What have I got?

[RickG55]

I just bought a Ruger Single Six from an estate today, and in looking it over, I suspect I may have an old model. The serial number starts with 60, it has three screws in the frame above the trigger, and there's no flat bar visible when the hammer is pulled back. Am I right in assuming it's an old model that hasn't undergone the conversion?

It's in great shape. The bore is nice and bright, and the only wear on the finish looks to be holster marks. It's blued, with adjustable sights and a 6.5 in barrel. Just a nice gun.

 

[RickG55]

It says "Ruger .22 cal Single Six" under the cylinder on the left. According to the Ruger site, the gun was made in 1971. I've only got the one .22 cylinder.

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to doing the conversion? Does it affect the value?

 

[RickG55]

I definitely have the four distinct clicks when I draw the hammer back. I'm going to check out that book, thanks.

 

[contender]

Well, you definately have a nice Old Model 22 Single-Six. I too believe you shouldn't send those guns in for a conversion. It's easy to learn the proper way to load & carry; "Load one, skip one, load four," pull the hammer all the way to the rear & lower carefully over the empty chamber you skipped.

 

[RickG55]

I agree, it's not going in for a conversion. Personally, I think old guns should be left the way they were manufactured, barring some unusual circumstances. It really is a nice tight gun for being almost as old as my younger sister (she hates when I put things that way).

I paid $200 for it. Was that a good price?

 

[rugerguy]

yessir you got a goodie, and at very good price and keep it that way........keep your eyes open and you may come across the proper 22 mag cylinder for it and you an make it 'whole' again......they are out there.....
with that late a serial numer the mag cylinder will be marked as that around the base of the cylinder...........picture would be nice..........

 

[contender]

An excellent deal there,,,!

 

[RickG55]

I just checked with the guy I bought the gun from, and he advised he has an extra cylinder, but he thought it was for the Ruger Bearcat that was also part of the collection. To the best of my knowledge, Bearcats didn't have mag cylinders, but maybe I'm wrong?

 

[americal]

Great buy get over there & check that cylinder :!: :!: :lol:

 

[mattsbox99]

That vintage of Bearcats didn't have the Mag cylinder, but there were a few pretty rare Bearcat Convertibles made. A Bearcat .22 WMR Cylinder won't fit your gun though.

 

[RickG55]

I went on Gunbroker earlier today and saw some listings for 22 mag cylinders. Some of the listings specifically mentioned they were for old models. One listing didn't say one way or the other, so I sent the seller a message and was told that the cylinder fit both their old and new models Single-Six. Is that right? Also, would I need a smith to fit the new cylinder so it would work properly? This is assuming the cylinder I mentioned earlier is for the Bearcat.

Which raises another question: If that is indeed a Bearcat convertible, what would be a good price for it? I think he has it listed for either $300 or $350.

 

[contender]

If you find a Bearcat 22/22 mag convertable for $300-$350,, BUY IT FAST!!!!!!!

 

[Richbaker]

I just checked with the guy I bought the gun from, and he advised he has an extra cylinder, but he thought it was for the Ruger Bearcat that was also part of the collection. To the best of my knowledge, Bearcats didn't have mag cylinders, but maybe I'm wrong?

It should be marked with the last 3(I think) numbers of the SN....

 

[blume357]

the seller is wrong about the extra cylinder being for the bearcat he still has. So, I'd discuss with him getting / buying the cylinder for the gun it is supposed to go on. Not worth much to him and worth something to your gun...

I've heard that the cylinder has to match the gun pretty dern close to get the timing right.