RUGER "Old Army" 45 Cal. Revolver..??

[Mike Haas]

..Serial # 140 - 37007 - Blue - 7 1/2 Barrel with adjustable rear target sight-Walnut Grip's - Excellant exterior condition and appears totaly un-molested screws or slightly used and very well cared for - bore appears perfect.

Now for the "Paul Harvey" (The rest of the story)..The guy states he won this DONATED Handgun approximately 25 years ago in a "VFW' Lottery;the proceeds went to the VFW. He states the ticket price was $2.00 - along with the gun (No Box)-he brings a belt, holster,patch&ball container, and approx. 100 rd ball bullets (45 Cal). Ruger nipple wrench & other extra's....NO reason to doubt the story he gave thus far..

He further stated he had no knowledge of how to use it nor has he EVER done anything with it since he won it.

I believe his story because when he brought the Gun to me it had all cylinders loaded (WITH CAPS - Hammer down on One ) Crisco or some sort of hard wax or grease covering the bullets on the front of the cylinder, Stainless Nipples in excellant shape after cleaning & Inspection.

He wanted to know if it would be safe to shoot "AS IS" (Meaning shoot the loads contained in the Cylinder); so as to further clean it. I suggested NO!

After going on-line to the RUGER website I removed the Cylinder and nipples; no powder came out (per Ruger instructions and NO surprise to me after 20 + years).

I then placed the Cylinder in a hotwater bath (totally immersed) at about 165 degrees's until the grease melted off from in front of the bullets.

I immediately used my air compressor (120 Lb) nozzle on the nipple opening and blew the bullets out of the cylinder chambers. (powder,water etc). Further cleanup on the chambers was necessary as some powder was still caked in the chambers. There is some pitting and rust at the base of the cylinder but not terrible.
At this point after cleaning and inspecting I feel the Gun can be loaded and shot (per Ruger Instructions).

So.. Several questions....

1 - Can someone date the handgun by the Serial # 140 - 37007

2 - Comments on the process I used to "empty" the Cylinders..

3 - Approx value as I've described above..(pic's as quick as I can).

Mike

Information

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[Mike Haas]

..Serial # 140 - 37007 - Blue - 7 1/2 Barrel with adjustable rear target sight-Walnut Grip's - Excellant exterior condition and appears totaly un-molested screws or slightly used and very well cared for - bore appears perfect.

Now for the "Paul Harvey" (The rest of the story)..The guy states he won this DONATED Handgun approximately 25 years ago in a "VFW' Lottery;the proceeds went to the VFW. He states the ticket price was $2.00 - along with the gun (No Box)-he brings a belt, holster,patch&ball container, and approx. 100 rd ball bullets (45 Cal). Ruger nipple wrench & other extra's....NO reason to doubt the story he gave thus far..

He further stated he had no knowledge of how to use it nor has he EVER done anything with it since he won it.

I believe his story because when he brought the Gun to me it had all cylinders loaded (WITH CAPS - Hammer down on One ) Crisco or some sort of hard wax or grease covering the bullets on the front of the cylinder, Stainless Nipples in excellant shape after cleaning & Inspection.

He wanted to know if it would be safe to shoot "AS IS" (Meaning shoot the loads contained in the Cylinder); so as to further clean it. I suggested NO!

After going on-line to the RUGER website I removed the Cylinder and nipples; no powder came out (per Ruger instructions and NO surprise to me after 20 + years).

I then placed the Cylinder in a hotwater bath (totally immersed) at about 165 degrees's until the grease melted off from in front of the bullets.

I immediately used my air compressor (120 Lb) nozzle on the nipple opening and blew the bullets out of the cylinder chambers. (powder,water etc). Further cleanup on the chambers was necessary as some powder was still caked in the chambers. There is some pitting and rust at the base of the cylinder but not terrible.
At this point after cleaning and inspecting I feel the Gun can be loaded and shot (per Ruger Instructions).

So.. Several questions....

1 - Can someone date the handgun by the Serial # 140 - 37007

2 - Comments on the process I used to "empty" the Cylinders..

3 - Approx value as I've described above..(pic's as quick as I can).

Mike

After cleaning the Cylinder I re-cleaned it with Thompson Center Arms Co. Solvent and wiped with Thompson's "Bore Butter" which gives the Blued Finish a slightly Dull appearance; regular Gun Oil makes the finish shine as new.
The handgun "IS NOT FOR SALE" - Info request posting only in an attempt to help out a WW2 Vet.

Mike

Pic's attached -

[jimb16]

To me, it would be worth $200. Its not new and has been neglected. Its in decent condition, but not new.

[Mike Haas]

To me, it would be worth $200. Its not new and has been neglected. Its in decent condition, but not new.

Jimb16 -
Thanks, and you and I agree exactly. Subsequent to my last post I've taught the Vet how to load it (per the Ruger Manual). At 88 yrs old he shot it amazing well!! 5" groups at 25 yds.
I made him clean it after each loading, mostly because I think repetition of the process is the best teaching method.
He's now "hooked" on shooting it. I've enjoyed helping him and when he comes to my Shop/Range to shoot it he brings a 6 Pack for the BS session that follows his shooting & cleanup.

[madcratebuilder]

Born in the fall of 1978, appears to be in good condition. That would bring $350+/- on Gunbroker fairly easy.

[UKshooter]

Dont forget that these fine revolvers are no longer made and the value can only go up!

If it was on retail sale over here in Blighty, it would be worth anything between £250.00 and £350.00, if it was stainless, even more!

UKshooter

[bigduke6]

Dont forget that these fine revolvers are no longer made and the value can only go up!

If it was on retail sale over here in Blighty, it would be worth anything between £250.00 and £350.00, if it was stainless, even more!

UKshooter

Nearly parted with mine (Stainless steel) the other day but decided against it, couple of reasons for my u turn, one was i had forgot the smile it brings to the face and to replace it would cost £400-£450 in the UK.