Stainless Ruger Old Army .45 Colt Howell Conversion Revolver, MFD 2004
SOLD FOR: $1,412.00
LSB#: LSB251202DH034
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 148-09612
Year of Manufacture: 2004 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt Conversion
Action Type: Percussion Black Powder 6 Shot Revolver W/ Cylinder Conversion & Ramrod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “148-09612” The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER OLD ARMY” The barrel is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade pinned into a base. The rear sight is a square cut notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth dark wood. There are light scratches or handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate about Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One 6rd .45 Colt Cylinder
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are small scratches and nicks throughout. There is some light action wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins undamaged. The markings are clear. This pistol is in overall Excellent 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. This revolver has a .45 Colt Howell conversion cylinder installed.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This 2004 Ruger Old Army fitted with a Howell .45 Colt conversion cylinder represents one of the most versatile configurations of Ruger’s modern percussion revolver platform. The Old Army was engineered as a robust cap-and-ball revolver using modern stainless steel construction rather than strictly replicating a specific 19th century design. Its solid frame, tight tolerances, and durable metallurgy earned it a reputation as one of the strongest percussion revolvers ever manufactured. In this example, the 5.5 inch barrel offers balanced handling and a practical sight radius, maintaining the revolver’s classic profile while enhancing usability. Equipped with a Howell six-shot .45 Colt conversion cylinder, this revolver bridges traditional black powder aesthetics with metallic cartridge capability. The .45 Colt cartridge, introduced in the 1870s, remains deeply rooted in American revolver history and offers broad versatility in loading options. The fixed square-notch rear sight and serrated ramp front sight provide a straightforward and durable sight picture, consistent with the Old Army’s purposeful design. Retaining the original percussion frame and loading lever assembly while utilizing a conversion cylinder gives the revolver a distinctive hybrid character that combines historical styling with modern cartridge convenience.
Conditionally, this example presents in excellent overall shape, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original stainless finish with only light scratches and minor nicks visible. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, earning a strong 9.5 out of 10 rating. The smooth dark wood grips show only light handling marks and remain free of cracks or structural issues. The screw heads and pins are sharp and undamaged, and the markings are clear and legible. Taken together, this Ruger Old Army with Howell conversion offers a well-preserved and mechanically sound example of a stainless revolver that successfully merges percussion-era styling with practical .45 Colt cartridge. -R.E.
