My Single Six Screw-up

[carebear]

Different case and bullet dimensions between the .22 Mag and .22 LR, Long and Shorts.

The "non-magnum" 22's can intermix like the .38/.357 et al. The .22 WRM is a different critter.

 

[JohnBT]

The .38 Sp. and .357 use the same diameter cases.

The .22 LR and .22 WMR use different diameter cases. The LR is .225" and the WMR is .241". IOW, the WMR hole is too big and the LR case splits.

In addition, the rim diameters are different: .275" vs. .291".

John

 

[BluesBear]

BUT, if you can shoot .38s through a .357, and you can do the same with .45/.454 revolvers, etc, why can't you do it with a single-six?

Because it ain't about the length.

The standard .22 rimfire cartridges (Cap/Short/Long/Long Rifle) use .223" outside lubricated bullets. Outside lubricated means it's a heeled bullet of the same diameter as the case.


The .22 WMR & WRF use .224" inside lubricated bullets.
Inside lubricated bullets fit inside a larger diameter case.


This means that the inside of a .22WMR case is .001" larger than the outside of a standard .22.

 

[SwampWolf]

I need to amend my previous post when I said that neither cylinder had the last three digits of the serial no. inscribed on them as the manual prescribed. I looked again at the face of the cylinders and, as John BT indicated, this time I noticed the extremely light, almost undetectable, free-hand scratchings that are the last three numbers of the serial no. This leads me to suspect that the cylinders are indeed fitted to the frame and that maybe it isn't a good idea to randomly install any given cylinder to any given frame. Sending the revolver back to Ruger might be the best course of action to have a cylinder properly fitted.

 

[scratchy wilson]

Robereno, you are not alone...

pretty much the same thing with mine, though I don't recall the cases splitting as much, if at all. Sent mine back to get the LR cylinder installed(Ruger said 'fitting required'), and of course get the safety conversion done.

I'd like to know when your's gets back, as mine seemed to have a different 'sound and feel' to it. Probably all in my head, but now it sounds like a cheap tin gun.

Other than that, it's fine

 

[Old Fuff]

... as mine seemed to have a different 'sound and feel' to it. Probably all in my head, but now it sounds like a cheap tin gun.

No, that the new transfer bar safety - it sort of floats around.

 

[Robereno]

but now it sounds like a cheap tin gun.

Great. LOL

Well I'm no gunsmith but if they return the parts they take out maybe I can reverse the upgrade/downgrade. How hard could it be to take a revolver apart.

 

[Nickotym]

Thanks Robereno, my gun ws mfd in 1968 if I remember right. It only came with one cylinder and sure enough it seems to be the .22WMR. It is fluted but has no groove that posters are saying the .22 LR has.

Thanks again all

 

[Robereno]

Update



Bumping this old thread with an update for those who were following it.

I just got my Single Six back from Ruger after purchasing the .22 LR cylinder and having them fit it to my gun.

Fwiw, the new non-magnum cylinder came with the gun serial number stamped on it. Other than that, it is still difficult to tell which cylinder is for .22 and .22 magnum. I’m not complaining, just making the observation that in this case, the .22 cylinder does not have the firing pin groove that is described in the manual. They still both look very similar.

Also, now that the gun has been “upgraded” with the safety bar, it no longer has those distinctive “Colt like” clicks when you pull back the hammer. Not a big issue with me though I’m told that the purist gun collector considers those four clicks significant and important. They do send back the parts that were removed for the upgrade.

All things considered, I’m really happy with the service Ruger gave me. My next purchase will be the Blackhawk Convertible 357/9mm.

 

[ID_shooting]

Nice looking there. I took a set of letter punches and put "MAG" on my wife's mag cylinder. She hasn't got them confused since.

BTW, that Six is clean looking. Did you have Ruger refinish it?

 

[Robereno]

Did you have Ruger refinish it?

No it wasn’t refinished. The finish is almost 100% which is remarkable considering its age. Serial # is 4933** which I think puts it after 1962 but before 1969. (Not sure about that).

Frankly, if I were to do it over again, I think I’d look for something a little more beat up. Going to hate it when I put a scratch on this thing.

 

[kludge]

I've debated about sending mine in to get a magnum cylinder, but I don't want the "upgrade"... so I haven't.

 

[Sindawe]

Ruger will return the parts they removed but they will NOT allow a traditional three click gun out of their possession.

Interesting, why is this? I think the Single-Six I have is one of these, only three clicks when drawing back the hammer.

I was recently gifted this Ruger Single-Six in .22 caliber. My Uncle purchased the weapon when he was 16 (64 now), and looking up the serial number on Ruger's web site shows this weapon to have been shipped around 1953. It has both cylinders, and the magnum cylinder DOES have the last three digits of the weapon's serial number either stamped or very carefully engraved. The standard cylinder has no markings.

 

[461]

I did the exact same thing a few years back, the seller said he'd misplaced the magnum cylinder so I had no way of knowing the cylinder it came with was indeed that magnum cylinder. I sent it off to Ruger for refinish and a new LR cylinder. Removing the "upgrade" is no problem at all and took me about ten minutes if I recall. Good as new and well worth the time and effort expended.

 

[jad0110]

That's strange, Ruger not marking the cylinders. I had a cheapo Heritage Rough Rider Combo that came with .22LR and .22 Mag cylinders. Paid $150 NIB. I distinctly remember one cylinder being stamped ".22 Magnum", I am sure of that. I seem to remember the other being marked ".22 LR", but can't remember for sure.

Any current Heritage owners out their, please confirm?

 

[Outlaws]

I have to admit I did this once. My dad handed me his 22 mag Winchester 9422 to take out to the range. I hadn't shot it since I was maybe 8 or so, and since my whole life he had always refered to it as a 22, I just loaded it with 22LR ammo (which fed perfectly by the way lol) and shot it. First shot I got sprayed in the face with something. Gas I suspect, but it felt chunky.

 

[Confederate]

I was just amazed that LRs could be shot through the mag cylinder! Other than the split cases what sort of accuracy were you getting, or not getting?

 

[Outlaws]

I was just amazed that LRs could be shot through the mag cylinder! Other than the split cases what sort of accuracy were you getting, or not getting?

I quit shooting because I don't like my firearms spitting in my face.

 

[Robereno]

Other than the split cases what sort of accuracy were you getting, or not getting?

At the time I was such a novice that I couldn't judge the accuracy. Could probably tell now, now that I'm up to amateur level.

Been shooting a Blackhawk that I just got yesterday. Boy I like these Ruger single actions.