They are great revolvers. One day you will pass it down to your kids.

Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate the history lesson and comparison you gave . I would like to try out the uberti and Remington revolvers. That is really spectacular shooting with a 3” group at 100yds. I agree with you on the uberti rear sight. You can get a hair pin sight on the target. I love the buck horn rear sights on a Winchester 1873 rifle. You can be pretty precisions with those too. Thanks again for the comments.

Thanks for the comment! They are awesome!

Wow! Stag grips too. I bet thats a nice looking revolver.

That's awesome! I like all the black powder revolvers. They are fun to shoot.

@@knightingalesaid fun times! Happy New Year!

Thanks for the comment!

Thanks for the comment. There are some great reproductions out there too.

Thanks for the comment. Yep, go out there and shoot that smoke pole.

That would be interesting!

Thank you so much. I would love to visit Australia. I have a collection of boomerangs and kylies.

That's awesome! I would like to have the 4.75" barrel one too.

It only came in a 7.5 and a 5 1/2 inch version. Was the 4.75 a barrel replacement or did someone cut the barrel down?

@@jbsack I dont know about the 4.75 replacement. Some measure the outside barrel and not the whole barrel including the forcing cone. There are gunsmiths that will make a replacement barrel at different length. Kind of a Sheriff model or concealable type revolver.

Thanks so much for the comment. They are special.

Great video for a great revolver. Bill Ruger designer his Blackhawk first and patterned it after the Remington Beals with beefed up frame. Basically he wanted a Wild West inspired revolver. While it is not an exact replica, it is pattered after the solid frame percussion revolvers. I have a collection of his writings and statements on the Blackhawk and Old Army. The name itself was carefully given by Bill Ruger as "the Old Army" and tells you what inspired the revolver. At a distance you cannot easily tell the old army from the Remington New Model Army. There has been talk of a re-issue. Thanks again for re-illuminating this great Classic from Ruger. It was Bill Ruger's favorite Revolver.

@@billlincolnmd9159 I heard there were two reasons they stopped making the old army. 1. Low sales - it may be the one of the best bp revolvers but black powder was and is a pretty thin market and.. 2. With the cartridge conversion cylinders, the lawyers realized they were becoming much more exposed to liability. While I love my ROA, I think that both those reasons are probably still valid and if there are any ROA rereleases they will probably be short-term and expensive.

Thanks for the comment!

Now, I would love to have one of those.

Thanks so much for the comment! That’s a great point.

I appreciate the people that do these. It helps to get the perspective and well done. I pick bits and pieces up here and there and can sometimes add a bit but sure don't do U Tube. If we all add good info to the it we get a good overall that is factual. I hate people who jump on others if the info is a bit wrong. No one is perfect. @@knightingalesaid

Thanks so much for your comment. Be safe, and thank you for your service.

I had an old army it was stolen from my car, when I stopped for lunch coming back from the range. also lost a nice Lemat replica

@@aryanson That hurts

To funny us old people. I do like the 1858 and the Old Army. You can buy 3 or 4 1858 Remington Uberte for the price of one Ruger but if you can get one under $700 you have a deal.

I didn't know that. It doesn't always work that way. Thanks for the comment.

@@knightingalesaid of course brother nothing mechanical is always 100% reliable, but firing the Ruger old army that was a treat in it self it makes you forget your firing a precussion revolver and with a 35gn charge it lifts that barrel straight up in the air allowing all my spent caps fall harmlessly away from the action, making it less that a cap guzzler.

@@leadbullets4life I agree. They are fun to shoot too. Thanks for the comment.

Well mate! If you are using round balls with a 148 gr. wt. You can use 40 gr. of Goex 3Fg. That will give you 800 fps. If you use Triple 7 powder my favorite. Use 33 gr. That will give you 1000fps. Here are 3 loading charts you can screen save to your phone. They are on this video at 7:51 beginning. They are for the 148 gr round ball and a 225 an 255 gr. Conical bullets. Mike does some comprehensive videos on reloading the ROA. Take care happy shooting. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/graPl9qgl9S4mHU.html

Good point, it was the first revolver made.

It is! The Ruger was also tested with full loads of smokeless powder and the cylinders did not rupture. Some people will mix a tad of smokeless powder with black powder. I would never do that. The Colt Walker is a hoss for sure.

