Ruger Old Army Pair .45 Cal 5.5” Cap & Ball Percussion Revolvers, MFD 2000s
SOLD FOR: $3,201.00
LSB#: LSB260124JG011
LSB#: LSB260124JG012
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 148-11635 (JG011)
Serial Number: 148-11983 (JG012)
Year of Manufacture: 2006 & 2007 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Cal. Black Powder Only
Action Type: Percussion Black Powder 6 Shot Revolver with Ramrod.
(JG011) Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “148-11635” The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER OLD ARMY” The cylinder is marked, “FOR BLACK POWDER ONLY” The barrel is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.”
(JG012) Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “148-11983” The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER OLD ARMY” The cylinder is marked, “FOR BLACK POWDER ONLY” The barrel is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sights are quarter moon blades fixed to the barrel. The rear sights are square notches cut into the topstrap.
(JG011) Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered horn panels. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are no chips, or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate at about Very Good condition.
(JG012) Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered horn panels. There is light handling marks and scratches throughout. There are no chips, or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate at about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One 6rd .45 Cal. Cylinder
(JG011) Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some faint stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
(JG012) Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some faint stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
(JG011) Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The cylinder has a crisp wide turn-line. The action has light wear from use. The screw heads are sharp and the pins undamaged. The markings are clear. This pistol is in overall Very Good to Excellent condition.
(JG012) Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The cylinder has a crisp wide turn-line. The action has light wear from use. There is a cut under the hammer due to its modification. The screw heads are sharp and the pins undamaged. The markings are clear. This pistol is in overall Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly. We did not fire these handguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. Both revolvers have a modified hammer that has been turned down along with lightened springs.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This matched pair of Ruger Old Army percussion revolvers, manufactured in 2006 and 2007, represents one of the final production runs of Ruger’s modern black powder revolver platform before discontinuation. The Old Army was introduced in 1972 as Ruger’s enhanced interpretation of the cap-and-ball revolver, built with modern materials and tighter tolerances rather than as a direct historical reproduction. Its solid frame design, adjustable sights, and robust construction set it apart from traditional percussion revolvers and made it one of the most durable black powder handguns ever produced. The 5.5 inch barrel configuration offers a balanced profile well suited for both recreational shooting and field carry. These revolvers are chambered in .45 caliber for black powder use and utilize a six-shot percussion cylinder system. Both bores are bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, earning ratings of 9.5 out of 10 with only light fouling present. Each revolver retains approximately 98 percent of its original stainless finish with light handling marks and pronounced cylinder turn lines from use. The checkered horn grip panels on both examples remain in Very Good condition with only light wear and no structural damage.
These revolvers have been modified with bobbed hammers and lightened springs, resulting in a smoother and lighter action compared to factory configuration. The actions function correctly and reflect light operational wear. One revolver shows a modification cut beneath the hammer, while both retain sharp screw heads and clear markings. Overall, this pair of Ruger Old Army revolvers stands as a desirable set from the final years of production, combining modern construction, custom modifications, and strong overall condition in a matched black powder pair. -R.E.
The Ruger Old Army is not a “replica of an antique firearm”. It is “readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the…breechblock (cylinder)”.