ruger old army User Guide

Download

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

FOR

RUGER

OLD ARMY

“CAP & BALL” BLACK POWDER

PERCUSSION REVOLVER

For Product Service on this Model Please Call:

(603) 865-2442 (See p. 28)

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.

Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.

THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE

TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR

PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.

CB & KCB/3-03

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

BLUED &

STAINLESS

STEEL

CALIBER

.457 Round Ball

Black Powder Only

FIXED AND ADJUSTABLE SIGHT MODELS

State-By-State Warnings

Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following:

California:

Connecticut:

“UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAY RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.”

Florida:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL, AND PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT AND FINE, FOR ANYADULT TO STORE OR LEAVE AFIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF AMINOR UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE OR TO KNOWINGLY SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR APERSON OF UNSOUND MIND.”

WARNING

“Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you can be fined or sent to prison.”

ADVERTENCIA

“A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar. Ellos pueden causarses lesions graves y la muerte. Evite que los niños tengan accesso a las armas de fuego guardándolas siempre con llave y descargadas cuando no las esté utilizando. Si usted tiene un arma de fuego cargada en un lugar en que un niño tiene acceso a ella y la usa indebidamente, le pueden dar una multa o enviarlo a la carcel.”

Maine:

“ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.”

Maryland:

“WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury. It is a crime

to store or leave a loaded firearm in any location where an individual knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor would gain access to the firearm. Store your firearm responsibly!”

Massachusetts:

“WARNING FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL: This handgun is not equipped with a device that fully blocks use by unauthorized users. More than 200,000 firearms like this one are stolen from their owners every year in the United States. In addition, there are more than a thousand suicides each year by younger children and teenagers who get access to firearms. Hundreds more die from accidental discharge. It is likely that many more children sustain serious wounds, or inflict such wounds accidentally on others. In order to limit the chance of such misuse, it is imperative that you keep this weapon locked in a secure place and take other steps necessary to limit the possibility of theft or accident. Failure to take reasonable preventive steps may result in innocent lives being lost, and in some circumstances may result in your liability for these deaths.”

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEP AFIREARM, RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACE UNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH A TAMPER-RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STORED OR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.”

New Jersey:

“IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF AMINOR.”

New York City:

“THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALLWEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.”

North Carolina:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A MANNER THAT A REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS ACCESSIBLE TO AMINOR.”

Texas:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR ABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.”

Wisconsin:

“IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITS THE FIREARM.”

****************** ***** Please check with your licensed retailer or state police for additional warnings which may be required by local law or regulation. Such regulations change constantly, and local authorities are in the best position to advise you on such legal matters.

This firearm was originally sold with a key-operated locking device. While it can help provide secure storage for your unloaded firearm, any locking device can fail. All guns are designed to fire if they are loaded and the trigger is pulled. Therefore,

never install the locking device inside the trigger guard or in any way that it can possibly pull the trigger!

Do not leave the keys in the lock. The ultimate responsibility for

secure storage of any firearm must depend upon its owner and his or her individual circumstances.

Guns should be securely stored unloaded, in a secure location, separate from their ammunition.

See “Storage Warning”, page 26.

NEVER INSTALL

LOCKING DEVICE

INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD

WARNING– LOCKING DEVICES

DO NOT INSTALL

INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD

INSTALL LOCK

AS SHOWN HERE

FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT

CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO

HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care

for your

RUGER®OLD ARMY®percussion revolver properly. Please contact

us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly

carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live powder, ball and caps. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction.

Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National Rifle Association, Training Division, Washington D.C. 20036. They will assist you.

The person possessing a gun has a full-time job. You cannot guess; you cannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do not use any firearm

without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and safe use.

Remember: There is no such thing as a foolproof gun.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

General Information and Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Powder Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Percussion Caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Eye and Ear Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

To Uncock (Decock) The Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

To Unload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

To Remove Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

To Clear a Malfunction (“Jam”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Care of Stainless Steel Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Parts Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

“Ruger®”, and “Old Army®”are registered U.S. trademarks.

Locking Device 5 Cocked Gun 15 Alterations 7 Indexing 16 Lead Exposure 9 Firing 17 Black Powder 10 Disassembly 22 Ammunition 10 Lubrication 25 Capped Cylinders 11 Storage 26 Muzzle Direction 13 Parts Purchasers 29 Handling 15

OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR

THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.

WARNING–ALTERATIONS

This product was designed to function properly in its original condition. Alterations can make it unsafe. Do not alter any part or add or substitute parts or accessories not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.

DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN

FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS–

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The RUGER®OLD ARMY®percussion revolver is an original Ruger design and is manufactured to our regular standards of strength and reliability, entirely in modern Ruger factories in the U.S.A. The best quality steels and coil springs are used throughout, the same as in our centerfire cartridge revolvers. Stainless steel nipples are standard and grip panels are genuine American Walnut.

The mechanism of the “Old Army” has been carefully designed to retain traditional handling and firing characteristics of the old-time “cap and ball” revolvers while at the same time incorporating improvements (U.S. and Foreign Patents) which mark the first significant advance in percussion revolver construction in more than a century.

WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE

FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

The RUGER®OLD ARMY® is a muzzle loading, percussion revolver intended for use with black powder, percussion caps, and soft lead projectiles. It does not fire conventional cartridges, but is instead loaded from the front of the cylinder. It is of single-action operation, and the hammer must manually be cocked before normally firing the revolver.

Like any such revolver, it is to be used with Black Powder only, and its safe use requires that the shooter be thoroughly familiar with its characteristics.

The mechanism of the

RUGER®OLD ARMY® provides for security against

accidental discharge when properly handled. As with any other firearm, however, the “Old Army” must be used with strict attention to correct safety practices. In addition, the revolver should be inspected frequently to assure that it is working properly.

