Ruger Old Army Revolver
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- In this video I’m going to sight-in a new-to-me Ruger Old Army Revolver.
Then I’ll have a little fun with it at Duelist’s Den
Swedish Capper:
Anders Gustavsson
From, Sandvikin, Sweden
FaceBook Page:
/ anders.gustavsson.3382
RUclips Channel:
• Swedish capper 3D prin...
Price:
$4.30
Mike Beliveau links
/ duelist
mikebeliveau.com/
“Fun” is a perfectly adequate reason for buying a firearm.
I'd argue it's one of the best reasons.
Absolutely. If you can justify it for yourself, than that's what matters as it's your own money.
It is historically inspired and a close look-alike to the
historic old west revolvers. It does not resemble a
Glock or Luger--- it closely resembles the old percussion
revolvers of the west. Because of this, it is widely
accorded entrance into many venues reserved for the
"Exact replicas" of the percussion era.
You can't spell 'Function' without the letters 'F.U.N.'
I bought my first gun with the money I made with my paper route. Plinking is definitely for fun.
I'll never forget buying .22 RF LR ammo for fifty cents a box.
I think the Old Army is a historic firearm in that it is the epitome of percussion revolver development. I had heard that Ruger's goal was to produce the finest C&B revolver ever made.
While not a perfect replica it is a close simulation to the old
cap and ball revolvers. Bill Ruger wanted it to be a close copy
of the Civil War era revolvers, hence his name "Old Army"
I have an extensive collection of Bill Ruger's writings and some
historical material. He wanted to be a part of the cowboy revolver
re-discovery that was going on in the 1960s. Though of modern
origin we have to keep in mind that its inspiration was centered
in antique revolvers which it simulates right down to the antique
ignition method. In many competitions the ROA is allowed to
compete against real and replica antique revolvers. Great Video.
I saw your updated message and was shocked you were hurt from fall and it makes me aware l should be careful about what l think l can do and l did not think you would have trouble shooting on your land. I live in nyc and called a gun store in pa about a shotgun and the man said he would not sell me anything because l live in ny l did not know it was that way
I’ve never understood why Ruger discontinued the Old Army. Percussion black powder is a significant market.
Markets ebb and flow. What is popular now may not be popular in 6 or 7 years.
When something is common and ubiquitous, most folk tend to have the 'eh, I'll get one later" attitude.
A year ago Ruger had distributor special ROA's in their catalog with MSRP of $1200.
@@stevecushman2830 wow!
IMHO, they were discontinued because they were more expensive than the competition, and didn't sell enough to justify their pricetag. Plus, most black powder shooters want "period correct" BP guns, for reenactment, or for the historical aspect of shooting the same gun as the Civil War soldier, the Rev War soldier, or longhunter, and so on.
That said, for a pure shooter, if I had had an opportunity to get one earlier, I'd have snatched on up without a second thought! Too many other things kept me from being able to throw down $800-1200 for one.
@@johnmullholand2044 what you say makes a lot of sense. I cut my teeth handloading magnum revolvers and appreciate one that’s built like a tank. But I see what you mean about black powder percussion shooting being more the nostalgia of shooting something just like the old timers used.
So called experts : “ The Ruger Old Army was based on Remington “
Duelist1954: “ Hold my Beer ...”
While not an exact replica, it is a close inspiration of period percussion
revolvers including the 1858 Remingtons. Ruger called it "Old Army"
for a reason. The Blackhawk was a revolver inspired by old percussion
guns.
@@williamlincoln7695 I think you missed his joke. It is actually based on the Whitney revolver, not the Remington.
Well, ROA is quite a strange animal. Whitney style loading lever, Rogers&Spencer nipple cuts with Remington NMA safety notches on cylinder, 1875 Remington grip attached like on Colts...
The word Replica has various meanings. Some Courts have
held that it has broad meaning. One thing is certain, that
the Ruger Old Army was named "Old Army" because it was
inspired by, if not patterned after, the Old Army percussion
revolvers of the post-civil war era. Modern or not, it is
accepted as a "cowboy revolver."
My Dad bought me a stainless Old Army back in 1977 because he was afraid that the miss-timed, roughly made Italian copy Baby Dragoon would blow up on me! He made me dispose of the Baby Dragoon before he would give me the Old Army. Thanks, Dad!
I have been into clone guns for many years, and I know that the Italian ones are far superior to the Spanish clones. The only thing from Italy that I wouldn't trust is a "businessman."
