Ruger Old Army Black Powder question?

The Virginian

The Virginian

New member
When my father passed away, I inherited several of his guns and in the collection is a Ruger Old Army BP 7 1/2" stainless. My question is, I don't know what caliber it is? I looked on Ruger's website and there's no charts to look at to decipher the serial number. I called and left a message with Ruger, but they haven't returned my call.

I don't intend ever shooting BP pistol so I'm going to sell it. I saw many on GB to get a feel for what they sell for.

Thanks,

Eric
 
It's a 45 cal and takes a .457 round ball with black powder only. I think the charge they called for was 30 grains. Hope this helps.

Jim
 
Thanks Jim! I see on GB these sell from anywhere from $350 to $700. What should I ask for it? It's in pristine condition but no box or manual. I may have them but I'll have to root around and see if I can find them.
 
The fixed sight model is a little more desirable then the adjustable for the Cowboy Action Shooters as the adjustable is not allowed.
I sold a pair of of the rarer SS 5 1/2" fixed sight models with extra cartridge conversion cylinders about a year or two ago for $1200 for the pair.
Different parts of the country will bring different prices and I havnt kept current with todays prices but a year or so back

Fixed sight 7 1/2s could fetch $375-425

Adjustable 7 1/2s would bring $275-325

Checking with GB should get you a good idea of todays values.
 
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Prices quoted above seem a little low...I just got $575.00+ shipping for a stainless adjustable sight old army and the guy acted glad to get it. I dont think I have ever seen one bring less than $400, even the blued ones. If I am not mistaken I want to say Ruger deleted the old army last year or the year before.
 
You should not sell it. I shot competition BP for a couple years using the Ruger. Best bet is buy a Conical Bullet mould and pour your own lead bullets. They are easy to make just melt old Roofing Jacks or pipes on a Coleman Camping stove and pour the lead into the Mould. Break open the Mould smear some grease on the bullet and you are ready to shoot. No sizing is wanted or needed. The lever on the pistol forces the bullet into the cylinder and seals the chamber. I even hand made my caps. These Pistols are almost totally reliable especially if you use Alcohol for cleaning.
 
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