NOMENCLATURE

TRIGGER TRIGGER

GUARD

BASEPIN

RETAINING PIN

LOADING LEVER

(RAMMER)

ASSEMBLY

LEVER LATCH

FRONT

SIGHT

BARREL

BASE PIN

GRIPS

GRIP

FRAME

NIPPLES (6)

SAFETY

RECESS (6)

HAMMER

REAR SIGHT

CYLINDER

FRAME

Parts referred to frequently are indicated by arrows.

AMMUNITION

The “Old Army” is a muzzle loading, percussion revolver intended solely for use with Black Powder.It should never, under any circumstances, be loaded with any

type of smokeless powder as the result could be damage to the revolver and injury to the shooter or bystanders. Black Powder is usually classified by powder

grain size, with “Fg” being the largest granulation and “FFFFg” being the smallest granulation normally available. Any granulation within these gradations could be used in the “Old Army”; normally, however, “FFFg” is the preferred grain size. Replica black powder such as Pyrodex may be used, so long as suggested loading data is strictly adhered to.

The “Old Army” is designed to use a .457” diameter round ball or .454” conical bullet of pure lead. Bullets of either type can be purchased from your dealer, ready to use, or can easily be cast at home with a small investment in equipment. Information on bullet casting is available from the manufacturers of moulds and casting equipment and from various authoritative handbooks. Your dealer should be able to provide you with any equipment which you may require. (See “Lead

Exposure” Warning, below)

The use of jacketed or alloy bullets is not recommended as accuracy is generally not as satisfactory as with the pure lead bullets.

AMMUNITION NOTICE

WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR

INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE

RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER REVOLVERS OF FAULTY, OR

NONSTANDARD, OR “REMANUFACTURED” COMPONENTS, OR OF

POWDERS OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THIS BLACK POWDER

FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED.

W ARNING–LEAD EXPOSURE

Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS

MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD

Black Powder is an extremely sensitive propellant and is readily ignited by heat, spark, static electricity, friction, pressure, impact, etc. Unlike smokeless powder, Black Powder will ignite with great violence and rapidity even when unconfined.

Black Powder should be handled only in very small quantities. Never pour powder dir

ectly from a flask or powder horn into any muzzle loading firear

Many shooters pre-weigh single charges into medicine vials for use on the range or in the field. Never fire the revolver near an open powder container, or an explosion may result.

If you are not familiar with safe handling procedures for Black Powder and for muzzle loading firearms in general, you should obtain one of the authoritative muzzle loaders’ Manuals and study it carefully

before beginning to shoot.

BLACK POWDER IS EXPLOSIVE

POWDER?

Never Use Unknown or Smokless Powder

POWDER CHARGE

It is safe to use as much Black Powder as the chamber will hold, leaving room for the bullet. This maximum loading is not usually the most accurate loading, however.

A good starting accuracy load, using a pure lead .457” diameter ball, is 20 grains of FFFg and sufficient filler (corn meal is frequently used as a filler material) to seat the ball approximately 1/16” below the chamber mouth. You may find that some minor adjustment of this charge upwards or downwards is more accurate in your “Old Army”.

Filler is not required and can be completely dispensed with if the powder charge takes up at least 1/2 of the cylinder.

W ARNING–BLACK POWDER

Never Pour Powder Directly From Flask!

WARNING–AMMUNITION

Death, serious injury, and damage can result from the use of wrong ammunition, bore obstructions, powder overloads, or incorrect components. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors.

Never use smokeless powder in any muzzleloader!

IMPROPER AMMUNITION

DESTROYS GUNS

Percussion caps are designed to fire as the result of a blow “percussion”.

A capped cylinder loaded with powder and ball is, in effect, a small firearm.

Never clean, lubricate, disassemble, or work on a revolver while it is loaded. Never install, remove, or carry a loaded and capped cylinder.

A loaded and capped cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck. Read

instructions before disassembling gun.

NEVER CARRY A

CAPPED CYLINDER

PERCUSSION CAPS

A percussion cap is a small metal cup, the interior top of which is coated with a priming mixture. This priming mixture is usually covered with a foil or paper liner. It fires when struck a blow.

The cap is placed on a cylinder nipple and when struck by the hammer, the priming compound explodes, igniting the powder charge.

The cap should fit the nipple only tightly enough so that it does not fall off when the barrel is elevated. Do not attempt to use caps which ar

e too tight or try to force or pound caps onto the nipples, as a premature discharge could result. The

suggested cap size for the Old Army revolver is No. 10 or No. 11 (U.S.) or equivalent.

Since percussion caps have an open end (which is placed on the cylinder nipple when you are ready to fire), they are susceptible to contamination. Be careful when handling percussion caps, especially with oily fingers, and try to keep water, grease, dirt and other contaminants out of the open end of the caps. Failure to do so is the main cause of misfires in cap and ball muzzleloading firearms.

W ARNING–CAPPED CYLINDERS

EYE AND EAR PROTECTION

Safety glasses must be used when loading and firing the “Old Army”, or any percussion firearm. Small pieces of the percussion cap are frequently blown away when a percussion arm fires. Always wear hearing protection when firing any firearm, in order to avoid permanent hearing damage.

TO LOAD AND FIRE

In the interests of both performance and safety, it is important that steps which follow be performed in sequence and with attention to detail:

1. BEFORE LOADING:

Check revolver to ensure that: A. Nipples are uncapped.

B. Cylinder chambers are empty. C. Chambers, bore and nipples are free of grease, oil or other obstruction.

2. CLEARING THE NIPPLES:

Without loading the chambers, place a percussion cap on each nipple. Point the gun in a safe direction and fire all six caps. This is done to ensure that the nipple passage is clear and dry.

Remove all percussion caps and cap fragments.

3. CHARGING THE CHAMBERS:

A. Starting with the hammer in its full forward position, place hammer in

half-cock (loading) position by drawing it to the rear until a “click” is heard. (See Fig. 1) The cylinder is now free to rotate in a clockwise direction. (If the hammer is brought back too far, or if the hammer is put into the loading position by easing it forward from full cock, the cylinder will not be free to rotate.) Do not touch the trigger while placing the hammer in the half cock notch

WARNING: Please re-read carefully the paragraph entitled

“Warning - Black Powder”, p. 10.