"My Dad" said in the same summer! about the same, I had to purchase, from start to finnish my FIRST Gun! so I rode my beach cruiser with my paper rout proceeds to Dick's Black Powder Gun Works and got a boxed kit of a Rem New Army 1858 built it Niter salts Blued and Still Running her! she is a Beeeeut! at 45!
I still want a stainless version of this. Could never afford it back then. It is what I think of when I think of black powder pistols. It is just beautiful.
I picked up my first Ruger Old Army in 1974 when it had only been out for 2 years. Of course it was a blue steel, 7.5 inch with adjustable sights model as that was the only way you could get it back then. I was serving in the Navy at that time and loaned the gun to a friend a mine while I was out on deployment. When I returned I discovered that he had shot the heck out of it, never cleaned it and left it outdoors in the weather a few times so my "new" gun was now a rusted piece of scrap steel.
I sold the gun to the "friend" who ruined it but it was several years before I could replace it, when I did I remembered my experience with the friend and replaced it with a stainless steel model that was otherwise identical to the first one. I still have that stainless model, still shoot it a few times a year and still love it. Oh, and there is not a spec of rust on it either.
IMHO the Ruger Old Army is the absolute pinnacle of cap and ball design and one of the greatest guns that Ruger ever built. Thanks Bill!
Some friend. Did he just not know anything about blackpowder?
I bought mine for 250 dollars in 1986. I was a young man, and it was my first brand new gun. I loved it then and ever since. Today, with the ammo shortage, my passion has been re-ignited. Unlike the in 80s, I have duelist1954 and a few more experts at my disposal to educate me on the history and proper usage of these fine firearms. I appreciate all of the youtube providers on the subject, but duelist1954 is the best!
Thank you for your fine videos, I enjoy them all!
I bought my Super Blackhawk in 1965 for $116.00, new in a local store. I still have it, but I regret trading off my Ruger Bearcat that I bought new for $39.50.
@@bobsradio6025 Somewhere there is someone who owns and enjoys that Bearcat, in all likelihood. So not all is lost. They were built to last several lifetimes imo. I would love it if it was built in .327 Magnum. Imagine that with an ammo belt. Lightweight, compact, plenty of power and reloadable from the power of a .22 short to near .357 Mag in energy. It could be used for plinking, for self defense, and for game ranging in size from squirrels to deer.
The Ruger old army, like all Ruger firearms, is built like a tank. They are not elegant, like a S&W, but they work! Good video Mike, thanks.
The Colt 1873 styling to their single action revolvers lend them a good bit of elegance by default.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, to each his own. Just saying
i beg to differ!!
I own an Old Model Ruger Super Blackhawk, and it is built like a tank.
The cylinder on the S&W DA turns backwards, which is why S&W had to add front locking.
The cylinder on the Colt DA used the hand to help hold it in place, but they couldn't make a gun strong enough to handle the .44 Magnum right away.
The cylinder on the Ruger is held in place with the cylinder pin, which is locked into both the front and the back of the frame. Good job Bill!
No 1, Red Label, Mark II, old Blackhawk, Redhawk and so many more were/are elegant.
The Ruger Old Army is a beautiful piece, thank you, I have kicked myself many times for not picking one up when they were in production.
I know....we deserve to be kicked....lol
Saw one in a shop today, ANIB, blued, perfect, $700, fixed sight version.
Too bad I have eliminated Facebook from my life. I’d like one of those cappers.
You hit the nail on the head "If you want to hit what you aim at" Mine is the same way.
The Ruger Old Army is one of those revolvers I missed out on when in production and will probably overpay for when I find a nice example.
I got one for sale
@@georgetorrise5775what are you asking for it?
Yes, I was not into Rugers when this was in production. I have never seen any CAS shooters use this or any C&B revolvers since I started a couple of years ago.
400
@@georgetorrise5775 I'll take it.
Prices on these have risen beyond the means of many people. Ruger Old Armys are now collectors pieces.
Currently most firearms have risen soo much in price far beyond my means. And ammo, if you can find it whew, might just run me out of a sport I have enjoyed many decades. No I didnt buy pallets of ammo.
Looks like I'm never going to find one now with all you guys wanting one too..
They’re out there! Keep hunting!
I have one for sale
@@terrellwilson4716 still for sale..?
