Ruger Old Army - The Best Percussion Revolver Ever? 

Errata: It appears per the comments that Ruger may have made stainless models before 1982. I acquired this information from Ruger themselves, however, so it's a little confusing: "*Blued Old Army Serial Numbers roll marked with Stainless Old Army Revolvers beginning in 1982." Oops? Maybe. Dunno. Not *that important* but here's a correction if so. www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-OABP.html

Ruger and perhaps others should do vintage runs of designs like these every 5-10 years.

That 5.5" really is beautiful, its proportions are spot on 👌

Stopping Old Army production was as stupid a decision as Ruger ever made - aside from no civilian sales of 20 and 30 rnd. Mini-14 magazines.

karl: describes the absolute best blackpowder pistol ever me: gets a bloody pietta lemat cavalry as my first BP revolver. instructions unclear: problem exists between concept and target (jokes aside, i love that finnicky boat anchor of a gun)

I want you to know how much I appreciate the work you put into these videos. Thank you very much.

When I was in high school, my Dad and I went to the local rifle range to make sure our rifle scopes were still sighted in for deer season, and there was only one other gentleman at the range that morning, and he was sporting a couple of hunting rifles and a Ruger Old Army. He asked very politely as we were unloading our rifles and targets if he could use the 100 yard shooting lane real quick before we got setup to sight in our rifles. My Dad said, “Sure, go right ahead,” or something like that. So, the gentleman sat down, took aim, and began firing. He then went out and got his target, and this guy had shot a 3/4 inch group at 100 yards with the only brace that he used was his elbows on the bench. My Dad and I were very impressed with the Ruger Old Army immediately. Unfortunately, we never bought one, but after that day, I always saw them as The Best black powder revolver ever made . The model that gentleman used was exactly like the revolver you show in this video with the wood grips and adjustable sites. Nicely done video, sir!

Looks weird with green grass in the background and not sand/desert...

I got a Old Army back in 1974 as I was too young to qualify for centerfire handguns and loved that thing! It was accurate enough to hit a softball every time at 50 yds if I did my part and totally agree that they're pretty much impossible to wear out. It was my first Ruger and paved the way for many, many more rifles and pistols over the years. Would be GREAT if they'd bring back a limited run just to fill up the market for future CA shooters, but doing so would also piss a LOT of people off by likely devaluing the remaining guns like Colt did with their snake series guns recently.

The grass in the desert this time of year is really pretty.

I've had my blued version for over forty years and can definitely agree with you. Brand new it was $75.00 and the stainless was $125.00. I have always regretted not adding the stainless while I had the chance. The only thing I've upgraded, if you can call it that, is that I started using paper cartridges so I don't have to fiddle around so much when I'm out shooting. Plus, they're almost as fun to make as they are to shoot!

I'm reminded of Paul Harrell's video on black powder revolvers from Feb 5, 2015, and the difference between how he used the his personal Ruger Old Army and the replicas is stark.

I'm really enjoying this line of videos pertaining to SASS and weapons used. The Old Army is a beautiful firearm. Great video Karl.

Karl, I can watch your videos for hours without getting an icky feeling. Not so for most gun bros on the tube. Plus your name reminds me of Kyle Katarn. Glad to have found you years ago 👍

Damn Karl, looks like you finally started downloading Fallout mods.

I love mine. The only drawback ive found is that occasionally, the screw that locks in the loading lever will get turned in handling or transport. If you do not notice and start loading balls....you can bend your base pin, and base pins are unobtanium. I've had this happen, and have read of it being at least semi common. Too bad someone does not make replacement base pins. Some can be bent back, some can't. Good video, these guns rock.

I love my Ruger Old Army. It took me awhile to find one since they were discontinued. I ended up finding one at a estate sale for $500 it was a stainless 7.5" from 1994 with the box. I would say if you find one at a reasonable price buy it or put it on layaway because they are totally worth it.

I am new to black powder shooting. I h keep hearing about how well made the Ruger’s are. They are hard to find and I contacted Ruger to see if they are planning on making these revolvers again. They said definitely not. Too bad. Maybe we can get a group of fans write Ruger. Maybe if they get enough people requesting them. They will. Thank you for the video

I can't believe it, my brother-in-law, just a few days ago, showed me a stainless 7.5-inch fixed-sight Ruger old Army he found at a pawn shop priced cheaply. He quickly bought it even knowing the rifling was almost warn out. He said he didn't care, he wanted it for his collection, not to be shot.

Back around 2000 may be a year or two before or after I bought one for $50 fixed sights 7" blued at a gun show. The guy had shot it once and never cleaned it. took it home cleaned it was in perfect condition and still shoots like new never had any issues with it.

Just became a patreon supporter. I’m happy to support content like this. Great video!

