To buy or not to buy: Ruger Old Army

[RWMC]

I have the chance to buy a new, unfired, Ruger Old Army for $285. It is blued, 7 1/2" barrel and adjustable sights. I might even consider using it for a close range "Bambi - Blaster". Should I let the Ruger pass, or is this a good buy? Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

That's a good price on the Ruger Old Army.They are a great BP Revolver.With the right load they are accurate.As for Bambi medicine. Check you state's regs. Some states don't allow handguns during primitive weapons season. Georgia is one of them. I would say if you limit your shots it would be okay for deer.I personally wouldn't use it for deer except for a finish off shot or a shot at extremely short range.I think you would be happy with the Old Army.Just remember it's limitations, it's not a modern CF handgun.

Ruger Redhawk

 

[4v50 Gary]

Good price. Methinks one would be nutz to pass up on that price. Go for it!

 

[JNewell]

That's really a can't-lose price on a great revolver. Unless you have no interest in black powder shooting, I wouldn't let it go by.

 

[Zeke/PA]

The Ruger Old Army is an excellent revolver.
Using cast round balls over 30grs.of FFFg it is without a doubt the most accurate handgun that I own.
I often refer to it as my "squirrel rifle".
Respectfully, Zeke

 

[ROAshooter]

Roa

Ditto what Zeke said!!!

 

[mainmech48]

Price seems decent, and they're fine, HD revolvers. The only way I'd try one on deer, where legal, would be with a heavy conical bullet of modern design over the heaviest charge it'd hold. Even then I wouldn't take a shot over 50 yds.

My only personal objection to them is that they're more like the old 'horse pistols' or 'Dragoons' in size and weight. As those were intended to be carried in holsters slung on the pommel of a cavalry saddle, they tend to be pretty uncomfortable on the hip.

 

[JNewell]

Certainly not a small or light revolver, but basically equal in size and weight to an all-steel Blackhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel (unlike most Blackhawks, the Old Army has had a steel grip frame for most of its production).

 

[Zeke/PA]

RWMC,
In answer to your question, go for it as it is a fun revolver.
Early one morning, a huge doe walked under my treestand and was neatly dispached with a behind the ear round ball from my Old Army.
I do not however, encourage this sort of thing unless you are EXTREMELY confident of your shooting ability and most important , your ability to judge the emotional state of your quarry at the time of your shot.
The Old Army is not a fast draw , hip shoot deal at all BUT with the adjustable rear sight. it is a great target revolver and a truly fine hunting companion.
Respectfully, Zeke

 

[RWMC]

Thank-you, one and all for your input. I have decided to buy the Old Army. What is the heaviest conical in dia. .457 that I should be able to safely shoot in it?

 

[10MMGary]

That is a good price in my opinion. I got this one mail order several(maybe 10) years ago and it was $300.00 if I recall correctly. If you can seat a ball and wonder wad your not over loaded. This gun is seriously tank strong. However you best accuracy will be with less than max loads I am betting. Personally I Am amazed at the accuracy I get pouring my own. I had no problems taking two florida whitetail with speer round balls at 23 yards and 19 yards respectively. One was DRT and the other went about 60 yards and crumbled. I'm always looking for a fixed sight blued model, but it seems all that I run into are either totally dogged out or over $400.00. Also I see the replacement conversion cylinders that allow you to fire 45Colt ammo from the Old Army, they run around $299.00. I would like to try one, only that $299.00 priceis a bit steep to experiment with.

 

[cookekdjr]

Gary,
thanks for posting that pic of Ruger SA's.
I've bought two in the last 2 months: a .357 blackhawk and 22/22mag single six. Love them, and now I'm looking at the Old Army.
-David

 

[JNewell]

Believe it or not, everything I've ever read and heard on the ROA says it shoots best with .457 round balls. The reports on the Lee REAL bullets are pretty good, but few shooters recommend the standard conical bullets. YMMV, of course. As far as safety goes, I would guess -- but you should get a more authoritative answer -- that you can pretty much use any .457 conical you want to as long as you stick with BP or an equivalent substitute. These are stout guns.