JCooperfan1911
member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2020
- Messages
- 2,709
Nice, even nicer with a 45C or ACP cylinder.
Well I don’t really get that sentiment honestly?
If I had wanted that, I would have gotten a Blackhawk Convertible (which I already own in fact).
Cap and ball is a hoot in its own right, and cheaper to shoot and mess with these days over centerfire.
Make sure the loading lever/rammer/base pin assembly is completely and securely locked in place with the locking bolt just in front of the cylinder before seating a ball in a chamber. If the base pin pulls out while seating a ball you can bend or break it, and Ruger does not have replacement parts.
From someone who learned the hard way.
Beautiful revolver! You are gonna have fun!
Good news is there's a seller on Ebay making them so they are and will be available for the foreseeable future.Make sure the loading lever/rammer/base pin assembly is completely and securely locked in place with the locking bolt just in front of the cylinder before seating a ball in a chamber. If the base pin pulls out while seating a ball you can bend or break it, and Ruger does not have replacement parts.
From someone who learned the hard way.
Beautiful revolver! You are gonna have fun!
Good news is there's a seller on Ebay making them so they are and will be available for the foreseeable future.
Yeah this ↑
There are tons of folks capable of making or fitting any of the parts you could need including plenty of kitchen table gunsmiths themselves.
For sure. It’s just some days I don’t want to clean the gun so I’ll take 45C loaded with TrailBoss. Bang off a hundred or so with none of the mess of having to clean the black powder fouling soon after.Well I don’t really get that sentiment honestly?
If I had wanted that, I would have gotten a Blackhawk Convertible (which I already own in fact).
Cap and ball is a hoot in its own right, and cheaper to shoot and mess with these days over centerfire.
I know Ruger had a general reputation for long term durability. Other than the base pin issues, does the Old Army also have this reputation?
I bent my base pin 20 years ago when I could still get a replacement from Ruger.
My experience with the ROA is that it’s a tank. Internally the mechanism is simpler than the Blackhawk or Vaquero; we don’t have to mess with that loading gate/cylinder lock abomination found on those two guns. Bill Ruger proofed the ROA with Bullseye instead of blackpowder, so it’s plenty strong. Easy to shoot, easy to clean ...I love all 4 of mine!!
You have hours of experimentation joy in store, figuring the best load, powder, etc. I found real black powder, 2F or 3F ignites easier than most substitutes. I prefer round pure lead balls to conicals, but some people prefer Ginger to Mary Ann, no accounting for taste.
Eager to read your range reports!!
Why would I buy a gun I can't shoot where I live?You would if you couldn't shoot bp in the county you live in. All my "cap guns" are cartridge guns and thanks to Kirst and Howell, I still enjoy my favorite revolvers!!
Mike
Why would I buy a gun I can't shoot where I live?
The Old Army is based on the 3 screw(old model) Blackhawk and some parts are interchangeable, as far as durability, they used the same metals as they used for the Blackhawk and except for the longer receiver they are the same gun, and there are many 3 screw BH's still shooting fine today.This is excellent news. I know these have not been made in several years, so knowing parts are obtainable is definitely good. I know Ruger had a general reputation for long term durability. Other than the base pin issues, does the Old Army also have this reputation?