Need Advice - .22LR Single Actions

Which would you choose?

  • Colt New Frontier Buntline

    Votes: 4 6.9%

  • Ruger Single Six

    Votes: 54 93.1%
  • Total voters
    58
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MacAR

MacAR

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Hills of Home: The Ozarks
Let me preface everything I'm going to say with this: I own 2 SA 22's, a Ruger Wrangler and another un-named job, made overseas somewhere. Both are 4 3/4" 22LR's and both shoot well enough for plinking, and I'm satisfied with both of them.

Having said that...

I'm looking to buy another Single Action 22, preferably with good sights, decent accuracy, and a barrel about 6 inches or better. I'm between two guns, one is a New Model Single Six, and the other is a Colt New Frontier Buntline. Both have the features I'm looking for. Both guns are lightly used, and in good shape. The Ruger sports a 6.5" barrel; the Colt has a 7.5" tube. Each has adjustable sights. Neither of them are convertible models, but that isn't a big deal. There isn't a lot of difference in the price (the Colt is $30 more) either, so that's a non-issue.

I'm wanting a gun that I can keep from here on out, something that I can take on woods rambles and be confident of knocking off a squirrel or rabbit for the pot and/or popping the odd varmint that I might encounter. A gun that I can be confident in. I'm not necessarily looking for an heirloom piece, but I want something that will last. And if it makes it to my heirs, so much the better. I've lusted after a Colt SAA for years, but my pocketbook will never be able to afford one. This New Frontier might be the closest I'll ever get. On the other hand, the Rugers are known to be rugged, dependable firearms.

So, help a guy out. Which would you pick, and why? And please, give good solid reasoning behind your choice.

Thanks.

Mac
 
I agree with aaron above, you will be happy with the Ruger. I've owned a single six (22LR/22 Mag convertible) for many years and am 100% satisfied. That said, I also own a Wrangler and am quick to grab it first, but it isn't close to as fine a gun as is the single six.
 
I never got the Colt bug. Don't have anything against them. Never owned a single one which is remarkable given my interest in all things gun related. Based on the stated use and platform you want I recommend the Single Six speaking from first hand experience with a 6 or 6.5 inch (not sure) convertible version in the safe.

Why: Rugged/reliable/proven platform....convertible 2 caliber option (appears to be a non factor in this case)...more than accurate enough for field work....Great customer service support if ever needed. Plus, I just like the way it feels in my hand.

If given the option to do it again I'd lean towards the 'Hunter' version of the Single Six. Somewhat harder to locate though. Same rugged platform with a different (heavier) barrel profile and the option to put a scope on it if my eyes aged (which they did).

If everything I stated above was a wash I'd still go with the Ruger for no other reason than the 7.5 barrel on the Colt. That extra inch doesn't give you anything in the caliber except limit your holster options. However, that's a personal preference and not a slight on the Colt as a quality firearm on the whole.
 
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I have both the new frontier and the super single six.
I prefer the ruger because of its robust feel and build.
I dont like the crossbar safety feature in the loading gate on the colt.
While I alluded to my preference, they are both quality firearms, and either would serve you well.
Best wishes.
 
Thank you all for your honesty. Sure looks like the Ruger is winning out, but I'm still somewhat drawn to the Colt...
However, I'm not going to run out and buy either one right this minute, and am going to do some careful considering before arriving at my final decision. I will agree that Ruger's customer service is great, and that parts availability for the SS is good, but for the Colt... not so much.

Armored farmer said:
I dont like the crossbar safety feature in the loading gate on the colt.
Click to expand...

AF, the example I'm looking at doesn't have that; seems that was added in the 80's and this particular gun is a '74. It also has the steel case hardened frame. I understand some of the late examples had alloy frames?

Thanks again,
Mac
 
It’s been many, many moons since I last shot. New frontier .22, but I do recall it feeling great in the hand and accurate enough to make me happy.

With any vintage purchase you’re always rolling the dice that nothing will go wrong and therefore, no repairs are needed. This is really something to think about when buying a used gun that was owned by someone you don’t know. If they were rough on it you may be getting a gun that will be a headache later.

The Ruger will be easier and (most likely) less expensive to fix than the Colt will, and it’ll do anything you’ll ever ask of it and keep on going. It’s been shown time and time again that it’ll take a ham handed gorilla to break one, so even a used model is usually a good buy. My used-gun,GB purchased SS is the 6.5” version. I keep the magnum cylinder on it full time now that I have a wrangler, too.

Stay safe.
 
I voted Ruger too. Based on the usage history of the one that I own. They are just super dependable good shooting revolvers that seldom have problems. And if yours should, as others have mentioned, Ruger will take care of you. My single six was the first handgun I ever bought and I will never sell it. If I could only have one handgun, the single six would be it. It's sure made a lot of good memories for me over the years.
 
I'd give the nod to a single six or a single ten. My ten is very accurate and quite comfortable. I also have a new frontier scout and a peacemaker. I've never shot the Colts so I have no opinion on them yet.
 
I have owned two 22lr Single Sixes. Both are/were excellent. I had the magnum cylinder for the first one and never used it much. I haven't tried to get the conversion cylinder for my second one, since the magnum ammo didn't impress me much. (I use my 9mm and 45acp conversion cylinders a lot for my Blackhawks.)

This one I got for a bid of around $125. It needed a $10 part and a bottle of cold blue.

Ruger Single Six 22lr after

Ruger Single Six 22lr after

 
Sorry for not having anything creative. Single 10 in stainless is a very nice little revolver. Plus one can get Ruger CS.
 
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