Hammer to Load Notch ( 1 "Click" Back)

Always hold the gun well away from yourself when loading or firing. Never permit the barrel to

point in an unsafe direction.

Even though the revolver is sometimes called a “muzzleloader”, it is never loaded through the muzzle. Only load through the front of the cylinder.

KEEP A WA Y FROM MUZZLE

WARNING–MUZZLE DIRECTION

.B. With one hand, hold the revolver by the grip with the barrel pointing

upwards.

C. Using a dipper or other single-charge measure, pour the desired amount

of powder into the front opening of one chamber of the cylinder. (See Fig. 2) Then, if desired, fill balance of chamber with filler, leaving room for the bullet to be seated.

D. Place the bullet in the mouth of the charged chamber and rotate the

cylinder until that chamber is aligned with the rammer. (See Figs. 3 & 4)

Black Powder Only!

Use Pure Lead Projectile Only!

E. Grasp the rammer lever

and, with a firm even stroke, seat the bullet firmly on the powder charge. (See Fig. 4) For maximum accuracy, the powder charge should be very lightly compressed by the bullet. Be sure that the bullet is seated deeply enough so that it does not interfere with the barrel and the cylinder can rotate freely. Do not leave an airspace between the powder and the bullet.

Repeat this procedure until all chambers you wish to load are loaded with powder and ball. Remember that the safest way to carry any old style

revolver is with the hammer down on an empty chamber. See “Handling Warning”, p. 15.

F. Using one of the commercially available bullet greases or other stiff

grease (some automotive water pump greases have proven satisfactory), apply a liberal coating of grease to each chamber mouth so as to cover the bullet and seal the chamber. The purpose of this is twofold:

1. To decrease leading and barrel fouling, and:

2. To reduce the possibility of multi-chamber discharge (“flash over”) when firing.

4. CAPPING THE NIPPLES: Be sure you use

only pistol caps of good quality and correct size. The caps should be completely, but without undue pressure, seated on the nipples. Caps should only be tight enough so that they do not fall off the nipple when the barrel is elevated. (See Fig. 5)

WARNING:

It is dangerous to attempt to use caps which are

too small. Never force a cap on to the nipple. Since caps fire by percussion, excess force or a blow in seating them can cause the caps to discharge, firing the gun, and forcing hot gas out of the nipple, which can cause injury.

Swing Loading Lever Downward

C. Firmly Compress

Ball onto Powder

Rotate Cylinder So Ball is Under Hammer

Use #10 Caps – Seat Securly on Nipple ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE!

5. COCKING: To fire the revolver, the hammer must first be manually cocked. When

cocking the hammer, have a firm hold on the grip with the shooting hand, and DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER WHILE COCKING THE HAMMER.

TOUCH THE TRIGGER ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FIRE. With the

fore portion of your thumb firmly on the hammer spur, draw the hammer fully to the rear until it stops. Then permit the hammer to move forward (it will only move slightly) until the trigger engages in the hammer at full cock.

WARNING–COCKED GUN

WARNING–HANDLING

If these revolvers are to be carried loaded, certain precautions must be observed in the interest of safety. (These precautions apply to all the older types of revolvers.) Load only five chambers, placing the hammer down on the empty and uncapped chamber, or with the hammer resting in a safety recess between chambers.

The gun should never be carried with the hammer resting on a percussion cap.

Under such circumstances, a light accidental blow on the hammer can readily cause the gun to discharge.

The half-cock loading notch provides only partial security from accidental discharge. If damaged, as it may be by “fanning”, it offers no security. Never depend upon this or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling of any firearm. “Fanning” is unsafe for you and abusive to your revolver.

NEVER PUT THE HAMMER DOWN ON A CAPPED OR

LOADED CHAMBER.

Any time the revolver is loaded, the hammer is cocked and the trigger is pulled and held to the rear, it will fire. Cocking the gun or pulling the trigger should only be done when you are ready to fire immediately.

NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER – COCKED OR UNCOCKED. CARRY AND HANDLE THE REVOLVER IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE HAMMER WILL NOT BE STRUCK.

NEVER CARRY ANY

REVOLVER WITH THE

HAMMER COCKED.

Hammer on Cap!

Hammer in Notch

6. FIRING: The “Old Army” is now ready to fire. Once the hammer is cocked, a light

pressure on the trigger will cause the hammer to fall forward, striking a percussion cap, and the revolver will fire.

7. After firing, the hammer will remain down. To fire subsequent shots, fully release the trigger and repeat steps 5 and 6 above for each shot.

WARNING–INDEXING

If the gun is to be fired immediately after loading, ease the hammer forward into one of the safety recesses in the cylinder befor

e the hammer is drawn back to the full cock position for the first shot. The hammer should be drawn with a firm, positive motion to the full cock position for each shot; thus actuating the working parts for complete indexing. Unless this procedure is followed in any single action revolver, the cylinder is apt to be out of index when fired.

If you do not desire to fire immediately, the hammer nose should be lowered onto an empty

chamber or eased into one of the safety recesses which is provided on the rear of the cylinder between the nipples. This

operation should be performed very cautiously, as, should the hammer fall onto a capped nipple, the revolver will fire. Be sure that the hammer is fully down in the safety recess and not just resting on the edge. The half-cock notch is provided for ease of loading only and should never be used as a safety notch.

BE SURE HAMMER IS

IN CORRECT POSITION

Never Rest Hammer on Cap!

Hammer in Notch or on Empty Chamber

DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded

gun is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the gun is

pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The Ruger Old

Army can be dry-fired without damage to the firing components.

“FANNING”: NEVER fan the Ruger Old Army revolver. Fanning is an unsafe way

to fire a gun and it is abusive to the revolver mechanism.

