OM Single Six vs. New Model Single Six

[ScoutRider]

Is there much difference in accuracy, action smoothness, or other "shooting" comparisons between an OM SS and a NMSS?

I found and am considering the purchase of a 5.5" old model single six. It is 1966 vintage; comes with both cylinders, which match serial numbers; and has the original wood grips. The gun and cylinders were re-blued in 2007 by Ruger at which time Ruger performed the transfer bar safety upgrade. Parts removed from the transfer bar upgrade are included in the purchase along with a carry case and an old Ruger box, but not the original box. It does not have the original red felt bag for the extra cylinder but I have one from my grandfather, who is no longer with us nor is his old SS.

I currently own a 2005 vintage blued SS with 5.5" barrel, which I love to shoot. My NM has about 20k rounds through it.

I am curious what you more knowledgeable SS fans have to say about the OM vs NM. No matter what your feedback, I will probably purchase the OM if it looks as good in person as the pictures I've seen. I plan to meet up with the seller in about 4 days and will appreciate any feedback or advice you offer.

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, the Old Model is vastly superior in every way. The action is smoother, the trigger is better, the chambers line up with the loading port at the "click". They are by far better suited to fast work than New Models.

 

[Quattroclick]

New models are much more "appliance" like. They work, they are safer, they get the job done. Old models have more soul. They require you to learn the drill. and pay attention. They reward you with a sound and feel that the new models can't match.

 

[flatgate]

I have both designs in my "stable". The Old Models are definitely "more traditional".

I'd not let that Old Model slip by, however....

flatgate

 

[deserttrans]

Snag that old model, you won't be sorry.

 

[ranger1]

I agree with all of the above posts. I had an Old Model stolen from me, and replaced it with a coupe of New Models. Give me the Old Model any day.

 

[Fox Mike]

I have models of both and prefer the OM over the NM in every way. Click, click, click, click is the first thing that comes to mind!

 

[ScoutRider]

25 yrs ago I foolishly allowed my grandfather's SS to get away from me. I will not miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks for the feedback so far. I really cannot wait to get that OM in my hands. I'm meeting with the Seller in two more days. I plan to be shooting my "new" OM by Saturday afternoon.

 

[contender]

I think you will be pleased. I'd bet you'll have a hard to remove smile after a range session.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got both and I don't think there's really all that much difference.

Having said that I like the "Old Models" better, but it's only because they're older. Same reason I like "old" Smith & Wesson's, Colts, Harrington & Richardson's and so on.

 

[41 Magnum]

Well, . . . . . . . you guys all "Rained on my parade!" We have a gun show coming up in December, & I had every intention of looking for a Stainless Single Six !?? Now what am I gonna do !??

 

[DanChamberlain]

Get one! Any Single Six is a good pistol.

Dan

 

[ScoutRider]

Well, Saturday I made the purchase and ran to the gun range to try out my “new” OM single six. I also took my new model single six for some brief shooting comparisons. I only had about 30 minutes of shooting time before loosing daylight. So far my comparison is only based on first impression of the OM because time was too short to do an organized performance comparison.

The OM actually grouped worse than my NM given the same bulk ammo. I even had time to shoot a few magnums through both models and the NM still seemed to outperform the OM. Needless to say, I am somewhat disappointed but I keep reminding myself that the OM is still unfamilar to me.

The OM requires much more thumb strength to pull back the hammer. Pulling the OM hammer back feels and sounds gritting unlike my NM which pulls back smoothly, easier, and quieter. The OM trigger is much narrower than my NM so this will take some getting use to. Finally, trigger pull is much heavier on the OM. I guess I was expecting a much smoother action. The OM cylinder(s) seem to lockup much tighter than my NM. Whether the OM is cocked or not the cylinders have very little wobble front to back or sideways and the hammer seems to drop faster and harder when the OM trigger breaks.

I’ve since given the OM’s bore and cylinder chambers a good cleaning and applied a thin film of gun oil to the base pin. I sprayed some cleaner and lube into the action but have not yet done a complete disassembly. The action now seems to work a little better but still not like my NM. Could this be because of the OM having the factory transfer bar conversion? Maybe, later I'll put the original parts back into the OM.

I also noticed there is a difference in rifling between the OM and NM. Did Ruger use different processes/methods for rifling between the 1966 OM and my 2005 NM?

I’ll try to get back to the range again this coming weekend to hopefully become more familiar with this OM. In the mean time I’ll spend some spare time dry-firing the OM.

 

[CraigC]

Yes, the heavy trigger and roughness are due to the conversion lockwork. I guess we should've warned you about that. I know I simply "assumed" we were comparing an Old Model with original lockwork to a New Model.

 

[ScoutRider]

Owning this OM has been a learning and slightly frustrating experience. The transfer bar broke after a couple shots during my 2nd range visit. Ruger happily sent me a replacement part but I decided to reverse the conversion and put the SS back to its original action. What an improvement! The action is now much smoother. My 3rd trip to the range quickly taught me another lesson; i.e., the base pin for a converted SS is different than the original OM base pin. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way after damaging the base pin. It turns out the original base pin was not included in the bag of parts that came with this used SS. Some friendly experts on this forum helped me through this learning experience (thanks guys). I was beginning to feel a slight case of buyer’s remorse for purchasing this gun because of the few problems encountered.

Last Friday I went back to the range for my 4th attempt and shot several rounds through the OM along with my NM. I only shot at a distance of about 7.5 yards using four different brands of .22lr ammo. In almost every case the OM shot a tighter group than my NM.

Differences between the NM and OM are not what I would call night and day like I was originally expecting. I do notice a slightly different "feel" to the OM, which I’m beginning to like. I think after a few more range sessions this OM will be my new favorite companion.

 

[CraigC]

The more time you spend with them, the more those subtle differences will show and the more it will matter to you as the shooter.

 

[wwb]

I have a friend who had a New Model Single Six..... the first time I let him shoot my 3-screw, the first shot went off before he was expecting it, as the trigger pull was far lighter and crisper than the one he was familiar with. I was then accused of having a "trigger job" done. After finally convincing him that it was a bone-stock trigger, he began to acquire old models, eventually selling his New Model Single Six.

I think he now has 2 Blackhawks, 2 Single Sixes, and one Super Blackhawk.... all Old Models.

 

[wproct]

Glad you got your OM running well for you. I have owned 2 of the OM single sixes, but unfortunately no longer own them. I do have one NM and it is fine, but I sure wish I had kept at least one of the OM ones that I had.