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[Springfield52]

New member here with the result of my latest trade… a 3 screw Single Six. After taking it to the range this past Sunday and putting some Remington Golden Bullet .22LR rounds through it, I joined this forum and, from information learned here and from Ruger, that it was made in 1966, and the cylinder is actually a .22 Magnum The LGS I purchased it from had it listed as a .22 LR.
I experienced no issue shooting .22 LR through it, but that was a close one, if I understand what I’ve read here and other places about shooting .22LR in a .22 WMR cylinder.

 

[Gator89]

Welcome to the Ruger Forum covey.

Glad you got the cylinder identified before anything bad happened.

 

[Neon Vernon]

Ive pointed out to a local shop on two occasions that they had a Single Six with only a WMR cylinder tagged as 22LR, one was a NM with the unfluted cylinder... they're a bit slow on the uptake.

You'd think they would be appreciative and offer me a deal on them but no such luck.

 

[peachhead]

I have had that happen a couple of times. I was happy because I wanted a magnum cylinder anyway!

 

[golferboy426]

lots of 22 lr cylinders around if you wanted one

 

[Springfield52]

Welcome to the Ruger Forum covey.

Glad you got the cylinder identified before anything bad happened.

Me, too...

 

[Springfield52]

I have had that happen a couple of times. I was happy because I wanted a magnum cylinder anyway!

Yes, I'm glad I have the WMR cylinder...

 

[Springfield52]

lots of 22 lr cylinders around if you wanted one

Aren't they fitted to a specific gun? Would any style .22LR cylinder work?

 

[mirglip]

I too, have encountered several 22 magnum Single Sixes being offered as 22 LR. Being that there is more demand for 22LR, my suspicious mind wonders if they were all mistakes or if some were on purpose.
In any case, congratulations on the purchase, those are built like tanks and I wouldn't be put off by imperfections in the blueing, it probably runs like brand new.
I have one with the 9 1/2" barrel and it's just right for the 22 magnum, gets that noise and muzzle blast a little farther from my face.

 

[contender]

Kudos on getting a nice shooter.

If I read the frame markings correctly,, it says; "Single-Six" & not marked as; Ruger Single-Six Win. .22 RF Mag Cal.

As such,, it was likely shipped as an Single-Six Convertible. So,, it's missing the .22 LR cylinder.
You can check the face of the cylinder for the electric pencil etching showing the last 3 digits of the serial number. That will make sure it has it's original .22 Mag cylinder.

Many times folks have shot .22 LR ammo through the magnum cylinder & all that happens is sometimes the brass will split & get stuck a little bit.

As for getting a ,22 LR cylinder,, Ruger did match them to the guns when they were built. HOWEVER,, most of the time,,, if you find a cylinder that will fit, you can easily use it w/o any problems. All you need to look for is the OAL. Measure your current cylinder with a set of calipers,, and measure from the rear of the ratchet, to the front of the boss on the cylinder.
Then find a .22 LR cylinder the same OAL,, or even a few thousands longer. If a little longer,, you can easily hone off the facing of the boss to have it fit.

Spare cylinders are sought after by many.

Lastly,, you have a set of the rarer "neck feather" grip medallions. They were used primarily during late 1966 through 1967.


Oh,, and "Welcome to the Forum!"

 

[Springfield52]

I too, have encountered several 22 magnum Single Sixes being offered as 22 LR. Being that there is more demand for 22LR, my suspicious mind wonders if they were all mistakes or if some were on purpose.
In any case, congratulations on the purchase, those are built like tanks and I wouldn't be put off by imperfections in the blueing, it probably runs like brand new.
I have one with the 9 1/2" barrel and it's just right for the 22 magnum, gets that noise and muzzle blast a little farther from my face.

Mine has a 5 1/2 inch barrel, so my first range session using the correct ammunition will be interesting...I've never shot .22 magnum before.

 

[Springfield52]

Kudos on getting a nice shooter.

If I read the frame markings correctly,, it says; "Single-Six" & not marked as; Ruger Single-Six Win. .22 RF Mag Cal.

As such,, it was likely shipped as an Single-Six Convertible. So,, it's missing the .22 LR cylinder.
You can check the face of the cylinder for the electric pencil etching showing the last 3 digits of the serial number. That will make sure it has it's original .22 Mag cylinder.

Many times folks have shot .22 LR ammo through the magnum cylinder & all that happens is sometimes the brass will split & get stuck a little bit.

