Ruger New Single Six -- best length?

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've presently got a blued New Single Six in a 4 5/8 barrel. I'd like to get another one in stainless with a longer barrel. The five plus inch doesn't seem much bigger but then it's hard to tell from the pictures. Anyone have a 6?" Is it still comfortable for women?

 

[DMK]

I have one with a 6" barrel. It's very comfortable to shoot. It doesn't seem nose heavy at all. Wouldn't want to try and conceal it though.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

This wouldn't be for concealing obviously, just target so size isn't a big deal. Having shot the 4" barrel, I thought for the stainless version of the New Single Six, it'd be a nice change to try a longer barrel.

 

[foghornl]

I have the 4-5/8" Single Six, shooting buddy has the 6-1/2" version. The longer one is a TINY BIT muzzle-heavy as opposed to my shorter version, but not so much as to really throw either one of us off.

I've said if I get another Single-Six, I'm gonna get the 6-1/2", buddy says he is gonna buy the 4-5/8" version, just 'cause it seems a bit "handier".

 

[Fumbler]

For target shooting and hunting I would get the longer barrel. The longer sight radius is an advantage and you need all the advantage you gan get with handguns.

The Single Six 6.5" isn't too muzzle heavy. My 6.5" Taurus Tracker with full underlug was

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Actually, is the 6" closer to 7" and the 5" closer to 6"? It's hard to tell from looking at pics on the site. I want something closer to 6 than 7 so which would be the ideal length? Thanks.

 

[DMK]

Ruger lists it as a 5 1/2 and a 6 1/2. Go with the longer sight radius of the 6.5". I don't think 1/2" is going to make much difference in handling.

 

[Tacoma]

I have 3, 6.5" and a 5.5" single sixs. ( Sorry no 4 5/8" yet to compare to but I have handled them). My 2 cents. Ballance between the 5.5.and 6.5 is very close. The 5.5 might be a little more forgiving for fast shooting/drawing/ hip shooting, etc. ( But you have that in your current gun.) The 6.5 has a better sight radious and delivers more velocity . Holster carry is a wash. If I could only have one, I'd go 6.5. I think it's more versitile and IMHO , looks a little cooler The longer barrel is especially advantagous if you have any hunting / target work planned. Since you already have a 4.625, I'd say that 7/8" addition to a 5.5" isn't going to offer you anything significant in versitility/performance. I'd go to the 6.5" and enjoy the difference. ( p.s remember they now make a 7.5" and 9" so your not at any extreem .)
hth

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Thanks for helping me decide -- I'll go with the 6.5" so I already have one smaller than that, and I want something different the second time around. This should be a blast....

Much appreciated!