John Taffin Stainless Ruger Old Army 7.5” .45 Cal Percussion Revolver 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,222.00
LSB#: LSB250701SS081
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 145-42465
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Caliber: .45 Cal. Black Powder Only
Action Type: Percussion Black Powder 6 Shot Revolver with Ramrod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “145-42465” The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER OLD ARMY” The cylinder is marked, “BLACK POWDER ONLY” The barrel is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.” With a warning label.
Barrel Length: 7.5?
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a ramped serrated blade pinned to the barrel. The rear sight is a micro-adjustable square notch pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth birdshead maple panels. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate at Very Good + condition. These grips are not original to this revolver, the grip frame and trigger guard has been replaced with brass.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One 6rd .45 Cal. Cylinder
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is a crisp turn line. There are scratches and light rub marks throughout. The brass frame has light spots of patina. The screw heads are sharp save for the grip screw which is lightly tooled. The markings are clear. This revolver is in overall Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Old Army has long been recognized as the strongest and most refined percussion revolver ever built, combining the traditional look and function of a cap-and-ball black powder revolver with Ruger’s modern engineering and metallurgy. Introduced in 1972, the Old Army was loosely based on the Blackhawk frame and designed to handle the pressures of full black powder charges with unmatched strength and durability. Produced until 2008, it became a favorite of black powder shooters who wanted a reliable, accurate, and safe revolver that could stand up to years of use. This 1982 stainless steel example features the longer 7.5-inch barrel, providing excellent balance and sight radius. It has been customized with a brass grip frame and trigger guard, fitted with attractive smooth birdshead maple grips, giving it a distinctive appearance compared to factory-original examples. Mechanically, the revolver is sound, with smooth action, tight lockup, and a crisp trigger pull. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Externally, it retains about 95% of its finish, with light scratches and handling wear, while the brass components show light patina that adds to its character.
For collectors and shooters, this Old Army is both a practical black powder revolver and an appealing custom piece. While it has been altered from factory configuration, the combination of stainless construction, brass grip frame, and maple grips gives it a unique aesthetic that stands out from standard examples. With its excellent bore and reliable mechanics, it remains a fine shooter for black powder enthusiasts, while its connection to Ruger’s legacy of strong revolvers ensures it will always have collector interest. This revolver would make a standout addition to any Ruger collection, black powder lineup, or as a functional and eye-catching cap-and-ball revolver for the range. -R.E.