Oh, they are out there. Check gunbroker. Lots available but the cost is relatively high. Blues are going for 700-900 and the stainless are running 900-1500. Good luck
What a nice find on a stout revolver!
Nothing beats getting something you want dirt cheap! Great video Mike!
I have 5 old army's. Used 2 of them to win a top ten in Frontiersman class in the national chapionship and twice won a top ten buckle in the world championship Frontiersman class. All ss guns. All 7.5 inch. Amazingly accurate guns.
I was lucky enough to find one from 1974 in Italy, with a conversion cylunder as well. I fell in love with Ruger firearms. In my opinion the best guns money can buy.
che cu... ehm, fortuna ! :)
@@Daveinn l ho pagata un chilo :) ! Prossimamente apparirá sul mio canale
@@TiroeRicaricaWestern mi raccomando Bruce... aspettiamo con trepidazione !
My first revolver was the Ruger Blackhawk .41 Remington Magnum, and I still have it, along with another one just like it, which is 50+ years old. I hope you find that .357 Blackhawk again. Thank you for this Ruger Old Army update, sir.
Just wanted to comment on the 41. I bought mine new in 1971 for $92 and yes I still have it. keep shooting safe.
I had 2 ruger 41s I paided 150 each and later sold them I regretted that decision
That gun in stainless was my dream revolver for years but couldn't find one that either wasn't outrageously expensive or neglected but last week I finally got one for a semi decent price that was unfired made in 1983. Absolutely love it and can't wait to get out and shoot it!
Meee TooooooW!
I sure would like to find a Ruger Old Army now at a decent price. A cap and ball revolver with adjustable sights would be really nice to have.
My first black powder revolver. Still got it too :) nice job Mike.
There used to be a gunsmith that would convert these to shoot 50 cal round balls.
clementscustomguns.com/rugeroldarmy.html apparently not doing this anymore.
ive always wanted something like this as to hunt with a muzzle loading firearm (for seasons and what not) it has to be 50 caliber in PA
@@HircineDaWolf .45 caliber X 25gr of ff powder has less terminal effect than .38special.
@@dbmail545 i doubt they use facts when they make these laws concerning hunting
Mike put out a video years ago using a 240 grain Kaito bullet with 40 grains of powder @ 900 fps in an 1860 Colt Army replica. I have the 220 grain Kaito bullets, which will load fine in a Remington without removing the cylinder, and have room for enough powder. Perfect for a Ruger Old Army. You can hunt wild hogs or deer with these!
Great video, Thanks! Ive been into cap and ball revolvers since the mid 70s and the Ruger Old Army is the best! My revolver was a gift from my wife, a stainless steel model purchased in the early 80s. Ruger are built to last. They should bring this model back.
A high school friend bought on of those in 1972. We fired it a lot. It pretty much inspired me to by my Navy Arms .36 Colt. My friend has since passed on and I have no idea what became of his arms collection. His wife was not a fan. I wore the Colt Navy out and kept it for parts for years.
I knew that was made after the Whitney. The looks say it all.
Just Opened this capper up from my mail! Capped it all up with my DIY caps with zero problems!
I have a 5.5, as you showed, Ruger Old Army in bright stainless steel with fixed sights, fit and finish are fantastic!
I love the silliness of this channel. 6" diameter AR500 round hanger target? No thank you. Former member of the infamous Circle Gang, old campadre of the nefarious Swingin' Sam? Yes please!
I have Old Army and it 50yrs old. I love that gun and use it everyday.
My very first handgun is a Ruger Old Army that I bought in March of 1974 when I was 19 years old and I still have it. I just wish that Ruger would have made the brass Super Blackhawk gripframe as standard on the Old Army.
I have wanted a ROA for the last several years. I found a stainless 5in barrel at my lgs and all he wanted was $650. I passed and am still kicking myself.
Why'd you pass on it?
One Doomed Spacemarine I really wasn't sure what a fair price was for it. The gun market being so nuts right now, I just wasn't sure. I went back and looked at it twice too. Was gonna pull the trigger on it but it sold. It was so nice too. Stainless and in excellent condition. I'm still kickin my own ass.
Shame you missed out on it. I have a pair of 5 inch models and in my hands they just feel “right”. Keep an eye out even for a well used one. I doubt if you could wear it out in 10 life times
I would pay 1000 plus for one.I have 2 and want a short barrel.
and I notice you are properly costumed for shooting a modern revolver even a cap and ball revolver. Thanks Mike that is interesting I had a ROA and like a dunce let it slip away.
