Stupid question of the week: 3-screw Ruger Single Six dry fire/6 shot?

[1KPerDay]

Hi,
I just inherited a nice single six 3-screw with 22LR and Magnum cylinders. my questions are:
1. I know that most rimfires are not okay to dry fire. However, I also know that some ruger 22s state that dry firing is okay. Is it okay with this one?
2. is it safe to carry 6 shots in the cylinder on a 3-screw 22? I know it's recommended to only carry 5 in the big calibers but didn't know for sure about the 22.
3. Is the single-six 3-screw part of the group of rugers that supposedly needs to be sent back to ruger for the safety conversion? Or did that not apply to the 22s in the first place?
4. Has anyone here sent a 3 screw back? Does your revolver still have the '4 clicks'? I gotta have the clicks. I sold my .44 Vaquero because it only had 2.

 

[ArmedBear]

1. I wouldn't do it. This gun is collectible and Ruger WON'T fix it without modifying it.
2. No. It's not any safer than a SAA or a 3-screw Blackhawk. (Of course, I load 6 when I load and shoot immediately, since it's no more dangerous once you cock it anyway -- it's unsafe to CARRY the gun with a round under the hammer.)
3. Yes. But DON'T do it. This gun is collectible as-is. If you want a modern Single Six to shoot cans, go buy one at the gun show.
4. Just don't do it.

 

[GP100man]

pull the hammer back if ya see a transfer bar it`s been converted & safe to carry "6" , if unsure keep it a "5" shooter
the possibility of the firing pin pinging the edges at the rear of the cyl i would refrain from dry firing .
hope this helps even if a little.

i concur with ArmedBear

GP100man

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Bingo.

In fact, if you're considering sending it back to Ruger, PM me, I'll trade you a new model blackhawk in your caliber of choice for it..........

 

[1KPerDay]

I'm not really considering it... I've never let a working firearm out of my hands before.
thanks for the info. I really like this little revolver... seems extremely well made. Especially compared to the POS german-made "cowboy" .22 revolver I've had for a long time. Can't wait to get out and fire the Ruger.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I just taught my youngest son how to safely handle an old ruger. Load 1, skip 1, continue loading until you hit 5 rounds. Cock hammer and cylinder will line up with hammer on empty chamber, lower hammer.
For Safety's sake load it with empties until you can do it blindfolded. Don't forget to teach everyone in your family that might use the revolver how to safely handle it.

Enjoy and safe shooting.

 

[Maj Dad]

Ix-Nay On The I-dray I-ringfay...

Assuming it is in original configuration and not modified by Ruger, in which case snap away...

I broke the firing pin on my flat gate Single Six in 1962 dry firing it. It was easily repaired ($25 or so,a not inconsequential sum for a high schooler working on a hog farm) but left it with subtle-but-visible marks on the frame from the punch. It locked up while I was out shooting and I didn't make the connection until the gunsmith told me I had done it dry firing :banghead: Just my experience...

 

[evan price]

If you send an unmodified single-six to Ruger, they will convert it to a New Single Six. That means you lose the extra clicks. Ruger will not convert it back or return the extra parts.

It's only safe with an empty under the hammer.

 

[Shear_stress]

Ruger will return the extra pieces along with your gun. The parts are returned for "collector's purposes".

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAQs?site=Firearm&cat=8#Q92