My guntism was slightly triggered by this video as Ruger produced stainless ROA’s as early as 1975, they were 4 digit serials until late 1976 when the prefix serials were implemented. Love my brace of Stainless Old Armys, a ‘76 Liberty and an ‘84, super accurate with 35 grain swiss and .457 RB. Thanks for the vid Karl!

What a great video! This what has kept me coming back to your channel for years. No nonsense, just great insight and information. 👍

One of my favorite Ruger models ever. I have a total of seven in stainless steel, one of which is a custom 50 caliber, 5 shot by Clements Custom Guns. It falls a bit short of 50 caliber as it's made to shoot a .490" round ball meant for 50 caliber muzzle loading rifles.

Old Phart here. When Ruger first came out with the Old Army, there was an option for a brass square back trigger guard. At least one made it to Australia.

This is one of the guns i regret never getting back in the day. The closest i got was Vaquero in 357 and a birdshead in 45 Colt. I wish i still had them

This guy has a Lot of valuable info superbly delivered on the Old Army. Thank you!

I always wondered about these. Thanks for the input Karl.

Good review, Carl! I don't even remember when I got my Ruger Old Army (it was a long time ago!) but it's one I love! It's fun to shoot and I love tinkering with all the black powder goodies. I've even shot 185 gr. .45 ACP Gold Dots out of mine! I don't remember the velocities but it was decent. The gun fills the hand well and does feel like it will last forever,, which it probably will. Ruger hit this one way put of the park! Cheers, jc

I have wanted a Ruger Old Army for a long time. I could never justify the cost and they got more expensive after they were discontinued. I still want one and your video reignited the desire to own one.

Found one a couple years ago and jumped on it. Love it

Would love to see more on this subject please.

That 5.5" shorty is *gorgeous* - hopefully Ruger will do the occasional special run of them in future.

You'd think they at least might make a few special runs of these from time to time.

My first handgun I purchased is a stainless ruger Blackhawk. 357. It is a dream to shoot and is an absolute unit. If I get back into blackpowder I will have to source one of these

Those two on the right are gorgeous, if they did a cartridge version I'd have to buy one. Those are way too cool.

Beautiful Revolvers, I really enjoyed your video many thanks.

I bought mine back in 86. Stainless, 7 1/2 inch barrel, rosewood grips and adjustable sights. I quickly became and is still to this day. My favorite gun.

Thanks, that was pretty informative. I appreciate Bill Ruger and the Old Army more now.

Remember the US bicentennial was fast approaching and it was a huge deal nationally. It coincided with the civil war reenactors who had started coming out for the civil war centennial just ten years earlier and became more popular by the year. It was the perfect time to redesign a new black powder gun.

Love Ruger products. I started shooting Cowboy Action with a pair of USFA .38 cal revolvers, excellent copies of Colts SAA but eventually switched to Ruger New Vaqueros. It was a trade between authenticity and practicality, between style and durability. Love your videos!!

10:18 Just bought one in declared unfired condition. 7.5" Stainless fixed sights. Don't know exactly how old it is, but the seller included caps with a receipt from when he bought them in 2004. There are no surface marks of any kind, suggesting it was never even played with. Rifling is immaculate. Original clamshell, paperwork, nipplewrench, and gun lock. $1,900

That 5.5 barrel and fixed irons is the most desirable model. The 7.5 and target sights are not but the prices are through the roof for all of them.

We need to go back to Revolers looking beautiful

Mike Bellevue has done videos about Old West and Civil War era revolvers and said the same thing you did here: The Ruger Old Army is the best cap and ball pistol you can own...if you can find one. Nice video.

Love the Rugers. Great video.

As someone that probably never could own one of these due to the strict guns laws in my country, I must say they’re pieces of art! They reminds me of the black and white Western movies and tv series I watched as a kid on the telly, with giants like a Henry Ford and John Wayne etc.

Old school cool for sure.

Arizona here , Ruger was AFRAID someone MIGHT load it with smokeless powder .

Bill Ruger sought after advice from the "Six Gun" legend Elmer Keith. As a guru, Bill gave Elmer some sample revolvers to try and Elmer with his vast knowledge of firearms history and reloading technicalities suggested ideas which accumulated to the products you are cherishing 😃

Good morning Karl! Glad you are covering this it's been on my gun bucket list for a while.

I agree with your comments but must correct you on the 1982 date of the stainless release. My first stainless old army was made in the 200th year of American liberty. That said I love these guns and truly enjoyed this video. Thank you for taking the time to make it and share it with us.

