Old Army Rugers--A Question or Two

MCgunner

April 25, 2009, 10:08 PM

I had a stainless that I loved to shoot, cleaned up easy. It got stolen in a home invasion while we were at work. About a week later, I found a blued used one in almost new finish except for a little rust pit on the outside of the barrel just down from the muzzle on the left side. It was in a gun shop in a nearby town and he wanted just under 100 bucks for it. I asked him if the price tag was a typo, he said he was getting out of the BP thing. I couldn't dig my wallet out fast enough. :D

BOTH these guns, I've found, shoot high, even with the rear sight screwed to the bottom position. I have to compensate my sight picture, but they shoot 2" groups at 25 yards with round ball or Lee 220 grain conical. Now, that, folks, is modern cartridge revolver accuracy and much better than I've been able to get done with the colt replicas. However, I have not gotten any trigger time with a Remington. Friend of mine has a cheap Remington and he likes the way it shoots. I mean, the colts just have such rudimentary sights on 'em, there's just no real way they can compete IMHO for accuracy even if the particular guns is well made and tight.

I've given thought to getting a Remington stainless 58. I am not certain as to whether I would want one of the target guns, or a 5.5" with fixed sight. I'm thinking the 5.5" with fixed sight would be more what I'd want, though. The old army is a HUGE, heavy gun. A smaller Remington would fit well into my little growing collection along with maybe a Sheriff's model of some Colt in .36 for a smaller gun, yet. For now, for cap and ball, I have the Ruger and a Remington .31 CVA. The Remington is fun, but not real accurate. The Ruger is a helluva shooter, amazing gun. Of course, it fits in my collection with my .45 Colt and .357 Blackhawks, too, I guess. :D It's every bit the quality gun that those Blackhawks are.

messerist

April 25, 2009, 11:04 PM

husker

April 25, 2009, 11:05 PM

sorry

messerist

April 25, 2009, 11:06 PM

I've been looking but the price just ain't right. Good luck Husker!

husker

April 25, 2009, 11:09 PM

they are out their. U just have to look around. U will find a nice one. i want one to. but the Walker has to come first. so i can join the BIG BOY club. then the piggy bank will work for a SST ruger. if the dam housing market would just turn so i can lay bricks again.

madcratebuilder

April 26, 2009, 10:27 AM

Madcratebuilder. have you heard anymore news on a possible re-introduction of the ROA? I sure hope they produce it again. I missed my chance to buy one when I worked for Cabela's(with a nice employee discount) and wish to redeem myself.

The possible re-introduction is in the rumor mill at the Ruger forums. If Ruger does make a run I'm sure they well not be inexpensive.

You can still find a reasonable price if you keep looking, by reasonable I mean $350-400. The $200-250 days are long gone I think.

There is an increased interest in BP revolvers lately, the possibility of fire arm restrictions and the fact they are a 'non' fire arm has made them attractive to many shooters. It has effected the price of used revolvers quite a bit.

Snaggletooth

April 26, 2009, 03:13 PM

I have looked long and hard at my Ruger and it seems to me to be a combination of Colt, Remington and Rogers and Spencer. I suspect that Ruger took what they considered to be the best features of each and used them in their product, and a good job of it they did. To me the grip is definitely Colt. The cylinder has Remington safety notches for the hammer. the nipple area resembles the R&S more than Remmies or Colt. The loading lever is definitely more R&S. There are other similaraties in grips etc but the ones Ive indicated are the most obvious. I agree that Ruger is the better made of all revolvers.

Zeke/PA

April 26, 2009, 05:12 PM

The Old Army revolvers are THE best.
I love mine and it is the most accurate pistol in my entire handgun arsenal.

Hellgate

April 27, 2009, 01:51 AM

Just a note on the adjustable sighted Remingtons: they are not "legal" for use in the SASS Frontiersman category. They are OK wherever BP is allowed as a propellant.

brotherlloyd

May 7, 2009, 12:42 PM

just wish ruger would get on board and make the ROA with a Walker cylinder!

ClemBert

May 7, 2009, 01:03 PM

We don't need no stinkin' Walker: 50 caliber Ruger Old Army (http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_ClementsFugett.htm)

brotherlloyd

May 7, 2009, 01:31 PM

hay thanks, $50 to open up the roa cyl is a good price

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 02:07 PM

roa sucks. If they shot worth a damn Ruger would still be making them and everybody would be happy. He quit making them because nobody (to speak of) would buy the damned thing....

mykeal

May 7, 2009, 02:18 PM

Thank you for the opinion. Now I at least know where I stand.

I bought one, and it's without a doubt the best bp percussion revolver I've ever owned or shot (I own 15). Hands down.

