My ROAs

[NorEaster]

Need brass grip frames now... and each needs a set of Holly grips
Anyone got a pair of brass frames taken up space in the vault?

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Very nice. The case coloring is a great touch.

You know, the more I play around with my ROAs, to more I regret not getting one way back in the 70s so I would have had 25 more years to enjoy it. They are one of Ruger's more remarkable achievements.

 

[Rclark]

Did they actually make them with fixed sights like that? Or is that custom too.. Mine are adjustable is why I am asking .

Nice Case Coloring! Wish they all came like that from the factory.

 

[NorEaster]

They made fixed sighted models towards the end of their production life.
I used to have two pair, one pair 7.5" and the other 5.5"
I had to sell them earlier this year and was able to get the money up to replace my lost 7.5" ones.
These are just back from Alan Harton who did the case coloring to them.
I should have paid him extra for the high polish blue job too

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Did they actually make them with fixed sights like that? Or is that custom too.. Mine are adjustable is why I am asking

They not only made 5.5 inch versions, Ruger also made them in stainless.

 

[MMichaelAK]

Need brass grip frames now... and each needs a set of Holly grips
Anyone got a pair of brass frames taken up space in the vault?

Oh wow...

Drool

 

[Rclark]

....

 

[Rclark]

Thanks guys, I'll have to keep an 'eye' out for a fixed sight one.... Man I wish they were still being manufactured ... even if in short runs each year!

 

[Hondo44]

Need brass grip frames now... and each needs a set of Holly grips
Anyone got a pair of brass frames taken up space in the vault?

Gorgeous, that's the way they should have been made and with Brass Dragoon grip frames!

 

[SHOOTER]

You do the polishing?

Did they actually make them with fixed sights like that? Or is that custom too.. Mine are adjustable is why I am asking

They not only made 5.5 inch versions, Ruger also made them in stainless.

 

[NorEaster]

Those stainless shorties came like that from Ruger. With the release of the stainless Vaquero revolvers, they were doing them in a high polished stainless to emulate the nickel finished revolvers popular in the days of the western frontier.

 

[williamc]

NorEaster - Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Here's a +1 hoping they'll bring the ROA back someday. I don't even care if they raise the price to make it profitable. I'd be in for a 7 1/2" fixed sight in either blue or stainless.

William

 

[SHOOTER]

So these take regular ruger black hawk grips ? Same frames ?

 

[caryc]

So these take regular ruger black hawk grips ? Same frames ?

Not exactly the same grip frames but yes to the same grip panels.

 

[Montelores]

Just curious, but why do folks like the fixed sight version?

More traditional?

Thanks -

Monty

 

[williamc]

Just curious, but why do folks like the fixed sight version?

Monty

To me, the adjustable sight versions look a little clunky. The fixed-sight versions are just gorgeous.

So basically, because it looks cool!

William

 

[Hondo44]

So these take regular ruger black hawk grips ? Same frames ?

Same size grip frames as the full size Blackhawks and short barrel SBHs but they only work with the old model 3 screw actions unless adapted to the new model trigger return spring.

 

[NorEaster]

Me, Myself and I prefer the lines of the fixed sighted model. It just seems more traditional to me. I'm not much for adjustable sighted wheelguns anyway. When it comes to a Blackhawk, I prefer the look of a flat top. I've never been one that likes the raised area of the Ruger SA cylinder frames on either side of the rear sight.

 

[SHOOTER]

What the correct projectile for these pistols? WHat about preferred powder and grain load???

 

[NorEaster]

.457 round ball. With black powder and subs you want to make sure that you very slightly compress the powder in the chamber. I use American Pioneer Powder in 3F. It is a substitute to black powder. It is loaded by volume. To figure my load I used a dowel of a diameter to fit into the chamber. Placed the dowel into the chamber as deep as it would go and marked it at the face of the cylinder. From there I measured back 1/16" and made a mark. From that mark, the thickness of the ball and the wad I place between the ball and powder. The remainder of the length is equal to the volume of my powder charge. Using a TC powder measure I placed the dowel into it to that last mark made. That equaled my charge. I use Lee Dippers to measure my powder, so I converted the measurment from the TC powder measure to the equivalent in a Lee dipper.
The loads are subject to anyone's expirimentation. Some may want a lighter load and figure the ball being seated deaper into the chamber. That would equal less powder behind the ball.
I don't hunt with my ROAs, I compete in cowboy action shooting with them. My choice in powder makes for a moderate load. Other black powders and subs will give different performance than what I use. Those seeking a hot load often use Hogden Triple Seven

 

[Montelores]

Thanks, NorEaster and weconway.

I keep thinking about getting a ROA, but I don't have much time to shoot these days (much less clean up a BP gun!).

Interesting to hear how it's done.

Thanks -

Monty

 

[Hondo44]

Monty,
Give 'em a try, life is short. But use Hogdon Triple 7 BP substitute and don't clean them at all. It's corrosion free. No build up. I clean my BP guns once every couple of months like my cartridge shooters.

 

[NorEaster]

My clean up is done with hot soapy water after each use.