TO ‘UNCOCK’ (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER

If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to a notch in the cylinder between nipples, proceed as follows: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN

ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB SLIPPING DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR.

1. Make cer

tain that the revolver is pointing in a safe direction (See Rule 2, Page

35).

2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,

bandages, cold, etc.

3. Grasp the revolver (if right handed) so that the thumb and forefinger of your

left hand are firmly holding the frame, forward of the trigger guard. Thus, your left hand is in full control of the revolver (See Figure a, p. 18).

WARNING–FIRING

When firing any revolver, be sure all persons are a safe distance to the rear of the shooter. When fired, all revolvers discharge gas and particles through the clearance gap between the cylinder and the rear of the barrel. These particles of lead, powder grains or lubricant are projected broadly sideways at high speed and thus can injure a person who is standing too close to the revolver. When firing any revolver, always be certain that nothing – including either of your hands – is in the path of the hot gas and particles which are discharged from the front and sides of the cylinder. Safety glasses

must be used by shooters and bystanders when loading and firing the “Old Army”, or any percussion firearm. Small pieces of the percussion cap are frequently blown away when a percussion arm fires. Always wear hearing protection when firing any firearm, in order to avoid permanent hearing damage.

HOT GASES EXIT

BARREL/CYLINDER GAP

AND NIPPLES

a. With the thumb controlling the hammer as shown above (1), squeeze trigger

to permit hammer to ‘break free’ (2).

b. When hammer is free, IMMEDIATELY release trigger (3). Then lower hammer

slowly to its resting position completely into a notch between each nipple (4).

Never

lower the hammer so that it rests on a percussion cap!

a. b.

4. Place your right thumb firmly on the hammer spur and, with your thumb securely in control of the hammer, squeeze the trigger only enough to permit the hammer to ‘break free’ of the trigger. Keep the trigger pulled only until the hammer clears the loading notch (“half cock”) position. At that instant, IMMEDIATELY RELEASE THE TRIGGER and then slowly permit the hammer, STILL SECURE UNDER YOUR THUMB, to move forward into one of the notches in the cylinder between the nipples. NOTE: It is imperative that finger pressure be removed from the trigger just as soon as it is free of the loading notch in the hammer. Then, properly, the trigger and hammer will move towards their forward positions together (See Figure b, below).

Practice this important gun handling skill with an unloaded revolver until you have developed the proper control and ‘touch’ to decock your revolver safely. The key to safe decocking is having the weight of the revolver controlled with one hand, while the thumb and forefinger of the ‘shooting hand’ control the hammer and trigger.

Remember - N

ever lower the hammer fully down onto a percussion cap or loaded

chamber! See “Handling Warning”, p 15.

DECOCKING (UNCOCKING) THE REVOLVER

TO UNLOAD

(Keep revolver pointed in a safe direction)

It is much easier and safer to fire all chambers in any muzzle loading firearm rather than attempt to unload it. However, if this is impossible, the revolver may be unloaded in accordance with the following steps.

1. Be sure the revolver is pointing in a safe direction.

2. Carefully lower hammer into a notch in the cylinder and then pull the hammer back one “click” to place hammer in half-cock loading notch. (See Fig. 6) Keep fingers away from trigger!

3. Carefully remove percussion caps from all nipples. (See Fig. 7)

4. Using the nipple wrench supplied, carefully unscrew the nipple from the chamber aligned with the cutout on the right side of the frame. (See Fig. 8)

Carefully elevate the muzzle and dump the powder out of the rear of the cylinder into a container. (See Fig. 9)

6. Repeat for each chamber.

Hammer to Load Notch ( 1 "Click" Back)

Carefully Remove All Caps From Nipples

Unscrew Nipple Using Wrench Supplied (Counter Clockwise)

Remove All Nipples And Powder

7. When all chambers are empty of powder, remove cylinder (See Fig. 10 & “To Remove Cylinder”, below).

8. Place some lubricating oil into each chamber. Now place a rod into the rear of a chamber, taking care not to damage the nipple threads. Gently tap the rear of the rod until the ball comes out the front of the cylinder. (See Fig. 11) Repeat for each chamber.

9. An alternative unloading method is to remove the percussion caps and remove the cylinder as described below. Then, use the nipple wrench to remove the nipples, dump the powder out of the cylinder, and follow step #8 above.

TO REMOVE CYLINDER

WARNING: Never attempt to remove a capped and loaded cylinder. If the cap is struck, the cylinder will fire even if it is not in the gun. See “Capped Cylinder Warning”, p 11.

1. Starting with the hammer fully forward, pull it back one “click” to the halfcock loading notch. (See Fig. 12) Keep fingers away from trigger! Be sure that the cylinder rotates freely.

Remove Cylinder

Drive Ball Out of Front of Cylinder

Hammer to Load Notch ( 1 "Click" Back)

2. On the right side of the frame, forward of the cylinder, you will see a large slotted pin that resembles a screw head (Part #CB02800). With a suitable tool turn this pin counterclockwise until it stops (about 160o). (See Fig. 13)

3. Unlatch the rammer lever and swing downward 90o. (See Fig. 14)

4. Pull rammer/base pin assembly forward, towards the muzzle, until it comes free of the revolver. (See Fig. 15)

5. The cylinder may then be removed from the left side of the frame. (See Fig. 16)

To reassemble, simply reverse this procedure.

Turn Screw Counter-Clockwise

Unlatch and Swing Loading Lever Downward

Remove Loading Lever Assembly

Remove Cylinder

WARNING–DISASSEMBLY

LOADED

The user of a RUGER® OLD ARMY® cap and ball revolver should carefully read all disassembly directions and study all the illustrations and the Parts List in this manual before attempting to take the gun apart. Know the names and location of the parts before removing any of them. Although the revolver mechanism is composed of only a few parts, it is essential that the disassembly and reassembly operations be carried out with knowledge and care.

Only a few tools are required: A screwdriver or two to remove the grip panel screw, grip frame screws, and to remove the hammer and trigger pivot screws.

