Old Model Ruger Single Six

O

OvertheHill

Inactive
Back in the mid-'90s I came across a Ruger Single Six at a flea market in Texas. I negotiated what I thought was a reasonable price of about $100 IIRC and bought it. Well I got curious a couple days ago and started trying to research the date of manufacture of it. On the Ruger website, there's a gap from 1962-1969 on the "Old" model Single Sixes. Anyhow, I can't get the info there.
This revolver is a three screw, marked "RUGER .22 CAL SINGLE-SIX" on the left side of frame. The grip frame under the grips is marked "XR3-RED". The loading gate is not flat. It is rounded. The barrel is 5 1/2". Rear sight is "fixed" in a dove-tail in the top strap, adjustable for windage by "drifting" only. Grip frame and ejector housing appear to be aluminum. There are no markings on the face of the cylinder. There is no "hammer block" safety and no extra .22 magnum cylinder. Serial number on the right side of the frame, below the cylinder is 3918XX. The overall condition I'd guesstimate is better than 85%, maybe not quite 90%, with a few little dings and small amount of holster wear. Shoots darn good and the bore is excellent.
Anybody got the information that might give an approximate date of manufacture and maybe a ball-park value?
 
You got a good gun at a good price. It is an older model. A letter to Ruger will get you the correct year of manufacture. I believe it may be one of the last of the old models without the safety transfer bar. Collectors will argue to not have the bar installed. But, for users who are concerned about safety, I believe it is the right thing to do. And it costs nothing. My slightly later vintage has seen very little use of the magnum cylinder. Ruger can fit one if you really want it. Use and enjoy.
 
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You have a 1964 Ruger RSS-5 (the most common model), which would have left the factory as either an RSS-5 (LR clyinder only) or an RSS-5X Convertible (issued with a LR & 22Mag cylinder).

Approx 20% were RSS-5's; 80% RSS-5X's.

In the SN range of your RSS-5, the LR cylinder's front face would have been unmarked; an RSS-5X convertible's extra mag cylinder would have had the last 3 digits of the SN scratched (not stamped) w/electric pencil in it's front face.

You can determine which cylinder you have in the gun, besides the fact that a .22WRM won't fit into a LR chamber, by looking at the rear of the cylinder:

LR cylinders have a radial firing pin groove running around the rear between chambers.

.22WRM cylinders do not (the rear face between chambers is flat).


An RSS-5 in excellent condition, but no box/papers, would typically sell in the $450 range, at a minimum. (w/box, SN'd to gun, adds real value to serious Ruger collectors)

An RSS-5X Convertible, again w/o box, etc, would typically sell for $50-$75 more.

(the above are conservative estimates)


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Thanks much

Thanks so much guys. People here are the best about sharing their knowledge. I knew I'd get some good information if I asked. What a great place and great folks.

Guess I'll "retire" my old friend. Been using this old gun to deal with varmint/predator control around the house out here in the sticks occasionally since I got it. Probably ought to let it rest a while.

That's okay...I ran across a brand new Ruger MKIII Hunter 6 7/8" a couple weeks ago at a great price and it arrived a couple days ago. Sure is purty. It'll be taking over Ol' Single's duties.

Thanks again folks.
 
Retired ain't dead....

Heck venom, I ain't gonna bury Ol' Single.

After all, I'm retired....but I still get out and about some. Sure as heck not packed away on some shelf. Just don't have to work unless I want to, and on stuff I feel like doing. No "duties" 'cept those common to most living folks with family and friends and necessities of life.

Nope, Ol' Single will just be having fun from now on...not "working". A younger dude is gonna take on the work now is all.
 
ok ok. WHEW had me worried! bit of a panic there.

I always find it hard to part with a side arm. especially one that i've spent alotta time with the replacements never the same.
 
I have an original SS that belonged to my grandad. It was made in 1961 IIRC and he had the upgrade done to it in 1973. I have the box ruger sent it back in plus the old trigger parts. It has the 22 mag cylinder with the red tobacco pouch holder. Its in very clean shape with little bluing wear. Its a gun I could never sell. I haven't shot it in about 9 years. I need to get it out and do a little shooting. It also has a Hunter brand leather holster with it. The old hunter holsters were of better leather than they are made from today.

Cabelas had a similar gun in 32 mag a few years ago for $300. It had the same drift adjustable rear sight. Like a total and complete dummass I decided to "think about it". I called them the next day and it was gone. I just love 32 caliber guns.
 
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That $300 fixed sight Ruger .32 easily sells for $500-$600 in excellent condition.(What I've sold 3 for in the past 4 years)



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