Old Flattop Single-Six

[topgun556]

Hi...I'm new to this forum (and to Rugers) and would like to ask a quick question. I was in my local gun shop yesterday and picked up what I thought was just a really neat old .22 revolver. To be honest, I've never owned a Ruger, nor do I know much of anything about them. I just saw it in the used case and thought that it was an extremely interesting old gun and I had to by it.....

anyway... I came home and tried to do some research on it, but haven't been able to come up with much. I called Ruger and the customer service guy gave me the following info: The 4 digit serial number indicated that it was made in 1954, it has the "old style" 3-screw frame with flat top loading gate, and at some point in it's history it was "upgraded" to include a safety bar or something.

Besides that, all I know it that it's in really great condition and had the original black grips (which seam to have retained most of their color. There is a little holster wear of the tip of the barrel and the top of the frame, but other than that the blueing is good. There are a few small surface scratches on the rear of the handle. Unfortunately, the original box and paperwork is missing.

If anybody can give me a little info on my new toy I would really appreciate it. Like I said I know absolutely nothing about the value of these, and now I don't want to take it out and shoot it if its more of a collector's piece. Thanks!!!

 

[cellar701]

Welcome to the forum! It will be helpful if you can share some photos of your revolver. In the common terminology the single six revolvers such as yours are called "flat gates" rather than "flattop."

It will be helpful if you can share some other details through some photos. (there is a "sticky" in the Gallery section which explains how to post photos through Photobucket or similar photo sharing websites).

As far as shooting it - if it were mine, I would shoot it. It's already been shot some and you aren't going to hurt the value by shooting it some more and enjoying it the way a good revolver should be enjoyed.

 

[topgun556]

Hi. Thanks! Here are some photo's of my "Flat Gate" revolver.... I told ya'll I didn't know much about them!

Hope they work... Any more info you can give me would be great!

 

[xtratoy]

Definitely a shooter! If it were mine I would convert it back to original lockwork because the conversion parts never seem as smooth . Flatgates are cool.

 

[topgun556]

How would I convert it back? It didn't come with the original parts....

 

[rugerguy]

Nice old RSS (Ruger Single Six) "flat" loading gate, your gun is a type 2, meaning it has the "second" variation of the front sight having the serrations on the top,back edge of the blade (sight) the first ones were 'smooth" thus the change... yes, it has the "flatter " top strap of the .22s , but the terminolgy "flattop" is really meant for the centerfire guns ( Blackhawks) to me this is the difference when the gun is fitted with adjustable sights, and you refer to its top strap.......
As for the original lockwork , they can be found out there and your gun put back to its original form..it just needs to be done correctly, to ensure the gun stays "in time" and locks up correctly before firing.........as for the condition, it is slightly above average and has lots of handling marks, but still a very NICE example, I'd shoot it. If you or anyone who does shoot it is newer to the shooting sports, you may just want to keep it with the safety update, as it was intended to make the gun "safer" with the update................

 

[topgun556]

Thanks for the info! I can't wait to shoot this thing!!

 

[flatgate]

Some collectors of Rugers actually think those old Flatgates are worth something.....

flatgate

 

[contender]

A nice old 4 digit gun that NEEDS original parts put back in.

 

[topgun556]

Any idea where I can get original parts?

 

[jarubla]

Nice find!!!

 

[Richbaker]

Any idea where I can get original parts?

They show up in the classifieds forum occasionally.... Just need to keep looking. I got mine there (unconversion parts).

 

[jussbad]

Any idea where I can get original parts?

I have a set of original parts - PM me if your interested. Gary
Nice gun you got there by the way.

 

[Chance]

Nice find. 4 digit flatgates are a favorite of mine. Jussbad is a great source for parts.

 

[AJGUNNER]

Nice---wish I could walk into someplace and find one like that. Mind sharing how much you had to give for it???

 

[topgun556]

I paid 300 for it...... I'd be willing to sell it or trade it for a new single six if you're interested.....

 

[flatgate]

I paid 300 for it...... I'd be willing to sell it or trade it for a new single six if you're interested.....

Interesting offer. In my humble opinion the "feel" of the current production guns is in no way, shape or form even close to the early "real deal" Flatgates or early "round gates".

I have a few of them that I've given some "extra care" and wouldn't trade them "for the world".

JMHO,
flatgate

 

[Chris]

Topgun

Thats a nice find, In my opinion I wouldn't trade it for a new model, you have a piece of history there, shoot the heck out of it, reconvert it if you can and enjoy it.

Flatgate

Thats a terrible example, I feel your disappointment ....quick ship it to me...look I have candy lol

 

[topgun556]

Thanks for all the advice guys.. I really appreciate all the info.

I have a bit of really good (related) news.... I went back to the store that I got my single six at. As soon as I walked in, the guy goes "stay right there I have something for you ". .... He brought out the original box, trigger, paperwork, and even the plastic bag it came in. I was so excited I couldn't even speak for at least 3 minutes. Haha Is that bad?

 

[radicalrod]

WOW....life is good....REAL GOOD :lol: :lol: :lol: that only happens to other guys....never me....RR.

 

[flatgate]

I had to post this. I gotta keep the thread going............. :roll:

flatgate

 

[hittman]

Just to help Flatgate keep the thread going ....... my modest collection of ONE 5 digit flatgate and (on the bottom) a round gate from my birth year of 1959.