The original 1977 receipt shows a purchase price of $185.50, paid for in full by a traded-in Smith & Wesson Mdel 59!
Nice, simple barrel stamping with no "idiot alert" warning stamp.
The trigger pull was a rough and creepy 4 lb. The smooth grips did not appeal to me much either. I stoned and polished the sear, giving it a very smooth 2.75 lb. let-off. Next I purchased a set of Eagle checkered wood grips that I like very much.
I shot it for the first time this morning, using 35 grs. FFFg Goex black powder, a .030 thick vegetable fiber card wad, and a hand-cast round ball topped with grease. I will be experimenting with various loads in the future, but this was a good starting point. With the rear sight all the way down it still shot a bit high, so I will need to file the sight a bit or install a taller front sight. Here is a typical group shot off the bench at 25 yards with a 6 o'clock hold:
I'm looking forward to playing with this Ruger and finding just the right load!
SHASTA
)
Good shooting and beautiful too boot!