The tip of the screwdriver blade should perfectly fit the screw slots. A tip too large will scrape away metal, while too small a tip will damage the screw slots.

Before taking the gun apart, set up to do it properly. Cover the work surface with a soft cloth so that the gun finish (and sights) will not be damaged, and provide a tray into which the parts can be put as they are removed from the gun

DISASSEMBLY

(Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!)

DETAILED DISASSEMBLY:

1. Remove cylinder (see “To Remove Cylinder” p. 20), rammer assembly and base pin.

2. Push base pin retaining pin through from the left side.

3. Remove grip panel screw and lift grip panels away from grip frame.

4. Bring hammer back to full cock position and insert any convenient nail or pin into the small hole at the lower end of the hammer strut; then press the trigger and permit the hammer to move to a forward position. (It will be observed that the pin which has been placed in the hammer strut hole serves to confine the mainspring.)

5. Remove the five screws which fasten the grip frame to the cylinder frame. In separating the grip frame from the cylinder frame take care to prevent loss of

Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver while it is loaded. Never

install or remove a loaded cylinder. A loaded cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck. Read instructions before disassembling gun.

UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING

OR DISASSEMBLING

the pawl spring and plunger. These parts are located in a hole drilled from the rear face of the cylinder frame, adjacent to the upper left screw hole.

6. Remove hammer pivot screw and hammer by unscrewing counter-clockwise.

7. Remove trigger pivot screw and trigger by unscrewing counter-clockwise.

8. With a small screwdriver free the fixed leg of the cylinder latch spring from its anchoring hole on the left side wall of the cylinder frame.

9. Remove cylinder latch pivot, cylinder latch and spring.

10. It will be noted that the trigger spring and plunger are positioned in a hole in the grip frame at the rear of the trigger guard bow. The innermost coil of the trigger spring is enlarged to prevent its loss during disassembly and reassembly, and care should be observed in removing the plunger and spring to prevent deformation of the spring.

11. The hammer plunger is retained in the hammer by means of a pin which may be removed by means of a small drift.

The revolver is, at this stage, disassembled as far as it needs to be for major cleaning and maintenance.

NOTE: Always use a good quality screwdriver which properly fits the screw slots to avoid unsightly deformation of the screw heads.

REAR SIGHT: The adjustable rear sight (on models so equipped) can be removed from the frame by drifting out the pivot pin (MR05600) and removing the elevation screw (MR05902). Unless it is essential, the rear sight should not be removed because there is a risk of losing the very small elevation springs. If the sight is removed, when reassembling it is helpful to put a very tiny dab of lubricating gun grease in the recesses of the sight base. The grease will ‘hold’ the springs upright when the sight is positioned on the frame as the rear sight pivot pin is being reinstalled.

REASSEMBLY

(Make Sure Revolver is Unloaded!)

Simply follow “Detailed Disassembly”(see pp. 22 & 23) and then “To Remove Cylinder” (see p. 20) instructions in reverse order.

TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)

If the revolver becomes difficult to cock, this can usually be traced to four basic causes (followed by the appropriate corrective action):

1. Accumulated black powder fouling (cease firing & clean gun).

2. Percussion cap fragments between cylinder & frame (carefully remove).

3. Percussion caps not fully seated on nipples (carefully reseat).

4. Projectile not fully seated into front of cylinder (carefully reseat

after

removing all caps from cylinder).

If it becomes necessary to disassemble the revolver for clearing a jam, be sure to unload it first. Never remove a capped cylinder from the revolver!

CARE AND CLEANING

Always be certain the revolver is completely unloaded before cleaning.

The chemical compounds formed by Black Powder residue are extremely corrosive; under some conditions of humidity rusting will begin within a very few hours after firing, if the revolver is left uncleaned. It is, therefore, important that your “Old Army” be cleaned thoroughly and without delay after each use.

Timely attention to the simple procedures which follow will ensure that your revolver remains in top condition for many years of use:

Be sure revolver is unloaded!

2. Remove rammer/base pin assembly and cylinder from revolver. (See p. 20)

3. Place cylinder, base pin and bullet rammer in pan filled with hot water and soap solution to soak.

4. Remove base pin retaining pin from frame (CB02800).

5. With muzzle pointed down so that water cannot enter the lockwork, flush the barrel from the inside of cylinder frame with warm water, until water runs clear from the muzzle.

6. Using a bristle or brass brush wetted with soap and water solution, thoroughly scrub bore to remove all traces of fouling. Then, flush bore again with very hot water.

Do not permit water to enter the lockwork. Dry bore and

barrel/frame assembly thoroughly with clean cloth and set aside.

7. Thoroughly scrub cylinder and other parts in pan, flush with very hot water, and then wipe dry.

8. Inspect all parts (including frame, hammer, etc.) to be sure that these are clean and dry.

9. Oil the bore and all parts thoroughly with a good quality gun oil, then reassemble.

NOTE: Several firms offer Black Powder solvents and these may be used in place of the soap and water solution. However, not all smokeless powder solvents will render the fouling left by Black Powder non-corrosive. Be sure you use a solvent specifically intended for black powder fouling.

Sometimes, lead build-up can occur in the chamber throats, in the forcing cone of the barrel, and in the bore. If ‘leading’ is noted in your revolver, clean it out before it builds up and interferes with reliable functioning and accuracy. A special ‘lead removing’ cleaning tool (for bore and chambers) is available from gun stores.

The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without disassembly. A few drops of light oil recommended as suitable for firearms, applied periodically about the various frame openings, will work its way into the mechanism parts. The exterior of the revolver should be cleaned with a solvent and then wiped with an oily cloth.

WARNING–LUBRICATION

Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any other material even partially obstructing the bore may result in damage to the revolver and injury to the shooter and those nearby.

Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition. If the powder charge of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may not be ignited, but the energy from the primer may be sufficient to push the bullet into the bore where it may become lodged. Firing a subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may damage the revolver and cause injury to the shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants properly. You are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of your firearms.

