I am looking at buying my first single action and I have settled on a stainless single six, but I cant decide between the 5.5 and 6.5 models. Is there any appreciable difference? How much difference can one inch make (insert your own joke) in accuracy or velocity?
5.5 or 6.5 single six?
- Thread starter acgill07
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of those two, I'd probably pick 5.5". If I were going as long as 6.5 I'd get the hunter model with the 7"+ barrel, full top rib, and sweet laminated grips.
My two personal fav's are the 4-5/8" and the hunter.
I'd guess 25-35fps difference btw 5.5" and 6.5", but that's theoretical, assuming the B/C gap is the same. In practice the difference between any two samples could vary.
-Daizee
My two personal fav's are the 4-5/8" and the hunter.
I'd guess 25-35fps difference btw 5.5" and 6.5", but that's theoretical, assuming the B/C gap is the same. In practice the difference between any two samples could vary.
-Daizee
rcmodel
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If you ever want to set down, or drive a car, get the shorter one.
If you always stand up, walk, or ride a horse, get the longer one.
rcmodel
If you always stand up, walk, or ride a horse, get the longer one.
rcmodel
Velocity is a non-issue. If you wanted a powerful round, you'd be looking at a .357 or something.
Two things matter: balance and sight radius.
The longer the barrel, the more accurately you can shoot with iron sights. The longer the sight radius, the more precisely you can align the sights.
Balance is another matter. Some of that is personal preference.
I tend to like longer barrels on single actions. But I learned on black powder revolvers. My longest is a 10 1/2" barrel on a .44 Magnum. Works great at 50+ yards.
Two things matter: balance and sight radius.
The longer the barrel, the more accurately you can shoot with iron sights. The longer the sight radius, the more precisely you can align the sights.
Balance is another matter. Some of that is personal preference.
I tend to like longer barrels on single actions. But I learned on black powder revolvers. My longest is a 10 1/2" barrel on a .44 Magnum. Works great at 50+ yards.
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floridaboy
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I've had a 5.5" SSfor many years now. With .22 long rifles it is pretty accurate at 25 yds., maybe 2" groups or so. With .22 Mags, It's a real tack driver. Head shots on groundhogs at 75 yards were common when I lived in Virginia. Approx 1" groups at 5 yards, if I do my part.
PRM
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I don't have either of the guns you are referring to, but I do own and carry two Colt SAA(s) with 5.5 inch barrels. One is a Bisley the other a 3rd Generation. The 5.5 inch is a good working all around gun. Still manageable to carry and very accurate. I carry mine in an El Paso Saddlery "Crosshair" concealment holster. Rides high and out of the way.
MT GUNNY
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jjohnson
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5.5
I had one for over 30 years, and gave it to a buddy as a gift. He loves it too (convertible cylinder). When I get a few extra bucks to replace it, I will buy another one in stainless, same length. The longer barrel just doesn't have the same balance and isn't as handy. The 4 5/8 barrel feels too chunky for me.
I had one for over 30 years, and gave it to a buddy as a gift. He loves it too (convertible cylinder). When I get a few extra bucks to replace it, I will buy another one in stainless, same length. The longer barrel just doesn't have the same balance and isn't as handy. The 4 5/8 barrel feels too chunky for me.
Ala Dan
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I own a stainless 6.5" model Ruger Single-Six convertible. Needless
to say, it will reach on out there and touch everything from critters to
targets~! But, for only $200- I couldn't be choosey.
to say, it will reach on out there and touch everything from critters to
targets~!
But, for only $200- I couldn't be choosey.twodawgs
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We own both, one polished, stainless and the other is blue. Generally my wife shoots the 5.5 and I shoot the 6.5.
If we had to get rid of one I don't know which it would be. I think you should just pick the one that either looks or feels best to you. Either one is going to be very good so far as accuracy and dependability.
If we had to get rid of one I don't know which it would be. I think you should just pick the one that either looks or feels best to you. Either one is going to be very good so far as accuracy and dependability.
In a rimfire the velocity won't be much different, nor the accuracy of the gun. The accuracy of the shooter usually improves with longer barrels as the sight radius (distance between the sights) increases and there is less room for error. I have all lengths and all have their place. A good compromise is a 5-1/2".
I got the 5.5" model and I often think about the barrel length choice I made, I was also thinking of I the 6.5" model. I think that both of them are perfect, but I would really prefer a 6" model so I wouldn't have had to make a decision. I think how it is carried about would be the deciding factor. It is a great gun no matter what the barrel length.
. I think how it is carried about would be the deciding factor. It is a great gun no matter what the barrel length.I was going to get a 4-5/8" but ended up with a 5.5 and I'm very happy with it. I've also got a 5.5" Single-Six in .32Mag and have found this to be a perfect fit for me with the Single-Six.
Ruger did make a special run of Stainless 4-5/8" Single-Sixes within the last few years. If you want that and can't find one it's very easy to shorten a Single-Six as the front sight is screwed on so it's a simple cut, crown and then drill and tap a screw hole for the sight.
Great gun no matter what you choose.
Ruger did make a special run of Stainless 4-5/8" Single-Sixes within the last few years. If you want that and can't find one it's very easy to shorten a Single-Six as the front sight is screwed on so it's a simple cut, crown and then drill and tap a screw hole for the sight.
Great gun no matter what you choose.
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