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 02:28 PM

Well, go buy another 15. Then set a target up at 150 yards and put somebody else beside of you with a Walker and then see how quick you regret spending that money....

MutinousDoug

May 7, 2009, 03:29 PM

Mr. Charcoal apparently has a rather tenuous grasp of the concept of The High Road or the word "gentleman".

clang

May 7, 2009, 04:00 PM

ROA - Great guns.

ClemBert

May 7, 2009, 04:03 PM

Quote: The "Gentleman"

roa sucks. If they shot worth a damn Ruger would still be making them and everybody would be happy. He quit making them because nobody (to speak of) would buy the damned thing....

Colt Walker, 1851s, 1860s, 1861s and Remington 1858s, et al suck. If they shot worth a damn Colt and Remington, et al would still be making them and everybody would be happy. Colt and Remington, et al quit making them because nobody (to speak of) would buy the damned thing....

Somebody is starting to look silly....and it ain't me...:D

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 04:07 PM

Moutinous Dog.. I am a gentleman. No way in hell would I dis-respect Mr. MyKeal. He has helped me out on here too many times. However, I was speaking with Mr. MyKeal, not you, so I would kindly suggest that you find yourself some business and stay out of mine. You to Mr. ClamBake or whatever your name is....

WilliamFeldmann

May 7, 2009, 04:56 PM

I own Colts, Remingtons, and Rugers

I like my Colt, I appreciate my Remington, and shoot 5-6 times the balls through my Ruger.

There are features that I like about all three makes. The Colt points like a dream, and will shoot all day long without gumming up if I just wanna kill cans.

The Remington is great for my 2 nephews and niece to shoot and use as it is easy to dissable and teach with. And I use it every weekend through June and July re-enacting.

If I am heading to a CAS meet or for serious target shooting I reach for the Rugers. There is no match to the dependablity and accuracy. I am even working up a load for deer hunting this fall using the adjustable sighted Ruger.

Now as for the 5.5. I bought one a while back crazy on sale from a guy who had traded for it. I love the thing and if I could find a mate for it I wouldn't hesitate. But my true love and the one that gets the most horse time is the 7.5 inch fixed sights models I got.

MutinousDoug

May 7, 2009, 06:15 PM

This is a public forum Mr. Charcoal, not your personal blog.
If you have private business to discuss that you don't wish to oppress the rest of us with, there are mechanisms to take it off-line.
Otherwise, you must suffer the insult of your fellow forum member's comments. (Provided such comment meet THR standard for appropriate use.)

Bill from NJ

May 7, 2009, 07:05 PM

Montana asked:
"Why are there so few Ruger Old Army revolvers in the 5-inch configuration for sale or auction? Why are there even fewer of them in stainless steel? What should I be prepared to pay for one (in stainless) if I can find it? How do they compare to Uberti, Pietta, etc?"

I Sir will give you my .02 cents worth of advice.

To directly answer your 1st question:
Why are there so few Ruger Old Army revolvers in the 5-inch configuration for sale or auction?
I believe those that purchased them use them and love them and do not want to get rid of them. They are just that darn good!

Question #2) Why are there even fewer of them in stainless steel?
Read my answer to question #1, same applies.

Question #3) What should I be prepared to pay for one (in stainless) if I can find it?
This is a subjective question, you must shop around to get an idea of the going price.

Question #4) How do they compare to Uberti, Pietta, etc?"
I believe they do not even come close to comparison, they are American made, with American Steel, by American workers. They are the best PB revolver ever made hands down, bar none!
I enjoy having the 7 inch in blue.
It has adjustable sights and is a load of fun to shoot.
Me personally I would never waste my time or money on an italian or spanish gun, they are pure junk!!!
Spend the extra cash, get something you will never regret having and passing on to your little ones.

Opinions of people are just that, opinions.
Some people want something cheap, others want a close copy replica for dress up and play soldier, others want reliability and quality.

Seems there are just as many opinions as personalities...
Go with your gut, how it feels to you in your hand.

Remember heavy is good, it obsorbs all kick.
This ROA feels like a little .38 wad cutter target round, smooth and no recoil.... 100% pure fun.

Semper Fi,

Bill

MCgunner

May 7, 2009, 07:41 PM

Anyone that badmouths the ROA should do it perhaps on lack of authenticity, because it shoots rings around anything else built that has nipples on a cylinder. The beauty of 'em, as I see it, is the fact that they are thoroughly modern, extremely accurate, yet shoot black powder. They're unreal strong, too, being essentially built on a super-blackhawk frame. I have worn out ONE colt copy, admittedly a brass frame.

