[Orion8472]

What info is there on a Ruger Single Six, 3 screw, with serial number starting 107xxx? If one is in VERY good shape, what should be a fair price of it?

5 1/2 inch barrel, black grips.

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a 4 5/8" Single-Six a little over a year ago that is so old it didn't come with a .22 Magnum cylinder. I paid only $200 and thought that was a fair price.

[bannockburn]

I believe your Single Six was made around 1958. Depending on condition, a fair price could be anywhere from $200 to $400. So maybe figure around $300 as the average price.

[Orion8472]

The one I'm looking at is right at the $400 mark. It is unconverted [so having the 4 clicks]. Doesn't seem to have much wear on it at all. Bore looks clean and the blueing is good. Grips look basically new. The frame has a few scratches in the alloy. . . . not sure how much it would take away from the potential [down the road] value if that part was refinished.

I put it on layaway.

[bannockburn]

The original grips always seemed to be somewhat fragile so take care if you plan on removing them. From your description this gun sounds like it's in pretty nice condition so while the $400 price tag is kind of at the top end, it still would be a decent deal if you really wanted a vintage Single Six.

[Orion8472]

Well, I like the 4 click system and [because of that] having the half cock ejection characterists, as compared to the new transfer bar setup where the cylinder click is between chambers, which seems too awkward for my taste.

As for the grips, I thought about switching them out for wood grips, but may keep it original. Of course, carefully taking them off and storing them may be a good idea, too. Not sure on that yet.

If it WAS made in the late 50's, it is in VERY good shape. I will be sure to take good pictures of it when I get it out.

BTW, ARE these vintage Single Sixes considered "worthy of having"? I know that I had seen some threads where people "wished they hadn't had Ruger update theirs". I don't know if it is only a niche group of people who want the original design and most prefer the new transfer bar mechanism, but as a person [myself] who won't be carrying this gun anyway, I don't see any reason to have the "transfer bar" level of safety.

[mavracer]

Well, I like the 4 click system and [because of that] having the half cock ejection characterists, as compared to the new transfer bar setup where the cylinder click is between chambers, which seems too awkward for my taste.
May do a double check the converted 3 screws will still have 4 clicks and have to be on 1/2 cock to load. There is a little collecter value in an unconverted gun but a shooter grade is not gonna make much difference.

[Orion8472]

There definitely isn't any transfer bar on this one. Was there a "conversion" that didn't include the transfer bar? I thought that was the whole issue with the "conversion". . . . because people lost that 4-click action.

[CraigC]

Depending on the particulars of its condition, I say $350-$400. The older (1953-1962) models are worth a premium to me because they have the XR3 grip frame which is a dead ringer for the Colt SAA/Navy grip. Just don't care for the later XR3-RED with its greater room behind the triggerguard. IMHO, these guns are the pinnacle of affordable single action .22's. They are imminently reliable and properly cared-for, will last several lifetimes. They can also still be procured for reasonable prices, as you can see with your example. The Old Models corrected all the frailties (real and perceived) of the old Colt design but retained the traditional style action. While there are several disadvantages to the post-1973 New Models, the only advantage (important to some, not to others) is that they can be carried safely with all six (or ten) chambers loaded. Old Models must be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. I do NOT recommend sending them to Ruger for the transfer bar conversion. It results in a gritty, rough, heavy action and pitiful trigger. You do not, however, lose the 3-4 click action.

This 5½" is my most used/abused sixgun extant. It was born in 1963 and has seen at least 30,000rds in the 12yrs I've owned it, probably more. I have retrofitted an XR3 grip frame fitted with fancy claro walnut by CLC, a steel ejector housing with bullseye ejector and a Wolff spring kit. It is slicker than snot on glass, dead reliable and shows no signs of wearing out, despite my best efforts.

http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_7107b.jpg

[Orion8472]

Those grips are about exactly what I'd like to get for the one I'm buying.

Do you have a link to where I can find grips to fit this old gun?

[BCRider]

Even in GREAT shape $400 seems like a premium price. But then you may wait another 5 to 10 years to trip over a deal on an old three screw in great shape and get it for less. And that's a LOT of time lost where you could be shooting and enjoying.

On the other hand if you're willing to live with some "patina" based on fair wear and tear there are certainly lower priced 3screw SS's to be had for under $300. Maybe none you can find right at the moment but they do show up on a fairly regular basis.

