ROA With Distinction

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expat_alaska

expat_alaska

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First, I really like the Ruger Old Army revolvers. I have never owned one due to the prices they command these days, so I have not paid a lot of attention to the variations that have been produced.

A while back I came across photos of a very special ROA, nothing like I have ever seen before.

It has a case colored frame, rammer, and partial load lever, and a blued skeletonized hammer. The cylinder is very short and it has an extended barrel to fit. The barrel may have a custom front sight and frame rear sight.

To my mind, it is a very well executed "target" version.

I would appreciated any info about this revolver. Thanks in advance!

Ruger 1.jpg Ruger 2.jpg Ruger 3.jpg

Regards,

Jim
 
I've seen pictures of this revolver before. There is an article about it somewhere on the interwebs, that explains all the mods. But I'll be dipped if I can find it. I'll keep digging.
 
I'm sorry, I just don't get it . . . It's like a 454 Casull confined to shoot some archaic, anemic .45 caliber round . . . I mean, I understand it is a paper punching revolver but it's of absolutely no use or interest to me . . . A "reach out and touch" a steel ram would be different!! Full power "puter downer" type revolver would be of more interest to me!! Lol! But . . . I support shooters so . . . whatever . . . lol!!!!!

Mike
 
45 Dragoon said:
I'm sorry, I just don't get it. I understand it is a paper punching revolver but it's of absolutely no use or interest to me.
Click to expand...

It is a purpose-built revolver used for accurately punching holes in paper.

I am reminded of the S&W Model 52 .38 Special which used full-length wadcutter bullets seated flush with the case mouth. It was based upon the S&W Model 39 DA/SA 9mm platform converted to SA only. It was very successful for many years in Bullseye shooting.

It was never intended to be a barn-burner, and neither was this ROA.

Regards,

Jim
 
I will admit it's unique if not weird looking. Definitely a single purpose pistol but not for me, I want something that will reach out and touch things.
 
IMO someone took a gamble and went out on a limb when they built that gun.
While it could be a tack driver, the early range reports showed it to be finicky, making it difficult to find an accurate low velocity load, if there is one at all.

For comparison, Kwhi43's custom barreled "championship" ROA used 40 grains of powder.
 
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My guess it allowed the reduced loads but eliminated the need to use fillers. Makes sense if as noted it’s a competition pistol.
 
whughett said:
My guess it allowed the reduced loads but eliminated the need to use fillers. Makes sense if as noted it’s a competition pistol.
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That's the theory, but the execution of the build would still need to be proven by producing accurate results.
We don't know if it was ever capable of holding a 25 yard group.
It looks like a target revolver but the proof is in the pudding, and the jury is still out.
That build could be just like putting a lot of lipstick on a pig. :D
 
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Would the fully exposed nipples eliminate or reduce drag of spent caps against the recoil shield or allow better percussion cap seating. This could also be a speed shooter for show purposes.
 
I don’t have problems with spent caps dragging on the recoil shield with the original factory cylinders, and if I’m shooting two handed I can get 6 shots off pretty quickly. I cannot see any advantage to exposing the nipples like that, other than cleaning.
 
arcticap said:
IMO someone took a gamble and went out on a limb when they built that gun.
While ir could be a tack driver, the early range reports showed it to be finicky, making it difficult to find an accurate low velocity load, if there is one at all.

For comparison, Kwhi43's custom barreled "championship" ROA used 40 grains of powder.
Click to expand...
That’s from an era when men were men and a little bit of recoil didn’t scare anyone... ;)
 
expat_alaska said:
I am almost sorry I brought this revolver up for view.

I guess we should all just obtain Walkers and shoot full loads through them. That obviates the necessity of anything more miniscule.

I am done here.

Regards,

Jim
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As far as I know the guy who posted it on the other site didn’t really run much in the way of testing. Or if he did he didn’t say anything about it.
I would be working that gun over, like similar guns in the center fire target world (short .38 wadcutter cylinders in modified slab barreled Combat Masterpiece frames) it certainly seems like a viable concept. Looks like an S&W rear sight.
 
Comments that might be perceived as negative were probably not offered in that vein. Unique guns such as this will provoke a range of opinions. Tastes differ. Few would agree with my preferences in firearms. That’s what freedom looks like.

No offense was intended.
 
J-Bar said:
I don’t have problems with spent caps dragging on the recoil shield with the original factory cylinders, and if I’m shooting two handed I can get 6 shots off pretty quickly. I cannot see any advantage to exposing the nipples like that, other than cleaning.
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I took advantage of finding a good supply of RWS caps. They do indeed flower and occasionally drag on the recoil shield of several of my pistols.

I was referring to the method of of “ fanning” a SA revolver. Just an idle thought.
 
whughett said:
I took advantage of finding a good supply of RWS caps. They do indeed flower and occasionally drag on the recoil shield of several of my pistols.

I was referring to the method of of “ fanning” a SA revolver. Just an idle thought.
Click to expand...
I bought a bunch of the “cap savers” or whatever they’re called. Little black poly pieces you slip over the capped nipple. Every so often folks come here asking about the cap and ball guns utility for self defense and I thought those would be useful in that application. In limited testing, hell yes! They will add to the weather proof aspect (of an already darned watertight connection) they stay put as the revolver is cycled. Heck, they probably increase velocities by 10 feet per second… worth doing if you intend to use a c&b revolver for self defense or other social occasion…
 
Ten bucks that River didn't make it in that configuration.
BTW, I shot the prototype at Friendship. Came home and my shooting buddies ordered six of them. Took a year plus to get them.
 
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