Author Topic: Ruger Old Army (Read 907 times)

Good time Charlie · « **on:** October 01, 2003, 03:18:29 PM »

I just recived my new stainless Old army by Ruger.I was supprised at the slop in the gun. I have a 1858 remington .44 by petta and everything is much tighter on it than the ruger. When you cock the hammer on the petta the cylinder is solid as a rock. On the ruger you can shake it around and the loading lever is just floping around under the barell. If anyone owns A ruger old army I would like to know if this is normal in this gun.

SAWgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2003, 12:54:25 AM »

Nope, and I got mine used. I have a little (very little) play in the ram-rod, but the cylinder has very tight lock up. My Super Blackhawk is the same way, and it came from the factory "tight". I would look into getting it fixed.

osceola · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2003, 04:41:22 AM »

I've owned my ROA since 1993 and have put thousands of rounds thru it, both round ball and conicals. Last year I got the R&D conversion cylander for it as well. The gun was solid when I purchased it and is so today, no rattles.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2003, 12:52:19 PM »

My old ROA from the 70's smooth and tight. The stainless I had from the early 90's was also tight, but not a well finished. You may be able to do a little fitting on the rammer, or get a stronger spring, but if the cylinder and bolt are sloppy get it back to Ruger.

Good time Charlie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2003, 04:11:52 PM »

I took my ROA out and shot it today. With the R&D drop in it shot about six to seven inches high. With magtech cal. With the cap & ball cyinder and thirty grains of FFF clean shot and some .454 balls, this is what I had on hand. It calls for .457. They shot better. With the exception of bullet creep in the cyinder from the recoil. I will not shoot C&B again with out the .457 balls.

As near as I can tell I have some work to do to find out just what will work best! Thanks for any and all help. I need it!

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2003, 07:43:16 AM »

Be sure you have a bag of Ox Yoke Wonder Wads. I like to take a little T/C or OxYoke lube and smear on them, then stick them (on a paper towel while your wife's gone) in the micrwave for 10-12 seconds to melt it into the wad. I ususally get better accuracy with 2F so load it closer to 40gr. That also helps fill the chamber. Then in goes the felt wad then the 457 ball. I get well under 2" groups at 25 yds, no crossfires and no lube leaking into my holster. American Pioneer also works great in the ROA.

Led · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2003, 05:07:55 AM »

Mine had a sloppy ramming lever also.

Seem's it was a tad "too short".

My cure was to back out the screw in the front of the ramrod...which allowed the latch to engage the keeper better...in effect "lengthening" the rod.

Some RED locktite keeps the screw from turning. Just remember that if you want to remove the screw....some heat will be in order.

That tightened up the lever for me real nice!!

Also had buggered screw heads right from the factory that I had to dress up. A little quality control problem on the OA assembly line??