Important Pair of Engraved Ruger New Vaquero Single-Action Revolvers Belonging to Joe Bowman, "The Straight Shooter" and Lege...
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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
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Description
Important Pair of Engraved Ruger New Vaquero Single-Action Revolvers Belonging to Joe Bowman, "The Straight Shooter" and Legendary Western Showman, along with Handtooled Holster Rig.Serial no's 510-01535 and 510-01538, .45 caliber, 4 1/2-inch barrels. Stainless finish with Sambar stag grips. Left side of frames read RUGER NEW VAQUERO / .45 CAL. Both guns engraved in cursive JOE BOWMAN on backstraps. Guns are profusely engraved in a Western barbed-wire pattern with deep chisel cuts throughout.
Guns are fitted in a handtooled and steel-lined performance leather hostler right. Initials J B adorn the leather belt and JOE BOWMAN on the interior. Finely crafted Western belt buckle featuring detailed scroll engraving and traditional motifs. Guns come with their original personalized metal carrying case [Americase] marked in bold black letters JOE BOWMAN on various parts, [19x12-inches].
Joe Bowman, known as "The Straight Shooter" and "The Master of Triggernometry," was a legendary American marksman, bootmaker, and Western showman whose life embodied the spirit of the frontier. Born in 1925 and raised in Houston, Texas, Bowman served with distinction in World War II, earning three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. After the war, he opened a boot shop but soon gained national acclaim for his extraordinary sharpshooting skills—able to split playing cards edgewise or shoot aspirin tablets out of the air at 30 paces. His talents made him a sought-after instructor, teaching Hollywood stars like Robert Duvall and James Arness, as well as law enforcement agencies including the FBI. More than a performer, Bowman was a living link to Western heritage, promoting the values of precision, respect, and tradition through his craft. Until his passing in 2009, he remained a beloved ambassador of Old West culture and was posthumously honored by the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor.
Condition: Guns appear unused. Faint tracking lines present. Minor handling wear, action crisp and excellent bores. Leather holster rig with wear overall, some scuffs present. Creasing to belt and belt tip. One holster has tape support. Americase with moderate handling and traveling wear, as expected. From Joe Bowman "The Straight Shooter Collection".
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
November
13th
Thursday
Auction Dates
December
8th
Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
47 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 27
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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