I mean, I like the replicas, too, but when it comes to accurate shooting, I just HAD to have an ROA.

Bill from NJ

May 7, 2009, 07:47 PM

Amen brother MCgunner, ditto....

NobleSniper

May 7, 2009, 07:52 PM

If anyone lacks the proper manners of a Gentleman it would be you mutinousdog.........it can go both ways ;)

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 09:03 PM

NOTICE!! If ya'll go back and start checking on some of my posts you will find reference to this post. There were pictures of them on here but I pulled them over a year ago. I have 5 Remington Pietta 1858 New Model Armies in .44 caliber. I also have 3 Remington Uberti Cattleman Carbines. (.44) They all worked pretty damn good right out of the box. They all came from Cabela's. The balance and handling of these revolvers and carbines fit me perfectly. However, I wanted better. So I hired a good friend of mine whom I served with in 'nam. He was an armorer over there. Over here he is a handicapped veteran who is also a superb gunsmith and work's out of his home. He worked on all 8 guns for me. Polished and hardened the internals and put new barrels which he made himself on each one of them. 8 inch for the armies and 18 inches for the carbines. Took him way over 3 years for him and his wife to get all the work done. These are not match competition barrels. Oh no..These are perfect barrels, each and every one. I have over $3100.00 in each gun plus the cost of buying them from Cabela's. It took me over 5 years to get him paid off. He also took my Walkers and my Pocket .31's and polished and hardened the internals on them. He didn't mess with any of the barrels on the open tops. About a month or so ago he also sent me 8 hammers (one each for the armies and the carbines) as a thank you for me getting him paid off. The hammers are very nice with a good little flair which make's them even easier to cock. People can carry what they want to, I don't give a damn. But I don't need to listen to some johnny come lately swishing and twitching around this site referring to the (quote-'stinking walkers') when I know that I and my friends have put that ROA and the Walker through every test we could dream of. That Walker beat it hand's down, and that Walker will damn sure outshoot it in range and distance and stopping power by a long damn shot. Hell, these '58's I'vd got will outshoot the hell out of the ROA by far. I just don't count them because I had work done on them. Carry a hundred ROA's if you like, just don't come trying to tell me how it's the best gun made. Ya'll can carry that s*** on down the road and peddle it to somebody else because I'm not buying it..I ain't backing up on anything I said so if ya'll want me off the forum then just tell the moderator..If I found the ROA to be so good I'd carry a couple of them....

MCgunner

May 7, 2009, 09:27 PM

Jeez, all that time and money and my ROA shot 2" or less at 25 yards right out of the box. What ever hangs your hooter.

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 09:34 PM

McGunner, why don't you tack another 100 yards on to your 25 yards and then come talk to me...Goodbye McGunner.....

MCgunner

May 7, 2009, 09:39 PM

I don't think BP revolvers were really intended to shoot a hundred yards and I've never had one or fired one that could match the ROA for accuracy in any case. But, at 100 yards, I do have a .308 that'll take the X out of the X ring at that range. Now, if you have a replica that can shoot 2" at 100 yards, I'm going to take a Missouri attitude on that one for sure.

CYA

Gun Slinger

May 7, 2009, 09:41 PM

Whatever happened to disagreeing without being bellicose?

MCgunner

May 7, 2009, 09:43 PM

Yeah, I don't know. I used to get miffed at the Ruger/Taurus/Kel Tec/Glock/et al hate on the auto and revolver boards and come here for the friendly attitudes. ROFLMAO!

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 7, 2009, 09:59 PM

Gun Slinger, good evening sir...I don't know. Nothing wrong with me. I'm the most calm and collected fellow you could ever hope to see. I don't dis-agree with anybody. I just know what I know and I know I'm right. I'm not going to leave something I know is right and go over and agree with someone else just to make them feel good. I know what I know, and I learned it the hard way, through bitter trial and error.
Well, I'm in the same shape I was in the other day except it's turned around backwards. Too hot in here without the AC on and too chilly when I turn it on. Just back and forth....

ClemBert

May 7, 2009, 10:45 PM

Obviously, someone here isn't familiar with: Blazing Saddles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lj056ao6GE&feature=related)

MISSEDSHOT

May 8, 2009, 12:08 AM

A quality out of the box Remington target model will compete with the out of the box Ruger.I own a Ruger and it is a fine shooting iron.Please understand that Italian quality is up!The target Remington is accurate and lighter to boot.Is is cosmeticly as good? NO.I understand a factory Italian gun isn't going to be as durable as the Ruger.Look at why Ruger stopped making them and look at their main competition, no, pick one up.The Pietta/Uberti Remington, especially the target models will without a doubt shoot very competatively with the Ruger.The factory target Remington is just as accurate and lighter.....

mykeal

May 8, 2009, 12:49 AM

Amongst the 31 are two Walkers (one Uberti and one ASM) and two Dragoons (one Uberti 2nd Model and one Colt Blackpowder Arms 3rd Model). I shoot them regularly, often in bowling pin shoots. They do not stay on the table when hit by a Walker round. Excellent guns all the way around. By the way, ClemBert, I bought those also, and I would do it again.

