John Taffin Stainless Ruger Old Army 5.5” .45 Cal Percussion Revolver 2001
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB250701SS034
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 145-93159
Year of Manufacture: 2001 (ATF Modern)
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, “145-93159” 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″ The crown has been chamfered.
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 bone grips with silver Ruger medallions. 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
Type of Finish: Stainless
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. 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. There are scratches and light rub marks throughout. 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 widely considered the finest cap-and-ball percussion revolver ever produced, blending 19th-century design principles with Ruger’s modern manufacturing techniques. Introduced in 1972, the Old Army was based loosely on the Blackhawk frame but built to handle the pressures of black powder with unmatched strength, durability, and accuracy. Unlike original 19th-century percussion revolvers, the Old Army featured modern steels, precision machining, and adjustable sights, making it a practical black powder revolver for both shooters and collectors. Though discontinued in 2008, it remains one of the most sought-after percussion revolvers due to its reputation for rugged reliability. This 2001-manufactured example is the stainless 5.5-inch barrel variant, a configuration prized for its balance between handling and ballistic performance. The revolver retains about 97% of its original finish, showing only light operational wear, a crisp cylinder turn line, and a few minor scratches. The bore is excellent, bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. It wears smooth bone grips with Ruger medallions, which are not original but complement the stainless frame nicely, giving it a distinctive look. Mechanically, the revolver is sound, with strong lockup and smooth function of the action.
For collectors and black powder enthusiasts, the Ruger Old Army represents the pinnacle of percussion revolver development. This stainless steel example with the desirable 5.5-inch barrel offers both aesthetic appeal and practical shooting capability. While it lacks its original grips and factory packaging, it remains an exceptionally strong and reliable revolver suitable for both display and use. For those interested in black powder firearms, cowboy action sidearms, or unique Ruger products, this Old Army stands out as one of the best percussion revolvers ever built and a worthy addition to any serious collection. -R.E.
