Author Topic: Ruger Old Army ok for Hunting? (Read 697 times)

sawebbshooter · « **on:** July 15, 2005, 09:44:23 PM »

First off, I've not gotten into b.p. so far. I was reading a John Taffin article on hunting loads in the new "Guns Annual" and in the general discussion on handgun hunting he spoke of inappropriate guns for the task and included cap and balls. Well, my quetion is: ROA- yea or nea? Longish barrel with adjustable sights, why not? This didn't make sense to me and I wondered what people think here.

P.S. Past my bedtime, I thought I was on the cap and ball forum. What do Ruger-shooting cap and ball folks think? Seems like enough thump to me

TNrifleman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2005, 01:29:55 AM »

The ROA is a fine BP revolver. Having said that, I don't think it is a good choice as a primary arm for hunting deer. No doubt, it would kill, but I'm afraid the risk of lost deer is too high. It doesn't possess the needed power in my opinion. In Tennessee, one would be legal, but so is a 4" barrel 38 Special. Just one opinion.l

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2005, 08:53:52 AM »

here in Arkansas a blackpowder Firearm must have at least a 10" barrel to be legal for deer hunting.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2005, 01:24:55 PM »

You are starting out with a little less power than a factory .45 Colt, but that round ball is losing velocity at a high rate. Any type of hunting with cap and ball is very up close and personal. Simply lacks momentum. Think in terms of feet rather than yards. ...and I have loved my Old Army for thirty years.