IMPROPER LUBRICATION

DESTROYS GUNS

STORAGE

GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!

Do not keep the revolver in a leather, fabric or canvas holster when it is stored. These materials attract moisture, even though the holster may appear to be perfectly dry.

TO RENDER THE REVOLVER INOPERATIVE

FOR SAFE STORAGE

With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, finger off the trigger, and starting with the hammer fully forward, pull the hammer back one “click” to the half-cock loading notch. Be sure the cylinder rotates freely and check the nipples and chambers to be sure the revolver is completely unloaded! Turn the slotted basepin retaining pin assembly, located forwad of the cylinder, counter-clockwise until it stops. Unlatch the rammer lever and swing downward 90º. Pull rammer/basepin assembly forward, towards the muzzle, until it comes free of the revolver. The cylinder may then be removed from the left side of the frame.

Store the cylinder and frame in different locations. When disassembled in this manner, the revolver is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the revolver until the cylinder and rammer/basepin assembly have been correctly replaced.

To reassemble the revolver for firing, with fingers off the trigger, put the hammer in the half-cock loading notch, and reinsert cylinder into frame. Fully reinsert rammer/basepin assembly. Swing the loading lever upward and snap into place. Turn the basepin retaining pin assembly clockwise until it stops. Check to be sure the cylinder rotates freely.

USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE REVOLVER FOR STORAGE.

EE PAGE 6)

CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVERS

Firearms made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to corrosion than blued steel firearms. However, you should still inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative as required.

Sometimes surface discoloration may be noted, particularly in the grip area of stainless steel handguns, resulting from perspiration. Contact with some types of holsters can also cause stains or rusting. Rusting may also occur as a result of the handgun being exposed to moisture, humidity, salt air or chemicals.

Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stained area with an abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When using any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve a blending of ‘color’ with those areas that are not discolored.

Exposed surfaces on the firearm should be cleaned and wiped dry after use or after exposure to adverse conditions. If the firearm is to be stored, coat it with a light film of oil or preservative.

Never place or store any firearm in such a manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms should always be stored securely and unloaded, away from children and careless adults. Use the locking device originally supplied with this firearm for storage.

The use of a locking device or safety lock is only one aspect of responsible firearms storage. For increased safety, firearms should be stored unloaded and locked in a location that is both separate from their ammunition and inaccessible to children and any other unauthorized person.

STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED

WARNING–STORAGE

LOADED

The revolver is now reassembled and can be loaded and fired normally.

While the revolver is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with the supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun safe or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults. Guns should always be stored securely, unloaded

and separate from their

ammunition.

Where the firearm is in continuing use, and the presence of oil or grease would be objectionable, then the external surfaces can be coated (after cleaning and drying) with a paste wax formulated for use on metals. Apply the wax sparingly, allow time for it to dry hard, then buff lightly with a soft cloth. When applying the wax take care that it does not get into the mechanism or on the functioning parts such as the bolt, trigger, magazine, etc. A properly applied hard wax coating will not interfere with comfortable gun handling and it will provide a measure of protection against the formation of rust.

SIGHTS

ADJUSTMENT (adjustable sight models only) – Each click of the sight adjustment screw (either windage or elevation) will move the point of impact of the bullet appr

oximately 3/4” at a range of 25 yards. The height of the front sight has been set to take advantage of the elevation adjustment in the rear sight, considering the various ranges at which the gun is most likely to be used. Barrel length and load used affects trajectory. Therefore the shooter should determine sight settings by firing trials.

RIGHT

LEFT

To raisepoint of impact: turn screw counterclockwise.

To lowerpoint of impact: turn screw clockwise

To move the point of impact to the right: turn screw counterclockwise.

To move the point of impact to the left: turn screw clockwise

SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE

Top of front sight even with top of

rear sight blade.

Front sight centered in notch of rear

sight blade. Target bullseye centered

on top of front sight.

FIXED SIGHTS

(RUGER OLD ARMY FIXED SIGHT MODEL ONLY)

These revolvers feature a blade front sight and a fixed rear sight. They are factory set to be on target at 25 yards and cannot be further adjusted.

DOWN

ELEVATION WINDAGE

SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY

If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your revolver, please write or call (603-865-2442) our Newport, New Hampshire Product Service Department, fully describing all circumstances. If you should return your revolver to the factory for repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the following suggestions for prompt service:

SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR

RUGER®OLD ARMY®CAP-AND-BALL revolvers returned to the factory for repair should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773. Telephone (603) 865-2442. The complete revolver should be shipped. Please do not send your holster, custom grip panels or other accessories with any revolver being shipped to us. Guns should be sent prepaid. W

e will not accept collect shipments. The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most States and localities, do not prohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or possessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for repair. However, before shipping your firearm to us, be certain that your State or locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving it from us after it has been repaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then please have a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer ship the gun to us. If your gun is sent to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a handgun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a Federal Firearms License, it must

be shipped via U.P.S. (Next Day Air) Persons who do not hold a Federal Firearms License are prohibited by Federal law from shipping a handgun by mail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are impounded by the Post Office.

Please do not include revolver case, sling, telescopic sights or custom accessories with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service.

DO NOT SEND GUN BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS – THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT.

Always

insure your shipment. Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial

number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Merely stating that the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.

Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $20.00 shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the RUGER®OLD

ARMY

CAP-AND-BALL revolvers is $50.00 plus a $20.00 shipping and handling charge. Custom gunsmithing service or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Service Departments.

WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT AND ITS CYLINDER ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP BLACK POWDER OR PERCUSSION CAPS WITH A FIREARM.

ORDERING PARTS

Please contact the New Hampshire Product Service Department for parts availability and current prices. All parts orders for the RUGER®OLD

ARMY

CAP-AND-BALL revolver should be sent to : Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire, 03773, 603-865-2442.

