John Taffin Ruger Old Army 5.5” .45 Cal Percussion Revolver, Fixed Sights
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: LSB250701SS068
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 148-08297
Year of Manufacture: 2002
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, “148-08297” 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: 5.5?
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a quarter moon blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch cut into the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered horn panels with silver Ruger medallions. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp Overall, the grips rate at Very Good condition. These grips are not original to this revolver.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One 6rd Unfluted .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 mild fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a crisp turn line in the cylinder. There are scratches and moderate rub marks throughout. The action has light wear. 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 is often regarded as the strongest and most refined percussion revolver ever built, combining traditional black powder operation with Ruger’s modern manufacturing standards. Introduced in 1972 and discontinued in 2008, it was built on a frame derived from the Blackhawk and designed to safely handle full black powder charges with excellent durability and accuracy. Unlike 19th-century percussion revolvers, the Old Army benefited from modern steels, machining, and design updates, making it uniquely reliable among black powder handguns. The fixed-sight models, such as this one, provide a more traditional appearance and handling profile compared to their adjustable-sight counterparts, appealing strongly to shooters and collectors who appreciate historical styling. This 2002-produced stainless example features the desirable 5.5-inch barrel, a compact and well-balanced length that makes it more maneuverable without sacrificing ballistic performance. The revolver retains about 97% of its finish, with scattered rub marks and scratches consistent with light use. The cylinder shows a sharp turn line, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only mild fouling, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The revolver wears aftermarket checkered horn grips with Ruger medallions, which are in very good condition and add a distinctive character to the piece, though they are not original. Mechanically, it is sound, with smooth action and secure lockup.
For collectors and black powder shooters, the Ruger Old Army remains a highly desirable revolver due to its reputation as the pinnacle of percussion handgun design. Its stainless finish, compact 5.5-inch barrel, and fixed-sight configuration make this example particularly appealing for those who prefer a traditional look paired with Ruger’s unmatched durability. While it does not include its original grips or packaging, it is an excellent revolver both for display and as a functional black powder sidearm. For enthusiasts of Ruger revolvers, cowboy action shooting, or historical-style firearms with modern engineering, this Old Army stands out as a strong addition to any collection. -R.E.
