Single Six - A Convertible Model? and touch up?

[Campagnolo]

I recently purchased a three screw single six with a serial number 20-937XX.

I believe that it was made or shipped in 1971.

It has an aluminum trigger guard and ejector rod housing.

It did not come with a .22 magnum cylinder and I am wondering if it is a convertible model?

If so - can I purchase a used magnum cylinder for it - Or is this a non-convertible model that was manufactured as a .22 short, long, long rifle only model?

The side of the revolver is engraved with, "Ruger .22 Cal. Single-Six"

Also - what can be used to successfully restore the bluing on the aluminum parts? Trigger guard and ejector rod housing has some holster wear.

Thanks,

Campy

 

[chet15]

I recently purchased a three screw single six with a serial number 20-937XX.

I believe that it was made or shipped in 1971.

It has an aluminum trigger guard and ejector rod housing.

It did not come with a .22 magnum cylinder and I am wondering if it is a convertible model?

If so - can I purchase a used magnum cylinder for it - Or is this a non-convertible model that was manufactured as a .22 short, long, long rifle only model?

The side of the revolver is engraved with, "Ruger .22 Cal. Single-Six"

Also - what can be used to successfully restore the bluing on the aluminum parts? Trigger guard and ejector rod housing has some holster wear.

Thanks,

Campy

Chances are your gun was originally shipped as a convertible. But if it has a 5-1/2" barrel on it, it may have been one of the 5-10% made of that barrel length that were shipped with only the LR cylinder. A call to the factory at Newport (ask for records) would verify that for you one way or the other. Another way to check is by taking out the cylinder, look at the front (make sure it is clear of residue) to see if the last three digits of the serial number are scratched there. If they are there, it left as a convertible. But again, only the factory will be able to verify if it left as RSS5W (LR only) or RSS5X (convertible).
Chet15

 

[Campagnolo]

Thanks for the reply Chet15. Greatly Appreciated!

It is a 5.5" barrel length.

There are no numbers or etchings of any kind on the front of the cylinder.

I purchased this revolver from the son of a gunsmith/gun shop owner that passed away and left this to his son. It came with the original box and paperwork including the manual and so forth. This was the gunsmith's personal revolver.

I suspected that the pistol was a .22LR only and not a convertible.

I did send a letter to Ruger, and they answered saying they were researching the issue, but I have not heard back, over a year ago now. So I thought someone here might know.

It seams that I had read once that the .22 LR only models were manufactured with a smaller bore diameter and therefore they were more accurate with .22 LR ammo than the convertible models.

I also wonder if there any special collector's value in the .22 LR only models?

Thanks Again,

 

[hittman]

Is there a model number on the box or paperwork you have?

 

[Campagnolo]

Yes - Hittman

The box end States: Ruger, "Single-Six" .22 Caliber Revolver, Catalog No. RSS5. 51/2"Bbl.

Does this help?

Thanks,

Campy

 

[hittman]

Chet15 is correct .... make a call to Ruger Records Dept for details. Only way to know for sure.

 

[radicalrod]

I would not think that RUGER would use 2 different barrel diameters by the 20 prefix range.....I think they are all safe for 22 mag after 150xxx serial range....just find a cylinder it should work....it may need fitted for length as they all vary slightly....most likely the best way to restore the aluminum parts are to find some nice used ones and swap them out lots are for sale in this classified....good luck...RR.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

A call to Ruger is a good idea, but methinks Rod has answered correctly.

 

[Gizmo42]

Mine says the same thing on the side and neither cylinder has numbers etched on it. But I know mine was sold as a convertible so lack of numbers on them doesnt really mean much.

 

[hittman]

Those "etched" numbers on the end of the cylinder are most often very hard to see and not very neat. I've not seen many old model cylinders without 3 digits marked on them but anything is possible; maybe even that the numbers have worn away throughout the years.

 

[Gizmo42]

I know for certain mine never had them. Even with a jewelers loupe there has never been a hint of etching. I know the full history of mine since my dad was the original owner. So the lack of numbers has never been a concern for me. I just mention it since mine never had it, others might not either.

 

[flatgate]

It makes good sense that Ruger would indeed "number" the cylinders to the receivers so they could insure the "right cylinder" goes with the gun.

I've had my share of Single-Six convertibles over the years and each and every one had "numbered" cylinders. I'd say the appearance of convertibles without "numbered" cylinders would be a rare occurrence.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[Ale-8(1)]

But, of course, with Ruger "never say never".

 

[flatgate]

But, of course, with Ruger "never say never".

Mais Oui!

flatgate

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

I believe it was 22lr only according to the serial number

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#

I think the Magnum only and convertibles started with 3 on up.

 

[flatgate]

I believe it was 22lr only according to the serial number

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#

I think the Magnum only and convertibles started with 3 on up.

I'm sorry to say but Ruger's Records suffer some serious errors. Every book ever written about collecting Rugers states the Convertibles began showing up around s/n 164XXX in May of 1960. The 300000 s/n range was indeed initially set up for the .22 magnum cal. Single-Sixes. The Magnums were sold as convertibles, i.e. with a second, .22 LR cylinder beginning in the 306XXX s/n range. (Early '61). Confusion runs rampant....

flatgate

 

[street]

I have a .22 L.R. only that letters from Ruger and the last 3 digits are etched on the cylinder. My gun letters from Ruger and I bought it new in 1963 so I know it's a single cylinder gun. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE IS TO CALL RUGER!!! As for the markings on the Boxes they will all say RSS5, both single cylinder or convertible. Only the shipper will say RSS5 or RSS5X.

 

[Gizmo42]

The s/n on my convertable is 368xxx

 

[street]

The s/n on my convertable is 368xxx

The serial number on my RSS5 is 368441. My wife bought this gun for me and it was my first Ruger. She layed it away and paid $2.00 a week on it till it was paid for. This was in 1963.

 

[Gizmo42]

Ha! Mine is older, by a few months lol. Last 3 on mine is 058.

I have the receipt around here somewhere from when my dad bought it new. I think it was $68 or some such. Amazing how much they go for now.

 

[chet15]

Gizmo42:
When you call the factory and find out it is an RSS5W, you will have a very scarce gun there!! A 368xxx range RSS5W tells me your gun has small size serial numbers and an aluminum housing...a Type 2 Transition Single-Six. A pretty tough variation for the serious collector to come by. Would be worth it to you to call the factory for verification.
Chet15

 

[Gizmo42]

Thanks for the info Chet. I've thought about calling them about it before but never bothered. Now you have me interested and I'm going to have to call.

 

[Campagnolo]

Well I emailed Ruger and they checked the serial number on my Single Six.

It was shipped as a .22LR only In April 1971 and they confirmed it was an RSS5 model - with NO magnum cylinder.

That makes my Single Six some what unique! I suppose! So I am Happy!

Thanks for the idea to contact Ruger.

Campy

 

[Fox Mike]

I did send a letter to Ruger, and they answered saying they were researching the issue, but I have not heard back, over a year ago now.

As was said, call them. They seem to not followup on correspondence. I too sent them a letter and am still awaiting an answer from over two years ago. I even sent a follow-up and still have received 'zip'.