Nice video. Would love to handle one of those 5.5" models! I bought mine new, along with a Bianchi Left Handed Flap holster, made specifically for the Old Army, from the Lock, Stock & Barrel shop in downtown Glendale AZ. (6825 N 58th Ave) just over 40 years ago to the date (2/5/83). I paid $273.88 for it at the time. It's a stainless, 7.5" with the adjustable sights. Its been fed a steady diet of 30 grains FFF black and mainly .457 round balls. I have taken 2 Javelina with it. Its a blast to shoot, and many folks really enjoy shooting it when I drag it out. Your absolutely right, not only will my son enjoy it, but his son as well! They are built that well! I will have to try some of that Triple 7 since I have less than 1/2 lb of black left. Never did favor Pyrodex, cant explain it, just dont like it. Seeing the saguaro's behind you, I'm guessing your some where in the general Tucson Area, I am down here in the Sierra Vista area, and like some others have said, its been a wet (sort of) winter down here in the desert. Lets hope it makes for a good dove & quail season this year! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona BTW, by Ruger's serial number look-up, mine was produced in 1980.

The heartbreak in your voice when u have to state that these arent being made anymore...

Gotta admit, those ARE some amazing looking guns!

Karl mentioning the Machine's spirit delights me

Ruger made a big misteak when it stopped making the Old Army and they should bring it back. Another thing they should make is a black powder only double action "swing out quick change cylinder"

This was a great pistol. The main problem was that they priced themselves out of the market. I shot a couple of them and wanted to buy one but they were to expensive. I bought an 1858 Remington instead.

Gorgeous guns. And that's from someone who would certainly go for blued (or preferably the Colt style color case hardened frame with blued barrel), but yeah, they look amazing. There's something so right about the proportions of it. They strike some great balance between sturdy and elegant. EDIT: ...and I wrote this just before the part where Karl expressed it perfectly: The Machine Spirit is Right! A gun that deserves a purity seal.

Great video. I found it very informative. I have an old army that has been in the case for years. Now I just have to take it out to shoot.

I have been blessed to have purchased black powder revolvers when they were reasonable and easy to find parts. As a Cavalry Troop reenacting the Us civil War period, I found that the "new" style pistols were frowned on by the reenactment community. So we were fairly limited to what we could lay hands on and made do with what we had. Even though my repro 1860 Colt Armys are made by Pieta, they saw a lot of blank and live firing over the course of 20 years and other than replacing cones and one hammer, I can honestly say I got my money's worth out of them. My goal is to find an original 1860 that was made at the end of the run or the 2nd gen when they were reintroduced I think sometime around the 1960's. Love the Colt for shooting but my Remingtons work better on horse back because of the ability to swap cylinders. I enjoy your easy going style of presentations and look forward to more content like this. Cheers!

Excellent " Food for Thought " with this insightful video. Yes, indeed, the Ruger Old Army is an absolutely superb top of the line cap&ball percussion revolver. One can see the elements of the Remington, Rodgers & Spencer, Whitney, and the Blackhawk revolvers that make up the Ruger Old Army. The only other top-notch percussion cap&ball revolvers to compare would be the British Beaumont Adams, Tranter and Austrian Josef Schneigg model 1860 in the whopping 55 caliber. The Spanish Basque Muzzleloading Pistol and Rifle manufacturer, Arvancargas Arsa is producing replicas of the Beaumont Adams single/ double action percussion revolvers in 43 caliber and soon a 50 caliber Dragoon version. Stainless steel is also an option. My life and others lives of others depended on my Ruger Old Army that I purchased in 1984 while under the " Magical Age of 2" that I carried as a Arned Security Guard and Hunter in the 1980's and til this day while hunting or for Wilderness Defense purposes. For the ultimate in power effect with the Ruger Old Army, for Hunting or Wilderness Defense purposes, against apex predatorial animals, consider using my proven Kaido Ojamaa-VKJV Universal Bullets in 255/240/220 grains RFN conical bullets.

Really love your info on the BP arms. They aren't the new sexy, but I really enjoy some relaxing time at the range with some slow fire BP weapons.

U have peeked my interest in percussion pistols. Time to do some homework ,thx.

Hi Karl, the grip on those reminds me of my 1875 Remington. I love shooting that revolver it's heavier than the colts,but I shoot it better. Thanks for sharing and all your hard work.

Love the looks of the Ruger old army revolvers. Wish I had bought one back in the day.

I’ve wanted one forever.

I'm not into percussion but all my future Peacemaker "clones" will be Rugers. Several years ago I scratched my itch for a cowboy revolver with an Italian reproduction of a 1873 SA-I learned a lot. The need to regularly detail strip the gun to replace broken leaf springs gets really annoying.

FYI, The Old Army is safe to dry fire because the hammer was designed and manufactured with several thousandths clearance between it and the nipple. The two cannot ever contact one another by design. I have a four-digit serial numbered stainless model with 1976 200TH YEAR OF AMERICAN FREEDOM stamped into the barrel.

