Project Old Army?

Recently I acquired a Ruger Old Army. By purchasing this revolver I solved two problems, or so I thought. Problem one. I have always wanted one. Solved!

Problem two. My pietta 1858 was going to need a $200 worth of work to get it to shoot the kaido 255 bullet. Basically I would ship it off for the works. Front sight-2 cylinders reamed-forcing cone-crown.

Using my reasoning and skills of math, I determined that buying a used ROA for $525+shipping+tax on GB would save me money.

My plan with the Ruger revolver and the 1858 is to harvest deer with the kaido bullet.

BUT.. It appears I have the exact same issues with this ROA as I have with my 1858 actually more.

Should I fix the issues with the ROA?

The chambers are 6 different diameters and are beveled at the mouth.
From .452-.4545
The cylinder gap is .017. Is that excessive?
The bore is way tighter at both ends than in the middle. Huh?
Will have to purchase new nipples or spin file these. Been dry fired a lot. But, was going to buy extras anyhow.
Breech is not cut square. Top has a point +.001-.002
Will need to cut the bullet seater to match the bullet.
Shoots 9" high at 30 yards, which I figured it would. So, either front or rear sight will need attention.

Suggestions please?

Hopefully someone can help here, I don’t know anything about Blackpowder Revolvers

I've seen some interesting things on these BP revolvers but yours I believe beats all. Sell em and start over with a different BP revolver manufacturer. May try uberti but they have issues also. May look into a conversion cylinder options. Good luck.

UFFDA wrote:I've seen some interesting things on these BP revolvers but yours I believe beats all. Sell em and start over with a different BP revolver manufacturer. May try uberti but they have issues also. May look into a conversion cylinder options. Good luck.

HA! To late. But thanks for the advice! Purchased a mill and accompanying tooling and equipment to work on my cap and ball revolvers. And a bunch of other projects that have been sitting around. Will post my progress in this forum.