ROA spotted

[birdshot8's]

i have looked on Gunbroker and the prices were wide ranging so i would like opinion here.
I have spotted a Ruger Old Army, pearl grip, SS, looks unfired, has box but no accessories, long barrel maybe 7 inch? in pawn shop. Owner wants 515.00 +tax. Is this a fair price or should i keep looking? I am going to the city next month was wondering if i should get this one or look around.

 

[mykeal]

Depending on condition, it's in the ballpark. Not a 'good deal', but not outrageous either. But, for that amount it needs to be in 99.5% condition.

 

[arcticap]

There's an old saying: "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush".

 

[BHP FAN]

no shipping, either, it's right there ... you can inspect it, put it on half cock, and give the cylinder a whirl, pull the cylinder and look down the barrel to check the rifleing....all tough to do trying to find it cheaper online.

 

[birdshot8's]

thanks for the help. i should have never watched the video of the guy firing his cap and ball.

 

[ClemBert]

I agree with mykeal....99.5% or above and get it for $515 out the door. Reiterate to him that its missing some components from the box otherwise you would have offered him $515+tax.

 

[unknwn]

If I had the opportunity to dismantle and check for condition I'm afraid that I would already have one in my collection.
An "especially" about black powder guns that cools my hankering for an Old Army is the prerequisite that one should see/feel/check for abuse/neglect over any other type of gun.
Even a stainless BP can succumb to "put away wet (dirty)" erosion of the acids and salts related to authentic black powder.
If you don't know how to break the Old Army down to check cylinder chambers & bore/rifling, study up on it, and let the seller know that your willingness to buy/ meet his price revolves around your ability to check for condition.
IF the Old Army is clean and not abused /neglected then the price would be palatable, but if you are expected to buy "as-is" with no further inspection, I would tend to say that he is pressing the envelope for price.
Your call, but I think that you can get a "new" specimen for barely more at one of the auction sites.
You will notice that almost all of the 2nd hand (already been shot) offerings online are "no return" "as-is" or some such version of "don't even think of it".

 

[andrewstorm]

woa! save some money

I have a blued (plum colored frame) r o a with box seldom fired,400.00 also a kirst konverter for the r o a blued 45 scofield or long colt for another 200.00 shipping is 15.00 so for 100 dollars more than the ss model you can get the whole sha -bang,this is what i paid ,pm me if tnterested

 

[Noz]

Currently the fixed sight revolvers are selling for more than the adjustable sighted ones. Around here $515 is high for a fixed sight model.

 

[robhof]

robhof

Unfortunately that is right at the going rate now, thanks to Ruger stopping production, the amazing thing is how many NIB are coming out of the woodwork. At $515, if unfired or like new, I'd pay it; any residue or scratches and I would point them out and try to get a better price. He probably only paid $200 or less. I worked in a pawn shop for awhile and they usually pay max 50% used book on any gun.

 

[arcticap]

The simulated white ivory Ruger grips cost $59.95 plus shipping from The Ruger Store.

http://shopruger.com/Old-Style-SA-Ivory-Grips/productinfo/13021/

Quality doesn't always come cheap. There's always room to dicker on the price, but if you found an extra nice ROA in hiding somewhere and want it, then buy it. It's an investment and you will usually get most of your money back if you decide to sell, especially for a stainless one with those grips. The nicer the model and the better the features then the more that you'll get back in the end. And if you never decide to sell it then it's because you love it and think that it's worth every penny of whatever price that you end up paying. Bring cash with you!

 

[birdshot8's]

thanks for the input. i think i will buy it.
An aside, I saw where wal mart had hodgdon pyrodex FFG marked for clearance, last time i was in north platte. Will FFg work in the Ruger or should i get the FFFg?

 

[mykeal]

FFg will work ok. I suspect it was actually Pyrodex RS, which is the same thing.

 

[robhof]

You can download the owners manuel from Ruger for free, and in it, it states that any grain of b/p or sub can be used, but 3f is generally considered the best. That being said, I've used 4f on many occasions, just because it was all that I had at the time.

 

[BHP FAN]

4F is generally considered as priming powder for flintlocks, and is warned against as a main charge for rifles or pistols, but then Rugers are tuff....it still wouldn't be what I'd use.

 

[birdshot8's]

got it

I ended up paying 515 + taxes. I thought the gun had the ivory grips but turns out it has wood grips. I don't know if I am getting forgetful or he switched them from the first time I was in there. The gun turned out to be new in box, but the box was 17 years old. He did throw in a can of 777 powder. I figure I will get to know the gun before loading up. It seems pretty slick so far. Thanks for helping me decide.

 

[arcticap]

In all honesty, the white Ruger grips are somewhat slippery. They look great and add value, but some folks might just as well have wanted to replace them before doing any shooting with them anyway.
Congratulations birdshot8's on the new in the box ROA. You done real good!

 

[goon]

I had no idea they were so sought after. Now that I know, I'll watch around at the shops I frequent and let you all know if I see any.

 

[straight-shooter]

Just as a side note: Make sure with that 777 powder that you reduce your intended load by 15%. Triple 7 is a bit more of a stout powder so this math has to come into play.

Be safe !

 

[robhof]

The ROA is strong enough to handle the 40gr of T7, but the fun factor and accuracy go out the window and with less you get more rounds down range per can.

 

[andrewstorm]

fun factor

40 grains 777 3f is fun fun fun fun and very accurate in my revolvers.