Need Advice - .22LR Single Actions

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I have 3 Single Sixes. As you can see they are all old Three Screw models.






Although I have several Single Action Armies, both 1st and 2nd Gens, and a New Frontier, I have never been interested in the Colt 22 single action revolvers. Not exactly sure why, just not interested. Apparently I don't feel the same about Single Sixes. I have a bunch of other Ruger single actions too, Vaqueros, Blackhawks, and Three Screw Blackhawks. And I never bother using the Magnum cylinders in my Single Sixes. Not even sure off the top of my head which have the magnum cylinders and which don't. 22 Magnum ammo is too expensive and athough I have a few boxes of it laying around, for some reason they never seem to make it to the range when I am shooting 22 revolvers.

 

[CraigC]

My first handgun was a Uberti Virginian .22 at age 12 but for me, there is none better than the Old Model Single Six. Greatly prefer it over the New Models, though I have several of them too. I've had this one for about 20yrs and 30,000rds. Bought a twin a few years ago but never took a picture of it.

They're good guns but unfortunately, the Colt rimfires aren't as good as their centerfire brethren. While the Single Six is built just like the Blackhawk.



These two more recently.

 

[MacAR]

Thank you all for your responses. I still have a yen for a Colt, but it sure looks like the Ruger would be the better option. This will sound silly, but do the Ruger's have to be half-cocked to load? I've never handled a Single Six so I can't say. I admit I do like the look of the Old Models over the new, but I suppose I could be induced to take either one. The added versatility of the mag cylinder is somewhat appealing, since I do have a Henry 22 WMR that would make a good companion.

While the Single Six is built just like the Blackhawk.

Craig, where did that button-head ejector rod come from? I like that much better than the little ones that go on the Single Six. Heck, I'd think about putting one of those on my Wrangler; it'd have to be easier on the fingers. Also, I'm envious of that pair of "groundhog guns", they're quite lovely!

Mac

 

[mikeyt]

If it was my money, I'm buying the single six. Very nice guns, made here and not too much money. I have an old flatgate, and even though, in its day, it was not an expensive gun, it's a terrific revolver. Like my Rugers..

 

[doubleh]

I bought a Single Six in the early sixties. It's still just as good as brand new. It's not quite as pretty as CraigC's because it has rode a huge number of miles on my hip and shows some holster wear on the blue. I wonder how much the lead that has exited it muzzle would weight in one chunch? Don't know but it would be fairly heavy.

I was never able to work up any enthusiasm over Colt's offering.

 

[CraigC]

Thank you all for your responses. I still have a yen for a Colt, but it sure looks like the Ruger would be the better option. This will sound silly, but do the Ruger's have to be half-cocked to load? I've never handled a Single Six so I can't say. I admit I do like the look of the Old Models over the new, but I suppose I could be induced to take either one. The added versatility of the mag cylinder is somewhat appealing, since I do have a Henry 22 WMR that would make a good companion.



Craig, where did that button-head ejector rod come from? I like that much better than the little ones that go on the Single Six. Heck, I'd think about putting one of those on my Wrangler; it'd have to be easier on the fingers. Also, I'm envious of that pair of "groundhog guns", they're quite lovely!

Mac

The OM's operate just like a Colt. The NM's do not operate or feel anything similar.

I think the ejector is a Story. Not sure if they're even still available but I love it.

 

[Tallball]

I have both.

The Old Model (three screws) operate like a Colt. You put the revolver at halfcock and the cylinder spins freely.

The New Models (transfer bar) operate differently. You lower the hammer and open the loading gate. This allows the cylinder to "ratchet" forward in increments.

They both work just fine. Unloading the New Models quickly takes a fair amount of practice for some folks.

 

[Master Blaster]

I had a .22lr 3/4 SAA size Colt Frontier Scout. The model made of steel with the case color hardening on the frame. They were made for a short time in the early 1970's. Mine was an Arizona Ranger commemorative. I bought it because I wanted a colt to shoot. I sold it a year later because it was horrible to shoot. The hammer takes about 2x the force to cock as my 1980 single six. It tired my thumb out after 50 shots. The trigger was very thin and not comfortable and the sights were hard to see. It was no where near as good a shooter as my old new model single six convertible. Save your money.

My gun was pretty though to look at: Here is one that sold in 2011

https://www.icollector.com/Colt-Ari...morative-Revolver-with-Display-Case_i10104086

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with the Ruger for durability and longevity and with the Colt for it's collectibility and it's looks.

 

[MacAR]

Well gents, with your advice in mind I began perusing Gunbroker. I've found a three-screw Old Model Single Six with 6.5" barrel and adjustable sights. Dated approximately 1970, un-converted, and I would rate it about 95%. I placed a bid on it, and I guess we'll find out in a few days whether or not I'm the proud owner of a Single Six. If so, I'll start a new thread (complete with photos), and update you all. Thanks to @CraigC for the tip on the ejector rods, I've found the maker of them (I think) and will likely order one in the event that I wind up with the Single Six. I'm also going to be on the hunt for some nice leather to carry it in. I'm honestly not a fan of wearing a gun-belt rig, so a regular belt holster would be what I'd want. Not too fancy, with a hammer-thong rather than a strap. Does anyone have recommendations for a good all-round holster that meets those requirements?

In the mean time, I want to say that I certainly appreciate all the advice. The ending poll numbers (for those interested) were 46 in favor of the Ruger, and 4 for the Colt. That was certainly surprising, as I expected more folks would vote for the Colt. Ah well.

So I suppose this puts Finis to my pursuit. I've always wanted a nice single action rimfire six-gun.

Thanks again,

Mac

 

[22-rimfire]

If I were buying new right now, it would be a Ruger. I love Colts, but their day has past for the most part. The Colt 22-single actions never really caught on as collector items. I have a few. I don't own a Ruger 22 single action. Generally speaking, I don't care for loading the little 22 cartridges in single actions and always go for double actions.