OT - It appears that Ruger is discontinuing the OId Army

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:56 pm

I looked at the official Ruger website. All of the Old Army models have the words discontinued under their description. What a shame.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:09 pm

Say it's not so!!!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:12 pm

I guess next year would be a good time to put my NIB OA up for sale.

Rusty <><

cutter · Post by **cutter** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:12 pm

It was a fine revolver too.
I guess it just couldn't compete with the Italian imports. When you can get an 1858 Remington target model, that shoots as just good for half the price...

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:34 am

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/ ... e=Revolver

That is how I read the information from their site. It is a shame .

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:08 am

Well, what did you expect. Bill died. I'm surprised it took this long. Have you seen the newest abortion. A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver. Ole Bill must be rolling. Won't be long till all they make are the ugliest (this from a Glock owner) auto pistols on the market. They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.

homefront · Post by **homefront** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:04 am

Their BP pistols are not replicas of anything. I'm considering an 1858 Remington, or an 1860 Colt Army replica because they're authentic, or very close to the original design. Those Rugers, while fine tools, just don't do anything for me. Kinda' (but not exactly) like those silly "inline" BP rifles that use propellant pellets and jacketed HP bullets, and laser guidance systems, and have a built-in DVD player. For me, it misses the point.
Not interested. I like flint and a flashpan, pure lead, real black powder and a front-stuffing gun I have to take apart and clean.

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:12 am

I don't believe that the Ruger Old Army is what you would call too modern in appearance or operation. I like the idea that it is the strongest cap and ball revolver out there. I wish that the money wasn't so tight right now,I'd get an extra.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:21 am

homefront wrote:Their BP pistols are not replicas of anything. I'm considering an 1858 Remington, or an 1860 Colt Army replica because they're authentic, or very close to the original design. Those Rugers, while fine tools, just don't do anything for me. Kinda' (but not exactly) like those silly "inline" BP rifles that use propellant pellets and jacketed HP bullets, and laser guidance systems, and have a built-in DVD player. For me, it misses the point.
Not interested. I like flint and a flashpan, pure lead, real black powder and a front-stuffing gun I have to take apart and clean.

You're not alone.

Post by **Hobie** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:25 am

My first year production just went up in value...

That'll work out well for the wife when I die.

cas · Post by **cas** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:10 am

jeepnik wrote: A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver.

They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.

I just want to make two points to/against what you're saying (and I've done noting but bash the new ownership)

The new Charger costs them nothing. They R&D was done years ago by other companies already selling them. And since the gun's made from already available parts, it costs them nothing extra. It was a smart move.

What the magazine ban and police sales have in common, I have no idea. The ban didn't effect LE in the least, some felt it helped. So I'm not sure what your point there is.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:08 pm

jeepnik wrote: A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver.
They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.

Ruger and Colt both supported bans on normal capacity magazines - I think in both cases it was because

a) competitors had come out with higher capacity magazines and
b) why compete by making better/cheaper products, when you can use the hammer of Government on your competitors?
c) both were courting Government contract purchases, and wanted to earn points by being politically 'reasonable'.

I haven't bought a new Colt or Ruger since. The RIGHT thing to do when the ban came up would have been to immediately terminate all sales to any government entities. Barrett firearms did almost that, and I DO respect that company - just wish I could afford to buy/shoot one of their fine products...

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:59 pm

The Ruger Old Army has been over-priced for the last few years along with the rest of the guns they make.

Back in the day they advertised that because they "cast" their frames, etc. that they could always undersell their competitors who "forged" their frames, etc.. They make great guns but they are just over-priced in most cases.

Part of it has to do with the Italian Clones (Uberti makes a premo 58 Remington) but Ruger has done it to itself much like some of the other USA gun companies whose guns are going up and up and up and up with their quality going down and down and down and down.

Just my opinion.

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:08 pm

Ed,

Ruger -Overpriced?

Maybe for some of their offerings, but for the most part, Ruger makes a great quality gun for less than Colt, S&W and some others.

Sad to see the OA go, but there are a bunch around in the used market that guys bought for the novelty and don't use.

Also, Uberti makes a nice .44 for cheap, so I don't really mind if Ruger stops their BP pistols.

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:17 pm

I'd like to know who makes a cap and ball revolver as strong as the Ruger Old Army. I know that Uberti makes some nice replicas but are they as stout ? I know some will comment on the historical accuracy aspect but I am more of a shooter and hunter.

Is there another replica that can be loaded with max charges of H777 under a conical bullet for medium game?