I sure would love to get one for myself. It was a sad day when they stopped production.
Sales were low, because they were 2x to 4x the cost of Italian Replicas .
@@filianablanxart8305 the replicas are junk compared to the ruger, you get what you pay for .buy for price buy twice!
Junk is a little too strong . The better steel frame Italian '58s are servicable , and Old Army prices continue to climb with pressure from Ruger Collectors .
Once/ if the current frenzy slows , the time might be right for a Distributor Exclusive run of a few thousand Old Army's , if it could be brought in at a Shooter Friendly price point .
I watched InRange spouting about these receivers, so I had to get one. It just showed up today... and I'm excited to see how she works. I chose the 7.5 stainless model... it's a perdy one. Nice video feller.
Bought my ROA over ten years ago when I was stationed at Ft. Bragg. Won it on Gunbroker for 200 bucks. Superbly accurate revolver. Had it converted to 50cal for deer hunting when I got back from the war. To this day have not put a ball through it since it was converted in 2012. Hoping I get a chance this deer season. My absolute favorite revolver.
I picked my stainless (I had a choice or either) ROA in Feb of 1983, I paid $273.88 from a small black power shop in downtown Glendale AZ, Lock, Stock & Barrel. I was ridiculed for my purchase, I still have it today, and those that once spoke poorly are now singing a different tune.
.457 round balls, 30 grains FFF are truly the magic combination. I have gone as much as 40 grains, but have far better success with the 30 grains. At one time, I was able to get all 6 within the 9 ring at 25 yards. The gun is more than capable, and the .457 round balls, which weigh in around 148 grains or so, worked wonderfully on the 3 Javelina that I took back in the day!
I will be passing this along to my son, you can talk to him then about purchasing it!
It’s literally a modern reproduction of the Remington Model 1858 revolver, you can see it’s very similar, but has a smooth barrel and bigger iron adjustable sites. Without use of iron for most of the metal parts, and no brass trigger guard.
Of the many firearms I regret NOT buying when they were "cheap", the Ruger Old Army Revolver is near the top. I have three friends who have owned the "Classic Model" for years and have taken eatin' sized deer and hogs with them for many years each. As usual an excellent video! Keep 'em comin'!!!
mee tooo and I'm a BP guy! from the 70's for Fun!
Thank you for another great video! I’m proud to be a Patron!
One of the most accurate pistols I own, thanks for the video
I have the bicentennial stainless steel Ruger Old Army. I have loaded it with .454 lead balls. They don't shave off any lead when I load them but stay down in the cylinder ok since I press them in tight. The gun shoots very accurately.
You know they sell .457 round balls specifically for the old army, if you didnt realize. Molds too.
Love the Ruger
I've watched your vids 100 times I bet.and I never get tired of them.
Enjoyed tour video. I have a Ruger old Army in stainless steel. I got new made in the 200 year of American Liberty. I found the Ruger Old Army in 1995 on auction. New in box never sold. Apparently it had fallen down behind a shelf. It was found when the owner was remodeling his shop. SO I bid his asking price and won. When friends fire the Ruger Old Army they say it is a blast to shoot. I also have a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 stainless steel made in the 200 year of American Liberty. That one I bought when in the Air Force in 1976.I would sell all my other guns before I would even think about selling these two. These two I keep until I die.
Bought mine in 1975. Never regretted it.
Bought one new in '83. Still shoot it regularly. Added a conversion cylinder recently for 45 Colt. It's a great shooter and will be with me till the end.
Take good care of it, and will it to your firstborn, they're heirloom material.
Don't forget to put it in your will (or trust.) Living in CA I had to do that, because if I didn't, the state would take my collection and destroy every item in it.
@@bobsradio6025
California government are scum, and they're only getting worse.
I had a stainless version 20 odd years ago. Loved it. Wish I still had it.
my only gripe with bill ruger was the mag ban im a 90s kid and hes the reason i keep extra mags for every gun i own that takes them other then that he was alright
Bill Ruger seems to have always had a stick up his ass about civilians having "high capacity" magazines. Kind of a fudd, but he did start a great company, which, fortunately has left Bill's fudd tendencies behind.
@@krockpotbroccoli65 yeah im not talking bad about ruger guns just mr colluded with the enemy ruger is top notch bill can suck it
He was a real jerk, but I'll credit him what he's due, and I can't think of any Ruger gun I dislike.