You should never ever shoot smokeless powder in a black powder gun. It can turn into a bomb. Triple 7 black powder is one of my favorite. Midway has most of what you need. Remember, never shoot any type of metal jacket bullet in black powder revolvers. Check out Midway for powder and bullets. Cabalas, Gander Mountain. www.midwayusa.com/black-powder-pistols-and-revolvers/br?cid=23204

It looks a lot like it. Those groves in between the nipples where the hammer rest are on the Remington. The ROA incorporated that too.

Thanks for the comment!

I agree. I wish they still made them. However you can find them on Guns America and Gun Broker at. times. Some of the other black powder revolvers shoot well and are really nice. This is a nice one to add to your collection.

@@knightingalesaid I've seen them occasionally on Gun Broker and they are getting stupid expensive prices for what is essentially a Ruger Blackhawk. No thanks I'll wait till' they rerelease them or one falls into my lap.

Bill Ruger promised to always make the Old Army. After his death his Son discontinued the Old Army. If it is ever remade by Ruger it would be in Honor of Bill Ruger. The ROA is very accurate. Good Video,Thanks.

@@williamlincoln7695 I wish they would make the ROA again in different cal. Thanks for the comment.

@@knightingalesaid The important point was to keep the gun"Exempt" as a "semi replica" cowboy percussion gun and non-firearm. Large numbers of people in New York and other areas could have these if they are non-firearms. Non-FFl guns. A huge part of the ROA market is from areas that prohibit firearms but allow guns that are gun control act exempt. Presently the ROA is exempt. If you went to a caliber that was not consistent with an antique percussion handgun you might eliminate that. Bill Ruger was very aware of the "off label" uses and markets for the Old Army. Although the ROA is not an exact replica of the Remington NMA it shares 12 points where it is a replica. It sure doesn't look like a Glock. Courts have wrangled over exactly how close a replica must be to be a replica. The Blackhawk was patterned after the Remington Beals to simulate it for Cowboy action use. The ROA was then taken from the Blackhawk castings. Due to inflation the ROA will only go higher in price.

Thanks for the comment. You won’t regret it. Enjoy!!

It is designed to be a black powder revolver. Bill Ruger knew if he made it strong enough to shoot a 45 Mag. Load. He would not have to worry about it blowing up and being sued by someone. Its about liability. That's why they say shoot cowboy loads in the conversion cylinders. They dont want you to tempt fate. Reproductions are not made like the Ruger Old Army. It would cost them to much money to build.

The ROA is hard to beat. I like all the Black powder pistols. The 1860 is a beautiful design to me.

I agree a 100%!

The cardinal rule is never ever use smokeless powder in a ROA, or other types of black powder revolvers. They could turn into a hangernade. Always use black powder. One nice load with black powder would be: 35 grains of 777 fff with a wad and a .457 round ball. You could try the 23 grain load. It is all about hitting the target. Find that sweet load.

@@knightingalesaid have you used 777 loads in your 1860 army? I was wondering how an 1860 would hold up with some heavier bullets, something like a 220 kaido bullets and 777 loads for hunting

@@dwilliams6642 I haven't shot those in my 1860. The ROA handles them real well.

You mean a conversion cylinder. Yes they make conversion cylinders for black powder revolvers so that you can use a metallic cartridge. They cost about 250.00. You have to shoot watered down loads, we call cowboy loads in them to be safe.

@@knightingalesaidYou can shoot regular 45 colts out of a ROA with Kirst Conversion cylinders.

And there's the reason the ROA is no longer made....

I would have loved to see those grips.

I think that’s a good point. It very similar with the metallurgy of the Blackhawk revolver. I would like to have the .45 cartridge conversion cylinder. You can only shoot cowboy loads in it. I think that’s because of the cylinder metal integrity.

I like the 240 grain. Some hunters will bore the chambers deeper so they will hold more powder. Note what Kaido does: He deepens the chambers to hold 40 grains of 3F powder and shoots the 255 grain bullets. His bullets are harder than pure lead.

@@knightingalesaid any disadvantages of the 255 grain?

@@young_of_the_mill9560 You cant put as much powder in the chamber unless you deepen them. Kaido deepens his chambers to hold 40 grains of 3F to shoot the 255 gr. My chambers are not deepen to hold more powder. So I like the 240 grain.

@@knightingalesaid thank you for your insight

The longer the barrel, the more accurate they are. It gives them time to burn more powder, that equals more power too.

5.5" is pretty rare so I'd take that one.

