New Ruger Wrangler.... I'm confused

[MidRoad]

I spent a little time last night on gunbroker looking at single six revolvers just to see what they are selling for. And yes brand new in the box they are selling for $500+ dollars. But there were many used ones for way less than that.

There were many very clean guns that looked almost unfired for $400 or a little less. Many between $300-and $350. And even a few for less than $300 and a couple around $250. And I only looked at around 9 pages of the over 30 pages of them for sale.

Anyone who can't find a deal on a blued steel single six for a price they can live with isn't trying. And thats a gun with adjustable sights and both cylinders. It was surprising how many old models and even a few flat latches were listed.

Go to a gun show and you may find the same or better deals and not have to pay for shipping and transfer fees. The guys at the GS are some of the same ones with guns listed on GB.

Buy one of the original Ruger single sixes and you don't have to worry about what the new Ruger is made of and its its any better than the heritage RR. You will have the best gun and one that will last a life time if cared for.

That being said I will most likely buy one once they hit the shelves. I don't need another 22 but whats need have to do with it?

I got this convertible (minus the grips) for 450 at my LGS. Single sixed here run 350-450+ depending on store,model and condition. The adjustable sights are a must for convertible s and are a nice clean picture for critters.


BUT

I would happily pay $210 bucks for a brand new informal plinking 22lr with fixed sights,and similar desgin as the single six .I'm sure you could find ammo that would match point/poa. And at that price it can be a beater gun with no worries. O yea and if it breaks , won't cost ya a thing to fix it.... and it'll be back to you within 2 weeks. Really ya can't loose in that situation .

 

[CraigC]

I spent a little time last night on gunbroker looking at single six revolvers just to see what they are selling for. And yes brand new in the box they are selling for $500+ dollars. But there were many used ones for way less than that.

There were many very clean guns that looked almost unfired for $400 or a little less. Many between $300-and $350. And even a few for less than $300 and a couple around $250. And I only looked at around 9 pages of the over 30 pages of them for sale.

Anyone who can't find a deal on a blued steel single six for a price they can live with isn't trying. And thats a gun with adjustable sights and both cylinders. It was surprising how many old models and even a few flat latches were listed.

Go to a gun show and you may find the same or better deals and not have to pay for shipping and transfer fees. The guys at the GS are some of the same ones with guns listed on GB.

Buy one of the original Ruger single sixes and you don't have to worry about what the new Ruger is made of and its its any better than the heritage RR. You will have the best gun and one that will last a life time if cared for.

That being said I will most likely buy one once they hit the shelves. I don't need another 22 but whats need have to do with it?

This is the point I always try to make when the subject of the Rough Rider comes up. Everybody wants to quote MSRP for a brand new gun but they have been made for 66yrs now. There are LOTS of them on the used market. I have three I paid $200, $225 and $250 for, the latter being a fixed sight "Vaquerito" .32H&R. But most are satisfied with strolling down to the local shop and paying $150 for the Heritage, because it's cheap and easy. That tells me they just wanted cheap and easy, not necessarily a good single action rimfire revolver. Which is fine, they'll just have another option now.

Sounds like you are trying hard to convince yourself. Get ya a new Ruger and start having some fun. Now how about we cease fire and let the Ruger fans enjoy their new Wrangler and let the Heritage fans enjoy theirs. These are both just 22.cal plinkers. The idea is to have fun. I bet there is many a young man that is quite happy with his Heritage Six shooter and now there will many Ruger fans as well. Enough of this nonsense. Please move on. Thank you. Now tell us what color you ordered.

I don't have to convince myself of anything. I've even thought about buying a Rough Rider and subjecting it to a torture test but I couldn't bring myself to do it. 90% of why I've never bought a Rough Rider and 90% of why I'm buying a pair of Wranglers is in those pics. Not because of brand loyalty. Not because of elitism. Not because I 'need' a rimfire revolver and only have $200 to spend. Because it's a single action revolver and I can see lots of potential there. Because it's inexpensive but doesn't scream "cheap".

 

[Old Stumpy]

They can call it "aluminum alloy" if they want, which has obviously changed in the last couple years, because ZAMAK has a 4% aluminum content but it's still primarily zinc. If the Heritage wasn't made of zinc, they wouldn't need a steel model for those states with Saturday Night Special laws.

As you have deduced, since the "alloy" contains both zinc and aluminum, you could refer it to as either zinc or aluminum alloy, depending on what benefits sales. And, zinc is heavy. At 33 ounces with an aluminum cylinder frame, that weight in the rough Rider must be coming from somewhere.
The 4.62" barrelled Single Six has a steel cylinder frame and an aluminum grip frame, yet it weighs only 32 ounces.
Obviously, if the Rough Rider had both an aluminum cylinder frame and an aluminum grip frame, it would weigh substantially less than 33 ounces.