As always Craig has the nicest looking guns... :D My own 3screw is looking down n' dirty at the moment since it just saw about 300 rounds shot through it last night by a group of young guns when I took it out to my club's Jr .22 night for them to try something different.

[Orion8472]

I'm more thinking of the history of the gun, its age [~ 1958], the older action with staged hammer, the far better "1/2 cock ejection", and the overall design of it. I'm actually surprised that these aren't worth more with all that in mind.

Just to be certain, . . . a converted one will still have the staged hammer, but will have the transfer bar [like new Ruger Single Six revolvers], right?

[mavracer]

Just to be certain, . . . a converted one will still have the staged hammer, but will have the transfer bar [like new Ruger Single Six revolvers], right?
Yes.
Also Power Custom has hammers that have a half cock notch for new models only minor inconvience is you have to put it on 1/2 cock before you open gate.

[Orion8472]

This one for sure is an unconverted.

As for Power Custom, would they have that hammer for the Single Ten?

[Remllez]

Just for grins Orion,

It's not a flat gate model is it? Seems some of the early model year 1958's may have had the flat gate installed to use up parts. If it is, that makes it more interesting in a collectors eyes. Some say those early non magnum models were a tiny bit more accurate.

I own a early 60's vintage and a mid 80's convertible model and have shot brick upon brick through them both and they still shoot lights out. $400.00 without a box and dox seems a tad high but like someone said earlier you might not see one in that shape again for quite a while.

[Orion8472]

No, not a flat gate, unfortunately. But yes, considering its shape, . . . and if I keep it in as nice of shape as it is, it may be worth more in the future when they start to dry up. I would be fine keeping it for a decade or two! hehehe

[BCRider]

Since it sounds like YOU think it's a good value and you like the idea of the original style half cock I guess there's nothing for it but to go ahead and buy it. Once again, with all the things we spend money on these days that turn out to be a waste what's a hundred bucks here and there? If it won't take food off your table or out of the dog's dish and the house won't be forclosed for buying it then go for it.

Depending on how you intend to use this gun I simply would not bother getting the transfer bar "upgrade". At the range it's safe enough to load all six and shoot. And if you want to carry it around on trails or on the ol' homestead simply load it with 5 and hammer down over the empty chamber.

Keep in mind that with this original Colt style action that to hammer done correctly you must go to full cock and then lower the hammer. It works just fine with the classic method of load one, skip one, load four. Done that way after loading the last round you can go to full cock and then lower the hammer onto the empty chamber. It doesn't hurt to look in the recoil sheild gap and check that the chamber about to move under the hammer is the empty one just before you actually cock the gun to full.

[Orion8472]

The only time this will have rounds in it will be at the range. I don't have any notions of carrying a single action cowboy action revolver. Just like the idea of the revolver, based upon my criteria listed above.

I'm still pretty amazed that these are more sought after, what with the old style "4 click" hammer. I was really expecting people on here to say, "Wow! Great find! Those are hard to come by and many people would love to come across one!" . . . . or something along those lines. :o

But yeah, if I like it, that is worth the relatively low price on it already.

Out of curiosity, is there anyone on here who would say, "Do NOT buy it. It isn't worth even $200!"?

[CraigC]

"Do NOT buy it. It isn't worth even $200!"?
Only a fool! The one I pictured was only $200 but that was 12yrs ago. Like I said, $400 is at the upper range but if the condition is nice, it's definitely fair. Ten years ago, it would've been a hundred too high but they're only going up.

The flat gates are more desirable to some collectors but the round gate is better for a shooter as they are easier to manipulate.

[Orion8472]

Good to know, Craig. I'm definitely going to get it. . . and [again] will post pictures as soon as it gets here.

I contacted someone who does custom wood grips and may put a set on. . . . hopefully figured walnut.

Now, the frame has a few small scratches. Is that best left as "character", or would it be good to refinish, since [I'm guessing] it was just finished in black paint back in the mid 1950's?

[CraigC]

Forgot to provide a link for the grips:

http://www.clccustomgrips.com

The aluminum grip frames were actually anodized up until sometime in the `90's. Some folks refinish them but nothing lasts. When they start looking rough, I prefer to strip the anodizing with Easy Off oven cleaner and polish them bright. Which is what I plan to do with the sixgun pictured......eventually.

