I have somewhat of an update, I designed a gated conversion for the ROA a while back. Since then, life and business has been front and center. Last month though, I found a company that may produce my conversion. The obvious chamberings would be a 45acp and a 45C (which would allow anything off the shelf and "Ruger only" loads). There is also a possibility of a 5 shot version in 454 Casull !
This is a "drop in" style of gated conversion along the lines of the Kirst gated conversions which means (normally) no changes to the revolver (internally) . . . even the 5 shot version. You'll be able to use it as a "drop cylinder" for ROA's that you don't want to open the recoil shield.
Another plus is the possibility of having some new "cones" ("nipples"!!) produced by the same company. I designed these as well and the benefit is more power with the same powder charge you're using now. So, there ya go . . . all updated and stuff!!
Mike
Merry Christmas and Happy new Year!
Talking about gated conversion for ROA, from I could see on mine, loading 45 Colt or 45 ACP wouldn't work without removing cylinder from the frame. Existing opening on ROA shield is just not large enough to load cartridges.
Other possibility is to enlarge opening on the shield, but in that case we talking about major modification that should be done on milling machine. Please correct me if I missed something.
As for 454 in ROA, my apology for skepticism, but I do not see the point. Even SAAMI 45 Colt will barely fit in ROA conversion cylinder. On top of that, I am not sure that ROA grip is right choice for such heavy recoiling cartridge.