As for getting a ,22 LR cylinder,, Ruger did match them to the guns when they were built. HOWEVER,, most of the time,,, if you find a cylinder that will fit, you can easily use it w/o any problems. All you need to look for is the OAL. Measure your current cylinder with a set of calipers,, and measure from the rear of the ratchet, to the front of the boss on the cylinder.
Then find a .22 LR cylinder the same OAL,, or even a few thousands longer. If a little longer,, you can easily hone off the facing of the boss to have it fit.

Spare cylinders are sought after by many.

Lastly,, you have a set of the rarer "neck feather" grip medallions. They were used primarily during late 1966 through 1967.


Oh,, and "Welcome to the Forum!"

Thanks very much for the welcome, and for all the information. I encountered no issues whatsoever shooting .22LR last Sunday, before learning the cylinder is for .22 WMR. Also, the markings on the cylinder actually do not match the last 3 digits of the SN. I will measure the cylinder tomorrow and see if I can find a .22 LR cylinder for it, though, just to be safe. Thanks again for all your info.

 

[gunzo]

OP, sorry for the off topic, but what is the wooden tool, plug or piston?

 

[contender]

gunzo,, I think that wooden item is an old item from the textile industry. I can't recall the name of them though.

Interesting. A gun without either original cylinder. Sounds like a case of someone removing cylinders & storing them away from a gun to be "safe" or reduce the chances of a theft. Then losing the cylinders, or someone actually selling or stealing the gun anyway.
By the condition,, that gun has seen a bit of use for sure.

 

[Springfield52]

OP, sorry for the off topic, but what is the wooden tool, plug or piston?

It is a spindle used on a wool loom back in the day...I bought it at a store in Frankenmuth, MI specializing in wool products.

 

[Springfield52]

gunzo,, I think that wooden item is an old item from the textile industry. I can't recall the name of them though.

Interesting. A gun without either original cylinder. Sounds like a case of someone removing cylinders & storing them away from a gun to be "safe" or reduce the chances of a theft. Then losing the cylinders, or someone actually selling or stealing the gun anyway.
By the condition,, that gun has seen a bit of use for sure.

The missing finish is only on the left side of the gun...the right side is in much better condition.

 

[Springfield52]

Kudos on getting a nice shooter.

If I read the frame markings correctly,, it says; "Single-Six" & not marked as; Ruger Single-Six Win. .22 RF Mag Cal.

As such,, it was likely shipped as an Single-Six Convertible. So,, it's missing the .22 LR cylinder.
You can check the face of the cylinder for the electric pencil etching showing the last 3 digits of the serial number. That will make sure it has it's original .22 Mag cylinder.

Many times folks have shot .22 LR ammo through the magnum cylinder & all that happens is sometimes the brass will split & get stuck a little bit.

As for getting a ,22 LR cylinder,, Ruger did match them to the guns when they were built. HOWEVER,, most of the time,,, if you find a cylinder that will fit, you can easily use it w/o any problems. All you need to look for is the OAL. Measure your current cylinder with a set of calipers,, and measure from the rear of the ratchet, to the front of the boss on the cylinder.
Then find a .22 LR cylinder the same OAL,, or even a few thousands longer. If a little longer,, you can easily hone off the facing of the boss to have it fit.

Spare cylinders are sought after by many.

Lastly,, you have a set of the rarer "neck feather" grip medallions. They were used primarily during late 1966 through 1967.


Oh,, and "Welcome to the Forum!"

And yes, the left side of the frame just says "Ruger .22 Cal Single Six".

 

[Richard76]

welcome to the forum, lots of knowledgeable folk here

 

[Star43]

Yes.....Welcome to the Forum from Sunny California !! The land of fruits and nuts !!.....Enjoy that 22 Magnum !! Yes you can look around for a 22 LR cylinder, but in the meantime, enjoy what you have and shoot some 22 Mag. !!

 

[arcticruger]

This is a popular story as others have posted. Same happened to me. Believe it or not mine was a ‘66 single six as well. I caught it 10 mins after purchase. I took it apart and noticed the recess at the end of each cylinder where the top of a magnum cartridge would rest against. Went back asked the vender if he had the .22 LR cylinder that went with it, but no joy. It took about a month or so to find the correct one, I fitted it and was good to go.

OLD POST

 

[Springfield52]

This is a popular story as others have posted. Same happened to me. Believe it or not mine was a ‘66 single six as well. I caught it 10 mins after purchase. I took it apart and noticed the recess at the end of each cylinder where the top of a magnum cartridge would rest against. Went back asked the vender if he had the .22 LR cylinder that went with it, but no joy. It took about a month or so to find the correct one, I fitted it and was good to go.

OLD POST

View attachment 102417

The left side of yours looks much better than on mine...lol.