Ruger "single six"...I want one because.....

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RDCL

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........It is the only handgun I am aware of that will shoot every variation of .22 ammo that is made. The ultimate "plinking gun" IMHO. Think about it. 22's are fun and economical to shoot.....and here is a gun that will shoot cb caps....22 short/long/longrifle/mini-mags/shot AND .22 magnum. (with the extra cylinder, of course)

Aside from all that they are well made revolvers. I've only recently developed a big desire to get one. It's on my radar when I go to my next gunshow. I've been doing some reading lately and have read nothing but good/great comments about the "Single Six".

Any owners out there care to comment on this neat little single action.....how long have you had it? New or used? get a screamin' good deal?
Any negatives at ALL?

(Whoops, shoulda went in "revolver" forum I think)
Lets see some pics!
 
You left out .22 WRF (this is different than .22 WMR)

The one "negative" I have about it is that the New Models do not align the chamber with the ejection rod. You turn the cylinder to the "click," plus a little bit. It's not a deal breaker, but now that they've figured out how to align the cylinders by installing a ball detent in the back of the frame, I wish they'd do it to all of their single actions.
 
I've had one for 30 plus years. Don't take it out very often, but's fun when I do.

I owned a Colt (New Frontier, I think) back in the '70s. IIRC, it had a .22 Mag cylinder, also.
 
Great gun! Bought a new model stainless convertible with a 5.5" barrel second hand for $289 several years ago. As you say, it's a great plinker with everything you can run through it. It's especially fun with the .22 mag cylinder; ammo's more spendy, but the kids really like the bigger bang.
 
I have a Single-Six that I "bought" from my father-in-law several years ago. It is one of the first stainless New Model Single Sixes, and it has a star stamped underneath the trigger guard to denote that it was sold without a Magnum cylinder. I say I "bought it," because he sold it to me for what he paid for it brand-new about 30 years ago. Quite a deal considering it had only had one box of cartridges shot in it and it still had the original box, paperwork, and store receipt, as well as another box of CCI cartridges that were bought with it. My father-in-law has since passed on, so I'm keeping the revolver as it is for my son, who is his late granddad's namesake. I've only shot one more box through the revolver, and it's a good one. For me, though, I'll just use my Browning Buck Mark and save the Single-Six for my son.
 
I've had one since 1980 and it is a GREAT. I wish I had one with a 5.5" barrel rather than 7.5".
Click to expand...

In 1980, I don't think they made one with a 7.5" barrel. They DID make one with a 6.5"

I'm not sure when the 9.5" came out, so without checking, it is possible that a 9.5" was shortened to 7.5"......but that's unlikely.
 
i bought a 1972 3 screw blued 6.5, last march from a friend of mine who needed money. original box, manual, felt bag, extra cylinder ( still in box) and warranty card and his original receipt.

has some holster wear and normal use wear. but the chambers and barrel are in 95%+ condition and the gun locks up tight when you pull the trigger.

i paid $250 for it and considering a new model in my area cost $565 and used ones go for 375-400 i thought it was a good deal. and it shoots straight. im also a sucker for old guns and had to have a 3 screw. they seem to be great guns , i use mine for rabbits, woodchucks, small game and have no problem. if you get a good one it will only get better.
 
Got my first one circa 1981. In fact, the first date with the girl who became my wife was to an indoor range with that revolver. She loved it. Twenty-eight years later she still does.

The second SS was a three screw from the early 50's that I bought from a fellow gun club member who was going to all semi-autos. (I know, I think that's weird too.) It shoots beautifully even with the older style sights. If I hunted small game, this is the one I would take. My S&W K-22 is never going to be a field gun.

I recently picked up a third of more recent vintage. It was going for a song because the owner boogered up the top strap trying to tap it for a scope mount. It's still safe to use but didn't come with a magnum cylinder. The accuracy is OK, not as good as the older models. With the 4.5" barrel, I use it to teach kids and smaller adults the basics of safety and gun handling.

Aside from some deliberate abuse, these guns will last for generations. In fact, the first two are in my will. That is part of their appeal.

Jeff
 
I've got three of them, and got my arm twisted by another "Old Model" last night. I managed to leave it at the shop, but I hope somebody else buys it and gives it a good home before I go back by there. The silly thing was crying and calling "take me home" as I was going out the door.

NO!! NO!!...I DO NOT NEED ANOTHER ONE...well, I don't...really...Yes, I know it's a low S/N...yes it had the box and papers...
 
The gun is great because of the sheer craftsmanship! It's an astounding gun that I suspect will not be available at decent prices for a whole lot longer. Why? Because it's all steel and wood, and it all has exacting tolerances. The chambers are necessarily counterbored and the extra cylinder has to be fitted.

