The "New" Old Army guns

[Riot Earp]

Hey, I see that Ruger has issued some "New" Old Armies. Does anyone know what the serial# range is for these guns? I just won one on gunbroker but am not sure if it is one of the new ones. I tend to think it is, because the grips match other "new batch" ROAs that I've seen.

 

[Del J]

I don't have info on the last serial numbers. But mine is 148-103xx purchased in Jan. 2008. Maybe someone else here can help out.

 

[Rainman]

Your grips look like mine and it's one of the 'clean up" guns Gallery of Guns recently sold. If you remove the grips they will have a routed back and sport a finish that almost looks plastic. Not as pretty as Ruger's usual oil finish.

Dan

 

[Riot Earp]

Thanks. I just spoke with the seller via telephone. He confirmed that it's a 2009 gun. He bought some from Davidson's, and also from Williams Shooters Supply, he said.

He just placed another one on gunbroker. A different seller has one there also.

Would love to see a pic of yours, Rainman.

 

[don44]

Looks like a real nice revolver to me. Congratulations!

 

[Riot Earp]

Thank you. I bought one three years ago. It wasn't well made. One screw hole was drilled far too shallow, and the cylinder had excessive end-shake and rotational play. I am hoping that this one will be better.

I like the fact that the barrel warning is on the top, on the new gun. I like the grips too, though I might replace them with thinner ones.

 

[Rainman]

Riot:
I bought a stainless 7.5" with adjustable sights from Davidsons (Gallery of Guns) back in April. This was the beginning of the "clean up" run. Besides the serial number range, the grips were unique. I have since traded these for some standard rosewood grips. I'm at my cabin this weekend and don't have access to the gun but I did have these photos of the original grips on my laptop. Look at the back of yours and see if you have the routed XR on yours as well.

Dan

 

[Riot Earp]

Will take a look at the grips when the gun arrives Tuesday. I will probably end up selling the grips though, as I have small hands and prefer the "Colt Style" grips that CLC Custom Grips offers.

More new ones(?) for sale:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =148166425
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =149274506
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =148271850
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =148756592
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =148398805

 

[Riot Earp]

My gun arrived this morning. Quality is excellent. Real tight cylinder, very good grip fit, and .004" cylinder-barrel gap. A much better gun than my early 2007 ROA. The gun cost $$$$$+, but I'm glad I got it.

 

[Quarterbore]

Here is the thread from when these first started showing up:

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=53121

I have seen these comming through no a regular basis but I have not been watching Davidson's site or the other distributers to figure out just who was getting them.

There was a follow-up thread here too:

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=54066

 

[Smee781]

Some how I ended up with 3 ROA, two are the SS 7 1/2 (one being a 1976 model) and the other one is my last pick up and it is one of the short barrel models SS 5 1/2 with white grips. I have not been out to shoot the short barrel yet, any one have any feedback on how they perform? :?:

 

[lfpiii]

Those routed grips were made by the Altamont Gun Company of Thomasboro, IL. Their clients include S&W, Colt, Sig, PSE and Bear. They make a huge selection of grips and they can even make a custom run with special engraving. These grips were not good sellers. Late last year some guy was selling them cheap on ebay. I purchased two, I wish I would have bought some more.

 

[Riot Earp]

The grips fit well, and are pretty, but are fat.

The lines are so crisp on this gun, and the cylinder so tight, that I wonder if Ruger has invested in new tooling. But this makes no sense if they have permanently discontinued the ROA. :?:

Tip: The large screw that locks the loading lever can be turned with an extra fat guitar or mandolin pick. I use a 2.0mm-thick pick. I use one of the pick's two upper rounded corners to turn the screw. The hard plastic won't mar the screw head. And if you slip, it won't scratch the frame like a screwdriver will.