Ruger Single-Six

[JohnBT]

"All .22 Single Sixes are set up with a barrel sized for .22Mag ammo - .224. 22LR really needs a .223 barrel. This unfortunately includes the Single Sixes that are NOT "convertible" - pure .22LR in other words."
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If you've got the money, shoot Midas L (L = Large.)

"Lapua Midas L Ammunition 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Box of 50

Midas is Lapua's high-precision flagship rimfire cartridge. There is no 22 Long Rifle ammunition more accurate. The L series is 5.69mm diameter (.224)."
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Do the new Single-Sixes come with a 2-pound trigger like my 1972 Covertible did? Nothing like shooting WMR out of a short barrel when it's dark. Mine's only 5.5", but there's substantial muzzle flash. A fireball actually.

John

 

[Steven1281]

These are great revolvers, that should last long enough to give to grandchildren. I wish I had got mine sooner!

 

[kludge]

Kludge - Mind telling us why?

Unloading an Old Model: click, push, click, push, click, push... etc.

Unloading a New Model: click, push, nope, turn, push, nope, turn a little more, nope, turn a little more, click, dang!, turn, push, nope, turn a little, push, got it!, turn, push, nope, turn, click, dang!... etc.

 

[Legionnaire]

Just picked up a second-hand stainless 5.5" convertible myself (sorry, no pics yet). Looks like it was manufactured around 1980. Stripped it down and cleaned it up, then took it to the range. Way high on the "fun gun" list. The .22mag cylinder is a hoot to shoot. I say by all means pick one up.

 

[kingpin008]

Actually, I did! Just filled out the paperwork earlier tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to go pick it up by the end of next week.

 

[SwampWolf]

Like old model ;

Like new model !

 

[DMK]

phoglund, where'd you get that holster and cartridge belt. That's way cool.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

That holster looks so old, I'll bet the manufacturer is gone by now. Triple K makes the Cheyenne drop belt and holster for rimfire. Cabelas has it but probably also available from others.

I recently picked up a Super Single Six used from a local shop. It was in pristine condition with a 6.5" barrel. Looked like somebody bought it, then turned it around less than a year later. Imagine my surprise when I found that it was manufactured in the '80s. I had one once before and was unsatisfied with it. It grouped .22 LR like many bird shot. I didn't really take the time I should have with it and probably could have gotten it to group well. I regretted it so much that I resolved to get another, but before I was able to order one, a local shop got the one I bought for about half the price of new.

 

[LAR-15]

How much do Single Sixes run?

Used and new?

 

[kingpin008]

LAR - I dunno about other areas, but I paid $380 OTD for mine. That's Maryland prices, so they're likely a bit high.

Otherwise - Gunbroker.com and Google are your friends.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

The one I was going to order new was about $400. The LN used 27 yo one I ended up buying was $250. I bought my first one in the mid-90s for $200.

 

[deanodog]

Single six stainless 61/2 inch. Never a problem and very accurate.

 

[Legionnaire]

LAR, my second hand 5.5" stainless convertible was $279.

 

[TimboKhan]

* Try a bunch of .22LRs until you find one that shoots in your gun (you usually can).

* Use Paco's weird tool to "mash" the 22LR bullets, which often resizes 'em a hair bigger.

* Shoot 22Magnum when you want peak accuracy - not a bad option.

* Re-barrel it.

Jim, excellent post, excellent points. That being said, what? Your right that the accuracy suffers, but jeez, it's not that bad. My old single-six could shoot better than I could with regular old .22LR. I mean, going to the cost of rebarrelling it, or spending the time to mash bullets just seems like overkill. I can agree with the suggestion to use .22mag for peak accuracy, but thats about it.

If your hardcore about pinpoint accuracy, I would suggest that the single-six probably is not the gun to choose to begin with. All of my .22's can shoot into a 50 cent piece (even if I regularly cannot), some can shoot into a quarter, and one of them could probably place them into a dime. 50 cent piece is all I ask, as in my opinion, that is enough practical accuracy to get any job requiring a .22 done.

