Well said Doc!
There is a reason most of the competition BP shooters choose this pistol. I recently bought a SS ROA unfired from an estate sale. It truly is one of the best BP pistols I've ever owned.
I agree w/Doc in that the loading lever assembly could be better. However... Ruger set out to make the best BP pistol ever and in my opinion, they did. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy all my others... (Walker, 1858, etc.) they each have their own pro's/con's and I like them all. The ROA in my opinion, is at the top of the heap.
The only thing "original" about them is they are no replica of anything. Simply a Ruger original. If you want to get serious about competition shooting, the ROA is the one to have.
B