I supose this is whare this post should be? I the reports are correct, the blued 7 1/2" ROA is passing away! I recently found a like new pre-warning pistol that left the fsctory in 1978!
Now, let's talk about what appears to have brought about it's death? some will say it's the replicas coming along, while others say it's the Cowboy Shooters.....we still see the shorter model with fixed sights.
All that may be true, but I think the average ML hunter has not appreciated what a great backup gun it is!
Now, I don't ML hunt from a tree stand or use inlines. I still hunt with a .50 cal slicked up TC Grey Hawk....on the ground for mainly hogs.
The ROA always rides in a nice crossdraw holster. And...The ROA has never failed me when the "Hairs Git Short"! Don't let anyone tell you it will not drive a .457" round ball into the brain pan of a big hog that happens to be under foot!
Now...I do not use balckpowder, but rather Black Mag 3 when I can get it! If that powder had been available "Back When", along with the ROA....you can bet they would be in use.
The only thing that I change on The ROA is to but those AMPCO (sp) nipples from Track of The Wolf....and use the small plastic tubes slide down over tha nipples. They work great in our damp Florida weather.
So...if you ML hunt on the ground, better find you a ROA as a backup gun.
Regards, James

Yeah, I had heard that Ruger had discontinued making the ROA...at least for now. Demand will probably increase the price asked for those now in circulation. Ruger can (I would think) always get back in production quickly if they see an increased demand. They are one strong, quality gun!

In many states the ROA would be illegal to carry during the blackpowder season. If it were a replica of something, it would still be in production. It's a gun I've never really understood.

Same here Swampman. I have one in my shop right now. The owner wants the 7 1/2" barrel cut to 5 1/2" for better carry as a "back-up" for blackpowder season. Problem with that thinking is that under Colorado law no handgun qualifies as legal for that season. You can legally carry any handgun you like, you just can't use any handgun to take game during the ML season. I explained that to him but he still wants it shortened. And since it is not a replica of any original gun I don't see how carrying it adds anything to the black powder experience, he might just as well load his .44 mag with black powder. Oh well, whatever trips your trigger.
As I understand it they intend to continue with the stainless 7 1/2" and the fixed sight 5 1/2" both blued and stainless. So it is only the blued 7 1/2" adjustable sight gun that will be dropped.

Well, I supose each state is different as for ML'ing.....James

The Ruger Old Army is a phenomenal revolver. I have a stainless, 7 1/2 adjustable sight version that would probably be the last handgun I would get rid of. The fun of black powder, but with the strength of a magnum cartridge gun, high accuracy, and a precision mechanism. I much prefer the ROA's screw design to the Blackhawk's pin design, and I find the trigger pull to be superior as well. It's one gun I hope they never stop producing. I've been thinking lately about picking up one of the conversion cylinders to enjoy shooting some .45 Colt rounds out of my ROA.

The ROA seems to be one of those guns that people either love or hate.
Regards, James

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but.....All versions of the Old Army are discontinued. :(

Midway has the cylinders. I have to wonder how these can be legal???

For what it's worth, the Walker replicas are more powerful, and better looking IMO.

We are going to get posts by those that want a "Period" firearm vs those that like the Ruger Old Army. I will be happy to shoot against any "Period" firearm with a ROA for Groups and Spots.
I have nothing against "Period" firearms for fun, reactments, Playing like Josie Wales, or whatever.....but I carry mine for hunting and do not need levers falling loose, etc when I need the gun most. I have been shooting/hunting with both original, replicas, and later ROA's since 1956...and I am well aware of the Walker (good and bad).
So....The people that like only "Period" revolvers will care little about the passing of the ROA....It's just Different Strokes for Different Folks,
Regards, James

I like the ROA, but I can see that there would be so little demand for it, that it wouldn't be profitable to produce it. That's why it's gone.