Ruger new Model Single Six Question

[kingpin008]

So, I have my eye on a New Model single six at the local shop. I know it's "convertible", and comes with a spare .22 WMR cylinder.

Problem is, I have no desire to take up shooting .22 WMR. Quite happy with regular ol' .22LR. Is there a way that I can write Ruger and send back the spare cylinder in exchange for a replacement .22 LR cylinder?

Or, can I sell/trade the .22 WMR cylinder to someone, in exchange for their .22 LR one? I'm curious if anyone has done this, or if it's even possible. I know that proper revolver function relies on proper timing, and indexing, but I have no idea if that would even be something I'd have to worry about seeing as they're interchangeable anyhow.

So, any advice? I'd love to pick it up, but if I'm gonna be paying for a cylinder I'll never use, it's not as tempting as I thought.

Thanks ya'll!

 

[Blue .45]

I just brought home a used stainless one today. I haven't fired mine yet, but I have shot my brother's many times and I can tell you, they're good guns. If the price is right, I'd say grab it. With the price of ammo going up, you can't go wrong with a .22. I don't know if ruger will send you a new cylinder. I read someplace that they have to be fitted at the factory. Someone here can correct me if this is wrong. In any case, I would keep the .22WMR cylinder if I were you. It's nice to have the option to shoot .22mags if you should later change your mind. Besides, if you ever decide to sell it, you'll probably get more money if you have the extra cylinder. Just my opinion.

 

[DMK]

You should try some 22WMR in it. I didn't use my cylinder for the longest time, but I liked it once I tried it. If you don't use it, just oil it good and put it aside (I keep mine in a little plastic paint jar). Someday you might want to sell it or trade it and the new owner is gonna be pretty disappointed that the IPO lost the magnum cylinder.

Do a search here for "Single AND Six". I agree with tech4061 and think I read that they were fitted to the gun as well. But you might be able to send your gun to Ruger and have them fit a second one.

 

[461]

In order to get a new cylinder from Ruger you have to send in the gun and have them fit it to the gun, cost of about $50.00 plus shipping and they will not trade you for your .22Mag cylinder.

Lots of folks sell them on the various gun sites or Ebay with a going price of about $50.00, you can also usually find .22LR cylinders there as well. As for "Will it fit?", it'll normally drop right in but I've had a few that required a little fitting to get it right unless it's undersized and then you have a problem. A second .22lr cylinder really isn't going to do much for you as it's still a time consuming operation to switch the cylinders and you need three hands as the base pin is not captive on the Single-Six.

The Single-Six is a great gun that I shoot a lot and enjoy fully in both .22lr and magnum, if it were me I'd buy it and keep the magnum cylinder as if you ever sell it it'll be worth more with the magnum cylinder and most folks would just pass it over as there's plenty out there with both and no Ebay hassle.

Good luck, it's a great gun.

 

[bakert]

Take it as is. You aint gonna ever wear the first .22 lr cylinder out. I seldom shoot mag ammo in mine because it's too pricey in my area but it's nice to have and as 461 says if you sell it the mag cylinder is a plus.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Yes, the extra cylinder does have to be fitted to the individual gun. It has already been fitted to yours and is not hurting anything - why not keep it?

 

[Ron James]

If you ever want to sell your Ruger, knock 25% off the price because of the lack of a .22 Mag cylinder

 

[StrikeEagle]

I've had a Single Six ever since the New Models came out. They're a bit clunky, but I like it fine.

Why do you want a second .22 LR cylinder? It's hard for me to imagine ever wearing one out.

I agree with those who say keep the Mag cylinder. Who knows what you'll want down the road?

 

[kingpin008]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'm taking them into consideration.

I guess I just never saw the need for the Mag cylinder since I don't ever count on shooting .22 Mag and it seemed like a better deal to have a backup .22LR cylinder should the first one break/wear out/have an issue.

I can see the point of just hanging onto the mag cylinder, and if I end up picking up the revolver I probably will just do that. Still undecided though.

Thannks once again for the replies, ya'll.

 

[MADDOG]

Find an "old model" they only came with one cylinder. Of course it must be pre 1962.

