Single six Bisley with nonBisley hammer

[John chestnut]

I recently acquired a Single Six Bisley flattop, .32 H&R magnum, ser. #650-16xxx, shipped 1989 per Ruger records. It has 6.5” barrel, low partridge front and fixed rear(drift adjustable) sights, fluted cylinder, and Bisley grip. But it does not have the Bisley hammer; instead has standard Single Six hammer. Condition is as new in box(no box), and appears unfired. Was the gun shipped from factory with standard hammer? If so, does this make it a rare variant that should remain as is, or was this gun altered after shipment? I am not a collector, just a shooter who wants a Bisley with a Bisley hammer. I would appreciate any real insight regarding this firearm.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

only a guess on my part but I would bet some one put the Bisley grip on a normal plow handled gun

 

[hittman]

What’s the end label on the box say?

$10 letter from Ruger be money well spent

 

[G2]

Welcome to the Ruger Forum.

What you have is a early released gun because of the fluted cylinder. The front sight is also a little different, in that it is just a tad taller than the 22LR models and just about impossible to find,,, the 22LR height is easy.

The story goes;
Mr. Ruger didn't like the Bisley rollmark on the cylinder, and in an effort to get em out, said… "install fluted cylinders and ship em".

I personally am one that prefers the fluted cylinder vs the Bisley rollmark.

Top gun w/stags is 22LR, Bottom gun is 32HRM. (SN# 650-1697X)
Notice the darker color of the grips,,, the grips on these guns were made from a wood that is quite dark, but can have some reddish streaks,,, they were very nicely crafted and fit is usually very good, some of Ruger's best ever.
The bluing and finish was excellent.
Both of my guns are very accurate shooters.
The 22LR was never offered as a convertible, BUT I have found a 22MAG cylinder and it works perfectly.

Now for your hammer situation, it has most likely been harvested for another custom project, and a standard hammer swapped in.
Here is where it is going to get very interesting,..
Single Six Bisley Hammers, command a very big premium when they can be found,,, and supposedly they don't make them in Carbon Steel/ Blued anymore,
Ruger switched from Carbon/Stainless to only Stainless a few years back.

My suggestion is call Ruger, they will want your SN#. Let them know your gun has the wrong hammer and you want to get the correct hammer. They will want you to send the gun to them for the install, and you might even get a Carbon Hammer. Why do I say this?,,, I have seen guns come out since the Carbon / Stainless switch with CARBON, makes me think they have some. Will you get a answer on this question on the phone call ,,, probably not. Just not going to be info the CSR will know.
What ever Hammer you get, Carbon / Stainless it will be a correct Bisley Hammer for the Single Six,
FWIW; if one can find a Single Six Bisley hammer out in the world expect to pay $125-250. The shipping will be more from Ruger than the ~$35 they will charge you for the hammer.
Sometimes Ruger will ship it back on thier dime.

ALSO,,, While your on the phone with CS,,,
Ask them for a shipping pick-up tag, they will charge you (~$50+/-) but it will be a bunch cheaper than shipping it yourself.
The cheapest way to ship it is if you have a FFL DEALER that will ship it via USPS FLAT RATE.

This gun was/is a Single Seven BISLEY 327M that was shipped with a Carbon Hammer well after the switch.
I swapped out the Bisley Gripframe to a RW Keith #5 Brass.

And drop the "flattop" from your description,,, a common mistake made by some. That style of top strap is original to the Old Model Single Six from day one.
There are not many New Model guns made with it, but you have one.
… A very pleasing aesthetic styling from days of old.

Flattops were/are the original 357 & 44 Blackhawks, and they were not called that untill the "protected with ears" of the rear sight Blackhawks were introduced.

1989 mfg.???
A little help with manufacture date.
My gun is SN# 1697X , mfg. is 1986.
1986 guns started at 16439 and ran to 27059, per Ruger,,, so if your last 3 are lower than 16439 that would be 1985.
… Info per Ruger SN# lookup.
Either way your was one of the first shipped out because of the fluted cylinder.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

This.
Someone scavenged the carbon steel small frame Bisley hammer...Which are highly sought after, and replaced it with the standard hammer.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!

As you can see by the responses,, either the grip frame or the hammer has been swapped out at some point. None were shipped like what you described.
To clarify exactly what it was shipped as,, (since you don't have the box with the model info on it,) a $10 letter from Ruger will get you the correct details.

Oh, and the letter may be confusing if you don't know the meaning of the model codes they use. if you don't know what it means,, post it here & we can help.

 

[John chestnut]

Thank you everyone for your consideration and response. Prior to original posting I submitted serial number to Ruger serial number lookup. I contacted Ruger Customer Service, and they confirmed firearm was shipped in 1989. Ruger Customer Service went on to say: " unfortunately we do not have records confirming what hammer was shipped on your Single Six. Nor would we be able to have your Single Six come in to have the hammer changed out. You can have your local FFL contact us to orders Bisley hammer and have it shipped to him to install. The cost for the hammer is $$35.47." And they go on to say: "…..check online at the Ruger forum, wwwrugerforum.net….contact the Ruger Collectors Association for mor information also: 203-259-9498."

