Old Army impressions

[Don]

I got my auction aquired Old Army ready to shoot this week. The nipples were removed by a machinist friend of mine with the application of a little heat and an easy out. Disassembled the gun and discovered that it had been years, if ever, since it was taken apart and cleaned. It was full of powder residue but seems no worse for the wear. Took it to the range and fired 18 rounds through it and I have to say I don't feel it is as user friendly as My Remingtons. That little retaining pin that holds the cylinder pin in place needs to be watched. I didn't have it turned in the proper position and when I started to load my rounds the cylinder pin backed out a little and I ended up bending it slightly. I didn't realize this until I tried to take the cylinder out and I had to tap the retaining pin out. Its a very slight bend and I don't think its a safety issue at all just inconvenient when taking out the cylinder. Now my shooting impressions. Accurate with 30 grains of Pyro P but no more accurate than my Italian revolvers. Groups opened up with 35 grains but still acceptable. Nice to have that kind of umph though. Had a few caps that didn't go pop on first hammer fall but that may have been caused by dirty nipples though the spring does feel a little wimpy. Still think Its a keeper and definitely one I'll carry when in Black Bear country.

Don

 

[Rifleman1776]

I gather that you mean "Ruger" Old Army.
That retaining pin has a screwdriver slot in it for a reason.
Why you are uncomfortable shooting it is a puzzlement. That is probably the best C&B revolver ever made, albiet, not pezactly pc.
I'll agree, the Ruger nipples can be improved upon. There are aftermarkets out there than can be bought. I regret selling mine.

 

[Don]

Yes, I meant Ruger. Didn't say I was uncomfortable shooting it, it shot fine. It is just a matter of getting used to the drill like any other revolver I guess. I still think the Remingtons are more straight forward in their use. The cap issues occured after the first cylinder so the dirty caps might have been the culprit. I understand Treso sells an after market nipple that doesn't have the hex heads. What brand were the after market nipples you suggested? I might buy some spare springs for it too.

Don

 

[RADeO]

I installed a set of Treso nipples in my Old Army and highly recommend them. :thumbsup: Both Remington #10 and CCI #11 caps fit extremely well.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Treso is one. And probably the best. They are what I would use. Do also get a good nipple wrench for the pistol. Not all nipple wrenches work on pistols. Ask Track for a reccomendation.

 

[Don]

Tresso it is. I do have the hex wrench for the Ruger hex nipples. When I order the Treso nipples I'll ask about the wrench. I find once the nipples are off and cleaned Gorilla Grease keeps them from getting stuck again.

Don

 

[MSW]

thanks for the post ... the ROA is my 'woods revolver' (what i carry in the woods) and i've been thinking of an upgrade

 

[aeatwood]

I would also recommend trying some Goex 2F. It will not require as much ramming pressure as Pyro, and will probably help with the ignition problems. Mine will cut one ragged hole w/ a full charge of 2f, a greased felt wad, and a .457" ball.