Short barrel Ruger Old Army Question

**4V50 Gary** · June 21, 2008, 11:35 AM

How does one remove the loading lever assembly on the shorter barrel Ruger Old Army? On the bigger 7 1/2" gun I grew up with, the barrel was long enough to provide clearance. On the shorter 5 1/2" barrel version, the Base Pin doesn't clear that retainer(?) on the barrel. It appears that the retainer, which is screwed in, must be removed in order to remover the loading lever assembly. Mind you, I don't think it's a life or death situation, but if someone knows of an easier way, please share it.

Smokin_Gun · June 21, 2008, 12:24 PM

If it won't allow to be unscrewed you may have to remove the latch catch stud(retainer) as you do with an Remington 5 1/2 bbl. that's my guess.

SG

rogertc1 · June 21, 2008, 12:50 PM

I believe the catch is just glued in, no threads. Mine is a 5.5 " Pietta. It has been a while since I converted mine into a cartridge cylinder. I replaced mine with blue loctite.

ROG

pics, diagrams and parts in here

http://www.vtigunparts.com/

whosyrdaddy · June 21, 2008, 01:50 PM

The catch has to be removed. No way around it. Takes a small (eye glass) sized regular screw driver. After you break it free the first time removal is easy. Remember to check periodically during shooting to make sure it's still snug.

On the + side, you don't have to worry about dropping the base pin during cyl. changes.

**4V50 Gary** · June 21, 2008, 03:58 PM

Thanks Whosyrdaddy. I don't recall seeing that screw on my 7 1/2" ROA and had I not flipped the gun upside down, wouldn't have noticed it at all.

June 21, 2008, 11:35 AM	#1
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,848	Short barrel Ruger Old Army Question How does one remove the loading lever assembly on the shorter barrel Ruger Old Army? On the bigger 7 1/2" gun I grew up with, the barrel was long enough to provide clearance. On the shorter 5 1/2" barrel version, the Base Pin doesn't clear that retainer(?) on the barrel. It appears that the retainer, which is screwed in, must be removed in order to remover the loading lever assembly. Mind you, I don't think it's a life or death situation, but if someone knows of an easier way, please share it. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 21, 2008, 12:24 PM	#2
Smokin_Gun Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, CA Posts: 1,195	lever If it won't allow to be unscrewed you may have to remove the latch catch stud(retainer) as you do with an Remington 5 1/2 bbl. that's my guess. SG __________________ "I Smoke Black Powder" "Favor an 1858 Remington" SGT. Smokin' Gun, Mosby's Rangers 43rd Virginia Cavalry C.S.A. SASS# 19634, ... Admin:http://blackpowdersmoke.com/oldcoots/index.php

June 21, 2008, 01:50 PM	#4
whosyrdaddy Junior member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Posts: 28	Catch must be removed The catch has to be removed. No way around it. Takes a small (eye glass) sized regular screw driver. After you break it free the first time removal is easy. Remember to check periodically during shooting to make sure it's still snug. On the + side, you don't have to worry about dropping the base pin during cyl. changes.

June 21, 2008, 03:58 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,848	Thanks Whosyrdaddy. I don't recall seeing that screw on my 7 1/2" ROA and had I not flipped the gun upside down, wouldn't have noticed it at all. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 21, 2008, 12:50 PM	#3
rogertc1 Junior member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Maquoketa Posts: 1,335	I believe the catch is just glued in, no threads. Mine is a 5.5 " Pietta. It has been a while since I converted mine into a cartridge cylinder. I replaced mine with blue loctite. ROG pics, diagrams and parts in here http://www.vtigunparts.com/