I licked out & gut the last Ruger Old Army. I read they stopped making them. So, I went down to my favorite gun store. gave him 500.00 bucks. I told him I wanted a stainless old army. He chuckled & said they stopped making them. Then he said they might still have the machinery. They might still get me one. Well, a couple of weeks he called my & said he had a gun for me. Although the price was higher. I zoomed down to the shop & picked up the most beast looking old army ever. I walked out the shop a very happy person.

You cant go wrong with any ruger gun I've ever owned or seen. Long gun or hand gun. I do like all those 6guns you have on that table works of art 👍

Thank you for this info! Very informative and entertaining.

Love seeing content from you mate, black powder or otherwise - history lives on at inrange.

There were nipples made for this revolver that took regular primers. A little slow to reload but probably no multiple discharges.

I have a pair of fixed sight pistols. Magnificent!

Have one it was my grandfather's and it's awesome

"the kind of heft that's really fun in your hand" - Karl

Good job: well-reasoned and coherent. While I can appreciate the advantages of the Ruger, (which RU-vid autocorrect seems to think should be “Roger”) I am happy enough with my Italian reproduction 1858 New Navy. Never going to put the number of rounds through it that a Cowboy Action shooter would. The .38 Special conversion cylinder actually shoots fairly straight with standard ammunition even though the round is undersized. (I have the mold to make the correct size of bullet, just haven’t bothered yet.) It is nice to have the alternative.

This gun is mostly based in appearance to the Remington 1858. This was the most popular black powder revolver in Civil War.

Are you listening, Ruger? I would love to have gotten my hands on one of the 5 1/2" stainless models and I don't think I'm alone.

I've had a stainless long barrel with target sights for 20 years and a few times attempted to get a 5.5" fixed sight model. They have become so expensive I finally gave up.

Very well done. Oh, and like all Ruger revolvers this'll double as a useful hammer.

I was able to procure a 7.5 Blued for around $600 total. I was not looking for a NIB, just the gun (it was un-fired). Considering you would spend a minimum of $350 (w/shipping) to $550 w/shipping (and up) for the real deal (grin) 47 Walker, that ain't too bad for the best. I ran 5 cylinders through it with no cleaning a few weeks back. Its does run and reliably. The only issue is the rammer/cylinder removal monkey motion and I lost a rammer that went up and away, never to be found despite some serious searching. The one issue I found was accuracy was much better with .454 ball vs the .457 it was intended to shoot (no idea why). Still a good seal ( per Karl and his Chain Fire Video and its been the solid truth)

Had no idea. Good video! Thanks.

Holy shit this unlocked a core memory for me. I was 14 and my grandpa and I were in town hitting up garage sales. A guy had 2 of these for sale. The one with the adjustable sights and the 7 inch fixed sight. Just like the ones you have. Guy wanted $350 for them. I wanted grandpa to get one because I thought it was cool. But he didn't think so. That was 13 years ago.

I saw this gun, a few years ago, in guns, and ammo, with an extra 45 cylinder. It was nice. I still like it. It's good.

Ive broken the handspring on Single Action Army before but luckily you can replace it yourself very easily because the guns are so simple

Very handsome pistols!

Believe my uncle had a Remington one Wish I bought one

Another great video! Thanks Karl!!!

All true. The Ruger is the slickest and easiest way to win in CAS and I have a few pair. However because they make the Frontiersman no more challenging than any cartridge category I prefer the 1860 Armies. Winning the National championships with the 1860 is much more satisfying.

Those are really well thought out, well built pieces of machinery that just happen to look good while being so. I want one just because of what it would feel like to work its parts. It's the engineer/mechanical draftsman in me. I can't help it. I want to know how it works, feel the tolerances as parts slide and turn over and around each other. And how the indexing and firing mechanism interacts. All kinds of fun going on at once! Wheel guns rule.

my first gun was a colt 1851 navy from my grandpa. my favourite to shoot was the colt 1860. my favourite sights were definitely the remmington 1858 fixed sights

Once touted as THE most accurate, off the shelf c&b revolver. Probably still true. I shot one for hours, reloading as fast as I could, used up a tin of caps. No cap jams, no lock ups. Plus, they wow people. (DANG, that’s a BIG ol’ hog leg!!)

I love my ruger old army. My favorite cap and ball revolver

Great video!

No coil springs in Muzzle Loaders Associations International Committee (MLAIC) competitions. only leaf is allowed. i wish i could had the coilspring revolver and still use it in competition

I was considering one of these back when they were still produced. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough coin, the Five inch would be the best hence the rarity. I bet you have a lot of fun in your match’s with that one. ☝️👍👍

Awesome video and your guns are beautiful!

I can definitely see there not being enough market demand to keep a percussion revolver with no historical interest attached to it in continuous production, but my gut thinks that, with how easily CNC machines can be retooled, there should still be enough to justify making a new batch every few years or when the remaining stock from the last batch gets too low.