 

[461]

The Bisley only comes with the .22LR cylinder as well.

 

[YodaVader]

Yes I was going to mention the Bisley too since you would not have to be concerned with the 22 mag cylinder. It is more money but with the Bisley you have an all steel gripframe where on the blued Single Six it is an aluminum gripframe. Although the look/feel of the Bisley is not for everyone.

it seemed like a better deal to have a backup .22LR cylinder should the first one break/wear out/have an issue.

I think you have a better chance of winning the Lotto before wearing out or breaking a 22lr Single Six cylinder!

 

[22-rimfire]

Just keep it. You don't need two 22LR cylinders. They don't wear out, or more correctly, it likely will not wear out in your lifetime. But, if you really want another 22LR cylinder, ebay is the place. Then you will be posting a thread on how to fit the cylinder or why it doesn't drop right in. Answer: Send gun and cylinder to Ruger.

Some day you might feel like shooting 22 mag ammo just to see how it does. Most people seem to choose to keep one or the other cylinder installed and if they really want the other caliber handy, they buy another revolver.

 

[ID_shooting]

I am going to vote you keep it too. I have two Single-Sixes. Mine, New Model had lost the mag cylinder years ago by some previous owner. Cost me 80 bucks to get one and have it fitted. My wifes, Old Model came with the original.

Like you, I never saw the need for the mag cylinder till I went rabbit hunting. If you plan to hunt at all, whistle pigs, jacks, cotton tails, badgers, nutrias, .22 mag will be the way to go. More accurate, at least 75% more power on target than .22LR.

 

[NewShooter]

I once bought a Heritage revolver without the 22mag cylinder. It came with a coupon to send in and get the mag cylinder. Eventually, curiosity got the best of me and I sent it in.

 

[Geno]

The factory had to register it with the BATF as a convertible, and it will show as such (in states such as Michigan) when registered. It has been alleged to me by FFLs, that for those reasons, they cannot make any alterations. The firearm must be sold as-is. I doubt the company will exchange it. That would open a world-sized can-of-worms. Keep the .22 Mag. It may come in handy for the very occassional shoot. Or, put another way, you will never regret keeping it, but you could regret selling it.

For my part, I spent two hours yesterday at the gunstore trying to decide bewteen a Ruger Mark III Target (any 1 of a billion models), a Ruger Single Six Convertible, and a S&W 617 (either 6-shot or 10-shot). I'm in trouble!!! I like all 3 equally, but, cannot afford all three. So, I have to make a decision!!! This whole problem would never have happened if God would have made me a millionnaire. Oh, and re-thinking this thread, someone said the Single Six has an aluminum grip?! Arrr! Well, that removes that from consideration. I don't do alumium pistols. So, I'm now down to two: Ruger Slab-side or the S&W 617 6-shot.

Doc2005

 

[22-rimfire]

If I could afford it, I'd always choose the Smith 617. I prefer the 6-shot cylinder as most speed loaders are made for the 6-shot. You really don't notice it much plinking and the 6-shot cylinders are easier to reload. But, I was looking at a Smith Model 317 and the larger capacity cylinder could come in handy. It would be kind of a occasional carry revolver for me or just to keep in my truck most of the time. Your choice.

Don't foget about the older Smith Model 17 and 18's for a great 22 revolver. I have an 18 and really like it. I'm partial to blued revolvers though. A Model 17 is on my ever growing list of wants.

I wouldn't concern myself too much with the aluminum frame. They are tough. I would not buy a Ruger Bearcat though for that very reason. The older Colt New Frontier and Peacemakers had an aluminum alloy frame. Colt switched to all steel after a while. They are great little revolvers that will set you back about $500 these days "used" like new condition.

 

[YodaVader]

Oh, and re-thinking this thread, someone said the Single Six has an aluminum grip?! Arrr! Well, that removes that from consideration. I don't do alumium pistols.

Yeah that was me - but that is only on the blued versions , the stainless Single Six has an all-steel gripframe and ejector rod housing. I have a stainless Single Six and it is one of my favorite handguns!