My Single Six looks a bit different

[bbunker]

Hello all, first post here looking for some input.

I inherited a Single Six Old Model that looks a bit different than almost all I have seen. The ejector housing is bright aluminum and the whole grip frame is aluminum as well. It also has black pearl over wood grips. Serial Number is 20-86xxx. Would this pistol have shipped from the factory in this configuration? I am also seeing values all over the place, and input on that would be great as well. Thanks

Here it is:

 

[stantheman86]

Looks like someone removed the finish on the aluminum, because the wear on the blue barrel doesn't match the kind of holster wear that would wear the ejector housing clean like that.

I would say with the "white" aluminum and non-factory grips that look like Jay Scott aftermarkets, the gun is roughly in the $200 ballpark. It's probably a great shooter, and could be well worth keeping and it will last 10 more lifetimes.

 

[bbunker]

Thank you. I kinda figured the ejector housing had the finish removed, just wasn't sure. And the grips are very difficult to read on the inside. I appreciate the input.

 

[stantheman86]

You're welcome

If it was made prior to 1961, it's C&R eligible and may be worth a few bucks more since C&R holders can then buy it.

For comparison a new blued 4 5/8" Single Six runs about $400.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum! You have one of my favorite old model Rugers.
It's an old model meaning it is a "3 screw" as known by collectors and pre-dates the newer safety transfer bar guns or "New Models" which began in 1973. But not by much since it was made in mid-1971 and therefore not eligible as a C&R sale.

It has the XR3 RED grip frame (little longer front to rear than the pre-1962 old models). And yes both the grip frame and ERH have had the black anodized factory aluminum parts polished which is not uncommon when the black starts wearing off. The cylinder looks extra dark also like it has been reblued. It most likely came with an extra cylinder that shoots 22 magnums.

As stantheman86 said, the polishing and the missing factory grips have depreciated the value and collectibility. The values that you see all over the place vary due to gun vintage and condition. In original condition your gun would be worth as much or more than a brand new gun.

I'm sure it's a great shooter though. Are you familiar with the factory retrofit safety parts program and if so, has it been converted with a safety transfer bar under the hammer?

Are you going to keep it due to sentimental value or sell it? You can restore it if you want to get used replacement parts; wood Ruger grips, grip frame and ERH. You can even find an extra 22 mag cylinder.

 

[flatgate]

It's one redeeming attribute is the 4-5/8" barrel.

I'd remove the cylinder and inspect the chambering. It may end up being the .22 magnum version.

The "non-factory" modifications to your Single-Six certainly moves it to "shooter" status.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[JWhitmore44]

Looks like a fun gun and some one dressed it out to make it more personal. If all you are looking at is the monetary value then you will probably need to find the parts to bring it back to factory. But if I got that handed down too me from a family member it would stay just the way it is.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I'm sure it's a great shooter though. Are you familiar with the factory retrofit safety parts program and if so, has it been converted with a safety transfer bar under the hammer? Are you going to keep it due to sentimental value or sell it? You can restore it if you want to get used replacement parts; wood Ruger grips, grip frame and ERH. You can even find an extra 22 mag cylinder.

This is important because (in case you are not aware) you must NOT keep a cartridge under the hammer --- even when the hammer is in the safety notch --- on an unaltered Ruger. A sharp blow to the hammer could cause a discharge. Always keep the hammer on an empty chamber or a fired cartridge case if your pre-1973 Ruger hasn't been fitted with the safety transfer bar.

If you shoot that Single Six, I'll bet you decide to keep it!

 

[CraigC]

Hard to tell from the pics but it looks like something funky is going on with the finish on the barrel too. I'd say definitely no more than $200, potentially less, depending on what other artistic endeavors it has been subjected to.

 

[americal]

Glad you got the family Ruger --looks like someone enjoyed that gun rather have old model anytime--I would shoot the gun so fun :!: I would clean it good maybe little cold blueing, get a pair of elk stag grips from Sack Peterson in the section on things provided by forum members under the classified section--you can polish the grip frame & ERH. with jewelry cloth just what I would do or leave as is--you win either way ----I would hope the 22 L.R. cy. is in it-----