Make: Ruger
Model: Old Army
Serial Number: 145-56865
Year of Manufacture: 1987
Caliber: .45
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Barrel Length: Custom 12" barrel.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a serrated, ramped base screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the topstrap. The sights are not original to the gun.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with black-on-silver Ruger medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally shy to the grip frame, possibly replaced. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few spots of erosion that have been scrubbed out, most notable on the right of the frame at the bottom-front. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition as customized.
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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a John Taffin Collection 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 1987 stainless steel example has been customized with a 12" barrel, giving it a distinctive appearance and significantly longer sight-radius compared to factory-original examples. Mechanically, the revolver is sound, with a strong bore, good mechanics, and light wear in its durable stainless steel.
For collectors and shooters, this Old Army is both a practical black powder revolver and an appealing custom piece from the notable collection of prolific gun-writer John Taffin. With its long sight radius, strong 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. Please see our photos and good luck!
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)". FFL required.
