*SOLD* 1982 Ruger Old Army .44 Cal SS 7 1/2" *HEAD TURNING PERCUSSION REVOLVER*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The Ruger Old Army is a black-powder percussion revolver introduced in 1972 by the Sturm, Ruger company and manufactured through 2008. Models were made with a 7.5" and a 5.5 inch barrel. The Ruger Old Army revolver is unusual in that, unlike most percussion revolvers on the market, it was not based on a historical design but was a modification of Ruger's Blackhawk model, which was itself based upon the cartridge-firing Colt Peacemaker. The Old Army revolver accordingly incorporates many modern design features, though employing antiquated black-powder component loading. This design was built around the Blackhawk, but it takes its styling cues from the Spiller and Burr cap and ball pistol. This is due to the frame being longer in front to accommodate the loading lever and pivot pin. Earlier models were listed as .44 caliber, later as .45, but all use a .457” round balls or .454” conical bullets of pure lead. Unlike the Blackhawk, the Old Army did not make use of Ruger's transfer bar safety; instead the revolver relied upon a series of safety notches between each chamber on the cylinder like some models of the Remington/colt or other black powder revolvers of the mid-19th century had.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Ruger

Model: Old Army

Serial: 145-37980

Date of Manufacture: 1982

Caliber: .44

Finish: Stainless Steel

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Micrometer Click Rear

Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut with Ruger Medallions

Action: Cap & Ball / Percussion / Single-Action

Markings: Standard

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