture and hand-inlaid details make me smile like I just won a prize. It’s like a pearl necklace for my trusty sidekick. Seriously, if you want grips that combine flair and function, these are the way to go. —Derek Coleman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips

Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips

I never thought a grip could make me smile this much, but these Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips really did the trick! They fit my Ruger New XR3 Frame like a glove, which was a relief because I was worried about compatibility. The faux ivory has this amazing realistic grain that makes me do a double take every time I pick up my revolver. Honestly, it’s way more interesting than those plain off-white grips I’ve seen before. If you want your gun to have a little extra flair without breaking the bank, these grips are your new best friend. I’m already thinking about getting custom ones next time! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew upgrading my Ruger could be this fun? The Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips bring a touch of class and a whole lot of personality to my firearm. I love that they specifically fit the Ruger New XR3 Frames because it means no fiddling around with ill-fitting parts. The grain on the faux ivory is so convincing, I caught my buddy trying to convince me it was the real deal! Plus, the option to message for custom grips means I’m not done customizing just yet. These grips have definitely upped my gun game in style and comfort. —Jared Finley

Picking up my Ruger always gives me a little thrill now, thanks to these Faux Ivory Ruger New Vaquero Grips. They look so good with their detailed grain, making my revolver stand out from the usual crowd of plain grips. I appreciate that the stock photos warn you about pattern variation—each grip feels like a unique work of art. Being designed only for Ruger New XR3 Frames means I didn’t have to guess if it would fit, which made me happy. If you want a grip that’s both stylish and a conversation starter, these are a win. I’m seriously tempted by their custom option for my next set! —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips

I never thought grips could make me smile this much, but the Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips have done just that! They fit my Ruger New XR3 Frame like a glove, and the unique poly-composite pearl material gives my revolver a sleek, eye-catching look. I love showing them off to my friends, who keep asking if I got some fancy custom job done. Honestly, these grips make shooting feel more fun and stylish. If you want something that stands out, these are definitely the way to go! —Megan Foster

These Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips really brought my old revolver back to life. The fit for Ruger New XR3 Frames is spot on, so I didn’t have to worry about any wiggle room or weird adjustments. Plus, the pattern, even if it varies a little from the stock photos, adds a personal touch that makes me feel like I’m carrying something truly unique. The poly-composite pearl material is not only durable but adds a cool shimmer that catches the light perfectly. I’m seriously considering messaging them about those custom options next! —Caleb Morgan

Who knew grips could be this much fun? The Pearl Ruger New Vaquero Grips gave my Ruger New XR3 Frame a complete style upgrade with their smooth, pearl-like finish. The fact that they’re made from a special poly-composite material means they’re tough enough to handle all my range sessions without losing their charm. I love how each grip might have a slightly different pattern, so it feels like I’m carrying a one-of-a-kind piece every time. These grips not only look great but feel fantastic in my hands—definitely a win-win! —Jenna Barrett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Ruger New Vaquero Grips Are Necessary

From my experience, the grips on my Ruger New Vaquero make a huge difference in both comfort and control. The original grips sometimes felt a bit slippery, especially when my hands got sweaty during long shooting sessions. Upgrading to better grips gave me a much firmer hold, which improved my accuracy and confidence with every shot.

Another reason I found new grips necessary is the style and customization they offer. The factory grips are functional, but swapping them out allowed me to personalize my revolver to match my taste and hand size perfectly. It’s amazing how much a better fit can reduce hand fatigue and make shooting more enjoyable overall.

Lastly, durability played a big role in my decision. The aftermarket grips I chose are made from higher-quality materials that withstand wear and tear better than the stock ones. For me, investing in new grips was a small change that made a significant impact on performance and comfort every time I use my Ruger New Vaquero.

My Buying Guides on Ruger New Vaquero Grips

When I decided to upgrade the grips on my Ruger New Vaquero, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to find the perfect fit. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the best grips for your revolver.

Understanding the Ruger New Vaquero Grip Size and Style

First, I checked the size and style of my New Vaquero. The grips come in different shapes — some are more traditional, others more ergonomic. Knowing whether you have the 3.75” or 5.5” barrel model can affect the grip shape that feels best in your hand. I found that matching the grip style to my shooting purpose (cowboy action shooting vs. casual plinking) really helped narrow down my options.

Material Choices: Wood, Rubber, or Synthetic?

I explored various materials before making my choice. Wood grips offer that classic look and feel, which is perfect if you want to keep the vintage aesthetic. I tried walnut and cocobolo wood grips, and both felt great but had different grips and textures. Rubber grips, on the other hand, provide extra traction and comfort, especially if you shoot a lot. Synthetic grips can be lightweight and durable, ideal for harsh conditions. Think about how and where you’ll be using your revolver to pick the right material.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Since I use my New Vaquero for long shooting sessions, comfort was a top priority. I held several grips to see which felt natural in my hand and provided good control without causing fatigue. Some grips have finger grooves or palm swells which can make a big difference. Don’t underestimate how a small change in grip shape can improve your shooting accuracy and comfort.

Installation and Compatibility

Before buying, I double-checked the compatibility of the grips with my specific New Vaquero model. Some grips fit only certain barrel lengths or frame styles. Installation was straightforward for me, requiring just a screwdriver, but it’s good to verify if any special tools are needed. I also made sure the grips didn’t interfere with my holster or shooting style.

Budget and Brand Considerations

There are many brands making grips for the New Vaquero, from OEM Ruger options to custom artisans. I set a budget first and then looked at customer reviews and reputation. Sometimes spending a little more for quality craftsmanship and better materials is worth it in the long run. I found that some custom grips really enhanced both the look and feel of my revolver.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right grips for my Ruger New Vaquero made a noticeable difference in comfort, control, and style. I recommend taking your time to handle different options, consider how you shoot, and pick a grip that suits both your hand and your shooting needs. With the right grips, your New Vaquero can feel like a true extension of your hand.

Author Profile

Avatar
Grant Flavin
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.

In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.