Alas, that does not change my opinion of the Ruger.

Here's the point, kids: I bought both Rugers and Colts, and I enjoy shooting both. And I'm not a 'nobody'.

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 8, 2009, 01:08 AM

MissedShot, thank you sir. To each his own. I don't like the ROA. I don't care how many stamps 'made in America' it carries. It's clunky, heavier than it need's to be, (should have been) and is very unbalanced. As far as range, stopping power, and knock down power, it is sorely lacking when put up alongside of the Walker. The problem concerning the Walker is that 99.99% of the people have never learned how to shoot it. They think they can and they will tell you they can, but they can't. They never learn how to use the Walker to it's full potential so as a result they go through life woefully under estimating it's full abilities. They think anywhere from 25 yards to maybe 50 yards, maybe 100 yards now and then is utilizing the Walker's full capabilities. Hell, it took me almost 2 years of hard brutal work with the Walker before it dawned on me that the more I thought I was learning about it, the more I was realizing that I didn't know anything about it. It's pretty heavy in it's own right but at least after 2 years I could draw and fire (usually from the hip) and be reasonably sure of hitting my target. Fox, coyote, jackrabbit, pretty well whatever. Extreme long range shots took a lot more work. Working out the weight of the ball, (.457) the amount of powder, and after the ball passed the first 100 yards how many inches would it then fall per 100 yards considering the powder load and all. When you start working on all of that, that Walker will mess your mind up if you're not careful. That ROA has no chance this side of hell up against that Walker. I doubt seriously if Mr. Walker and Mr. Colt really realized what they'd actually accomplished.
Missed shot, you're right about something you just said. Ruger quit making the ROA because Pietta and Uberti were kicking his ass bad with their '58's. Thank you for standing up and telling the truth and also for taking up for me..ADD ON. But hell, Missed Shot, I don't fault anyone for liking the ROA. It's just a damned ol' gun. If they like it then they like it. Nothing wrong with them liking the ROA. I just don't want them telling me I have to like it. I don't care if they don't like Walkers. I wouldn't give a damn if I was the only one in the world that like's Walkers....

madcratebuilder

May 8, 2009, 01:34 AM

Quote:
roa sucks. If they shot worth a damn Ruger would still be making them and everybody would be happy. He quit making them because nobody (to speak of) would buy the damned thing....
Colt Walker, 1851s, 1860s, 1861s and Remington 1858s, et al suck. If they shot worth a damn Colt and Remington, et al would still be making them and everybody would be happy. Colt and Remington, et al quit making them because nobody (to speak of) would buy the damned thing....

Somebody is starting to look silly....and it ain't me...

Now that's funny.... Unbelievable some of the comments here lately.

Oldfalguy

May 8, 2009, 02:42 AM

Guys at one time in the last month or so I ran across an after market basepin retaining pin for the ROA that was knurled and could be hand turned i.e. no need for for a penny or screwdriver.
I "thought" ( famous last words) I had bookmarked it but alas I don't see it.
Anyone run across this before??

Mark

pwillie

May 8, 2009, 09:14 AM

I have a ROA 5.5 stainless with pearl handle grips.I paid 525.00,very good investment.NIB never fired.Will not sell it for double money. I also have a ROA 7.5 Stainless with ajustable sights and will not sell it either. I just purchased a Uberti 3rd model Colt Dragoon,and will not sell it. I am now in the process of buying cylinders (45 colt) for all my revolvers.The times we live in now warrants this reasoning.AS far as the quality issue of ROA vs. Italy,the steel that the Rugers are made from is of higher quality than European steel.My gunsmith(who builds my hunting rifles)has 30 yrs under his belt,and builds replica rifles from block steel says that Italian co's build some good guns,but he likes the Ruger because of the steel used.Just proves everyone has a thought. I do know one thing, the ROA costs a lot more than the spaghetti guns. I am now readdy for a frontal attack! LOL

4v50 Gary

May 8, 2009, 09:34 AM

Guns, people. Talk about guns. Not each other please.

pwillie

May 8, 2009, 11:18 AM

Thanks gary.......:D

MCgunner

May 8, 2009, 11:26 AM

I thought about a .45 conversion for the ROA. Seems like such a natural, the gun is so strong. But, heck, I have a 4 5/8" Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I got the ROA for BP and IMHO it's the ultimate BP shooter. When you get right down to it, though, I view all cap and ball guns as toys. If I want self defense, I reach for my pocket 9. I reach for one of my Blackhawks or my TC Contender if I wanna go pistol hunting for big game. If I were to go to war, I'd want an M16 or a ma deuce or a SAW or something.

