New model single six question

[possom813]

I have a new model single six chambered in .22lr. Can I swap a .22 mag cylinder into it or is that a nono? My dad had one years ago that we could swap cylinders on, but it wasn't a new model?

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: possom813 my friend-

If you have a Ruger New Model Single-Six Convertible, yes you can
swap cylinders "back and forth; if necessary; while I would not recommend
it, if your weapon is set up on just one caliber, either the .22LR or the .22
WMR. Proper headspacing could [and probably would] be an issue~!

However, the factory can provide an additional cylinder for your weapon-
if you send your firearm to them for proper fitting~!

 

[bannockburn]

possom813

If you want a .22 Magnum cylinder, I think the only way for you to get one is to send your gun into Ruger. They will not sell you one outright, probably due to liability issues from improper installation, etc. Why not try some of the hyper velocity .22 LRs out there, if you looking for a little more horsepower? That and the fact that the extra cylinder, installation, shipping, and the price of .22 Magnum ammo, is going to set you back more than a little cash.

 

[Majic]

There are Single Six and Super Single Six. The Single Six came just in .22lr while the Super has cylinders for both the .22lr and .22 Magnum. IF you have a Single Six then the factory won't fit a magnum cylinder to your revolver. Ruger will only setup your revolver the way it came from the factory. They will look up the model number and follow those specs. If you have a Super then they will gladly do it for you.

 

[Virginian]

I thought the Super was the 32 Magnum job. Believe me, if you get a 22 mag cylinder properly fitted, it will work just fine in any Ruger Single Six. It will probably work if it just plain fits, but may not be the most accurate gun around.
Brownells and Numrich have both had the 22 Mag cylinders from time to time.

 

[461]

The "Super" in Super Single-Six has nothing to do with the cartridge it is chambered for, it's about whether or not it has adjustable sights. Adjustable sighted models are "Super" Single-Sixes. All Single-Sixes can take a magnum cylinder unless it is marked .22lr. or is a lightweight but you'll have a hard time finding a lightweight you're willing to pay for as a plinker. Anything convertible is marked .22cal.

Good news, a .22Mag cylinder may be had pretty cheaply from GunBroker, Auction Arms, the Ruger Forum or many other online sites. I've doen it several times and have never had one that didn't drop right in. The Centerfires are another story, I've gotten 9mm and .357 cylinders and have had to fit a few.

Edit to add: There is a difference between old and new model cylinders so make sure the era of the one you get.

 

[possom813]

Good info, I don't really use it for plinking. It goes to check hog traps and to have a minimalist effect if the hog has to be shot in the trap. But I was just thinking that I'd like to have a magnum cylinder in it just because I want it.

I think I read somewhere, it may have been this forum, that the single sixes were actually designed for the magnum cartridge. I may have misread, but I think that's what was said.

I don't reckon I really have too much of a use for a magnum cylinder, but with everything there's a need and a want. This is definitely a want.

-John

 

[Seafarer12]

For hogs I would want the mag cylinder. A 22 mag fmj does a good job on hogs. My six came with both cylinders. I don't shoot the mags much but they are nice to have. I usually carry it as a backup while hunting with some 22 mag gold dots. I think they are Remington. They are pretty stout. I would call Ruger up first to see how much they would want to fit a cylinder. If its very much there is this. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94448770

 

[possom813]

If its very much there is this. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=94448770

The only problem with that is that it's blued and mine is stainless...

 

[Virginian]

I can't believe I have had two Single Sixes, and I never knew they were Super Single Sixes. Both had adjustable sights, one blued, one SS. I don't remember the paperwork, but I know mine didn't say Super anywhere on the guns. Is that right?

 

[greener]

FWIT, my single six convertible simply has "New Model Single Six" on the revolver. Ruger seems to be pretty insistent in the instructions that the mag cylinder numbers match the last 4 of the serial number. I think if I were considering the conversion, I'd let them do it.

 

[461]

Ruger will fit a Mag cylinder for you, very reasonably as well. I had them do one for me on an old model I had that I couldn't find an old model cylinder for. I think it was like eighty bucks for the cylinder and then I had the whole gun refinished for like fifty. I'm sure prices have gone up as that was a good ten years ago.

I like the .22Mag, gives you some oompfh (tech term) to play with.

 

[Ifishsum]

You won't be sorry if you get a mag cylinder for it - besides having significantly more "oomph" I find the .22WMR to shoot quite a bit more accurately. I don't know much about fitting it to the gun, but I bet that 75% of the time it would be a drop-in deal - you'd just have to know what to look for in terms of potential issues with the installation. If you're not sure, have it fitted.

 

[P. Plainsman]

Here's an interesting article by R.K. Campbell in the new Gun Week comparing the .22 Magnum to the .32 H&R Mag. as field cartridges. The test guns were both New Model Ruger Single Sixes.

http://www.gunweek.com/0301issue/feature0301.html

Upshot:

I purchased a top quality .22 Magnum S&W and an interchangeable cylinder Ruger Single Six. When I used these pistols on small game, I was amazed. The .22 Magnum showed far more tissue damage than any .32 caliber bullet. . . .

I have put either to work against crows and other pests, and find the .22 Magnum considerably more effective. This makes it a better small game cartridge than the .32. Since the .32 is not effective against larger game, then, I really have no need for the .32 Magnum. And the .32 Magnums cost more as factory ammunition, although with reloading factored in the cartridge can be comparable to the .22 Magnum in cost.

Beyond a doubt, the person who does not reload should choose the .22 Magnum. . . . [A]t longer range ... the flat shooting .22 Magnum ... r[a]n away from the .32, but that was expected. The difference in performance was obvious. The .22 Magnum simply was the better cartridge, especially past 25 yards. And while the .32 Magnum offers the use of .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long cartridges as sub loads, the .22 Magnum can use a spare cylinder that chambers the mighty popular, inexpensive and useful .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It just doesn’t get any better. . . . I’m sorry if I didn’t drag this test out and keep you wrapped up in expectation, but that is the sum of the matter.

I enjoy Campbell's reviews. Be interesting to see what he would make of the new .327 Federal Magnum. Unlike the .32 H&R, it can fully equal .22 Mag velocity -- with double the bullet weight!

But after his article, I'm left hankering for a blued convertible .22 Mag / .22 LR Single Six with 5.5" barrel.