Jeff Quinn · Post by **Jeff Quinn** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:39 pm

Gentlemen,
It is a lot simpler than some of you are trying to make this.
Ruger makes what will sell. They have a lot of tooling that can be used to make what the public will buy. Ruger will sell probably 500 auto pistols for every Old Army. I love the Old Army. It is the best and strongest cap and ball revolver ever built. However, they just do not sell as well as more popular designs.
I can guarantee you that if a distributor places an order for 1000 Old Army revolvers at SHOT, Ruger will make them.
Shooters (or those who profess to be) holler all the time for new guns to be built, but then try their best to find fault with what is offered. Case in point is the newest from Ruger; the .327 Federal. Before the first gun hit the dealer's shelves, shooters were whining all over the internet about it being in the wrong gun, the wrong barrel length, etc. Ruger will bring it out in other variations, but something had to be first.
I wonder how many who are griping about Ruger dropping the Old Army has bought one?

Jeff Quinn
Gunblast.com

ScottT · Post by **ScottT** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:54 pm

Brother Jeff speaks the truth.

I love the Old Army too, but I was not buying a bunch of them and cannot whine now that they did not sell well.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:10 pm

cas wrote:
jeepnik wrote: A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver.

They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.
What the magazine ban and police sales have in common, I have no idea. The ban didn't effect LE in the least, some felt it helped. So I'm not sure what your point there is.

Two separate points. First, the mag ban showed there true colors regarding what the think civilians should be allowed to own. As far as I know, they were the only fireams company backing it. I doubt Bill Ruger would have backed it. Of course the ban didn't effect the police market that's sorta the point. Second, they are dropping their black powder pistol which has only civilian use. Yet, they recently introduced another auto pistol. And, they are pushing hard to get a piece of the police market. Of course the ban didn't include police, ol

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:14 pm

What homefront said!!

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:51 pm

Jeff Quinn wrote:Gentlemen,
I wonder how many who are griping about Ruger dropping the Old Army has bought one?
Jeff Quinn
Gunblast.com

I've got one (blued) and I've got three R&D (?) Conversion Cylinders for it.

I ran across an article in one of the Cowboy Magazines (SASS maybe) or Guns of the Old West with an article by John Taffin about taking the loading ram and everything off and leaving just the Cylinder Pin on. Anyway, I did that and it works very good. Loading it with the alteration is just as fast if not a little faster than loading a regual single action.

Too bad they're gone but it's just my opinion that pricing had a lot to do with it.

Dang - I haven't had mine out of the gun safe for a couple of years. I oughta go check on it.

buckeyeshooter · Post by **buckeyeshooter** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:02 pm

I always thought they were intgeresting, however, I could never justify the price. I could purchase a vaquero or blackhawk for that amount of money.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:09 pm

I don't have one and I'm "whining" because now I'll have to find a used one that has just went up in price because the new ones are no longer made.....I'm going to SWH and Cabella's today.....if they have one, I might have to get it so I can offically, with permission, whine

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:33 pm

I went to my archived magazine library and found the article by Taffin (he wrote it under the name "Sixgunner") about the Ruger Old Army and Cartridge Converters.

It is the January/February 2005 (Volume 32) Issue of "Shoot Magazine", page 69. It's worth a look.

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:42 pm

They are no good for reenacting, and there's really not a lot of other uses for a blackpowder revolver. If you are in to hunting, the Walker clones are better for that.

The most logical reason to own one, is to have one of every Ruger sixgun ever made.

A local dealer has some of the cartridge conversion kits, but they are expensive.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:49 pm

I have a Ruger Old Army, that I have carried for years during Muzzeloading season for a quick 6 shots without reloading as a backup for my rifle.

It very accurate to 30yds anyway. I have finished off more then one deer with mine, and sometimes I would lay it out beside me for an easy close range shot on my off side, in some siduations. And it works great for a close range shot on coyotes, amidillos, etc.

It's a lot better gun then the Walker, except for one thing, the Walker holds more powder. They should have made the Ruger to hold 50 gr. of BlackPowder, like the Walker, instead of 40 grs.

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:41 pm

The Walker will hold 60 grains and it's equal to the .357 Magnum.

cutter · Post by **cutter** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:08 pm

The two negatives to the Walker revovler;

Poor loading lever design, easily fixed- The loading lever retaining tab is cut incorrectly on most reproductions. A few minutes with a file will solve that. Or a 51 Navy stlye latch can be installed with a little effort.

Poor sights, somewhat easily fixed- The rear of the barrel is plenty thick enough for a shallow dovetailed sight.

I prefer the replicas, ('specially the Walker )but am planning on purchasing a Ruger only because of this;
http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_ClementsFugett.htm

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:55 am

jeepnik wrote:Well, what did you expect. Bill died. I'm surprised it took this long. Have you seen the newest abortion. A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver. Ole Bill must be rolling. Won't be long till all they make are the ugliest (this from a Glock owner) auto pistols on the market. They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.

I thought they already made some of the ugliest guns available! That new 10/22 looks like it's be handy as hell for a pickup gun.