So, all this bickering about the ROA sux and the ROA is the greatest, well, shoot what you like and I'll do the same. I've never heard ANYone badmouth the ROA as a shooter, though, until this thread, and with such vitriol. Weird, truly weird. Takes all kinds, I guess.

BTW, anyone wants a 100 yard shoot off of handguns, I have this TC Contender and iron sighted 10" barrel in 7mm TCU I used to shoot in IHMSA............every tool has a job.

joejeweler

May 10, 2009, 02:39 PM

Just a thought,........maybe if "someone" sunk $3,000 into a ROA to make it to his liking,.........before comparing it to his totally worked over '58 Pietta Remmington replicas of similiar reworked cost,.......it would be a more fair comparison.

.........having to spend that much for what was done to get a gun "he" liked,........well,.......maybe the weaker guns were initially the ones needing all the work? ;)

ROA's "are" heavy, especially the stainless 7 1/2 inch with steel grip frame. But that absorbs recoil and i know the thing is going to stay together no matter what i load into it with BP.

BTW,.....I don't thing there is a ROA made that needed it's internals "hardened" either.

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 10, 2009, 03:35 PM

Mr. Joseph..What's wrong? You jealous? My '58's shot real good right out of the box. They were balanced real good right out of the box to. Don't you wish you had one of my '58's? Why of course you do you poor little thing. Well, I don't want one of your roa's. Goodbye....

Gun Slinger

May 10, 2009, 04:17 PM

Aw, jeez, not this again. :rolleyes:

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 10, 2009, 04:25 PM

Gun Slinger, I certainly hope not. I'm just gonna let them say what they please and refuse to answer. When somebody come's up with something like that I'll just add them to my ignore list that's already got about 14 people on it. I'm always looking for people to add to the list. Mr. Joe who just made that last post went on it a few moments ago. When they make that list they never get off. There's people who have been on there since my first week on this forum. I make it my mission in life to weed out all of those that are insulting without cause, filled with jealousy, anger and stupidity, (just a few of those on here) and get them out of my face. That way all I have to do is sit here and read good, smart, intelligent and friendly people and enjoy myself....

joejeweler

May 10, 2009, 08:20 PM

LOL,.......Mr. Gentleman,......how'd you know i was talking about you? :D

Seriously,......no doubt you love your '58 Pietta's,......sinking so much dough into each of them. But if you felt the need to have the internals hardened, as you mentioned,......then i'd say the Ruger's are a step above,... quality build wise. :scrutiny:

.......in any case,.....shoot the hell out of um and enjoy!!!! ;)

Edited to add: Well,....i just realized i made his "ignore" list,......so i guess he'll never know i was just ribbing him a little with my very 1st post here. Gentleman,.......if you ever get wind of this,.......take me off your list, .......gosh darn it,.......you're too darn sensitive. I'm a friendly guy,......really!!!!

Mr. Joseph..What's wrong? You jealous? My '58's shot real good right out of the box. They were balanced real good right out of the box to. Don't you wish you had one of my '58's? Why of course you do you poor little thing. Well, I don't want one of your roa's. Goodbye....

Ginormous

May 10, 2009, 11:10 PM

Said by Joejeweler -

LOL,.......Mr. Gentleman,......how'd you know i was talking about you?

Seriously,......no doubt you love your '58 Pietta's,......sinking so much dough into each of them. But if you felt the need to have the internals hardened, as you mentioned,......then i'd say the Ruger's are a step above,... quality build wise.

.......in any case,.....shoot the hell out of um and enjoy!!!!

Edited to add: Well,....i just realized i made his "ignore" list,......so i guess he'll never know i was just ribbing him a little with my very 1st post here. Gentleman,.......if you ever get wind of this,.......take me off your list, .......gosh darn it,.......you're too darn sensitive. I'm a friendly guy,......really!!!!

Bozo filters are for bozos, not first time posters. :D

To stay on topic, Montana Billy, I don't own a ROA, so I can't help you with your questions.

