Single Six 22lr cylinder

[ideal_trucks]

So i just bought a old model single six that was supposed to have a magnum cylinder and a LR cylinder. I bought it not really knowing how to tell the difference. One is definatley a mag. It is smooth and stamped magnum. From research this is a new model mag cylinder. The other is fluted, but don't have the groove on the back. A magnum shell will drop in. From research this is a old model mag. Just want to verify that I'm correct in all my info?

With that said, Is it going to be hard to get a 22lr cylinder? I would definatley be interested in trading someone a magnum for a lr cylinder.

 

[Hondo44]

You obviously have two Magnum cylinders, the fluted one probably the original for your gun. Check for the last 3 digits of your serial # engraved crudely on its front face.

Yes, you can find 22 LR cylinders for your gun, either new or old model from about $75 to $100. The early NM cylinders will still have the firing pin groove but after c.1977 they will not. Either will work.

But take an overall measurement of your original mag cyl. and look for one with at least that size or larger. You'll find them on this forum with a want-to-buy-thread or on Gunbroker and e-bay.

 

[ideal_trucks]

The newer cylinder does have numbers on the front, but the old one I don't see any numbers at all.

 

[Hondo44]

The newer cylinder does have numbers on the front, but the old one I don't see any numbers at all.

OK time to ask more questions then. It's possible that you have a "22 Magnum " only gun and the cylinder would not be marked. What does it read on the left side of the frame below the cylinder and what is the serial number please? What is the barrel length from the muzzle all the way to the cylinder face?

 

[ideal_trucks]

Left side says Ruger .22 cal Single Six
Serial is 20-230XX
Looks liek barrel is 4.5 inches

THe guy had 4 cylinders. I told him I only wanted a magnum and a lr. That's what he gave me. I didn't know enought to see what I was getting.

 

[Hondo44]

Your gun was made in 1969. It's not a magnum only gun. They were in different serail number ranges and only had 6 1/2" barrels. Both of the cylinders seller gave you are incorrect. Can you contact the seller? Tell him you need two fluted cylinders with the last 3 digits of your gun's number engraved on the front.

 

[ideal_trucks]

I wish I could. Was at a gun show. Traded him another old pistol for it.
I shot it with the old style mag. cylinder and 22lr before I knew. Figured it was when it split the cases. Will I be fine getting a 22lr cylinder it it lines up with the barrel and has no slack?

 

[Hondo44]

I wish I could. Was at a gun show. Traded him another old pistol for it.
I shot it with the old style mag. cylinder and 22lr before I knew. Figured it was when it split the cases. Will I be fine getting a 22lr cylinder it it lines up with the barrel and has no slack?

It will line up. Just get a measurement from seller to make sure the 22LR cyl you buy is long enough. If it's too long you can fit it by sanding the front extension or take to a gunsmith. It's an very inexpensive fitting. You can sell the NM mag cylinder here on the forum for about $50.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Like the man said -- I bought a NM 22 Mag cylinder for my SS off this forum (I believe I paid $70 shipped). You MUST measure the overall length of your present cylinder to the 1000th of an inch and the seller must do the same. We're assuming that your present cylinder fits snugly front to back with no endshake.

You want one that's slightly too long but NOT slightly too short.

 

[ideal_trucks]

I measured mine to the best of my ability. How do I know if the one I have now fits good since its not original? When I measure it do I put the calipers down inside the notches on the back or do they rest on top?

 

[Hondo44]

I measured mine to the best of my ability. How do I know if the one I have now fits good since its not original? When I measure it do I put the calipers down inside the notches on the back or do they rest on top?

On top of the notches. The cylinder should have no front to rear movement. Actually most have just the slightest movement to allow enough clearance for the cylinder to be removed and reinstalled easily.

In an earlier post above I said that both cylinders are incorrect but if the fluted one fits well as described above it's probably original. Because even if it was for another gun (except a magnum only gun which is not likely) it should have serial # digits on it. So it just may have left the factory unmarked. In fact it's not uncommon for cylinders come from the factory with brand new guns and have the wrong numbers on them. I have one like that.

 

[Hondo44]

Like the man said -- I bought a NM 22 Mag cylinder for my SS off this forum (I believe I paid $70 shipped). You MUST measure the overall length of your present cylinder to the 1000th of an inch and the seller must do the same. We're assuming that your present cylinder fits snugly front to back with no endshake.

You want one that's slightly too long but NOT slightly too short.

Larry,
That's cool, a pinto.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Larry,
That's cool, a pinto.

Thanks -- I bought this SS used and without a mag cylinder, and a long time contributor to this forum sold me this one. I took about .0005" off the end and it fits great.

It's finicky, though!! It's really accurate with WW Silver box 40 grain JHP or WW 34 grain Supreme (which has a lot lower POI @ 25 yards). It HATES Fiocchi 40 grain JHP ---- groups in about 4" @ 25 yards as compared to .6" with the two WW products.

Oh yeah, it hates 30 grain CCI, also.

Although the WW 40 grain mag cartridge is only doing 1300 fps out of this SS, it's far more devastating on Ground Squirrels than a 22 LR from a rifle --- superior bullet, I guess. I also appreciate the larger payload of shot in the CCI shot shells for Rattler pacification.

 

[ideal_trucks]

I cleaned the OM magnum cylinder and it did indeed have the last three of my gun inscribed lightly on it. I measured both the cylinders. The OM was 1.616 and the new was 1.618. Both seem to work in the gun good. So now I'm assuming I need a 1.616 or larger cylinder.
If anyone has one they'd like to sell, let me know. I also posted a want ad in the classifieds.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I cleaned the OM magnum cylinder and it did indeed have the last three of my gun inscribed lightly on it. I measured both the cylinders. The OM was 1.616 and the new was 1.618. Both seem to work in the gun good. So now I'm assuming I need a 1.616 or larger cylinder.
If anyone has one they'd like to sell, let me know. I also posted a want ad in the classifieds.

Sounds like you're on your way! Remember that your "extra" Mag cylinder has value to someone --- They might even want to trade you for what you're looking for.

Best of Luck.

 

[ideal_trucks]

Yeah..love to do a trade. If not, guess it will go on ebay or the classifieds here.