"Make: Ruger
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 145-80874
Year of Manufacture: Modern Production (Pre-2008 Discontinuation)
Caliber: .44 Caliber Black Powder
Action Type: Single Action Cap & Ball Revolver with Six-Shot Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with the standard Ruger Old Army model designation and manufacturer’s address. The right side of the frame bears the Ruger logo and serial number.
Barrel Length: 7.5”
Sights / Optics: Front Sight: A ramped blade, pinned to the barrel. Rear Sight: A fully adjustable square-notch target sight mounted on the top strap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with smooth walnut grips, showing light handling wear and minor finish loss at the butt. The grips remain structurally sound and rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with sharp rifling. There is no visible corrosion, erosion, or fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original stainless finish. The only notable wear is on the grips and a faint turn line on the cylinder. The revolver shows a turn line on the cylinder, indicating it has been cycled and carried, but there are no burn marks on the cylinder face, suggesting it has seen little to no actual firing. The chambers are clean, with no signs of corrosion or fouling.
The screw heads are sharp, and the factory markings remain crisp and clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition, showing signs of being carried but very little, if any, use.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder indexes properly, locks up tightly, and the hammer holds at both half- and full-cock. The trigger is crisp, and all mechanical components operate as expected. We did not fire this revolver. As with all black powder firearms, a thorough cleaning and inspection may be necessary before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a leather holster, which shows light wear but remains in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Old Army is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most reliable black powder revolvers ever made. Built on a modified Ruger Blackhawk frame, the Old Army takes inspiration from classic 19th-century cap & ball revolvers but improves upon them with modern metallurgy, precision machining, and adjustable target sights.
Unlike original Civil War-era revolvers, the Ruger Old Army is built to withstand heavy loads, provide exceptional accuracy, and deliver superior reliability. The stainless steel construction makes this revolver resistant to corrosion, which is crucial for black powder shooters who deal with caustic black powder residue.
This example appears to have been carried but not fired extensively, if at all. The turn line on the cylinder indicates handling, but there are no burn marks, no fouling, and the bore remains flawless. The original finish is intact at about 98%, and the leather holster makes this a complete package for collectors or shooters.
For black powder enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a top-tier percussion revolver, the Ruger Old Army is one of the finest examples ever produced. Whether for historical appreciation, competitive shooting, or backcountry carry, this is a top-tier cap & ball revolver that blends tradition with modern durability.
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