@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine its not the gun its the mags mini 14 should have been stanag and the 10/22 should have been a 25 from day one but given bills hatred for us having the good mags its ok i understand was a different time
@@joemorganeatmyshortschannel Stanag mags were not as widely common back when the Mini-14 was new, and at the time, there was a not entirely unjustified perception of imperfect reliability and poor durability with them, so the Mini-14 using a more naturally curved steel magazine was probably looked at as an improvement by some in that day. The idea that everything should use the most common magazines is a pretty recent idea.
For that matter, it would be less of a Miniature M14 if it used an extended straight magazine well with a button rather than original rock and lock.
I have the 7.5 stainless version. I bought it about 10 years ago on Gun Broker for $750 unfired. I thought it was pretty expensive but I shoot a lot and hot loads in my 1851's was wearing them out. I also figured out these like 30 grains with either round ball or wad cutters. I also picked up a Kirst Konverter in.45ACP. That is a tack driver for sure.
The lower part might be Whitney, but the top strap shape does make it look like a Rem.
I picked up a ROA at a pawn shop in Las Vegas back in about 1982 for $225. It's a stainless 7 1/2" in what appeared to be unfired condition. I still have it and have fired it some over the years. I do agree, it is the Swiss watch of cap and ball revolvers. I have had zero problems with it. A little known fact, you can dry fire the ROA without doing any damage. The hammer is designed to stop just a few thousands of an inch short of the nipples so they are never impacted by the hammer, yet it fires the percussion caps every time. I have no plans to let it get away and it just looks good along side of my other Ruger single action revolvers!
Good info. I was at a place in OKC and bought a SS for 175. No regrets. Thanks
I agree with everything you've said about Ruger except the "Swiss watch" part. Nothing Ruger does or ever did, good as they are, doesn't even come close to Swiss. In fact, the only cap and ball revolver I'd call "Swiss watch" is my old Feinwerkbau Rogers & Spencer.
Your analysis of this fine weapon is spot on. I own two of these in the same configuration as in your video. I also owned a stainless version which I gave as a gift to my brother. The first blued version I bought from an online auction site for $300! It was in pristine condition showing little evidence of having ever been fired. That was in 2008. The second one I acquired in an unusual way. I had been scouring the internet for sources of spare parts for the gun(though nothing has ever broken on it)and accumulated about 90 percent when it dawned on me that I should build one. The only thing I lacked was a cylinder and most importantly, the frame/receiver. My patience paid off when I found a frame with the barrel installed in unfired condition for $100 ! That left only the cylinder. Prices for new and aftermarket cylinders were approaching the $200+ mark, so I decided to instead purchase a kirst conversion cylinder which at the time was on sale for $265. I initially chose .45 acp as it is available everywhere. I later bought a .45 lc cylinder. The gun went together seamlessly with very little fitting required on my part. In .45 acp it is extremely accurate even out to 25 yds - further in the hand of someone more skillful than me. My total cost of the build was less than $550 ! These are fine weapons which I will never sell and which big brother doesn't know exist - always a plus. Thanks for your fine videos on this weapon -I really appreciate them!
Mike, you never said what you paid for it. I picked up a stainless model for $150 cash. New in the box, never fired! I thought about the offer for two days and discovered that the suggested retail price was $375. It was a no brainer. I was alone at the deer lease one weekend so loaded the gun and set it on the night stand (just in case). It was known that south of the border visitors traveled the nearby highway and used our camp house and helped themselves to the beans and tortillas. (They did wash the dishes). The gun was unfired that season and the loaded cylinder was removed and stored in a zip-lock bag. ALL SIX CYLINDERS FIRED ONE YEAR LATER. Love this gun. (So does everyone else!)
I have both a reproduction Spiller & Burr as well as a New Army and they both have the safety notches, but I did need to thin the hammers on both to get them to fit properly.
I think I watched this video several years ago and just found it again. I wanted to thank you for making it, and tell you how much I enjoyed watching it. I guess I go look now to see if you have any other videos on the R.O.A.
I have the 1973 version, with the brass trigger guard and grip. Shoots straight and have used it competitively in state championships, loading 20 grains for bother the 50 metre comp and the standard and duelling matches. Love the old army.
Like it 2 .
Agree with you
On the Ruger MC&B Revolver !
