New to me: Ruger Old Army Stainless 7.5" (1976 Production)

[THREEDFLYER]

One of my hunting partners used to own one of these many years ago and I always liked the look/feel and accuracy of these guns.....not to mention how strong they are!

So I put out some feelers out and was fortunate to acquire this nearly new condition 1976 production stainless 7.5" model recently.

The shocking part is how much these ROA's have gone up in price....they were produced from 1972 until 2008 and offered in a blue or stainless version and fixed or target sights were options as well as 5.5" or 7.5" barrel lengths....with some much longer lengths including a buntline model.

These take a .457 diameter projectile and most folks use a standard lead round ball, but conical bullets are certainly out there.

This one is so clean I am almost reluctant to shoot it.....almost.....but it will be shot very soon!

I would eventually like to have a blue version with target sights and a 5.5" version with fixed sights.

I also came across this Bianchi holster that fits well, and I am getting one of the Bianchi flap holsters that are RUGER marked this week from a local connection.

***A LITTLE HELP*** I am trying to locate some lead conical bullets to use in this fine weapon......anyone know of a source??

 

[contender]

Nice gun there.

A bit of info.
Check the rollmarking on the cylinder. A small number of those have what we call a "reverse rollmark." Basically, the cylinders were marked backwards.

Next,, in your search for conicals,, you may discover that in general,, they shoot less accurately than the round balls.

You answered your own comment about the rise in prices with the fact that Ruger no longer makes them.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Nice gun there.

A bit of info.
Check the rollmarking on the cylinder. A small number of those have what we call a "reverse rollmark." Basically, the cylinders were marked backwards.

Next,, in your search for conicals,, you may discover that in general,, they shoot less accurately than the round balls.

You answered your own comment about the rise in prices with the fact that Ruger no longer makes them.

I'll check the rollmark on the cylinder.
I have not yet shot this one, and I am looking forward to it with the round ball that I have.
Yes, supply/demand is always a factor when it comes to buying quality firearms........these are superb!

 

[tazbigdog]

I have one too, but is stamped with the bicentennial anniversary language on it.

 

[contender]

Without going to look at my OA with the "Liberty" markings,, I think it's on top of the barrel. He didn't show that picture.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Welcome to the smoke and fire world of Gunpowder

These are a couple of Modified nickel plated OAs I have shot a weeeeeeeeee bit in SASS matches. Both in 45 Colt and Cap and Ball.
I use a .454 ball rather than the .457 that Ruger recommends. The .454 will still cut a small ring and seal and makes loading MUCH easier. I also do NOT put any GOOP on the face of the cylinder. Most of the SASS Guys I shoot with don't either. Chain fire comes from the rear of the cyl. do to missing and loose caps.
I think I used .454 250 Gr. LFPs once and decided it was way to much work. I'm not to sure that you can find .457 bullets since most are .452 to fit the modern 1911 and 45 Colt. Yes you can get .454s
If you plan on getting serious about shooting the OAs I would suggest you get some Treso nipples and use Remington #10 caps pushed on tight with your push stick if you want it to go bang every time. I use 25 gr. of 3F Gunpowder to make noise and smoke.

Percussion Nipples for your muzzleloader or Cap and Ball Revolver

Cap and Ball Revolver Nipples

www.possibleshop.com

Notice that my OAs don't have the ram rod attached because I use one of these to load with. Makes life MUCH easier. I also install the caps with the cylinder OUT of the frame using my fingers. I have never found a capper that works worth a crap.

With the ram rods in.

Where did the target go