In fact, none of the replies here can help you with your questions, because you haven't logged back into your account since you created it 4-25-2009 and made the original post starting this thread. :p

joejeweler

May 11, 2009, 01:10 AM

Thanks Ginormous,.......maybe GOC will read my reply after all,.......and i "might" be the 1st ever removed from his ignore list! :scrutiny:

........mighta been a little too quick on da trigger. ;)

MCgunner

May 11, 2009, 12:34 PM

I wouldn't worry much about it, joej. This forum, Black Powder forum, is usually the most cordial on this board. I normally come here when I wanna get away from all the hate threads on the auto, revolver, etc forums. LOL So, this thread is not the norm. The norm is to run into Ruger hate on the auto board. :D I've never seen any such thing on this board until now and only from one guy.

Gun Slinger

May 11, 2009, 01:41 PM

I picked up an unused NIB ROA last Saturday afternoon at my favorite gunshop and shot it this morning at the range.

What can I say?

I had the most fun that I've had in a long time and was it accurate! It was cutting 3 shot "cloverleafs" at 25 yds with no problem and is alot of fun on the 100 yard (8") plates as it was giving me 9/10 and sometimes 10/10 hit against it once I got "dialed in".

Definitely a "keeper".

Love the smoke, too. :)

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 11, 2009, 02:17 PM

Gun Slinger, Good morning sir. Glad it worked out for you. People have a right to like (or not like) whatever they choose, and the right to spend their money as they please so long as they're not doing something like taking food off of their wife's dinner table or clothes off of their children's backs so to speak.
Different people like different models. Depend's on a lot of stuff. Balance, handling, accuracy etc. I like what I'vd got I know that for sure. I don't regret a penny I spent. If he wasn't a real close friend I wouldn't have gotten off as cheaply as I did. Do you have any idea how many gun barrels a 'smith might have to cut (drill) before he end's up with a perfect barrel? I'vd got 8 of them so you know he was doing some damn work. Over 3 years worth and it's just a blessing it didn't take 6 or 7 years. I don't have a lot of money so I paid him off with a down payment and then monthly payments just like buying a car or something... Well, I don't reckon I regret any of it. They're mine. I'vd got them. The sort of funny thing about it is that I could pick out just one of those '58's or carbines and carry it and use it every day for the rest of my life and I couldn't wear it out. But like I said; I'vd got them and I'm happy with them.
Anyway, I'm always glad to hear that someone found something they are satisfied with and that it is doing a good job for them. Different strokes for different folks....

pwillie

May 12, 2009, 08:57 AM

The ROA cost against the box stores(Cabelas,Bass Pro)Piettas,Uberti etc. is what killed the ROA .The US steel co. produce the best steel,and have some of the best gun builders in the world.The cost of production usually determines the outcome.I know that Purdy,and some of the English sword makers are quiet capable of excellent smithing,but on a production basis,the US gun makers are hard to beat.Old world craftsmanship is legendary,but Colt,Browning,Henry,set the stage many years ago.

Elbert P . Suggins

May 12, 2009, 02:21 PM

I thought I would add my two cents to this post. I have three Remmies, three Colts, and a SS Ruger with 7 and 1\2inch target sighted barrel with white grips. For me the ROA is more accurate than any of them, easier to cap, load, and clean than a Colt. In fact the only BP pistol I have ever damaged while firing was a Walker last year when I loaded with 2 Pyrodex pellets for a total of sixty grains and damaged the frame in behind the wedge. The wedge was evidently harder than the frame because it pushed up like an accordian. I wasn't proud of my deed but it happened none the less!

mykeal

May 12, 2009, 03:31 PM

The ROA cost against the box stores(Cabelas,Bass Pro)Piettas,Uberti etc. is what killed the ROA .
I don't understand. What does that mean?

arcticap

May 12, 2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by pwillie
The ROA cost against the box stores(Cabelas,Bass Pro)Piettas,Uberti etc. is what killed the ROA .

I don't understand. What does that mean?

What I think he means is that the higher prices for the ROA verses the relatively lower prices that the online & large retailers charge for the Italian C&B's led to a decline in ROA sales & Ruger's decision to terminate its production. :)

brotherlloyd

May 12, 2009, 08:23 PM

If they would have just built the gun to hold 50 gr it would be a good hunter. I'll keep the roa for now but i'll hunt with the Walker.

sltm1

May 12, 2009, 08:56 PM

I'm finding it hard to believe some of you guy's are defending a gun like a wife or child here! I've had 3 ROA's, they shot perfectly but felt clunky, I sold them. I've got a SS Pietta 58', a 2nd Gen Colt, a Uberti Walker and a Euroarms Rogers and Spencer. I've had "love affairs" with each of these guns as they came into my life and they are all good shooters but I would take my R&S hands down over any other cap and baller I've ever had (20+ over the years). Why? Personal taste. That's why there are so many to choose from out there!! By the way, the weapons of choice in the International BP Match Shooting, in the Colt division, are the Remmington and the Rogers & Spencer, don't know if there is a modern division, if there is I would suppose the ROA would have a niche.

mykeal

May 12, 2009, 09:17 PM

What I think he means is that the higher prices for the ROA verses the relatively lower prices that the online & large retailers charge for the Italian C&B's led to a decline in ROA sales & Ruger's decision to terminate its production.
Well, if that's what he meant it's not correct. Obviously it's true that Pietta and Uberti guns cost less than the ROA, but Ruger never considered them to be the competition. The ROA was not designed to compete with the Italian imports - it was intended for a different market: the high end percussion revolver. That's clear from the design of the action itself, plus the material choices and machining details.

