Ruger Old Army...

[jamesryan918]

I just picked up a ROA that is different than ones I have seen before...

It has a Blued barrel and frame...but has a Stainless Hammer, Cylinder, and Loading Arm.

The frame is solid...no cracks. The barrel is excellent...no bulges with shiny bore. There is some slight wear on the bluing but nothing serious.

It's been shot but well cared for. Just wondering if anyone has seen this combo of parts. My guess is for some reason these parts were switched out for the originals. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

Respectfully,

--KJ

 

[MSW]

I don't think that Ruger made such a piece, but the parts you mention are all fairly easily replaceable, so there's no reason not to conclude that someone replaced them with stainless because the previous owner though it looked cool, or they were the only ones available at the time. I have a stainless cylinder in mine, and i think it does look kinda cool (at least i think so, if you disagree, then get a blued one).

You'll have a great time with the Old Army. Mine has spent many days on my hip and i wouldn't hesitate to use it on a daily basis.

Take it out, load it up, and make good smoke!

 

[Rifleman1776]

I don't think that Ruger made such a piece, but the parts you mention are all fairly easily replaceable, so there's no reason not to conclude that someone replaced them with stainless because the previous owner though it looked cool, or they were the only ones available at the time. I have a stainless cylinder in mine, and i think it does look kinda cool (at least i think so, if you disagree, then get a blued one).

You'll have a great time with the Old Army. Mine has spent many days on my hip and i wouldn't hesitate to use it on a daily basis.

Take it out, load it up, and make good smoke!

I'll bet there is another one out there with exactly the opposite blue/stainless parts.

 

[Robert an saa fan]

Was just getting into black powder revolvers around the time the ROA came out. Have owned quite a few over the years and have never seen the combination described.

Seems like if Ruger (or a Ruger distributor ordered) was going to make up some ROA's with stainless and blue parts they would also do a stainless barrel. :idunno:

Another possibility is that the previous owner got some law enforcement confiscated Old Army parts after the stainless frame was destroyed.

Would be nice to know the story.

 

[D Sanders]

Sounds to me like some of the original parts have been replaced. Not to worry, it sounds as though it is is in good "shootable" condition. The value of this piece on the collectors market may not bring much but I don't know that for a fact. :idunno:

HH 60

 

[D Sanders]

Some guys like me have replaced barrels on their ROA's. Like old cars, the more original they are, the more they bring.

HH 60

 

[oldwolf]

It sounds pretty neat. How about a picture or two?

 

[jamesryan918]

Finally took a picture. Don't know if you can see it but there is gold in the Ruger medallions in the grips, in the cylinder lettering and groove, and in the lettering on the blued frame. Is that on all of them?

I'll be taking it out this weekend. Hopefully it will shoot well enough to keep. I got it for cheap and I really just wanted a shooter.

Respectfully,

--KJ

 

[jamesryan918]

Sorry about that...here is the picture

 

[qcml]

could be it's just had the bluing removed and polished.

 

[gl1200a]

The cylinder sure don't look stock.

 

[MSW]

i agree ... the cylinder doesn't look like a Ruger factory- made. there are other cylinders out there which aren't made by Ruger but which do fit the ROA. You might have one in yours.

By the way, i think you have a pretty cool- looking revolver.

 

[jamesryan918]

Here is a picture I just took of the cylinder...sorry for the glare but that's the best my phone could do. I had planned on shooting it today but the local Gander Mt. didn't have anything in .45 cal. I did pick up some Pyrodex P and some Wonder Wads for it though.

Thanks for the help on this, gent's...much appreciated.

Respectfully,

--KJ

 

[gl1200a]

I'm really unsure now.
Now mind you I don't know what I'm talking about,
(but i have stayed in a holiday inn) but that does look like a Ruger cylinder. The font especially.

Now, Ruger did make a commemorative OA that was blued with gold in the engravings, had the forward rings around the cylinder like this one, but had crossed swords or something else, I don't really remember.

I wonder if this ROA is stock, and possibly a limited run? I dunno. The cylinder stumps me.

 

[oldwolf]

I think it is blue ROA with a SS cylinder and ram. Those are easy parts to exchange.

 

[jamesryan918]

I finally was able to get some .457 RB's and took the ROA to the range today. That was more fun than I expected. I need one for the other hand I think...LOL

So I measured 30 of Pyrodex P, a lubed felt wad, and then a Hornady .457 RB. I found out quickly that is not a fast process.

I started at 15 yards doing the one hand hold and I was happy to get all 6 in the black. After that I figured I would try it at 25 yards with a two hand hold. I was still able to keep them all in the black and that low one I probably yanked.

15 yards

25 yards

Had a great time.

Respectfully,

--KJ

 

[Rifleman1776]

Glad you enjoyed. The ROA is/was a fine gun. Wish I hadn't sold mine.
Your unique piece is just that unique.
Enjoy.

 

[MSW]

now if i could just find a short barreled one, i'd be all set

 

[jamesryan918]

Couple questions...

Do you have to use a lubed felt wad? seems like an extra step that might not be necessary. However, accuracy and reliability standards trump everything.

I think that 30gr load of P is light...is it true what they say about this Ruger and you can fill it up?

Is it advised to have that RB seated as close to the chamber mouth as possible...or will recoil unseat a RB and prevent the cylinder from moving?

Is a Colt 1860 Army as much fun to shoot as this Ruger? The 1860 has always appealed to me for reasons I am not sure of since I have never fired one. I saw a Uberti fluted 1860 at the gun store today when I picked up the RB's. I might have to pick up a couple of those pieces...it pointed so well.

--KJ

 

[mykeal]

Do you have to use a lubed felt wad?

No. But it's a good idea. keeps fouling soft and is a layer of protection from chain fires.

I think that 30gr load of P is light...is it true what they say about this Ruger and you can fill it up?

Yep. With corresponding negative effect on accuracy.

Is it advised to have that RB seated as close to the chamber mouth as possible...or will recoil unseat a RB and prevent the cylinder from moving?

Some feel that seating the ball close to the chamber mouth improves accuracy. The theory seems to support that. I can't see any difference. Recoil will not unseat a properly sized and loaded ball.

Is a Colt 1860 Army as much fun to shoot as this Ruger?

Not to me.