Ruger Old Army

[nightwolf1974]

Here' y'are -
View attachment 72919

The ball is resisting going into the tight-fitting chamber, and with the axis pin is in its weakest position, with the cut-out bearing against the front edge of the frame, pushing hard down on the loading lever WILL bend it.

This is the ONLY thing about ROAs I dislike, that's why I keep putting off on buying another or S&B (when avialable).

 

[TFoley]

This is the ONLY thing about ROAs I dislike, that's why I keep putting off on buying another or S&B when avialable).

The problem is not the revolver, it's the hamfisted operator, and in my defenc/se, it wasn't me, yer'onner. I loaned it to the guy next to me to Demonstrate and shoot so's I could load up and shoot a few Miniés from my Musketoon, he being a well-regarded shooter, and, like me, an NRA BP-qualified RCO.

I make a special thing of making certain sure that the lock is locked on every occasion I have for taking the cylinder out on the range, which, if I'm truthful, is not very often

If that's the only excuse you have for not buying a ROA then all I can say is that there are obviously way too many of them around where you are. Here in UK you CAN luck in, but usually expect to pay around the $850-900 - Vaquero versions even more.

 

[nightwolf1974]

The problem is not the revolver, it's the hamfisted operator, and in my defenc/se, it wasn't me, yer'onner. I loaned it to the guy next to me to Demonstrate and shoot so's I could load up and shoot a few Miniés from my Musketoon, he being a well-regarded shooter, and, like me, an NRA BP-qualified RCO.

I make a special thing of making certain sure that the lock is locked on every occasion I have for taking the cylinder out on the range, which, if I'm truthful, is not very often

If that's the only excuse you have for not buying a ROA then all I can say is that there are obviously way too many of them around where you are. Here in UK you CAN luck in, but usually expect to pay around the $850-900 - Vaquero versions even more.

That's what they run for (and more) here too mostly.

 

[11th corps]

Thanks for the chart of production.
My two were made in 1974 and 1976. I bought mine (1974) nib while still living in Indianapolis from a little gun shop off Pendleton Pike on the east side of town. Every other weekend my wife and I would travel back to our hometown and I would shoot with my Dad. He liked mine so well he bought his own -1976 production.
When Dad passed I inherited his. I haven't had either out in some time, need to get them some exercise.

 

[Choppis]

I also load my ROA using a cylinder loading press rather than risk bending the base pin. A year ago I purchased an Old Army Quick Change Kit from BeltMountain.com that easily allows removing the cylinder rather than hassling with removing/installing the OEM base pin/loading lever assembly when using my cylinder press. Belt Mountain still makes the quick change cylinder kit. Below is a snap shot of the kit. You have to ask for the kit as blued or stainless steel.

View attachment 71397

I've been trying to get ahold of one of these kits but no response from Belt mountain anyone know we're I can buy one of these or would anyone happen to have one they would sell?

 

[Smokerr]

I don't see the problem, loading .457 in mine is no issue.

.454 a tad easier.

Keeping in mind what people ask for these and what they get are two different things. I lot advertised high and they just expire and then repeat over and over as they never sell.

Both of mine were picked up at under $600. One was a 94 and not shot. The other a Centennial and shot some. I like the 94 better, the steel frame makes a bit of difference in how it shoots.

 

[Bad Karma]

I’ve owned and used the ROA since they were first introduced. A wonderful revolver and I’ve never owned one that couldn’t be coaxed into producing gilt edged accuracy. I did not know that the design was based on the truly remarkable Colt 1858 Remington New Model Army! In that case I love them all the more.


