Ruger Single-Six
A classic single-action rimfire revolver from Sturm, Ruger & Co.
The Ruger Single-Six is a single-action rimfire revolver made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. It debuted in June 1953. Today, it is manufactured as the New Model Single-Six. The “New Model” designation indicates the inclusion of Ruger’s transfer bar mechanism, which improves safety by allowing the revolver to be carried with all six chambers loaded. This mechanism ensures the revolver fires only when the trigger is pulled. Before 1973, the Single-Six lacked this feature, making it less safe to carry with a round under the hammer. Ruger offers a free transfer bar safety upgrade for owners of older models, though this can noticeably worsen trigger feel.
The New Model Single-Six is chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR (.22 Magnum), and .17 HMR (initially offered with an extra .17 HM2 cylinder). Barrel lengths are 4⅝, 5½, 6½, 7½, and 9½ inches, available in blued or stainless steel. Ruger makes “convertible” models that come with both a .22 LR cylinder and a .22 WMR cylinder, letting the shooter use either cartridge. The .22 Short and .22 Long can also be fired from the Long Rifle cylinder. On convertible models, the last three digits of the serial number are engraved on the front of the cylinder; only properly timed cylinders should be used with a given revolver. Models with fully adjustable target sights are called Super Single-Six.
In 2011, Ruger introduced the Single-Ten, and in 2012, the Single-Nine. Both are stainless steel variants of the Single-Six design with fiber optic sights. The Single-Ten holds ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle and has a 5.5-inch barrel. The Single-Nine holds nine rounds of .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and has a 6.5-inch barrel.
From 1984 to 1997, Ruger chambered the New Model Single-Six in .32 H&R Magnum (which also accepts .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long). This caliber option returned in 2002. In September 2014, the Single-Seven was released in .327 Federal Magnum, a seven-shot stainless steel revolver with barrel lengths of 4.62, 5.5, and 7.5 inches.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Sturm, Ruger
- Design Date
- 1953 (Old Model) / 1973 (New Model)
- Manufacturer
- Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Unit Cost
- $534-754 (MSRP)
- Production Date
- 1953–1973 (Old Model) / 1973–present (New Model)
- Variants
- Old Model, New Model
- Weight
- 32–40 oz
- Length
- 10.25–15 in
- Part Length
- 4.625 in / 5.5 in / 6.5 in / 9.5 in
- Cartridge
- .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, .32 H&R Magnum
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Ruger Single-Six was first released in June 1953. The term 'New Model' refers to the inclusion of Ruger's transfer bar mechanism, which allows the revolver to fire only when the trigger has been pulled. Prior to 1973, the Single-Six was produced without this mechanism, making it less safe to carry with all six chambers loaded and the hammer resting on a loaded chamber. Ruger provides a free transfer bar safety upgrade for owners of any old model Single-Six, though this may come with a significant trigger-feel penalty.
The New Model Single-Six is currently chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Barrel lengths include 4+5/8 in, 5+1/2 in, 6+1/2 in, 7+1/2 in, and 9+1/2 in, available in both blued and stainless steel. Ruger manufactures several 'convertible' models that ship with both a .22 LR cylinder and .22 WMR cylinder. The .22 Short and .22 Long cartridges can also be fired in the Long Rifle cylinder. The term Super Single-Six refers to models with fully adjustable target sights.
In 2011 Ruger introduced the Single-Ten, a stainless steel variant with ten chambers in .22 LR and a 5.5 inch barrel. In 2012 they introduced the Single-Nine, chambered in .22 WMR with nine chambers and a 6.5 inch barrel. From 1984 to 1997 Ruger chambered the New Model Single-Six in .32 H&R Magnum, reintroducing this caliber in 2002. In September 2014, Ruger released the Single-Seven in .327 Federal Magnum, a seven-shot stainless steel variant with barrel lengths of 4.62 in, 5.5 in, and 7.5 in.
Reader's Guide
The Ruger Single-Six is significant as a long-running single-action rimfire revolver from Sturm, Ruger & Co., first released in June 1953. Its evolution into the New Model Single-Six with the transfer bar mechanism marked a key safety improvement, allowing safe carry with all six chambers loaded. The revolver's versatility is shown through multiple caliber options, including .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, and .32 centerfire cartridges, as well as convertible models that ship with two cylinders. The introduction of the Single-Ten and Single-Nine expanded the design with higher capacity cylinders. The Single-Seven added a .327 Federal Magnum option. The free transfer bar upgrade for old models reflects Ruger's commitment to safety, though it may affect trigger feel. The Single-Six remains a notable example of a traditional single-action revolver adapted for modern safety standards.
Did You Know?
- The New Model Single-Six includes a transfer bar mechanism that allows firing only when the trigger is pulled.
- Ruger offers a free transfer bar safety upgrade for old model Single-Six owners, though it may affect trigger feel.
- The Single-Ten, introduced in 2011, has ten chambers in .22 LR with a 5.5 inch barrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ruger Single-Six?
It is a single-action rimfire revolver built by Sturm, Ruger & Co., first introduced to the market in June 1953. It remains in continuous production today, making it one of the longest-running revolver designs in the company's catalog.
What calibers and barrel lengths does the Single-Six offer?
The revolver is available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Ruger offers five barrel lengths spanning from 4+5/8 inches up to 9+1/2 inches, giving shooters a wide range of options for target work or carry.
What does the "New Model" designation actually mean?
The label refers to the inclusion of Ruger's transfer bar safety mechanism, which guarantees the gun will only fire when the trigger is deliberately pulled. This allows the owner to carry all six chambers loaded without risk of an accidental discharge.
Can owners of older Single-Six models get the transfer bar upgrade?
Yes, Ruger provides a free transfer bar safety retrofit for pre-1973 revolvers that shipped without the mechanism. Before that date the Single-Six lacked the feature, so carrying a round under the hammer was riskier than it is today.
Why do fans consider the Ruger Single-Six a classic?
Its nearly 70-year production run, simple single-action design, and availability in three rimfire calibers have made it a staple for target shooters and collectors alike. The 1973 safety upgrade also let Ruger modernize the platform while preserving the original single-action feel.
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