[ChiefPilot]

I took my first revolver out tonight for the first time - it's a Ruger New Model Single Six with the .22 and .22 magnum cylinders. As this is my first revolver, I was comparing it against the closest other handgun I have, which is a Ruger Mk. II Target. Interestingly, although the Mk II has a 6 7/8" barrel while the Single Six has a 5 1/2" barrel, they both seem to be about the same length. Wierd.

Anyway, the first thing I noticed was that the Single Six just sounds "different" when shooting; it's not really quieter but more "dull" sounding. I think this is because of the gas escaping around the forcing cone, which leads me to my main question: Which design loses more energy - the revolver or the semi-auto? It seems like a lot of gas escapes between the cylinder and the forcing cone on the revolver, while the bolt has to be pushed back with the semi-auto.

Thanks!
Brad

[James Bondrock]

Between a blowback-operated semiauto and a revolver? Call it a wash. A single-shot pistol would certainly give more velocity, but this is probably due more to the extra length of barrel than any gas loss.

[VictorLouis]

Would be eekingn out a bit more oomph, ammo for ammo, over the revolver. Not only because it's got a bit longer tube, but the fact that bolt stays closed longer than you might think before it cycles.

BTW, you've now got a pair of the funnest .22 handguns known.:D

[BluesBear]

The barrel on a semi-automatic is measured from the muzzle to the breech face.
The barrel on a revolver is measured from the muzzle to the rear of the barrel.

If you were to measure your Single-Six from the muzzle to the breech face it would be close to the Mark II length.

[Marshall]

You'll get more fps out of the Ruger. Maybe 50 more.

[RON in PA]

Theoretically with identical barrel lengths the semi-auto should give higher velocities because there is no barrel-cylinder gap. In reality only shooting through a chronograph will give you an exact answer.

[trigger45]

there isnt enough to worry about. the revolver and the auto will be to close and then you can shot a .22 mag. in the rev. to MORE than even things out.