Just looked up the SN# and it was made in 1977! This thing has not been shot in 28 years since it left the factory. It's also my first black powder handgun...I can't wait to blast some rounds!

I have owned 2 and shot one a lot in competition.

A moderate load (20-25grs) of 3f or 4f (that's right, 4f) with corn meal filler topped with a .457 RB was very accurate in either.

I charge all chambers with powder, fill them with corn meal, rotating the cylinder to "level" the chambers, then I seat the .457 RB flush with the chamber mouth. Top off with heavy grease or "stick wax" and cap it up.

The corn meal is compressable, Cream of Wheat is not!

4f works well if you have new (not eroded) nipples.

Ruger specifies that the gun wil handle any charge of black powder that can be loaded.

After all it is based on the "Blackhawk" frame.

BTW: Blackhawk accesories will fit. I have a "white outline" rear sight leaf and "Pachmyer" (Did I spell that right?) grips on mine.

Hello T/C Nut. About two years ago the "Muzzle Blasts " magazine published by the National muzzleloading Rifle Association had a super article on accurizing and shooting the Ruger. You may want to follow up with them as a great source of information.

Picked up a clean one myself a few years back.LOVE IT!
Accurate when loaded moderately,and a blast when stoked up full with 3F Triple 7.Dave

Outstanding pistols!!

T/C,
That's a great looking pistol. I'm sure you'll love it. I only own a Walker sig. series, but if I got another it'd be a Ruger, as I've heard there's little that can beat it for accuracy and strength.

Beautiful gun,

Wish it was mine!!

George