@@Chrondo702a I have bought rare guns as an investment. I would like to have both.

You are right. I think I mentioned that. He designed the Blackhawk after the early Colt single six. And the ROA after the Blackhawk. You never see a ROA lined up with any 1800 revolvers. It doesn't fit in that class, it's a 1970's creation. Its frame is so strong that it could shoot a 44 mag. smokeless ctg. in testing.

Thanks for the comment. They are great revolvers. I really like mine too.

That’s an excellent point you have there. Metallurgy has come a long ways. The reproductions are fine revolvers and fun to shoot.

That’s awesome! I would like a SS too.

I agree. I would never try it though. They are tough. Thanks for the comment.

Wow, well it's a fine one to have. Come to America friend.

I acquired a ROA because I can make all the ammunition components, including percussion caps. With modern BP substitute powders like 777, Black Mag MZ, or even home made-it's quite formidable-particularly with cast conical bullets. And in the States, this revolver can be purchased and literally sent to your house through the mail. They are becoming quite rare and desirable now that they are no longer made

@@schinderiapraemeturus6239 I agree. It's under the radar from the powers that be. They are easy to get and fun to shoot.

@@schinderiapraemeturus6239 Love those Coke can percussion cap makers

There is a version of the ROA that has cowboy action non adjustable sights and the fame machined smooth to better replicate the antique guns AND it is very valuable going for the $1500-2000 range.

Awesome insightful video Gary. The Ruger Old Army percussion revolvers is truly a superbly made masterpiece of percussion revolvers. That is probably the most strongest made frame of modern made percussion revolvers. The Ruger Old Army is a hybrid design of parts of the Ruger Blackhawk, Rodgers& Spencer revolver (loading Lever system) and Remington NMA revolver cylinder notches and Frame neck shape. I have all my Ruger Old Army's cylinders deepened to hold 40 grains of 3F powder with my Big Daddy 255 grain Universal Bullet. Yes Greg, your are 100% correct the replicas are Not " ready to go out of the box". The replica revolvers especially the Colts all need to be "Well Regulated ". For this I have Master Black Powder Gunsmith Dykes Reber of the muzzleloadershop.com As well as Master Black Powder revolver Tuner Mike Brackett of goonsgunworks.com Well Regulate my Colt, Remington, Rodgers &Spencer revolvers. BP Gunsmith Dykes Reber works on my Ruger Old Army's. He deepens the Cylinder Chambers, Cut's the Forcing Cone. As well as mount Fiber Optic sights and add a Lanyard loop. There are some percussion revolvers that have not been reproduced- replicated that might be just as good or possible better then the Ruger Old Army. Such as the British Adams, and Tranter revolvers. The Austrian Josef Scheinigg M1860 in 55 caliber( longer cylinder version) as well as the Norweigian Kongsberg Arsenal 57 caliber Behemoth copy of the Adams. Triple Seven 3F Powder is ( my favorite) the best most powerful replica powder to use with my 255/240/220 Universal Bullets to acheive Defacto Magnum power factors. Pyrodex P is good slighly lesser powered then Triple Seven just the hydroscopuc effects of Pyrodex is more corrosive the even Real Black Powder. Black MZ Replica powder is also a good choice. Swiss Black Powder is also good as well as now defunct Slovenian KiK Black Powder. I await to see trst andbor test results of the new promising South African Black Powder known as "Obatex". Check out Obatex Powder on Facebook. As far as the Lead mix that I use for casting my Universal Bullets. I generally use strait Stick On Lead Wheel Weight Lead or I cut mix; Clip On Wheel Weights 40% to 60 % pure Lead . Which gives an avarage of about a 9 to 12 BHN hardness of the Bullets which is optimum for penetrating like Wild Boar or Bears. I can be contacted at kaido93@hotmail.com for any of my custom Universal Bullet molds which are all available for immediate shipment. Best Wishes Safe Hunting Season Journeys!

Thanks so much Mr. Ojamaa for your comment. I know you are a big fan of the ROA. I appreciate your insight on some of the other revolvers and powder loads. Also your lead mixture. Nothing is to good for our hairy friends. Safe hunting and keep up the good work.