[Orion8472]

Thanks for the link. I asked him about possibly getting the figured walnut. :)

I may take the grip frame down to an excellent gunsmith and have him put another black coating on it. These [apparently] won't ever be the collector items that some of the early Colt .45 revolvers are. That's okay, though. I still really like the way this design looks and functions!

In case I hadn't said it already, . . . . . yours looks awesome with those grips! :D

[Remllez]

I'd leave the "character marks" on it, if you shoot it it's going to develop "character marks" again anyway. Like you said these guns won't likely become collector guns anytime soon so I'd spend my money on grips I like and lottsa ammo.

[CraigC]

In case I hadn't said it already, . . . . . yours looks awesome with those grips!
Thanks!

Here it is with its original grip frame and birdseye maple from the same maker. So you can see what one looks like polished.

http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/clifton/large/P1010054.JPG

[Orion8472]

Rem. . . thanks for your comment. I will consider those things when I get it. I will also take a picture of that place [scratches].

Craig, I see what you're saying with the polished grip frame. It is an option. For me, I think I would rather have it back to black.

I MAY even see if my gunsmith can do a relatively shiney black finish on it with just a hint of "blued steel" mixed in. And, of course, . . . whatever I do will be displayed on here. . . before and after. :)

[CraigC]

There are several good finishes available. I've used Brownells' Aluma-Hyde II with excellent results.

[Orion8472]

I would feel better letting my gunsmith do it. I really don't have a good place to put any finishes on. He has the place, tools, and equipement to back it on.

I'm pretty excited about this old gun. As clean as it looks, I wonder how many rounds HAVE been shot through it since it left Ruger in the mid 1950's? I will probably just pick it up sometime this week/weekend. I have 60 days on the layaway, but I did that more to get information on it before plunking down the whole amount.

[Orion8472]

Just realized how much those grips are. WOW! :eek:

Is it worth it . . . . . or stick with uninspiring black plastic? Quite a decision.

[BCRider]

If you've ever done a bit of wood working as a hobby you could look at making up your own grips. The simple slab shapes found on these Rugers is about as simple as they come. And if you use nice but not "over the top" grades of hardwood a mistake will result in losing about $3 worth of wood in addtion to the time spent creating the mistake. So again it's not a huge loss.

[CraigC]

It's worth it to me but that's something you have to decide for yourself. I'm serious about my sixguns and it's important to me to have grips that are not only as comfortable as possible but also fit the grip frame well and are attractive to boot. It adds greatly to my enjoyment of any good single action. Spread out across a lifetime of enjoyment, the cost is really insignificant. CLC's grips are really a bargain on the true custom grip market. Where you can easily spend $300-$400 and up with other makers.

[Orion8472]

BCRider, I have done wood working in the past, but have no place to do it now. I probably COULD have made my own, so it sucks for me that I don't have access to tools. :( Oh well, . . . it is what it is. :)

Craig, your point [on the price] is well taken. I think I will send the Single Ten back to Ruger for them to fix, . . . then sell it as NIB [which it actually is] on here to pay for grips and potential grip frame refinishing on the Old Single Six. :cool:

[Orion8472]

Also, called Ruger and the guy, though he wasn't able to be certain, said that it was probably made in 1958.

[BCRider]

I'm currently still in the process of renovating the garage and basement to build my retirement workshop. But it didn't stop me from making a set of new grips for my SS and SBH. The sum total of tools used were a coping saw, drill press(it was handy but a hand drill could easily work as well), coarse files and some sandpaper. So even if you're currently in an apartment you COULD still do something of this sort. You'd simply need to add a vacuum cleaner to the list of mandatory tools.... SO NO EXCUSES! :D

[Orion8472]

I will go down to my local wood shop and select some wood then. hehehe

[CraigC]

Ruger's online resource would indicate 1958.

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-SSixSM.html

[Orion8472]

So, I am to read that chart that it was made some time in 1958 after serial number 88245 and that in 1959, they started with 122480?

Did they really have revolvers with JUST "1" - "49" as serial numbers? Justing seeing if I'm reading it right.

[CraigC]

So, I am to read that chart that it was made some time in 1958 after serial number 88245 and that in 1959, they started with 122480?
Yep!


Did they really have revolvers with JUST "1" - "49" as serial numbers? Justing seeing if I'm reading it right.
Yes but typically the first few are not just shipped out with the rest of them. They often go to writers (like Elmer Keith and the first .44Mag's), collectors, employees or Bill himself.

