Couple of differences between the old model and the new model Single Six

J

jstanfield103

New member
I approx. 2 weeks ago I bought my first single six, I have always wanted one and I was at the right place and the right price for the time. I was not even looking for one. I bought a 1969 model three screw, I was going to have it re-done and replace the grip frame but as one person put it if you are going to do all that why not just buy a new model. Well he was correct and after thinking about it and getting bitten by the Single Six bug I did buy a new SS Single Six in 6". Very Nice gun no creep and it works well I even put on Williams fire sights that I had ordered for it. There are a couple of noticeable differences in the two guns. First of all the thing that I noticed even though it really does not bother me is that the grips are fitted much better on the old model vs. the new model. I also do not care for the slope in the center of the new model grips, they made it to couture to you're hand better but they are not quite as comfortable as the old model. I do like that when you open the gate up on the new model it disengages the cylinder and can be rotated with out worrying about leaving the drag mark like the old model. Another difference that it will take a little getting use to is the extraction rod lining up. On the old model all I have to do is turn the cylinder counter clock wise till it stops and push the spent brass out I really do not have to look at it to line it up I can be looking at my target while I am ejecting the spent brass. The new model you actually have to line the cylinder up with the push rod, easily done but you definitely have to pay attention while doing it. The trigger are good on both models no creep and crisp, little stronger spring on the new model though, that will break in, work and time though.
I had asked a question on this and a couple other sites about the sight, new model sights like the Williams for the old model. I did not get an answer and probable could have called Wilson and asked I did not and just bought the new model. When I changed the sights out on the new model today I noticed they are the same size and look identical, so I do believe that the Williams new model fire sights will fit just fine on the old model. So I will order a set of them for the old model, those sights are awesome especially in low light, they just work great.
I have enjoyed the single six so much that I am on a search now for a Single Six Hunter. Man these guns are just so much fun to shoot.
Thanks for listening just a couple of differences that I noticed.
 
The old model doesn't have a transfer bar so you should only load 5 rounds in the cylinder and place the empty chamber under the hammer. If you send the revolver back to Ruger, they will install the new parts so you will have the transfer bar and return the revolver along with the old parts.
 
hoghunting, yes sir that is correct. Mine has already been sent to Ruger before I bought it. It was converted I do not have the original parts, it is OK though I would have sent it back anyway because I actually like the transfer bar.
 
.

FWIW, I bought my 1st SS in 1968, and about 8 or so SS's since then.

The NM Single-Six's ejection/alignment issue can be fixed with a reverse-indexing pawl.

The OM Single-Six won't readily accept the NM's FO sights, since OM front sight blades are integral with the front sight ramp (no female dovetail for a different sight blade), which is hard-soldered to the bbl, not screwed on.

OM Rugers do not have the abominal lawyer/safety bible stamped into the barrel.

While alternate NM grip panels are available, your NM's gripframe silhouette may be different than your OM's.


.
 
Last edited:
My hand got used to the Old Mod. before the New Mod. existed. The New Mod. action never felt "right" to me, so I soon traded off the only one I ever owned and do just fine with the 7 Old Mod.'s in the safe. Not one has been converted & I never lost a moment of sleep about having an empty chamber under the hammer. It's a 50 year old habit.
 
If you do send your Old Model to Ruger for conversion, I'd remove the innards and keep them. They do have a tendency to get "lost" at times.

And those parts are now bringing $150~$200 for men (like me) who try to put them back like they were.

Bob Wright
 
Bob, Mine was converted before I bought it and did not come with the old parts. That is ok by me I prefer the transfer bar anyway and am not even going to try and convert it back.
 
The sights differed between the Single Six (fixed rear, blade front) and the Super Single Six (adj. rear and ramped front).

This is an old model Super Single Six:

RugerNR5R_zps7d425f5c.jpg
 
PetahW said:
OM Rugers do not have the abominal lawyer/safety bible stamped into the barrel.
Click to expand...

The newest models have the warning on the bottom of the barrel. You dont even see it, unless you look.
 
I really want a 4 5/8 inch barreled Single Six. Just seems like a fun gun to shoot, and for woods carry.
 
Single Sixes are awesome. Love shooting mine.

I cannot imagine why anyone would not want the transfer bar modification, which Ruger will do for free (how can you beat that?). It makes the gun safer and more functional -- a total win.
 
I cannot imagine why anyone would not want the transfer bar modification,
Click to expand...
The only problem i ever had with any revolver i have owned was a transfer bar issue. The more parts and gizmos you put in 'em, the more there is to go wrong.
 
The only problem i ever had with any revolver i have owned was a transfer bar issue. The more parts and gizmos you put in 'em, the more there is to go wrong.
Click to expand...

I own five Ruger revolvers, all with transfer bars. Never had a single problem with the transfer bars. There were plenty of people that have had problems because of not having a transfer bar though. Mostly involving accidentally getting shot. I'll keep the transfer bars. $#1+ happens. And just once is one time too many.
 
Though almost anything is possible, I suppose, the chances of a transfer bar safety system failing has to be miniscule in comparison to other potential/possible firearm-related failures. Some people may not like them for their own reasons (I've read where some folks claim a transfer bar adversely affected their trigger pull-which has not been my experience), but there's no good reason to fear that a transfer bar will fail with normal use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top