We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. orders. Payment in the form of a check, money order, Visa or Mastercard must accompany your order. Credit Card orders must include the account number, expiration date and whether it is a Visa or Mastercard account. Minimum parts order is $1.00 plus $3.50 shipping and handling charge. Order parts by Part Name and Part Number and include the entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are being ordered.There is a minimum net labor charge of $20.00 plus $20.00 shipping and handling charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factory fitted parts are fit on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts.

Barrels, cylinders and a number of other component parts must be fitted at the factory. Company policy is to proof-test and/or function fire all barrels after fitting to the receivers in which they are to be used. This procedure ensures maximum protection to our customers. The special proof-test ammunition used in this testing is sold only to bonafide firearms manufacturers and is not available to gun shops, gunsmiths, or individuals.

Because it is a serial numbered part, the cylinder frame of

RUGER®NEW

MODEL SINGLE ACTION

revolvers is defined as a ‘firearm’ by Federal

Law and is not offered for sale as a component part. Parts designated by an (*) must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on an

exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return any part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See “Warning – Parts Purchasers” above.

It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING

OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchaser and installer of parts must

accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the revolver after such installation.

PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY

W ARNING–PARTS PURCHASERS

CAUTION: Firearm users are cautioned that a gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning, or badly worn parts should not be fired.

IMPORTANT – REGARDING PARTS ORDERING. Ruger Old Army Percussion revolvers are manufactured in Blued steel and Stainless steel versions. WHEN

ORDERING PARTS BE SURE TO STATE WHETHER YOUR REVOLVER IS BLUED OR STAINLESS. ALSO, INCLUDE THE COMPLETE SERIAL NUMBER.

NOTE:

A few components, as example sight blades and grip panels, are the same

for blued and stainless models. BARREL NOTE: All barrels are marked with a safety message, (“Before using

gun, read warnings in Instruction Manual available free from Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc., Southport, CT, USA”).

RUGER®OLD ARMY

PARTS LIST

Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

SPECIFY MODEL WHEN ORDERING

(See Exploded View on Page 34.)

Part Name Part No. Model

* Barrel Assembly, Complete – 7 1/2” barrel CB-6 Blued Model * Barrel Assembly, Complete – 7 1/2” barrel KCB-6 Stainless Model * Barrel Assembly, Complete – 5 1/2” barrel CB-6-5 Blued Model * Barrel Assembly, Complete – 5 1/2” barrel KCB-6-5 Stainless Model

Base Pin CB02900 Blued Models Base Pin KCB02900 Stainless Models Base Pin Retaining Pin Assembly CB02800 Blued Models Base Pin Retaining Pin Assembly KCB02801 Stainless Models Bullet Rammer CB00900 Blued Models

Bullet Rammer KCB00900 Stainless Models * Cylinder CB-1 Blued Models * Cylinder KCB-1 Stainless Models

Cylinder Latch CB04500 Blued Models

Cylinder Latch KCB04500 Stainless Models

Cylinder Latch Pivot CB03400 Blued Models

Cylinder Latch Pivot KCB03402 Stainless Models

Cylinder Latch Spring KCB04600 All Models

Front Sight, Adjustable CB-36 Adjustable Sight Models

Front Sight, Fixed, Not Illustrated CB03610 Fixed Sight Blued Models

Front Sight, Fixed, Not Illustrated KCB03610 Fixed Sight Stainless Models

Front Sight Base, Adjustable KMR13601 Adjustable Sight Models

Front Sight, Fixed, Not Illustrated CB03610 Fixed Sight Blued Models

Front Sight, Fixed, Not Illustrated KCB03610 Fixed Sight Stainless Models

Part Name Part No. Model

Front Sight Base, Adjustable KMR13601 Adjustable Sight Models Front Sight Blade, Adjustable CB03600 Adjustable Sight Models Front Sight Cross Pin, Adjustable KE-26 Adjustable Sight Models Grip Frame — Standard CB00300 Blued Models Grip Frame — Standard KCB00300 Stainless Models Grip Frame Screw-A-Front XR01700 Blued Models Grip Frame Screw-A-Front KXR01700 Stainless Models Grip Frame Screw-B-Back (2 Req’d.) XR01800 Blued Models Grip Frame Screw-B-Back (2 Req’d.) KXR01800 Stainless Models Grip Frame Screw-C-Bottom XR01900 Blued Models Grip Frame Screw-C-Bottom KXR01900 Stainless Models Grip Panels, Sold in Pairs Only XR01000 All Models Grip Panels, Simulated Ivory, Sold in Pairs Only XR01000SI All Models Grip Panel Dowel KXR01400 All Models Grip Panel Ferrule, Left XR01200 All Models Grip Panel Ferrule, Right XR01100 All Models

Grip Panel Screw KXR01300 All Models * Hammer CB04000 Blued Models * Hammer KCB04000 Stainless Models

Hammer Pivot CB01600 Blued Models

Hammer Pivot KCB01601 Stainless Models

Hammer Plunger KCB04102 All Models

Hammer Plunger Pin KE-22 All Models

Hammer Plunger Spring KCB04300 All Models

Hammer Strut XR01500 Blued Models

Hammer Strut KXR01500 Stainless Models

Loading Lever – 7 1/2” barrel CB00800 Blued Models

Loading Lever – 7 1/2” barrel KCB00800 Stainless Models

Loading Lever – 5 1/2” barrel CB00805 Blued Models

Loading Lever – 5 1/2” barrel KCB00805 Stainless Models

Loading Lever Latch CB06700 Blued Models

Loading Lever Latch KCB06701 Stainless Models

Part Name Part No. Model

Loading Lever Latch Screw CB06800 Blued Models Loading Lever Latch Screw KCB06801 Stainless Models Loading Lever Latch Spring KCB06900 All Models Mainspring CB00400 Blued Models Mainspring KCB00400 Stainless Models Mainspring Seat XR00500 Blued Models Mainspring Seat KXR00500 Stainless Models Medallion, 2 Req’d., Not Illustrated XR05200 All Models Nipple KCB07200 All Models Nipple Wrench, Not Illustrated CB07300 All Models Pawl KCB00700 All Models Pawl Plunger XR05100 Blued Models Pawl Plunger KXR05100 Stainless Models Pawl Plunger Spring XR05000 Blued Models Pawl Plunger Spring KXR05000 Stainless Models Rear Sight Assembly, Complete, Adjustable MR15900 Adjustable Sight Models