😎👍👍👍☺
I have two of these in stainless. Love the revolver.
Thank you for posting the ROA video. I love both of mine. Kaido’s bullets as well as others shoot very well. Hopefully, I can re barrel one with 12-14 inch barrel.
Thanks for reminding me that I passed up on one of these back in 2002. I was in a pawn shop looking for a portable bandsaw. The only one they had was beat to hell so I passed on it. I went past the gun counter and they had a 7" ROA in stainless for $325.
Nice that black powder Ruger packs a hell of a punch awesome
I have an early old army that I bought new in the early '70's. 7.5" barrel, adjustable sights, and the square back trigger guard grip frame identical to a 44 magnum super Blackhawk, only it's solid brass! I have never seen another one like it.
Don't worry I get it
If I could find one I would buy one. You did a nice shot on old evil Roy. If that was a group on paper it was like a half inch group. In fact two of the shots hit the exact same spot. I was impressed. Nice shooting.
I’ve owned one of these fine guns since 1975,also have the Lee conical mold for it.
I have a late 70's Old Army. The history of the percussion revolver did not end in the 1860's. The Old Army is simply the best percussion revolver ever made. Looking forward to a disassembly video.
I passed on several of these when they were really cheap. Not the only mistake I've ever made.
first time here, I subscribed , super video. Looks like Michigan
Modern historical revolver is my assertion of the ROA! Thanks for sharing your fine revolver!
Nice shootin', Mike. Buy what you like. I would love to have an old model army too. Just not in the budget right now. Have a great day!
I don't remember ever seeing that low of a price for this revolver. That was the main reason I never got one. In addition, I didn't get into cap and ball until the very end of the production run of the Old Army.
I agree with you totally. I own a stainless with adjustable sights and enjoy hunting and shooting it for fun.
Got mine back in the late 80's. Used it as a back up when hunting. Whether I was hunting with my .50 cal muzzle loader or my Winchester 30/30. As for loading it. When using round ball go with 25 grains 3F and a over powder wad, then the round ball, less smoke and fouling and the fire is kept off the bullet so really no leading of the barrel. For conical's, if you can find them, 30 grains 3F, since it is a heavier bullet, and a over powder wad, then the bullet of course. That was my hunting load. And if you are a good enough pistol shot, that load would work if you where just using the revolver. And yes she's a great shooter, and easy to clean.
Ruger Old Army’s are great for shooters, very rugged, very strong, and reliable. They are the pinnacle cap & ball revolver.
I have the 5 1/2” and the 7 1/2” models.Both in stainless steel.Both are fun to shoot
Thank you for affirming a decision I'd already made. I want a blued seven & a half ROA - & a conversion cylinder for .45" Colt for when I need something a little more practical. 😀
Bought mine in 82 new for 200 bucks.I almost bought a modern hand gun,but I liked the looks of the old army.Still have it.Wouldnt take a grand for it.
Excellent presentation, Sir.
My first firearm. 1980 SS OLD ARMY. Custom aluminum and brass shoulder stock. + conversion cylinder 45 colt.
Had a 7 1/2 inch blued Old Army with a brass squared back trigger guard like a Dragoon Colt. Used to belt into my middle finger on the grip quite hard.
Only cap and ball revolver with a large enough grip for me, Colts and Remingtons always left my pinky hanging in mid-air.
The only other modern cap and ball pistol I can remember was a Thompson Contender single shot pistol. I am in Australia so I may have missed some that never came out here. Great video, nice short Ruger history too. Stay healthy and safe.
Its like shooting an inline...which I have no desire to shoot....but to each their own..great shooting Mike!
Agreed, I only care for the historical cap & ball revolvers and traditional muzzle loaders.