[Orion8472]

Ah, . . . I see. Thanks!

BTW, I selected some wood from the link, talked to the guy about them. Gonna check other options. . . including the possibility of making my own.

[texagun]

Here's one that was made in 1958. It is unconverted. The serial number starts with 105XXX. It has had 5 rounds through it since new. If I could find another one like it I would not hesitate to pay $400 for it. Value is totally dependent on condition.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/w5lx/1958SingleSixrightside.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/w5lx/IMG_4924.jpg

[Orion8472]

Is that yours? Beautiful! The one I'm getting isn't QUITE that nice, but close. Thanks for the post. :)

[texagun]

Yes. The son of the original owner was selling it locally. It had the original box of ammo with it with 5 rounds missing. The son said it was never fired again and was kept in the bottom of a chest of drawers. It came with the box, all the paperwork, the bill of sale from a hardware store ($58 brand new), the original cleaning kit and a holster that had never been used.

[Orion8472]

Wow! Great find! Are you going to shoot it or keep it in basically new condition?

The one I'm getting doesn't come with anything else. If you care to share [and you don't have to], what did you give for all that?

[texagun]

I haven't had the heart to shoot it. I paid considerably less than $400 for it but would pay that much for a duplicate in a heartbeat.

[Orion8472]

Lucky dog! Probably the difference between getting it from a private individual vs. from a local gun store.

I understand not having the heart to shoot it. I have to wonder what i would do in your case. Tough one. To have such a nice gun and it be a safe queen would be hard to do. But the potential of wear on that old of a gun . . . . . nice gun, . . . but tough place to be in.

[CraigC]

Here's one that was made in 1958.
Beautiful! I'd love to find one like that in that price range!!! Sadly, most Single Sixes like that will carry a hefty collector's premium.

[Orion8472]

What do you suppose one in THAT shape would bring?

[CraigC]

The box and paperwork makes a huge difference. I'm not a collector and don't keep up with all the variations or their pricing. It doesn't appear to be a rare variation but it is in rare condition. In my non-expert opinion, probably $500-$700. Folks on RugerForum would be more help.

[awgrizzly]

The value varies so much depending upon how much a collector wants it. I agree with that price range, but perhaps the upper end at around $600. But if I had it in my hand I might not want to let it go and fork out another $100. The price of $400 on that three screw sounds OK if it's in the condition claimed. Most folks of the pure shooting variety may not appreciate the fine aspects of such a fine unconverted treasure and fail to properly proclaim glee at such a find at that price. :)

I apologize for the unimpressive photography but here is a very nice flat gate and box. Not wanting to show off :cool: but when a guy has something neat it's hard not to brag about it. :evil:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m44/Grizzlyguy/Single-sixrt.jpg
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m44/Grizzlyguy/Single-sixbox.jpg

[Orion8472]

Awgrizzly, . . . I like!!! That's the second VERY nice looking one with "just" the original pastic grips. Do you guys prefer it with the original grips, not like custom wood grips, or don't like spending the money on them? Just curious. I'm fine with both looks.

But as for your pistol, the flat gate is definitely an interesting look, and more rare, so you are fortunate!

[bannockburn]

Orion8472

The original plastic grips on my Single Six were chipped and cracked and had been replaced with some inexpensive wood grips from some mail order catalog. They were functional but that was about it. Eventually I found a set of factory walnut grips (with the Ruger medallions), at a local gunshow. They looked great, fit my gun perfectly, and were only $40. Certainly a less expensive way to go versus custom made grips, while saving the original plastic grips from any possible chipping or breakage.

[Orion8472]

Would a future potential collector rather have the original black plastic grips on the gun? It seems it makes sense to take them off, use some other wood grips . . . so the plastic remains good. The grips on the one I'm picking up today look very good.

[danjet500]

Keep the original grips. Don't sell or throw them away.

[Orion8472]

Got the gun today. Was a BIT worried about how it would shoot, being made in 1958, but after I purchased it, I took it to the range and it was a TRUE pleasure! I will post pictures tomorrow [after it is cleaned] to show the results of my short range trip. :D

One of the best buys in guns I've made in a long time! :cool:

Oh, . . . as for the grips. . . .I'll probably just keep the plastic ones on there. IF I get a set of wood grips, I will definitely keep the plastic grips.

[Orion8472]

As promised. . . . .

