I was finally able to get to the range to try out my ROA yesterday.

I poured 40 grns of powder, placed a felt wad with a little lube on it, and finally a Hornady RB. I pulled the loading lever and it only sat (is that right???) the ball halfway. Hmmmm... I gave it a little more oomph with nothing, and realized I just pulled the assembly out and bent the base pin! Grrrrr!

I took the cylinder with me to Home Depot as I needed a 3/16 nut driver since I didn't have a nipple wrench. Obviously I forgot to set the screw properly.

I was able to bend it back fairly well, and it works now. I didn't try for perfect as I felt it would just further compromise the metal. It was bent to around 5* I'd guess. I was able to finish seating the ball and it worked, but I am concerned that it may give up some day in the future. Especially since I am looking for hunting bullets/conicals for it and may get something a bit harder than pure lead.

I guess I would get a loading press if it comes to that, but wanted to be able to load easily out in the field.

From what I understand I won't be able to find parts, and Ruger will not replace the pin as they don't have any and won't make one. Is that about right?

Just a guess, because I haven't owned an ROA. The 1960 Colt is my favorite.

Anyway, are you sure that load will fit in the chamber? 40gr is a lot, and it might not have room for a wad too.

It fit with a tiny amount of room to spare

I really like the looks of the Colts as well.

While looking for a percussion revolver I was eyeing a Dragoon, but wanted a Walker, though it's just too long.

I like the safety notches on the Ruger though, and that I need not concern how much 777 I feed it, along with the minimal worry of caps jarring my shooting.

I'm looking at others, and despite the ugliness of the Remington, I'm leaning towards it since it is similar to the Ruger.

Of course I'll probably end up with 1 or 2 of everything, including puny little 32's!

The ROA is a sturdy gun. My problem with it is I shot CAS, and like to keep everything as real as possible. The ROA isn't a copy of any real gun. A lot of guys still use it in CAS, because it's so reliable. The Colts are famous for dropping the spent caps in the action. Pure death in a speed event like CAS. I got them as reliable as possible, but it still failed now and then. I should have just sucked it up, and got a couple of ROA's, but i'm a stubborn old coot set in my ways.

I thought of getting a Walker a time or two. Just to play with. Too big and heavy to compete with, although some guys do it. Big guys.

I stuck with the 1960 Colts, because of the big grips. I've got big hands, and the Remingtons, and smaller Colts like the 1851 just don't fit.

I had to get out of CAS. It became too expensive to shoot, but it sure was fun while I did it.

Two 1860 Colts 44's, 1873 Winchester in 44/40, and a double barrel 12 ga Coach shotgun. All shooting max loads of real black powder as fast as you can.

How can that not be fun?

I'm a little guy who would have needed a great belt as well as suspenders to carry a Walker!

Something about 60 grns of powder just seems awe inspiring! And no doubt it's like holding thunder!

The ROA grips were just a touch big so I took them off and sanded the inside a little. I have to adjust my grip a little to thumb the hammer back. Dadgum stubby fingers!

I thought the 1860 Army had smaller grips as well? Smaller than the Walker/Dragoon. In fact, I want to say I had read it's the grip from the Navy. Am I wrong?

Yes, you're thinking of the 1851 Colt.

Ruger does not have ANY parts, but they do have #s for aftermarket companies that may or may not be able to help.
Brownells 800-671-0015
Midway 800-243-3220
Gun Parts Corp (Great with older guns) 866-688-7424
Jack (something or other?) 605-343-9544

1851...Navy? Did Colt make a 44 cal with that date?