You hit the nail on the head. Ruger has been the last great American owned and operated gun company. Their guns have become icons of quality and innovation. They grew and prospered while Winchester and Remington and Colt all went bankrupt. Ruger drew all the criticism churned up by its failing adversaries over the years. Sadly they ceased making the Old Army, as they have now ceased making so many other of their iconic firearms, or cheapened them up as the new managers tread down the same worn path of extinction that other American gun makers have trod. Ruger nowadays unceasingly continues to cheapen it's products with lesser quality, degraded fit and finish, and dropping or limiting their high end sporting arms like the Number One, and the 77 and etc. Ruger's new management has taken the road of making black plastic guns now as their bread and butter and as such no longer stand out from the crowd. Bill Ruger would not approve of the direction the company has gone. Not all of it has been bad, but most of it has been. You cannot now buy a 77 or "Hawkeye" iteration from Ruger in .270 Winchester! That is a travesty and they are going to end up with the rest of the lemmings when push comes to shove. The companies single actions, barring the recent "wrangler" .22 have been the last iconic Ruger arms that stand out from the crowd, yet fit and finish of these has gone way downhill. Old Rugers are now like "Pre-64" Winchesters. Few new Rugers have anything aesthetically beautiful to them with sandblasted coated finishes and laminated or synthetic stocks etc. Therefore it was good to see someone that appreciates the older Rugers. Good job on that. And yes, the Ruger Old Army is in a class by itself, it is what it is. And had it been so made back in the day, every pistolero would have wanted it! Today's shooter gets the feel and thrill of shooting cap and ball in a bullet proof over built "Swiss Watch" as you say. I see it as very cool anachronistic steam punk eccentric fun at it's finest!
Good video, thanks
Hi sir I really love your video so much I hope you feel well and keep more subscriber
I bought my Ruger Old Army either 1979 to sometime in the very early 1980’s
I too had a 3 screw OM Blackhawk years ago I picked up for under three bills. Parted with it a year or so later, and have been kicking myself in the arse for it every day since then.
the spiller frame, where the barrel comes through isn't cut out like the Remington and blasts gas in the face and blows the caps off. it looks like a modern version of the new model Remington. it just has a different load lever and adjustable sights. just my opinion. oh, and a round barrel.
The ROA is my favorite Cowboy Action revolver. I have 3 of them - 2 in 7-1/2” stainless and 1 in 7-1/2” blue, all with fixed sights. Absolutely love them. A little action tuning along with lowered hammers make this great revolver even better.
When you add a conversion cylinder for 45 Colt, it adds real versatility and more fun to it. 45 Schofield BP ammo in that closely duplicates the recoil and handling of the cap’n ball loads. Then the 45 Colt ammo adds additional power. Makes a truly versatile revolver.
I have a Ruger Super Redhawk with 9.5 inch barrel .480 cal.
Also have a Remington Army from CVA cap and ball that I got for my 15th birthday I'm now almost 48 years old. I need trigger/cylinder lock spring and two new cylinders
When I first read “The Gunslinger” by Stephen King, these are the revolvers I imagined Roland carried. I own several C&B revolvers, but don’t have one of these!
So many guns I want, now adding this one to the list. Unbelievably accurate.
I had a Ruger Old Army about 30 years ago. Actually I had a small collection of black powder revolvers and associated equipment. Then the indoor range where I used to shoot banned black powder so I decided to sell all my black powder guns. That was a mistake and I wish I had them all back. I saw an Old Army recently in a gun shop in Easton PA for about $750. That seemed a little pricey so I passed on it. Thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy them.
Bought one of the stainless the first year they came out. Have loved it since. Favorite times were had at a local indoor range. By the third shot smoke obscured the target pretty well and the rest of the cylinder was emptied at the general geographical location where I remembered it hanging. The smoke cloud lighting up as the flame belched out with each shot. Shooters on the line had been warned but many still involuntarily ducked at the first shot. The sound is what really stands out. Black powder KA-BOOM echoing down the range always got attention. It was just a sound different than standard stuff there and often caught people by surprise.
Just got one of these in stainless at a garage sale for $360. This video is excellent to teach me about it. I, too, thought it took its style from the 1858.
Stumbled onto an ROA in original cardboard box at a great price out of his estate when a friend passed away unexpectedly. Then found out it wasn't "legal" for Cowboy C&B class competition because of the adjustable sights, & picked up one of the later, updated gutter-sight ROAs for 3x as much as I paid for the old one. Both stainless, however, so that reduces the care & feeding issues. Still haven't fired either one, but retirement & more free time to pursue my interests is only a few more years away... My timing was absurdly fortuitous on both. No, no plans to sell either one, you can stop asking! ;-D
There's .45 Colt cylinders for the Old Army, you could shoot with it in other CAS that way, couldn't you? Though maybe it wouldn't reload so fast.
Bought one back in the early 90s from Dixie Gun Works. Think I paid about $300 bucks for it. Use it during black powder seasons along with my Remington in-line black powder rifle. It pays not to sell your guns. They might just come in handy years later, when prices go through the roof!
Thank you!