Here are a few pics of the gun and a [7 yards] target. Didn't shoot too many rounds through it. The target on the right was offhand, with the far left hole one that I pulled. Accuracy is VERY good.

fyi - The first pic was taken before I realized I needed to de-lint the gun, so any marks is just my neglect. Also, serial number was photoshopped out . . . just because. :)

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/DaveCustomMade/3ScrewRS.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/DaveCustomMade/3ScrewLS.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/DaveCustomMade/3ScrewTarge.jpg

[bannockburn]

Orion8472

Wow, looks great and shoots great! And without even seeing the rest of your gun collection, I have to agree with you when you say that this is one of your best buys!

[Orion8472]

Thank you, sir! :)

I hope to take some more pictures soon. I was rushed with those three pics [hence the bit of lint on the right side of the frame near the barrel].

But yes, this was an excellent buy, for sure. I MAY just leave it alone with the black grips, . . . just be extra careful with this gun to keep it as nice as I can. Almost paid nearly $200 for very fancy figured walnut grips. . . . . . but kinda like the black grips. IF I do wood grips, I will just get wood from my local wood shop and make them myself. It will be a fun project. Then I will keep the black grips safe away.

BTW, for the target, the orientation of it is as seen in the picture. So it tends to shoot about an inch low at 7 yards. Not sure what the sights are normally set up for. . . . .but I will NOT [a BIG "not"] be shaving the front sight. . . . . . ever!

[mavracer]

BTW, for the target, the orientation of it is as seen in the picture. So it tends to shoot about an inch low at 7 yards. Not sure what the sights are normally set up for. . . . .but I will NOT [a BIG "not"] be shaving the front sight. . . . . . ever!
If your cutting the bull in half horazontally you should be about dead on at 25 yards, That's about where most of my 22s impact at 7 yards.

[Orion8472]

Thanks. With a gun like this, I am quite comfortable using "Kentucky Windage" and just aim accordingly, . . . but for the most part, I am happy with where it hits. . . .and extremely happy with the purchase. I feel honored to be a part of the "well preseved 3 screw Ruger" club. ;)

[Orion8472]

One more picture. . . . . . just because I really love the top part of the frame.

However, this DOES show the one flawed part of the gun, on the top of the grip frame. :(

Still, a great gun and great buy.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/DaveCustomMade/3ScrewTop.jpg

[Remllez]

Very nice SS.....if you plan on shooting it a lot I'd do just what you said and make/buy some inexpensive wood grips. The plastic grips on that piece are from what I can see in excellent shape. Keep them aside for the future.


Like someone mentioned earlier the groups you are getting will be dead on at 20-20 yards. That is one of those revolvers that will be passed down to the next generation with pride.

[Orion8472]

Thanks for the comment. :)

As for grips, I WAS going to get a nice set [that would have cost about $200], but other than a custom set [like that], I'm not seeing any wood grips for it.

If I have missed some on the internet, please feel free to post a link. Thanks!

[Remllez]

I'm not sure but you could try Rugers web-store for a set of replacement wood grips just for shooting and put the original set in the box for safe keeping. IIRC the replacement grips were quite reasonable.

Or hit up the grip table at the next gun show for grins, never know what you'll find.

[Orion8472]

Would Ruger still have replacement grips for that older XR3 grip frame?

I guess I won't know until I ask. Thanks for the suggestion. :)


*Update . . . Went to shopruger.com and they do not have anything for the XR3 grip frame.

[Remllez]

Sorry Orion,

But you never know till you ask....I can tell you this much though, next gun show bring your grips to the guy that has the grip table, he will in all likelyhood have something that will work for you.

You have a fine revolver there for sure....it's worth keeping it in good shape, you did just fine on the deal and someday a son or daughter will be quite happy when you hand it to them. When you stop to think that this gun is already 54 years old it really is remarkable...:)

[Orion8472]

I will take them to the next gunshow. Outside of that, I'll attempt to make my own grips. . . . and put them on if they don't look bad.

Yeah, I am SO glad I got it when I did. It probably wouldn't have lasted very long in that gun shop if I walked away without it. I don't think it was in the case very long. I've said it already, but I consider it one of the best finds/purchases for my collection.

I'm thinking of getting a few more cowboy action revolvers. There's a 45 Colt Bisley at the same shop. It is a fairly new gun, though, so nothing too interesting.

Thanks for the kind words! :)