And, thanks for posting those close-up pictures of the "Rough" Rider and the Wrangler.
It makes it quite obvious just how much better that the Wrangler is made, even without looking inside at the superior Single Six mechanism inside.

The Rough Rider is spray-painted Fugly, poorly made by comparison, and it's day is done.

I can't help wondering if those who keep championing the Rough Rider against all common sense have a financial stake in their continued sales. ??

 

[MidRoad]

This is the point I always try to make when the subject of the Rough Rider comes up. Everybody wants to quote MSRP for a brand new gun but they have been made for 66yrs now. There are LOTS of them on the used market. I have three I paid $200, $225 and $250 for, the latter being a fixed sight "Vaquerito" .32H&R. But most are satisfied with strolling down to the local shop and paying $150 for the Heritage, because it's cheap and easy. That tells me they just wanted cheap and easy, not necessarily a good single action rimfire revolver. Which is fine, they'll just have another option now.



I don't have to convince myself of anything. I've even thought about buying a Rough Rider and subjecting it to a torture test but I couldn't bring myself to do it. 90% of why I've never bought a Rough Rider and 90% of why I'm buying a pair of Wranglers is in those pics. Not because of brand loyalty. Not because of elitism. Not because I 'need' a rimfire revolver and only have $200 to spend. Because it's a single action revolver and I can see lots of potential there. Because it's inexpensive but doesn't scream "cheap".

Craig , you should be the first dude to convert one to bisley.

 

[arcticap]

Like many people, I have more than one .22 revolver.
Most all except one are double action.
My main gripe with the hype over this new Ruger model is that my first choice for a SA .22 would not have a 4.62" barrel.
Which is the only barrel length that Ruger is offering at this time.
Some folks may prefer that length, and it may be built to have great balance with that heavier barrel profile.
But IMHO, that's a shorter sighting plane than I would prefer if given a choice.
I do like heavier barrels which the Ruger has.
At least if folks buy one and then Ruger begins offering more options, then they're not out much [if any] money since they should be able to sell it easy enough.
But that would be my advice before buying, will you be happy with the barrel length?
Even with center fire single actions, I prefer a little longer barrel length and sighting plane.
A shorter sighting plane can help promote quicker target acquisition, but not necessarily longer range sighting accuracy.
Everyone has different preferences and skill level.
Just because it's being touted as a "one size fits all" type of .22 single action purchase, even a Wrangler that's a great gun in many ways may not be totally satisfactory for everyone.
For most folks I think that they'll be happy, but it's worth noting to be aware of any of the drawbacks before ordering or buying one sight unseen or untried.
Most here probably have the experience to know their preference of barrel length, but for those who don't, they should probably try one out if possible before buying one.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

This is the point I always try to make when the subject of the Rough Rider comes up. Everybody wants to quote MSRP for a brand new gun but they have been made for 66yrs now. There are LOTS of them on the used market. I have three I paid $200, $225 and $250 for, the latter being a fixed sight "Vaquerito" .32H&R. But most are satisfied with strolling down to the local shop and paying $150 for the Heritage, because it's cheap and easy. That tells me they just wanted cheap and easy, not necessarily a good single action rimfire revolver. Which is fine, they'll just have another option now.



I don't have to convince myself of anything. I've even thought about buying a Rough Rider and subjecting it to a torture test but I couldn't bring myself to do it. 90% of why I've never bought a Rough Rider and 90% of why I'm buying a pair of Wranglers is in those pics. Not because of brand loyalty. Not because of elitism. Not because I 'need' a rimfire revolver and only have $200 to spend. Because it's a single action revolver and I can see lots of potential there. Because it's inexpensive but doesn't scream "cheap".

Lol, Give it a rest!

 

[CraigC]

As you have deduced, since the "alloy" contains both zinc and aluminum, you could refer it to as either zinc or aluminum alloy, depending on what benefits sales. And, zinc is heavy. At 33 ounces with an aluminum cylinder frame, that weight in the rough Rider must be coming from somewhere.
The 4.62" barrelled Single Six has a steel cylinder frame and an aluminum grip frame, yet it weighs only 32 ounces.
Obviously, if the Rough Rider had both an aluminum cylinder frame and an aluminum grip frame, it would weigh substantially less than 33 ounces.

I agree. My 5.5" Single Six with aluminum grip frame is 34oz. So if the RR was all aluminum, it would be significantly lighter but it isn't. According to an online chart, aluminum is 34% the weight of steel but zinc is 90%. Heritage lists their "alloy" models at 33.4oz and the steel model at 35oz. While the Ruger is listed at 30oz, a reviewer said his weigh in at 28oz. That tells us something. It tells me that the "aluminum alloy" Heritage claims for their frames is actually still ZAMAK.

Craig , you should be the first dude to convert one to bisley.

Like we said in the other thread, if they had an aluminum version, I'd be all over it!

Lol, Give it a rest!