What additional information can be gained by obtaining a Ruger letter? Will it specify Bisley or standard Single Six shipped? Will it specify manufacture date in addition to shipped date. Again, I thank everyone who responded to my post.

 

[hittman]

It will likely specify the model number or catalog number.
Something like SSM or SSMBH, etc.

Regardless, it's $10, not the several hundred charged by Smith and Colt.

 

[John chestnut]

It will likely specify the model number.

Regardless, it's $10, not the several hundred charged by Smith and Colt.

Thank you. I have the model number: 00630. Can you tell if Bisley or standard Single Six with “plough handle”? I am not concerned with cost of letter. Certainly a bargain at $10.00!

 

[John chestnut]

Welcome to the Ruger Forum.

What you have is a early released gun because of the fluted cylinder. The front sight is also a little different, in that it is just a tad taller than the 22LR models and just about impossible to find,,, the 22LR height is easy.

The story goes;
Mr. Ruger didn't like the Bisley rollmark on the cylinder, and in an effort to get em out, said… "install fluted cylinders and ship em".

I personally am one that prefers the fluted cylinder vs the Bisley rollmark.

Top gun w/stags is 22LR, Bottom gun is 32HRM. (SN# 650-1697X)
Notice the darker color of the grips,,, the grips on these guns were made from a wood that is quite dark, but can have some reddish streaks,,, they were very nicely crafted and fit is usually very good, some of Ruger's best ever.
The bluing and finish was excellent.
Both of my guns are very accurate shooters.
The 22LR was never offered as a convertible, BUT I have found a 22MAG cylinder and it works perfectly.

Now for your hammer situation, it has most likely been harvested for another custom project, and a standard hammer swapped in.
Here is where it is going to get very interesting,..
Single Six Bisley Hammers, command a very big premium when they can be found,,, and supposedly they don't make them in Carbon Steel/ Blued anymore,
Ruger switched from Carbon/Stainless to only Stainless a few years back.

My suggestion is call Ruger, they will want your SN#. Let them know your gun has the wrong hammer and you want to get the correct hammer. They will want you to send the gun to them for the install, and you might even get a Carbon Hammer. Why do I say this?,,, I have seen guns come out since the Carbon / Stainless switch with CARBON, makes me think they have some. Will you get a answer on this question on the phone call ,,, probably not. Just not going to be info the CSR will know.
What ever Hammer you get, Carbon / Stainless it will be a correct Bisley Hammer for the Single Six,
FWIW; if one can find a Single Six Bisley hammer out in the world expect to pay $125-250. The shipping will be more from Ruger than the ~$35 they will charge you for the hammer.
Sometimes Ruger will ship it back on thier dime.

ALSO,,, While your on the phone with CS,,,
Ask them for a shipping pick-up tag, they will charge you (~$50+/-) but it will be a bunch cheaper than shipping it yourself.
The cheapest way to ship it is if you have a FFL DEALER that will ship it via USPS FLAT RATE.

This gun was/is a Single Seven BISLEY 327M that was shipped with a Carbon Hammer well after the switch.
I swapped out the Bisley Gripframe to a RW Keith #5 Brass.

And drop the "flattop" from your description,,, a common mistake made by some. That style of top strap is original to the Old Model Single Six from day one.
There are not many New Model guns made with it, but you have one.
… A very pleasing aesthetic styling from days of old.

Flattops were/are the original 357 & 44 Blackhawks, and they were not called that untill the "protected with ears" of the rear sight Blackhawks were introduced.

1989 mfg.???
A little help with manufacture date.
My gun is SN# 1697X , mfg. is 1986.
1986 guns started at 16439 and ran to 27059, per Ruger,,, so if your last 3 are lower than 16439 that would be 1985.
… Info per Ruger SN# lookup.
Either way your was one of the first shipped out because of the fluted

Thank you. I have the model number: 00630. Can you tell if Bisley or standard Single Six with "plough handle"? I am not concerned with cost of letter. Certainly a bargain at $10.00!

My error, 00630 is model number for .22lr. Model number is 06530 for .32 H&R magnum. I have both. No issue with the .22 LR.

 

[GasGuzzler]

A Single Six sized Bisley hammer is worth a lot so someone took that and sold the gun for what it's worth as a plow handle then sold the hammer and made and extra $50 messing up a gun in the process.

 

[G2]

IN MY OPINION

Some of the info you received from Ruger CS sounds like a CS representative that really has no idea just what is going on, reading info from a computer screen,,, some of it is good, some right, wrong & confusing,,, going into those details here is a waste of time.

Send for a letter. The letter will be interesting on this one. But as of late there have been some really confusing and incorrect letters.

I really believe what you have with the initial info given, is referred to as a RB-32
… That has had the Bisley hammer harvested.

