Ruger Single Six Question and Possible Trade

F

firme67

New member
My local gun shop has 3 Single Six's in stock. All are used and each show a little wear (I have not handled them, just looked at them in the case), but appear to be in decent condition. One is tagged as a "Single Six" for $375, and shows the most wear, the other two are tagged "Single Six 3 Screw" and look to have a little less wear, one for $425 the other for $435. All three have wood grips. I do not know if any of them come with the 22 Mag cylinder. I can see why the "3 Screws" are so named, but what is the real difference between them and a non three screw? Anything major that makes them better or worse?

I would really like a single six and a possiblity would be to offer him a trade either for a Taurus 24/7 Pro DS .45 with 2 mags and approx 250 rounds ammo, (this gun just really isn't the right fit for my hand), or a Ruger SR22 with 3 mags, (reality hit that I like revolver .22's better than semi's).

So I was just wondering what you all thought:

1- please educate me on the Single Six 3 Screw vs non

2- what is a fair trade? Straight across?.......Money to boot?.......Other ideas?

Assume there is no .22 Mag cylinder

Thanks
 
The Single Six was first offered in the mid 50's. Recently a "Single Ten" has been added (and Single Nine in .22 Mag). I'll let others get into the various "convertible"/Super Single Six variants with extra .22 Mag cylinder, etc.

The "three screws" denotes what is also called the Old Model or OM Rugers' action. Prior to 1973 they had a different action--closer to the Colt Single Action Army the Ruger's form generally sought to emulate--but which, also like the Colts, "required" (highly suggested) you load only five rounds, leaving the sixth chamber under the hammer empty for safety purposes...this to avoid accidental discharge if dropped or if something were otherwise to strike the hammer. After 1973--or New Model (NM) Rugers--the action was changed, adding a "transfer bar" which only allows ignition (the internal firing pin to strike the cartridge primer) if the trigger is pulled (of course still requiring cocking first per all single actions' required firing mode under normal conditions), presumbly/hopefully intentionally. You can see this "bar" in action in the notch vacated when cocking the hammer back, rising up to a position between the hammer and internal firing pin. This newer action has only two pins, replacing the three screws, actuating the internal action mechanisms. Visually, both the "three screws" and "two pins" can be seen on the side of the frame of the OM nd NM guns respectively, toward the back (The Colt was/is also a three screw mechanism). By now, many of the "three screws" or OM's have been factory "converted," an action encouraged and offered by Ruger since 1973, to approximte the post 73 mechanism (but which leaves the three screws).

Many prefer the "purity" of the original three screw action, in feel and operation and don't mind (at least not enough...) loading only "five up" versus six, and further cite the NM's transfer bar as an extra item which can--though very rarely does--break. Others prefer the relatively thought or worry-free nature of (or suggested by) loading the post 73/transfer bar'd NM's and of course the extra round.
 
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Not to trample on someones thread but...
If the OM Single Six has not had the factory update (transfer bar), is the gun more valuable than one that has? I ask because i have a S/S that does not have the transfer bar and have not sent it in for two reasons. One, fear of the value of the gun going down and two I love the action of it. I get the feel of an old Colt without having to spend my son's college money to get it. :D I also fear that the trigger, which is now one of the best I own, will become sloppy.
 
No expert on the OM"s but my take on it is - an OM in good shape will always at least slightly trump the value of a NM if for no other reason than the NM with its originally-installed transfer bar will always be available for those that prefer that configuration...and paired with that thought, there will alwys be a market for un-altered OM's regardless....or even altered ones that some folks may want to revert to original with the old parts..I have and prefer the NM's for the aforementioned "worry free" loading, especially in my mostly plinker .22's and "working" centerfire Rugers. . Unmolested OM's now have that great "vintage vibe" that's worth at least something more, and I appreciate the action/feel of the OM's, but in addition to my "safe(r)" NM Rugers, I also have a centerfire Colt and clones to get my fix for that great five-up type action - for "appreciating."

IOW, Canardman, you have good points regrding yours and I would keep/leave yours alone and continue to enjoy for the reasons you've mentioned. I wouldn't alter. If I wanted a safe full "six up," I'd buy a NM.
 
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Folks pay a premium for unconverted Three Screw Rugers. The Three Screw action is excellent as original, but the conversion makes it a tough, gritty trigger pull.

The original is a much preferred action.

Bob Wright
 
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