Courtesy of Gunbroker…

“The Ruger Old Army .45 Cal Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver is a modern take on the traditional black powder revolvers used in the 19th century. Introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1972, the Old Army revolver combines the classic aesthetics and function of cap and ball revolvers with the robust construction and precision engineering characteristic of Ruger firearms. Though it is no longer in production, the Ruger Old Army remains a popular choice among black powder enthusiasts and collectors for its reliability, durability, and historical charm. Chambered in .45 caliber, the Ruger Old Army uses cap and ball loading, which involves placing a percussion cap on the nipple at the rear of each chamber, filling the chamber with black powder, and then seating a lead ball or conical bullet on top. This method replicates the loading process of Civil War-era revolvers, providing an authentic shooting experience. The .45 caliber offers significant stopping power and accuracy, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting. The design of the Ruger Old Army is heavily influenced by the Colt 1858 Remington New Model Army, known for its solid frame and top strap design. This construction provides superior strength and stability compared to the open-top design of other contemporary revolvers. The solid frame of the Ruger Old Army enhances its durability, making it capable of withstanding heavy use and the high pressures generated by black powder loads. The revolver features a 7.5-inch barrel, which contributes to its excellent accuracy and ballistic performance. The longer barrel length provides a longer sight radius, making it easier to aim and hit targets at various distances. The barrel and other metal components are high-quality stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance.”

 

[45D]

I’ve owned and used the ROA since they were first introduced. A wonderful revolver and I’ve never owned one that couldn’t be coaxed into producing gilt edged accuracy. I did not know that the design was based on the truly remarkable Colt 1858 Remington New Model Army! In that case I love them all the more.


Courtesy of Gunbroker…

“The Ruger Old Army .45 Cal Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver is a modern take on the traditional black powder revolvers used in the 19th century. Introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1972, the Old Army revolver combines the classic aesthetics and function of cap and ball revolvers with the robust construction and precision engineering characteristic of Ruger firearms. Though it is no longer in production, the Ruger Old Army remains a popular choice among black powder enthusiasts and collectors for its reliability, durability, and historical charm. Chambered in .45 caliber, the Ruger Old Army uses cap and ball loading, which involves placing a percussion cap on the nipple at the rear of each chamber, filling the chamber with black powder, and then seating a lead ball or conical bullet on top. This method replicates the loading process of Civil War-era revolvers, providing an authentic shooting experience. The .45 caliber offers significant stopping power and accuracy, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting. The design of the Ruger Old Army is heavily influenced by the Colt 1858 Remington New Model Army, known for its solid frame and top strap design. This construction provides superior strength and stability compared to the open-top design of other contemporary revolvers. The solid frame of the Ruger Old Army enhances its durability, making it capable of withstanding heavy use and the high pressures generated by black powder loads. The revolver features a 7.5-inch barrel, which contributes to its excellent accuracy and ballistic performance. The longer barrel length provides a longer sight radius, making it easier to aim and hit targets at various distances. The barrel and other metal components are high-quality stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance.”

Yep, that's amazing ain't it?!! That Colt 1858 Remington was really something!!! Especially that "top strap" and "solid frame" giving it the ability to withstand those high pressure black powder loads, makes you wonder why the gun community didn't revert back to black powder across the board!!! Sheesh!!
Oh yeah the 7.5" barrel length reaching way past that wimpy 8" 1860 Army barrel gives a much greater sight plane!


Mike

 

[Dickydalton]

Yep, that's amazing ain't it?!! That Colt 1858 Remington was really something!!! Especially that "top strap" and "solid frame" giving it the ability to withstand those high pressure black powder loads, makes you wonder why the gun community didn't revert back to black powder across the board!!! Sheesh!!
Oh yeah the 7.5" barrel length reaching way past that wimpy 8" 1860 Army barrel gives a much greater sight plane!


Mike

I don't know whether to puke or laugh myself sick...

 

[Bad Karma]

Yep, that's amazing ain't it?!! That Colt 1858 Remington was really something!!! Especially that "top strap" and "solid frame" giving it the ability to withstand those high pressure black powder loads, makes you wonder why the gun community didn't revert back to black powder across the board!!! Sheesh!!
Oh yeah the 7.5" barrel length reaching way past that wimpy 8" 1860 Army barrel gives a much greater sight plane!


Mike

I’m hoping he lists the 5.5” version, can’t wait for the spin on that one!