The only handgun I regret getting rid of, a Single Six (accuracy ?)

[TennJed]

I have bought and traded many guns over the years. Only one I regret trading. A 6.5" stainless Single Six. I bought it used from a pawn shop and it was pretty beat up. Only came with the 22lr cylinder (I assume it was a convertible one at one time.)

I have never been able to shoot a 22 handgun as accurately. I have a MKIII, a 22/45, a S&W 617, and a Norinco TT Olympia, which are all very accurate, but it was something about that single six. I wanted something more at the time , it was pretty ugly to look at, and i figured Single Six were a dime a dozen so i traded her and am kicking myself ever since.

So my question is, do I replace it with a Single Ten or another Single Six? I like everything about the ST. (10rd Capacity, fiber optic sight), but it only comes in a 4 3/8" & 5.5". I am wondering how much of the previous single six accuracy was the 6.5" barrel? For you guys that know more about accuracy than me, could I hope for similar results from a 5.5" or should I stay with the 6.5"? I know it will vary by individual gun by as a general rule.

Holding them in a store I do not seem to be able to tell any real difference from a handling and comfort standpoint. Decisions, decisions.

 

[RaceM]

I'd stay with the Six, but then I'm a traditionalist. As for accuracy there's prolly not much difference in that extra inch. I've had accurate guns that ran the gamut from three to eight inches so I'd call it a matter of personal preference. Aim small, miss small.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a Single-Six but if I were buying new today I wouldn't mind buying a Single-Ten just so I have 4 more rounds before I have to reload again.

My Single-Six is at least 30 years old and it's extremely accurate. Just yesterday I had it out and I was hitting 6 for 6 on a hanging 6" long 2X4 @35 yards. I surprised myself at that distance but then again, that revolver really likes 40gr Federal Champion ammo and that's what I was shooting.

I like to carry that pistol when hunting squirrels with my Henry .22 levergun.

If you don't want the Single-Ten you can buy the Convertible which holds only 6 rounds in each cylinder. (.22LR and .22 Mag.)

 

[md2lgyk]

The first gun I ever bought my wife was a Single Six. That was in the mid-1980s. LNIB for $175. Sure wish we still had it.

 

[CraigC]

Due to some manufacturing changes, the new Single Ten is probably going to be more accurate than an older Single Six. I strongly prefer Old Models but am having a really hard time not grabbing the blued Lipsey's 4 5/8" Single Ten.

 

[JohnBT]

One of us needs to buy it, but I'm in the middle of $20k+ worth of new TPO, copper, parapet coping, gutter and other roofing work, so that leaves you.

I'll get by though, I still have the 5.5" blue Single-Six Convertible I bought in '72.

 

[Tophernj]

This thread makes me happy. Why? Because I am in the midst of buying an older single six with both cylinders and a neat old holster that simply belongs to the gun. Getting it for a decent present day price as well. Can't wait.

C

 

[BSA1]

The great Banic has reinforced to me the value of having firearms that can shoot more than one cartridge so my choice is a Single Six with 22 LR and Magnum cylinders.

 

[TennJed]

Thanks for all the input!!!!

 

[BCRider]

Tennjed, the extra inch doesn't make the barrel any more accurate. But it DOES increase the sights baseline length. And that makes it more accurate for you to see small errors compared to shorter barrels.

Like you I picked up an older SS. In my case it's one of the old three screw blued models with the traditional front sight and simple windage drift-able rear. It's proven itself to be a very accurate shooter that makes me look better than I thought I was... But unlike your case mine is sticking around for as long as I'm into the shooting sports at all.