Ruger Old Army

I have two stainless with adjustable sights as well as an ancient blued. I have three R&D conversion cylinders that fit perfectly in all of them. R&D cautions against overly hot loads and after a conversation with the owner I understand the reasons which are a matter of necessary design considerations. Their recommendations are conservative but that's only prudent. Any .45 Colt is a good stopper; it's also a great black powder cartridge.

I had another very illuminating conversation with one of the Ruger factory people at an NRA meeting and show. He told me that they had tested the Old Army with heavy loads of smokeless with no ill effect. This is hardly surprising since the Old Army uses the Blackhawk frame, one of the strongest designs ever conceived. I commonly use duplex loads of black and Red Dot; I've use up to 50% Red Dot. Although I prefer lead bullets the Old Army digests jacketed as well but with less accurate result. The old timers considered round ball a better man stopper than conical; modern test confirm that.

With three of these revolvers I have eighteen shots. Unless I'm fighting an army I'll either have won or I'll be long dead by the time I run out. And don't forget the conversion cylinders.