As for dropping good product lines, they're steaming towards hell as fast as possible. The turds they're churning out in the SA line make me sick. It couldn't save them THAT MUCH money to weaken the frames to the point that you can't use the Ruger only loads anymore. Why anyone would make a product suck just for people to play dress up with is beyond me. They could have just left the single actions as they were and offered them with the smaller grip frame.

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:51 am

"Why anyone would make a product suck just for people to play dress up with is beyond me. They could have just left the single actions as they were and offered them with the smaller grip frame."

The SASS folks wanted a gun that handled like the Colt. I don't blame them. Let's not forget that they buy tons of single action revolvers. The New Vaquero is much more popular than the old one was.

Unless you dress up, why would you want a fixed sighted single action revolver? That's why they make the Blackhawk which still handles loads that exceed SAMMI specs.

I wish they would have given us a .357 50th Anniv. frame sized revolver in .44 Specail. Everyone was begging for that. The bigget fault I have with most Ruger revolvers, is that they are too heavy for field use.

I've owned a bunch of Ruger revolvers but the only thing I have left is my
.357 50th Anniv.

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:31 am

I don't believe that Ruger revolvers are too heavy for field use. I have carried Super Blackhawks, Redhawks and Super Redhawks on an all day basis hunting and shooting. Never once complained about the wieght.

To me it is sad to see a sturdy revolver go the way of the feckless dodo. I know that it will hurt me financially but I want to get another this spring. I also like the idea of the Clements .50 caliber conversion.

awp101 · Post by **awp101** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:57 am

jeepnik wrote:Two separate points. First, the mag ban showed there true colors regarding what the think civilians should be allowed to own. As far as I know, they were the only fireams company backing it. I doubt Bill Ruger would have backed it.

Bill Sr backed the 10rd mag limit as a compromise because the original wording of the AWB would have banned the Mini14 in addition to ARs, AKs, etc.

IIRC he also said the 30rd mags and folding stock for the Mini14 were never meant for public sale either and that was PRE-AWB.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:31 am

I, too, leave the loadin lever linkage off my ROA while the .45 Colt cylinder's installed - mucho easier.

Too bad - BP guns aren't"regulated" (yet), and .45 Colt cylinders are just "parts" - Buying the combination was as much bother as buying a pair of sneakers.

dgr416 · Post by **dgr416** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:35 am

I bought both my stainless old army for $250 and blued one for $200 a few years back.They are awesome guns.Ruger also quit making their RSM dangerous game rifles for the cheaper 375 Hawkeye which breaks both stocks it comes in.You will see alot more cost cutting.They quit making the 220 swift also.Its a shame big companies only cater to the biggest profit.The Ruger #1 is also cut way back in models.The 10-22 full stocks are gone.I was suprised to still see the lever model 96 Ruger.Its not a big seller.

old goat · Post by **old goat** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:35 am

...Mr. Morgan:

...You seem to be overlooking an important fact. The original/old/large frame Vaquero, was introduced at the request of the "dress up" crowd. Therefore, I really cannot understand your apparent concern about the new/small frame Vaquero being made for them also.

...Guess I'm missing something about your post!

...old goat

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:56 pm

"Its a shame big companies only cater to the biggest profit."

There is no point in producing a product that doesn't make a profit.

Texican · Post by **Texican** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:13 pm

Travis Morgan wrote:
jeepnik wrote:Well, what did you expect. Bill died. I'm surprised it took this long. Have you seen the newest abortion. A pistol made on a 10/22 receiver. Ole Bill must be rolling. Won't be long till all they make are the ugliest (this from a Glock owner) auto pistols on the market. They want the police market. Shoulda' figured that out when they supported the ten round mag law.
I thought they already made some of the ugliest guns available! That new 10/22 looks like it's be handy as hell for a pickup gun.

As for dropping good product lines, they're steaming towards hell as fast as possible. The turds they're churning out in the SA line make me sick. It couldn't save them THAT MUCH money to weaken the frames to the point that you can't use the Ruger only loads anymore. Why anyone would make a product suck just for people to play dress up with is beyond me. They could have just left the single actions as they were and offered them with the smaller grip frame.

Aren't y'all just a ray of sunshine? And I thought this was a civilized place.

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:33 pm

old goat wrote:...Mr. Morgan:

...You seem to be overlooking an important fact. The original/old/large frame Vaquero, was introduced at the request of the "dress up" crowd. Therefore, I really cannot understand your apparent concern about the new/small frame Vaquero being made for them also.

...Guess I'm missing something about your post!

...old goat

My gripe is that I'll no longer be able to go out and buy a new large frame Vaquero suitable for any use. I'll be limited to the used market or the stuff they're making now.

OT - It appears that Ruger is discontinuing the OId Army

OT - It appears that Ruger is discontinuing the OId Army

Ruger old army