As I have said many times on this forum and to folks i meet across the country talking about Ruger's, “Never say never and we have no way of knowing what is out there!”
Proof of this is something that i picked up this week.
A 1985 manufactured (per ruger.com) Bisley Single Six RB-22 revolver, model #0630. This model was manufactured per RENE with a fluted 22LR cylinder; fixed (drift adjustable only) sights, and 6 1/2” barrel. It was advertised for sale on the dealer’s website as in excellent condition with ‘box’. Knowing the dealer, i assumed this meant a non-original box and i was correct.
I went to look at the revolver and sure enough, it was in excellent condition. I decided that i wanted it as the price was reasonable and I love the Bisley Single Six revolvers and this one has the cool fixed sights with the target front that i am very fond of also.
As I was waiting for my background check to be completed, I decided to look at the box which I knew was NOT the original but did include the correct outer shipping box in addition to the large sized yellow and black hinged box. To my surprise, I noticed that the shipping label was from Newport, NH to Prescott, AZ to a specific Ruger employee which peeked my curiosity. I then found an additional Bisley engraved cylinder inside the box along with a “repair” slip that stated that the gun was sent back to Newport for “ cleaning, 22LR cylinder and ejector housing screw.” There was also a note on the in house work order that stated, “RF Magnum cylinders are not available for this model” which seemed to be unnecessary but was written on the sheet.
Now knowing what I know about Ruger employees and what was possible back in the days when Senior and Junior were involved in the day to day operation's I immediately took a closer look at the Bisley engraved cylinder and noticed that it has been stamped (not etched) with the last two digits of the gun’s serial number. I checked it and sure enough, it was a 22LR cylinder. But when i checked the original fluted cylinder, i noticed that it too was stamped with the last two digits of the serial number but was now chambered for 22MAGNUM!
So even though officially Ruger did not provide Bisley models as convertibles, as the ‘paperwork’ so clearly states…ahem. The work was done UNOFFICIALLY and so I have what i consider to be a really cool RB-22X or if you prefer, a RB-22M with extra LR cylinder!!
You never know what you will find, there are so many one off firearms out there that were unofficially officially manufactured, customized and made for employees. Custom Serial numbers abound from the 60’s and 70’s. One employee I knew had many firearms serialized with his and his kids social security numbers in case they were lost or stolen!! Or birthdays as gifts…etc.
Proof of this is something that i picked up this week.
A 1985 manufactured (per ruger.com) Bisley Single Six RB-22 revolver, model #0630. This model was manufactured per RENE with a fluted 22LR cylinder; fixed (drift adjustable only) sights, and 6 1/2” barrel. It was advertised for sale on the dealer’s website as in excellent condition with ‘box’. Knowing the dealer, i assumed this meant a non-original box and i was correct.
I went to look at the revolver and sure enough, it was in excellent condition. I decided that i wanted it as the price was reasonable and I love the Bisley Single Six revolvers and this one has the cool fixed sights with the target front that i am very fond of also.
As I was waiting for my background check to be completed, I decided to look at the box which I knew was NOT the original but did include the correct outer shipping box in addition to the large sized yellow and black hinged box. To my surprise, I noticed that the shipping label was from Newport, NH to Prescott, AZ to a specific Ruger employee which peeked my curiosity. I then found an additional Bisley engraved cylinder inside the box along with a “repair” slip that stated that the gun was sent back to Newport for “ cleaning, 22LR cylinder and ejector housing screw.” There was also a note on the in house work order that stated, “RF Magnum cylinders are not available for this model” which seemed to be unnecessary but was written on the sheet.
Now knowing what I know about Ruger employees and what was possible back in the days when Senior and Junior were involved in the day to day operation's I immediately took a closer look at the Bisley engraved cylinder and noticed that it has been stamped (not etched) with the last two digits of the gun’s serial number. I checked it and sure enough, it was a 22LR cylinder. But when i checked the original fluted cylinder, i noticed that it too was stamped with the last two digits of the serial number but was now chambered for 22MAGNUM!
So even though officially Ruger did not provide Bisley models as convertibles, as the ‘paperwork’ so clearly states…ahem. The work was done UNOFFICIALLY and so I have what i consider to be a really cool RB-22X or if you prefer, a RB-22M with extra LR cylinder!!
You never know what you will find, there are so many one off firearms out there that were unofficially officially manufactured, customized and made for employees. Custom Serial numbers abound from the 60’s and 70’s. One employee I knew had many firearms serialized with his and his kids social security numbers in case they were lost or stolen!! Or birthdays as gifts…etc.
,,, as I looked for a long time to find an early NM FLUTED MAGNUM Cylinder. Making it a X. Most of the time I like shooting the Magnum vs LR. Very accurate.