Ruger's competition was itself - the Blackhawk and Vaquero, and the management rationale presented to the Ruger board of directors shows that clearly. The production lines could produce the Blackhawk and Vaquero at a greater profit than the ROA, so management made a very simple, easy decision: build the Blackhawk and Vaquero and stop building the ROA. Put another way, the cost of building the ROA expressed as return on investment in labor and materials exceeded that of those other two guns. It had nothing to do with the price of less well made foreign guns.

GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL

May 13, 2009, 12:15 AM

sltm1..If I was close to you I'd buy you a cup of coffee, or a shot of bourbon, or a cold beer or a shot of Scotch or maybe all of them....

4v50 Gary

May 13, 2009, 12:17 AM

When sales are bad, Ruger's Marketing Department decides to nix the gun. At least that was what I was told when I attended their armorers' school over a decade ago.

BHP FAN

May 13, 2009, 01:34 AM

Someone asked about base pins.I think they wanted Belt Mountain Base Pins.
Back to the guns.You can spend more money,but you can't get more gun than a Ruger. I've had a coupla three of them ROA's.As someone else said,mechanically the best thing out there with nipples [guns!I'm talking about guns!] Ruger doesn't make them anymore because they don't have to. The darn things don't break.All that said,I [sort of ] agree with the charcoaly gentleman.I like guns they really had,back in the day.Like the Spiller and Burr.If I was buying just one handgun to live off the land with a ROA stainless with a .45 Colt conversion cylinder would be a good choice.Fortunately,I'm not in that scenario,so I'll take a brass framed .36 Civil War revolver,that DID exist over even the Cadillac of BP revolvers,arguablly the best one EVER made,the Ruger.

MCgunner

May 13, 2009, 01:18 PM

Well, if you want a gun they had back in the day, do you want a Pietta or a Colt?

I see no reason why I shouldn't enjoy both, personally. I have my ROA for my shooting preferences, though. Thing will be shooting when my .31 Remmy turns to dust. My old '51 Navy has already turned to dust.

Why should I be told to choose between them? Why can't I own and enjoy them all? I do miss ROA production, never got to pick up a 5 1/2" stainless fixed sight one. Would love to have that one since my old stainless ROA got ripped off. I ain't sellin' my blued ROA regardless.

Jeez, I need to go shoot and quit yappin'. :D

apachejack

May 13, 2009, 01:57 PM

Gentlemen, it seems the Colt signature series Walker and the Uberti Walker are my favorite,,,,wait, my 2 ROAs are my favorite,,,,,,no,no, wait, my baby dragoon is my,,,wait a minute, my Remmie 58 is,,, no my engraved Sherrifs model.............. Well, now you see why I won't ever be able to have a brothel,, I'm just tooo darn jealous.

BHP FAN

May 13, 2009, 04:01 PM

I think we can all agree that cap 'n' ball revolvers are very cool,and a lot of fun.

pwillie

May 13, 2009, 11:19 PM

What do I do to put a "Quote" in a post?

pwillie

May 13, 2009, 11:25 PM

Mykeal ,Cabelas,and all the box stores have put many people out of business,and the cheap Italian stuff put Ruger out of the BP business.You even said it in your own post.Its not the first time imports have had a negative experience on US products.I fight this stuff all the time in my business.Inferior cheap made Italian iron (labor cost) added up to Rugers BP demise.

mykeal

May 14, 2009, 12:00 AM

To insert a quote highlight the text you wish to quote by clicking and dragging over it. Copy the selected text onto the clipboard in the usual way (select File:Copy from the browser's top menu, hold down the CTRL key and hit C or right click on the selected text and select Copy). In the Reply window click on the icon on the right side of those above the message box; this will insert the tags {QUOTE}{/QUOTE} in the message (the curly brackets { and } are actually square brackets [ and ]). Left click in between the tags to place the cursor there and paste the copied text there in the usual way (select File:Paste from the browser's top menu, hold down the CTRL key and hit V or right click the cursor location and select Paste). The copied text you wish to quote will be pasted between the Quote tags.

