Ruger Old Army .45 Black Powder Percussion Revolver, 7.5 Inch Barrel, Adjustable Sights, 1970s Production
The Ruger Old Army is a robust American-made black powder percussion revolver built on a modern Ruger design. This example features a 7.5 inch barrel, adjustable iron sights, and an unfluted six-shot cylinder marked "BLACK POWDER ONLY." Its 140- serial prefix aligns with an approximate 1978 ship year per Ruger records, adding useful context for buyers and collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The action is seized and will require someone familiar with the platform to disassemble and inspect. This item is sold AS-IS.
What’s Included
- Ruger Old Army .45 black powder revolver
- Six installed percussion nipples
Ruger engineered the Old Army around its modern single-action framework rather than copying a 19th-century pattern. The result is a strong steel construction with a steel frame, barrel, and unfluted six-chamber cylinder. Markings include "RUGER OLD ARMY" on the model line, "BLACK POWDER ONLY" on the cylinder, and the Southport, Connecticut barrel address.
The 7.5 inch barrel uses a 1:16 inch right-hand twist, a factory pairing with .457 round balls for consistent performance. The sighting system is straightforward and precise, combining a ramped front blade with an adjustable square-notch rear.
Controls and operation follow a familiar single-action format, with a serrated spur hammer and a six-round percussion cylinder. The under-barrel captive loading lever/rammer supports straightforward loading at the bench or in the field.
Ergonomics are anchored by checkered wooden grip panels. Built in the United States, this Old Army reflects late-1970s production with a 140- serial prefix, aligning with an approximate 1978 ship year per Ruger serial history.