 

[Logan5]

I've actually been pretty amazed with accuracy. I've got three of them; a five and a half inch three screw that's my favorite, a shorter stainless new model, and another three screw with a longer barrel and the .22 WMR cylinder, which I haven't tried. Field accuracy has been outstanding for me.

 

[DillHarris]

Got a new one a few weeks ago. I've shot it twice. Great gun. I'd comment on the accuracy, but my abilities pretty much rule a fair test of the gun out. I got the new blued, 5.5" model. Didn't know if I would like the internal lock or the hard rubber grips. The grips ahve worked out fine and the internal lock really isn't an issue. I got the gun because I'm too busy to reaload a lot and just wanted a "fun gun". It has lived up to expectations.

 

[Gator]

I've had three, two old models and one new model. I sold off the new model right quick! Just sold one of the others and will be getting rid of the last one soon. Neat guns, but not that accurate and they suffer from the problem of all single shot .22s... loading and unloading take way too much time! .22s are so great because you can shoot a lot of them without fatigue and without spending much money. But with a SA you spend more time loading and unloading than you do shooting. I'm sticking with DA .22s from now on

 

[tasco 74]

Hey!! Paco's Tool Ain't Wierd!!!!

 

[LAR-15]

Thanks

 

[Lucky Strike]

I've been wanting a SA .22 for some time and have been saving loose change/one dollar bills as a way to pay for one with the intention being that i'd get a Single Six.

My impatient self may just crack though and get a heritage arms revolver.

Is the Single Six worth the wait over a Heritage Arms? I don't think i'll be using it for anything that requires supreme accuracy

 

[phoglund]

DMK,

The holster is a Hunter 1100 series holster size code 52. The leg tie-down is simply a piece of paracord type line threaded through a couple of holes punched through the back of the lower section of the holster. Hunter is still very much in business and I've had excellent service from the one pictured. The belt I purchased at a local sporting goods store many years ago and I don't know the brand. If you were to shop just a bit I think you could find one identical to that fairly easy. It was pretty inexpensive is all I remember about it. I've had no problems with it either. If you want the same "look" just wear the thing for several years while hiking, horseback riding, motorcycle riding in the back country. Actually skip the motorcycle riding bit as I quit doing that after I looked down to find the revolver cocked subsequent to riding through tight trees.

 

[Gator]

Is the Single Six worth the wait over a Heritage Arms?

Absolutely. A Single Six will outlast you and your grandkids; there is no comparission in the quality of the two. I have a couple "good enough" guns and I have always regretted not waiting a bit longer and getting the one I really wanted.

 

[mljdeckard]

My dad had said for years, he wanted a Bearcat for a snake gun while he is fly-fishing in mountain streams. (He has a couple of .22 autos, but they won't eject all kinds of birdshot.) So we went together on a single-six a few years ago. He absolutely loves it. I don't.

I think the biggest reason why, is I'm just not used to the grip shape. I grew up on autos, and I can't get used to that Peacemaker grip. Having said that, We've shot thousands of rounds of .22 and .22 mag through it, and it's been nothing but fun. And yes, he's zapped a few rattlers with it.

 

[mic214]

I have a couple Ruger .22 single actions and I love them. I have found them to be very accurate and rugged:

This is my OM three screw 9-1/2" Single Six (It started out as a 5-1/2"):



This is my New Model 9-1/2" Super Single Six convertible:



My OM 6-1/2" three screw Super Single Six convertible:



This is my OM Bearcat:

 

[foghornl]

Another $0.02....

I had a Bearcat for a while many years back, but it was just a fraction too small for my Ham Fists, complete with Sausage Fingers..AKA Fat Hands Syndrome.

When I am in the mood to shoot SA, but without breaking the bank (I have 2 Ruger .357Mag SA's), I'll pick up the Single-Six and blaze away.