Ruger Single Six Old Model

Only problem is as with any pre transfer bar pistol is loading 6 chambers and carrying, otherwise a smoother and actually lighter trigger, also if you don't feel safe, Ruger will convert them to the transfer bar system. I know with the center fires there is no cost for this service, only one way shipping.

Did that pistol come with both cylinders? I have one and it is a nice revolver. I saw one recently at an LGS, it went for $300, but only had the 22LR cylinder.

No problems, just what robhof said. I have a 1956 flat gate SS that has not been converted to the transfer bar and as long as I'm alive it never will be.
It's very smooth and shoots very well too.

My Dad had one when i was growing up, when i started shooting it, it had probably had 10,000 rds through it and i probably put another 10,000 through it. My brother has it now. It was a late 50s or early 60s model.

I have one and enjoy the smooth action and trigger. I don't holster carry it so was never tempted to have it converted. I like the idea of it being in the original style.

For my area, that price for a Single-Six in good condition is more than reasonable.

Jeff

I have one that was a gift from a friend of mine. He use to take it along when he checked his trap lines. He bought it used so there's no telling how many rounds have been through it but all these years later it's still running just fine. Needed to replace the grips and I finally found and had fitted to my Single Six a .22 Magnum cylinder for it.

Oldschool shooter said:

Did that pistol come with both cylinders? I have one and it is a nice revolver. I saw one recently at an LGS, it went for $300, but only had the 22LR cylinder.

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The earliest models were only .22lr. I have one. It's either a '57 or '59. High gloss blue. When I did research on it, turns out the earlier ones didn't come with the mag cylinder. There's a good article in American Rifleman that breaks down the history of the Single Six. I'll have to see if I can find it.

Here ya go:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2019/5/14/a-look-back-at-the-ruger-single-six-revolver/

As a teenager I learned how to shoot a pistol with my Uncle's Ruger Single Six, one of the earliest with the round gate. I had a cousin who had one of the flat gate models. In recent years in a fit of nostalgia I bought a couple of old Rugers, un-converted of course. Both guns shoot as well as I remembered from my younger years. Top gun is 1956 vintage, bottom gun is 1959. I load 5 beans in the wheel for safety.

Three hundred for a nice three screw 22 is a pretty good price IMO. I bought a nice one for $350 OTD a few years ago and feel I did well.

Have 2 from early 60s with the mag Cylinder and will never convert either one. I have been carrying them hammer down full cylinder for over 50 years with no issues. Yes things have changed because of lawyers...

JDeere said:

Have 2 from early 60s with the mag Cylinder and will never convert either one. I have been carrying them hammer down full cylinder for over 50 years with no issues. Yes things have changed because of lawyers...

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Yeah I’m sure it’s the lawyers’ fault when people do stupid things.

1KPerDay said:

Yeah I’m sure it’s the lawyers’ fault when people do stupid things.

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Yeah...figured someone would have stupid come back as well...Have a great day and carry on...

I have an old model single six with 5.5" barrel and drift adjustable rear sight. According to Ruger mine was built in 1961. It belonged to my grandfather. He sent it back in 1973 for the new lockwork. Apparently he had the 22 mag cylinder added to the order since it has one with it. I haven't shot it a whole lot but from what I remember it was accurate. And those that have said the new lockwork trigger is terrible are telling the truth. The gun came in the box from Ruger and they sent back the old lockwork parts. I have thought about switching it back but haven't done so.

But any of these you find a deal on pick it up. They are excellent handguns. I also have a new one I bought a few years ago I was using to shoot turtles at my buds pond. Not every shot was a hit but the misses were close. And I really like shooting the 22 mag round. Its a real difference in power over the 22lr. Its not a plinking round but a real hunting round with way more penetration. I hope you buy the gun.

bannockburn said:

I have one that was a gift from a friend of mine. He use to take it along when he checked his trap lines. He bought it used so there's no telling how many rounds have been through it but all these years later it's still running just fine. Needed to replace the grips and I finally found and had fitted to my Single Six a .22 Magnum cylinder for it.
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Good lookin' 3-screw, Bannock....my wife's was stolen 4-5 years ago...I don' t know who misses it more; her or me.

My only complaint wih the early Single-sixs was how you had to hold the cylinder with your left thumb while trying to find the sweet spot for the ejector rod when reloading- much of the time, Id end up whacking the front of the cylinder repeatedly trying to eject the brass. IIRC, later models are timed so that the charge holes actually line up with the gate.......

The early Blackhawks were the same way, but at least the holes were bigger.

Posting my 1959 SS again. Bought it new when I was 15 (dad was with me). Best value .22 revolver ever made IMO.

It's the first handgun I ever bought.. Had to be in the mid 60's right after I got out of the navy, and I bought it used
for $75.00. It has the mag cylinder in the little red bag. Don't really remember shooting it a lot. I still have it.
leadhead

Just picked up an old model Single Six at a pawn shop for $250 OTD. It's an adjustable sighted model with 5.5" barrel, got it for less because it's missing the magnum cylinder and has a bit of finish wear.

Was looking at Wranglers, but for $50 more figured the Single Six was a better buy.

The old model I just picked up has a nicer trigger than my new model, haven't put enough rounds through it yet to judge accuracy but it looks promising.

bannockburn said:

I have one that was a gift from a friend of mine. He use to take it along when he checked his trap lines. He bought it used so there's no telling how many rounds have been through it but all these years later it's still running just fine. Needed to replace the grips and I finally found and had fitted to my Single Six a .22 Magnum cylinder for it.
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Looks like mine. Do you have the steel ejector housing like mine? I found someone online who machines cylinders for the SS's. 6,8 and 10 rounders. He mainly does NM stuff. But if you send him your cylinder for an old model, he can guarantee the timing. Eventually I'll get an eight rounder if he can machine a safety slot for the hammer to rest like an Old Army or NAA.

KevininPa

Yep mine has the steel ejector rod housing too. Took a lot of cleaning and a little bit of Flitz but I got it looking pretty good, given that it's had a lot of holster time being outdoors as much as it was. Finding the new factory grips and the extra cylinder were nice additions too!

I picked one up used but in great condition about 20 years ago. It has adjustable sights & is a great shooter. I can shoot it as well if not better than my S&W Model 41. I spoke to Ruger and they would install the transfer bar free of charge & if I wanted they would also add the 22 Magnum cylinder (I assume at some cost to me of course).

After asking opinions here at HR I decided to not install the transfer bar because it would affect the value & the fine trigger it has now. I also decided to not order a 22 Magnum cylinder from Ruger. I wouldn't mind having the extra 22 Mag. cylinder but the added cost of the cylinder & the expense of 22 magnum ammo discouraged me.

At the range I load six shots in my gun but only 5 when I carry it. I carry it mainly for snakes although I have dispatched a few rats at my house with it. When I carry I load it with two cartridges of snake shot & 3 HP's.