@@knightingalesaid Your most welcome Sir. As I am also a life long Black Powder percussion revolver Shooter/ Hunter and seek the best most effective products for percussion cap&ball revolvers. For quicker efficient loading of percussion revolvers on the range or in the field. The use of Combustible Paper Cartridges is general terms the best choice to use. Over the years I found discovered that Thin Wax Paper makes for the overall best non nitrited paper to use as casing material to make CPC'S with my Universal Bullets. To be exact; Thin Deli Wax Paper is the most effective non nitrited paper which is very durable, self combustable, sealing, protective of the gunpowder from Water, Oil, Blood Fluids Humidity etc. See my burn rate test videos on You Tube. Watch "Combustable Burn Rates of Thin Wax Papers For Use In Making of Combustible Paper Cartridges" on KZfaq kzfaq.info/get/bejne/osWPpNKk35ixhnU.html

@@MrKaido93 I watched the video. That's very impressive on the wax paper test. I will definitely try it out.

Thanks for the comment. I didn’t know that.

Well, as far as the problems that existed with them. They didn't refine them and correct the issues they had in the 1800's.

You are right sir. Thanks!

Well it's not exactly the same revolver. I agree they do look similar. The ROA is not a clone of the 58 according to the Ruger company. You will not see a ROA displayed with the 1800's revolvers. It's made on the Blackhawk design. No max on the powder load, cylinders can be bored out on the ROA. The ROA has a round barrel, not octagon. Adjustable rear sight. Its heavier than the 58. Superior steel frame (modern metallurgy). I love the .58 design. Companies that build clones are not going to spend the money to make them exactly like the Ruger quality. That's why an ROA will cost you 5-800.00 and more. I get your point though.

@@knightingalesaid you've obviously never seen or held a real 58 Remington. The pieta 58 clone is rinkydink to the Remington. Ruger is better I'll give you that but that's about all.

@@knightingalesaid and if you want to see real power check out the Walker with 60 grains of powder. It was the most powerful hand gun for almost 100 years so much so some would literally blow themselves apart. I see the roa as a cross between the Walker and the 58 Design. Wouldn't a black powder pistol be something with the capacity to hold 60 grains and the luxury to have a top strap also

@@kennethbush2299 The Walker is a Hoss for sure. Someone always has to push things to the limit. Like Dirty Harry and the 44 mag. Then Charles Bronson with a 475 Wildey magnum. I wonder how many people sprained their wrist on the Walker. Some bird shot in that and you would have a 410 ga.

@@knightingalesaid I wonder if the Walker can burn 60 grains in a 7 inch barrel 60 or 70 in a rifle can but that's about all. I believe 77 is the max in a rifle and then it just blows out the excess un burnt. You can spread a sheet out on the ground in front of you and see what's burning and what isn't. I use 40 in the roa and it will burn it . In 60 yards it only drops a couple inches and dead on left and right

I studied it very well sir! Its built on the Ruger Blackhawk frame. Which was probably built after the colt. Just because it looks Similar the Remington doesn't mean he patterned it after it. Just saying.

@@knightingalesaid you haven't studied anything or you would have seen it. Check out guns of the old west spring 23 issue on Roa. Ruger used the Blackhawks why wouldn't he but the black powder workings are Remington Roger's and Spencer's. Maybe you should leave the videos alone until you figure out what your talking about. If you need to know anything else just ask. I have 40 plus years experience in them. I've yet to see a video on how to properly load a black powder. Just a hint it's a kitchen item

For some reason I didn’t get a notice of your post. When I started this video. I knew there would be some controversy. This often helps you find the truth. I too have spent decades studying and collecting all types of guns. The author of various articles is not always accurate to 100%. Nor do they all agree. My information is from other respected historical gun writers. I’m not saying the writer you read is wrong. But there are a lot of historians that believe otherwise. When you learn from other views, you may come up with the real truth eventually . I’ll order that book and look at that author. Thanks for the comment.

Thanks for the comment. I have not heard of those complaints before. The 45 ACP is a good idea. I have a custom 45 ACP.

In this day and age, it is my opinion that the ROA is No.1. No one can afford a 1800's Colt or Remington to plink all day. I don't think it would be safe. The ROA is not a reproduction so it really doesn't fit in the 1800's class. However it is a black powder revolver like no other. I'm not arguing the legacy of Colt or Remington. They are awesome companies. For hunting and target shooting. I would choose the ROA over the 1800's revolvers and the 1800's reproduction revolvers.

Bill Ruger was not yet born in 1840

@@JamesPerryWilliams That's the whole point. It wasn't cloned after a 1800's black powder revolver. It used some of those designs. It was to be a unique BP revolver.