You can also simply type the Quote tags into the message, including the square brackets (don't forget the forward slash in the second tag) and paste or type in the text to be quoted, or paste the text into the message, highlight it again by clicking and dragging and then select the text icon above the message field.

Now, as for Ruger's production decision; I see nothing in my post that suggests the Italian imports put the ROA out of business. That's tantamount to saying Isetta put Chrysler out of business. They were simply not competitors, it's as simple as that. And Ruger's decision is entirely understandable as the kind of decision made by businessmen every day.

MCgunner

May 15, 2009, 01:22 PM

Well, I went and made some acidic smoke with my ROA and my Hawken yesterday. I'm good. :D Didn't take the .31, should do that next range trip. I haven't shot it in a while.

And, GOC, I'd buy you a beer, don't really care how much you hate Rugers. :D Firearms are a personal thing.

madcratebuilder

May 16, 2009, 01:36 AM

Why can't I own and enjoy them all?

Adequate storage room is my biggest problem, followed closely by money.

4v50 Gary

May 16, 2009, 02:33 AM

Adequate storage room is my biggest problem, followed closely by money.

Your curse is also a blessing. :D

We should all be so blessed.

Fiveshooter

May 22, 2009, 05:12 PM

I like the Ruger Old Army revolvers.
No...they don't balance as well as a Remington 1858 or a Colt 1851.
The weight of a 7.5" barreled adjustable site Old Army is 2 pounds 14 ounces.
The advertised weight of the reproduction Walker can vary from 4 pounds 4 ounces to 4 pounds 8 ounces.
That being said I can't see how anyone that claims to like a Walker can complain about the weight or balance of an Old Army.

The total production of the original Walker was only 1,100 guns. One would think if it had a viable market there would be a much higher number manufactured.
No question it was the most powerful production revolver of it's day and as far as "production" percussion revolvers it could still claim that title even today.
I have read claims of astonishing accuracy on this board in reference to certain specimens of replica Walkers. Obviously if the original Walkers were known for this it went unappreciated in it's time or more should have been made and sold.

Without question the little 5.5" ROA has the best balance of all the ROA models.

No... The Old Army can't compare with the power of a Walker at least the way it comes out of the box. If you are willing to spend a few dollars you can add a considerable amount of power just by having the chambers bored deeper and shooting a heavy conical over 777.
If you want to go full custom it can be made to outclass the Walker in power but you will have to get it done with 5 shots instead of 6.
I have a .50 caliber (actually .485) ROA that does quite well in both the power and accuracy department.

http://imageevent.com/fiveshooter/ccgoa

Of course a Walker could be converted to a custom 5 shot in a larger caliber as well but I would question the strength of the frame design and softer steel used in the frame of the Italian replicas for such a conversion.
Open top revolver designs were never known for their strength to begin with.

I have seen a stretch frame ROA left in it's original caliber that would hold more powder than a Walker. I never did see any data on how it performed though.

I have several ROAs and all the ones with adjustable sites have had at least a front sight blade change to allow enough adjustments to shoot conical bullets.
I shoot only RB out of the 5.5" fixed sight models.
All of them shoot very well.

No...it's not a replica of anything nor have I ever heard a claim from Ruger that it was.
I do think it is "historically correct" as it is an "original" in it's own right.
I know some people will never warm up to them but they are great guns and very well made.
I have a few Italian replicas that shoot well. All of them suffer from soft metal and seem to wear a bit faster than I would like.
I have one 58 Remington that has proven very accurate.
They all have their place and they are all fun. Buy what you like and shoot what you like.

Dixie Slugs

May 22, 2009, 07:13 PM

Interesting indeed! I have just finished a 5 part writeup on the ROA....which covers testing a 7 1/2" Pre-Warning and 5 1/2" hand selected gun. They were tested with roundballs and conicals in the percussion cylinder and with hard cast conicals loaded in the 45 Colt in a Kirsh cylinder. I used Tripple 7 and Black Mag 3 vs standard blackpowder. 37.5 grs of Triple 7 and a 205 gr hard cast .452" bullet gave over 1000'/" in the Kirsh cylinder....with excelent accuracy!
All this was aimed at having a dependable precussion revolver as backup while hunting true wild hogs during blackpowder season.
I am not going to get into a peeing contest over replica guns vs the ROA. I am convinced that the ROA is the highest level of development of the percussion revolver though.
I have no interest in Cowboy Shooting, playing Josy Wales, or whatever.
I will not advertise where those writeups are posted since they are on another webpage. Anyone interested can contact me at jcgates@bellsouth.net and I will give them the location.
Regards, James