In short, based on the materials and the resources, or labor, necessary to construct the gun, it may be reduced to plastic and steel in the not too distant future, or at least it will cost more.

My first gun was a Ruger Security-Six, which is an astounding gun. But it was too expensive for a college student, so I bought an RG 66, a nickel plated aluminum and steel cowboy gun in .22LR. It had brown plastic grips and fixed sights, but I didn't have to worry about it. I could throw it in the car, drive up a canyon and shoot a couple of boxes. And though I turned it in later in trade for a Ruger Standard Auto .22LR, I was never able to get the single-action .22 out of my blood. It's an astoundingly good deal and if loaded with .22 WMR, you can make like miserable for any miscreants who want to do you in.

Snap4.gif

This little RG is what got me hooked on SA. It had the "look and feel"
of the cowboy gun I had as a kid, and I got pretty good at shooting it.


RugerSingle-Six_1.jpg

And this is the Ruger. Everyone should own one of these before
they skyrocket in price.


You can also buy a small pouch at your local surplus store and attach it to your holster like so for your cylinder and hearing protection. This is great if you use it as a field gun!


RugerSingle-SixCylinder_1.gif

RugerSingle-SixCylinder_3.gif

.
 
I got my first one in 1977, when I was 13. I couldn't guess how many bricks I have ran through that 5.5" barrel.
My second one I bought about 1990. It is a 4 5/8" barrel.(my favorite) It is my "back door" gun. I keep the mag cyl in it, and out of my 11 handguns....it remains the one I grab when I head out for the wilds.
 
Can you elaborate as to why you like the 4 5/8 inch barrel over the 5.5?
Click to expand...

I cant speak for him, but the balance of the 4 5/8 guns is unbelievable. The thing just feels right in your hand in every way. Its also a little handier, if you have it stuck inside a coat pocket.
 
Can you elaborate as to why you like the 4 5/8 inch barrel over the 5.5?
Click to expand...

I've got both the 4 5/8" and a couple of 5.5 inch barrels. The shorter barrel is handier and maybe balances better, but it's not a big difference. I think the shorter barrel does look a little better, especially in a fixed sight gun like mine is, but I can't say I really like one better than the other. If you go much longer than 5.5 though I think the guns start to look unbalanced. I don't know if they are or not, I've never handled one. That 4.5 to 5.5 is the perfect length IMHO.

5.5 in old models.

100_0078.gif

4 5/8" new model & Bearcat

Rugers2.gif
 
Thanks for the responses. I'm going to get one shot at this and want to get it right. :) This thread is really getting me going, the Single is truly a work of art. Cajun, I'm glad you addressed the appearance, because that factors huge in my gun buying decisions as shallow as that may be.
 
The one "negative" I have about it is that the New Models do not align the chamber with the ejection rod. You turn the cylinder to the "click," plus a little bit. It's not a deal breaker, but now that they've figured out how to align the cylinders by installing a ball detent in the back of the frame, I wish they'd do it to all of their single actions.
Click to expand...

I'd say it's downright annoying; a deal breaker for sure to me.

However the new new model Blackhawk is back on my list of wants since they have figured out the ejector rod alignment thing. In fact the stainless .327 and .357 Blackhawk with rosewood grips and the New Vaquero in .45 Colt are on my lust list.
 
The Single Six Conv. is one of best handgun values available today. I have a stainless 5.5 and a blued 4 5/8 both with adj. sights. The 4 5/8 handles best at its lighter weight of 32oz. I shoot it most. However, the 39oz 5.5 is the most accurate handgun I own. Both handle all 22 rimfire ammo well, but especially CCI and Win. 40 grain magnums. Wow they hit with authority.

Ruger Single Six. Good looking, good shooting, reliable, versatile, durable, nice fit and finish, and for what you get its a good value given the price compared to other brands. No wonder so many of us love our Single Six's. I really like its little brother, the Bearcat, too. I have gotten pretty good at loading and unloading smoothly so I don't miss a swing out cyl. much. It takes practice that's all and practice is so much fun!
 
I wish to thank the folks for posting pics of their guns. I think I'm leaning towards a blue finish. Something so special about blue-steel & walnut! I'd also prefer a long barrel....6.5" or even 7".

I'm not sure if I'll buy new or used......don't really matter much to me as long as the used gun is in nice condition. One thing is.......can't make up my mind wether I'd want an adjustable sight/ramp version or the ol' fixed sight "peacemaker" style.

Thanks for you comments & pictures!

Russ
 
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