The SN# in the 16'000 range lines up with a lot of those guns.
In fact the RCA (Ruger Collectors Association) as mentioned by the Ruger CS rep.,,, had supposedly ~300 made up, with fixed & adjustable sights and they were fitted w/ Sambar Stag. Nothing special other than the Stag & Certificate. ,,, and one could get thier hands on one.


From my NOTES:
These RB-32's had fluted cylinders and fixed drift adjustable rear sights. The stag grips are not factory, but were fitted to the guns after shipment by Ruger per arrangement by the RCA to make this special edition. @ 174 were made, NIB selling for $640. Serial numbers range
650-16146 through 650-17263.

Might find this thread of interest:
Another one of these guns in the 16k range.

W

SOLD Thread '1985 Ruger Bisley Single Six 32 H&R Mag w/ Factory Stag Grips, Box, 6 1/2'

May 5, 2025

For Sale:

Ruger Bisley Single Six .32 H&R Magnum with Factory Stag Grips. Desirable caliber with 6.5 inch barrel. Gun is unfired (outside of the factory). The ejector rod housing shows light wear from moving around in box. The Ruger Stag Grips are in nice shape free of any chips or cracks. Factory box and shipping carton in good shape. First I'll take it posted here gets it.

$1165.00 + Shipping...

• westerville
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Sold/Expired Listings

• 
• 
• 

I understand you don't want to post your entire SN#, but 2 more digits would help.
OR
Keep posting, suggestion; go to the photos section and post some compliments,,, when you get to 10+ you will be able to send/receive Private Messages.

 

[NH Rugerman]

Model #00630 confirms that it shipped as a Bisley model and not a standard Single Six….so the hammer was switched out by someone at some point.

 

[contender]

You now have the good info on how the gun was shipped. The CS rep that gave you the 00630 didn't give you the nomenclature like we'd need. The posts above by G2 & NH Rugerman give you the actual configuration. A Bisley that has had the hammer swapped out.

The factory $10 letter gives the date of manufacture, the shipping date, the model info, and where it was shipped to.

 

[G2]

You guys missed the OP's correction. Which is why I came back with my comments this morning, it got real confusing. But I found it interesting that the CS rep mentioned RCA. hmmmm maybe?.

My error, 00630 is model number for .22lr. Model number is 06530 for .32 H&R magnum. I have both. No issue with the .22 LR.

I'm sure we can get it figured out and looking thru more notes found this picture. Another RB-32 in the 168XX range. I find it interesting the ship date 12/03/85.
FWIW: in my notes; I have only 174 of the 300 really happened.
I blacked out the last numeral. I think this certificate is a member's here.

This Quote from Chet15 in a thread dated 10/4/2010.
Yes....174 RCA stag Bisley's made with fixed sights....and 8 (eight!!) with adjustable sights. I still need a pic of one with adjustable sights for book 2.....
anybody???
Chet15

 

[chet15]

Yes, your gun left as a Bisley.
Ruger may have manufactured it that way... mistakes do happen. But there would be no way to prove it.
Chet15

 

[John chestnut]

You guys missed the OP's correction. Which is why I came back with my comments this morning, it got real confusing. But I found it interesting that the CS rep mentioned RCA. hmmmm maybe?.

My error, 00630 is model number for .22lr. Model number is 06530 for .32 H&R magnum. I have both. No issue with the .22 LR.

I'm sure we can get it figured out and looking thru more notes found this picture. Another RB-32 in the 168XX range. I find it interesting the ship date 12/03/85.
FWIW: in my notes; I have only 174 of the 300 really happened.
I blacked out the last numeral. I think this certificate is a member's here.
View attachment 80852

This Quote from Chet15 in a thread dated 10/4/2010.
Yes....174 RCA stag Bisley's made with fixed sights....and 8 (eight!!) with adjustable sights. I still need a pic of one with adjustable sights for book 2.....
anybody???
Chet15

You guys are amazing. Let me restate the details ( correctly ).
Ruger Single Six Bisley .32H&R magnum, 6.5” barrel, low partridge front & fixed-drift adjustable rear sights, fluted cylinder, excellent wood to metal fit on Bisley grip frame, Non Bisley Hammer.

Model 06530
Serial # 650-1664X
Manufactured 1986 per Ruger look-up
Shipped 1989 per Ruger look-up

Ruger Collectors Association
203 259 9498 left voice mail 08/28/2025

Ruger $10.00 letter will be mailed 08/30/2025

I really appreciate everyones help and suggestions.

 

[contender]

Good for you on your gun! But re-read the above post;

"Yes, your gun left as a Bisley.
Ruger may have manufactured it that way... mistakes do happen. But there would be no way to prove it.
Chet15"

Chet15 is Chad Hiddleson. He publishes the Red Eagle News Exchange,, which has the most comprehensive details about Rugers we have anywhere.

I agree with him that the proof of what hammer it had when shipped will not be disclosed. Because it isn't noted in the day book of builds. And if it did ship that way,, it was a mistake.

But as noted in other posts,, a Bisley hammer in a Single-Six size is a desirable part & is often swapped around to other guns.