Specify whether sight has bump on underside. Rear Sight Elevation Screw, Adjustable MR05902 Adjustable Sight Models Rear Sight Blade, Adjustable MR05901 Adjustable Sight Models Rear Sight Elevation Spring, Adjustable (2 Req’d.) MR05906 Adjustable Sight Models Rear Sight Pivot Pin, Adjustable MR05600 Adjustable Sight Models Rear Sight Windage Adjustment Screw, Adjustable E05903 Adjustable Sight Models Rear Sight Windage Spring, Adjustable MR05907 Adjustable Sight Models

* Trigger CB03900 Blued Models * Trigger KCB03900 Stainless Models

Trigger Pivot Screw CB03400 Blued Models Trigger Pivot Screw KCB03402 Stainless Models Trigger Plunger CB03800 Blued Models Trigger Plunger KCB03800 Stainless Models Trigger Spring KCB03700 All Models

* PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FITTED.

EXPLODED VIEW

RUGER®OLD ARMY

THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING

We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.

Firearms do not cause accidents! Firearms accidents are almost always found to have been the result of carelessness or ignorance on the part of the shooter of the basic rules of safe gun handling.

The following rules must be observed by gun users at all times. Safe gun handling is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to your safety, the safety of others, and the continuation of gun ownership and sport shooting as we know it today.

1. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING.

Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental discharge and the various proper procedures for loading and unloading. No person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized himself with the particular type of firearm he is using, and with safe gun handling in general.

2. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at any part of your body or at another person. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. A safe direction means a direction which will not permit a discharged bullet to strike a person, or to strike an object from which the bullet may ricochet.

RUGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE

USING THIS FIREARM.

A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE

Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be securely locked in safes, racks or cabinets, or by using the locking device supplied with the firearm, when not in use. Ammunition should be safely stored separate from firearms. Store your firearms out of sight of visitors and children. It

is the gun owner’s responsibility to be certain that children and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms, ammunition, or components.

4. BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING.

Even a bit of mud, snow or excess

lubricating oil or grease in the bore may cause the barrel to bulge, or even burst on firing, and can cause serious injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be sure that you are using ammunition of the proper caliber and loading for the gun you are using. If the report or recoil on firing seems weak, or doesn’t seem quite right, CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY, unload your firearm and check to be sure that no obstruction has become lodged in the barrel.

LOADED

5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT.

Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger.

6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.

All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and adequate hearing protectors when shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing, and adequate eye protection when shooting is essential.

7. NEVER CLIMB A TREE OR FENCE WITH A LOADED FIREARM.

Put the firearm down carefully before climbing a fence, and unload it before climbing or descending a tree or jumping over a ditch or other obstruction. Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or another person. When in doubt, or whenever you are about to do anything awkward, unload your gun!

8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER.

Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity.

9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM.

Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should by used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area.

10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING.

Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over. Handling firearms while under the influence of alcohol in any form or medications that could affect your judgement or co-ordination, constitutes a criminal disregard for the safety of others.

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY

ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS

One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .22 caliber autoloading pistol–a design which was so successful that it became the cornerstone upon which one of the most comprehensive lines of sporting firearms ever made in America was established. After Alex Sturm’s death in 1951, William B. Ruger continued to direct the company alone and today, William B. Ruger, Jr. continues to provide guidance which has made this company a sound and successful enterprise.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, in this relatively short time, has established itself as a leading small arms design organization, developing a unique and broad line of fine quality sporting, military and police firearms to become one of the world’s most famous producers of revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns. Since 1949 Ruger craftsmen have built many millions of firearms.

During its five decades of growth and progress under the leadership of William B. Ruger, the company developed a business philosophy and implemented policies which represent a constructive influence in the life of modern America. From the beginning, Sturm, Ruger & Company played a positive role in conservation efforts and has supported the interests of shooters through such groups as the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and many regional sportsmen’s organizations.

The company has always endeavored to market its firearms for constructive and recreational purposes, to emphasize the traditional aspects of shooting, to render meaningful public services and to encourage shooters in constructive, responsible, and safe participation in the shooting sports. Its motto is “Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens.”

Today, Sturm, Ruger & Company is particularly mindful of those elements which have contributed to the creation of its success, and extends heartfelt thanks to its many loyal employees and customers.

A current catalog of Ruger firearms is available free upon request to

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Southport, CT06890

WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN

PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM

The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either “limited” or “full”, rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and the regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state to state, you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger & Company wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest in providing service to owners of Ruger firearms.

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.

Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.

http://www .ruger.com

“Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens”

A COPY OF THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR ANY RUGER

FIREARM IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FACTORY FREE ON REQUEST.

THESE INSTRUCTION MANUALS CONTAIN IMPORTANT

WARNINGS WHICH MUST BE UNDERSTOOD

BEFORE USING THESE FIREARMS.

22/45”, “Model 96”, “77/17”, “Gold Label”, and “Target Grey” are RUGER TRADEMARKS. “RUGER “,

THE STURM, RUGER LOGO, “10/22”, “All-Weather”, “Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens”, “Bearcat”,

“Blackhawk”, “GP-100”, “M77”, “Mini Thirty”, “Mini-14”, “Old Army”, “P90”, “P93”, “P94”, “Redhawk”, “77/22”, “77/44”, “77/50”, “SP101”, “Vaquero”, and “Single Six” are REGISTERED U.S. TRADEMARKS.

“DEERFIELD” is a registered trademark of Blount, Inc.

ruger old army User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual