I once owned ths gun and traded it off for a rifle about two years ago. The shop never got rid of it (black powder revolvers are pretty much a novelty here in upstate NY). A couple of weeks ago I traded off another gun and got this one back. On New Years day I took it outside with some newly made paper cartridges using Zig-Zag rolling papers, 20 grains of FFFG Triple 7 and a .454 round ball. I also ried some loose rounds with some wonder wads for the heck of it. Everything done from 15 yards offhand duelist style.
Not to shabby...Just how big was that grin you was wearin', anyway?
A Ruger Old Army properly loaded and in the right hands will shoot with a modern centerfire for accuracy at normal distances. One of the finest handguns for anyone that considers themselves a shootist ~ is a fine black powder revolver....
I always wondered how zigzags would do. One guy said they were a little weak (flabby?) for his percussion Sharps carbine but you proved they work fine for a pistol. Good going and that's a really nice looking gun.
An 1860 was my first BP revolver and I had a great time with it. I never tried paper cartridges, tho'. My favorite cap and ball handgun is the '58 Remington. I truly like the way it sits in my hand, as well as its sights. Mine were also Piettas.