Can a Ruger Single Six in 32mag be convered to 38 Special?

[1ruger]

I can get a 4 3/4" barrel Single Six in 32 mag from a friend at a very reasonable cost. The blued finish is very worn and it will need a new grip but mechnically it is in excellent condition. I really like the feel and the handling characteristic of this revolver and I shoot it well... it just feels right in my hand. I have thought about buying it but I just don't want to get involved in another caliber (32special/mag). Looking at the cylinder I thought maybe it is possible to change the cylinder to a 5 shot 38 special and change the barrel to one of .357 diameter.

Can anybody tell me if it would be possible to convert one to 38 Special? Forget the cost involved, just the mechnics of the conversion.

I already have many revolvers in 38 Special and have been reloading it for past 25+ years. It is one of my favorite caliber.

 

[The Preacher]

I believe someone makes or had made a 41 Special on a Ruger Single Six frame. If that's the case then a 38 Spl. wouldn't be an issue...unless $ is an issue.

The Preacher

 

[Axehandle]

The 38 Special works in a NM.... I have a Clements Custom 38 Special Single Six... Reeder makes a 38 Super Single Six...The 41 conversion needs a OM Single Six because of the cavity that the NM transfer bar runs in...

 

[45Colt_Man]

The .32 H&R is a great handling gun. They are also very accurate and I personally would rather have that than a .38 Special. They are simple to reload for and a lot of people don't realize their potential in a Ruger platform if you reload. JMHO. Try one I bet you like it.

Dana

 

[Wyandot Jim]

The answer is yes, Alan Harton has made a few for RF members. Not 100% sure but I think he makes it in 6 shot
Jim

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Yes, Happy Trails used to do such a conversion before he closed down his shop earlier this year.

 

[Axehandle]

You know what they say about pictures!

 

[461]

Axehandle- Every time I see that picture I get a little twitch. I will have one someday. Gorgeous!!

 

[Axehandle]

 

[Aggie01]

I have a 5 shot .38 special OM single six in work with Alan Harton.

you are pressure limited in six shot conversions. My 5 shot is expected to handle .38/44 loads.

 

[Blue Brick]

Why not just buy a new 6 shot Ruger 357?

 

[c.r.]

Why not just buy a new 6 shot Ruger 357?

the single six is a smaller frame than the blackhawk. That's what attracts me to the conversion.

A better comparison would be the FA in .357, similar in size to the single six, and a true .357, and six shots................but it's still not a custom single six.

 

[ddd482]

You know what they say about pictures!

nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Axehandle]

Compare a FA 97 and a Custom Single Six? Will pics help?

 

[flatgate]

Can anybody tell me if it would be possible to convert one to 38 Special? Forget the cost involved, just the mechnics of the conversion.

A Ruger .357 cal. barrel needs to have it's shank reduced in diameter and rethreaded to be mated to a Single-Six frame.

Since you are starting with a .32 cal. then you don't have to deal with the "rimfire to centerfire" conversion.

flatgate

 

[peyton]

Axehandle, good photos. Which rear sight do you like better??

 

[Axehandle]

The old bullseye shooter in me likes the Bowen Target rear sight best....

 

[Swamper]

1 Ruger,

Only to add a bit more information, I am fortunate to frequent Mr. Harton's shop and posed the same question. If you are wanting to save money, the cheapest conversion is the 6-shot approach, using the existing cylinder. In that instance, given the overall cylinder length, you are limited to wadcutters. Of course, whether a 5 shot or 6 shot conversion with the custom cylinder, you raise the level of possibilities. If memory serves, some decade or so ago, Bowen or Linebaugh did a 5 shot conversion in .357 mag. (perhaps with a Bisley grip frame). Like many, I really like the ergonomics afforded by the little Single Six frame. But, then again, I like them all!

Swamper

 

[JimMarch1]

Waitasec: a six-shot 38Spl "wadcutter only" Single Six is possible from the original 32cal cylinder?!?

Iiiiinteresting...

If I was going to go with a custom cylinder, a six-shot 327 would look real nice using the original barrel.