My first OM

[3spop]

picked up my first old model single six today. It has a 5.5" bbl. I was told and it appears to be true that it was in a leather holster for several years. The finish is pretty worn in some places, and almost purple looking in others. According to the s/n lookup, it is a 1957. I would really appreciate any info you resident gurus could give me on my new toy. thanks!
Sorry, not good pics:

 

[Hammerdown77]

That gun looks perfect to me. A nice, used, leather worn OM Single Six. You did well!

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Looks good to me.

:) :) :) :)

 

[RME]

3spop - nice looking man toy there

RME

 

[Rclark]

Nice! I've yet to run into an Old Model revolver.... Other than my ROA.

 

[Eaglestroker]

Good lookin shooter there!

 

[GasGuzzler]

Me likey

 

[Hondo44]

3spop,
I suppose you know the purplish frame is not wear. It's considered a very desireable condition (by most collectors anyway) that occurs on the early Rugers and occasionally seen even on current production guns; a bluing vs. steel alloy content phenomenon.

 

[3spop]

3spop,
I suppose you know the purplish frame is not wear. It's considered a very desireable condition (by most collectors anyway) that occurs on the early Rugers and occasionally seen even on current production guns; a bluing vs. steel alloy content phenomenon.

I had heard of the plum color before, but I didn't know it was considered desireable. Thanks for the info. I really like how deep the color is.

 

[Colonel Daddy]

Oh No! Someone else has discovered our beloved Old Models! Just kidding of course. Enjoy it. That's what they were made for! :D

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, one is hard-pressed to find a better usin', shootin', totin', blastin' sixgun! I had to retrofit my later model with the XR3 grip frame but would love to find one like yours to complete the pair.

 

[Armybrat]

I love those old Single Sixes, they seem to have better workmanship than the newer ones.

But maybe I'm biased because the one I bought new in 1959, and still have, looks just like yours, except the blue is about 75% worn off the backstrap & trigger guard:

 

[3spop]

I love those old Single Sixes, they seem to have better workmanship than the newer ones.

But maybe I'm biased because the one I bought new in 1959, and still have, looks just like yours, except the blue is about 75% worn off the backstrap & trigger guard:

nice!

 

[bogus bill]

This one dates to 1959. Still almost new.

 

[Hondo44]

I agree with armybrat. The old model actions are sweet.

I will admit they had failings in the finishing with very rough machining in some cases like the front face of the cyl frame and the cylinder flutes. Cutting tools weren't replaced timely in some cases or a finishing step was left out. Sometimes unfinshed casting surfaces exist that were just blued over. But I don't complain about that; Ruger was just a fledgling company in those days trying to get product out the door and at extremely competitive prices.

I never had an old model break or fail on me or shoot way off the sights like many new models.

 

[Arky]

The Plum color is not just on Rugers. I have a S & W Model 57 from the 70's that has a lot of plum on it. The plum color on the high polished surface of the 57 is beautiful.

Well, to me anyway.