Says the dude that called me a liar. That said, I'm through engaging your nonsense.

 

[chicharrones]

Like many people, I have more than one .22 revolver.
Most all except one are double action.
My main gripe with the hype over this new Ruger model is that my first choice for a SA .22 would not have a 4.62" barrel.
. . .
Most here probably have the experience to know their preference of barrel length, but for those who don't, they should probably try one out if possible before buying one.

Yep, I have revolvers with barrel lengths at 2", 3", 6", 8", and 9.5". I've been wanting an ejector housing length barreled Single Six for a while now, and here Ruger pops out one in the new Wrangler. The temptation is strong.

 

[Old Stumpy]

It really seems that the bashers are trying to compare the Heritage to the single six. And this is a ridiculous comparison. Again, no one is saying the Heritage is in that class. Nor do they compare the quality to one. So if you want to compare the New Ruger Budget gun to the Heritage budget gun then fine. But please do so with facts rather than just running off with personal speculation used as fact.

Fact: The Wrangler has the same internal mechanism as the Single Six, complete with the transfer bar safety, loading gate interlock, and all music wire springs. The Rough Rider has a clunky and ugly plastic thumb safety, flat and breakable leaf springs, and a half-cock loading notch.

Fact: The Wrangler has a closely fitted, professional, and attractive appearance, very much like the Single Six. The Rough Rider has a clunky "as-cast" appearance resembling a kid's cap pistol.

Fact: The Wrangler has a Cerrakote finish. The Rough Rider is just spray painted.

Fact: The Wrangler has properly fitted and checkered molded plastic grips, which are interchangeable with any grips for the Single Six.
The Rough Rider has embarrassingly oversized wooden grips.

I think that anyone contemplating buying either of these revolvers should take the time to examine each of them in person.
If the close-up photos don't convince you that the Wrangler is superior, then your own two eyes will I am sure.
Whatever you do don't get sucked in to just ordering a Rough Rider sight-unseen based on photos shot at a foot or more away with dim lighting.

 

[5-SHOTS]

Well Jeb Stuart is correct about at least one thing in his tirade. We do know that the cylinder frame is aluminum because Ruger has stated this.
But in usual Ruger coyness, they don't specify what the grip frame is made of.
It may well be a ZA alloy of some kind, but not cheap ZAMAC pot metal.
ZA-12 has the tensile strength of cast iron, for example, but it's deceptively heavy, almost like steel.
Anyone who owns a Lee Valley Tools standard block plane, apron plane, or shoulder plane has a plane with a ZA-12 lever cap.
And these are high quality tools.
Also, the barrel is specified as steel, but the diameter seems larger than the Single Six, which also contributes to the weight.
We will soon know, but I doubt that it will make any difference whatsoever.
They are going to sell like hotcakes.

I'm not bashing Ruger to enter in the low price market but I don't think they can make a miracle priced gun using aluminium alloy and steel where the competitors use zinc alloy to keep the price down.
I have nothing against zinc alloy: my Wheirauch Target Trophy has a zinc alloy grip frame as well as other small external parts (cylinder button, trigger and hammer pad, front and read adjustable sights); it has a pine tree castings steel frame, the barrel is a rifled tube covered with a removable steel shroud, internal parts are casted steel and sheet metal and so on. That's why it costs half than a S&W 617 and that's fine for me. But if S&W will sell a target revolver at the same price of a Wheirauch, that will be because S&W will use producing shortcuts like Wheirauch does, not because S&W is smarter than Weihrauch.
I could be wrong, maybe someone else has already proved the contrary, I haven't red all the posts, but I really doubt the Wrangler barrel is a solid piece of steel and also the cylinder. It's sure the grip frame is zinc alloy and the external finish of this part is very poor.
I agree with you they will sell like hot cakes.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I'm not bashing Ruger to enter in the low price market but I don't think they can make a miracle priced gun using aluminium alloy and steel where the competitors use zinc alloy to keep the price down.
I have nothing against zinc alloy: my Wheirauch Target Trophy has a zinc alloy grip frame as well as other small external parts (cylinder button, trigger and hammer pad, front and read adjustable sights); it has a pine tree castings steel frame, the barrel is a rifled tube covered with a removable steel shroud, internal parts are casted steel and sheet metal and so on. That's why it costs half than a S&W 617 and that's fine for me. But if S&W will sell a target revolver at the same price of a Wheirauch, that will be because S&W will use producing shortcuts like Wheirauch does, not because S&W is smarter than Weihrauch.
I could be wrong, maybe someone else has already proved the contrary, I haven't red all the posts, but I really doubt the Wrangler barrel is a solid piece of steel and also the cylinder. It's sure the grip frame is zinc alloy and the external finish of this part is very poor.
I agree with you they will sell like hot cakes.

Go back to the first post. There is a link to the Wrangler page at Ruger. There is a video at the bottom of the page. In the video the guy from Ruger states that the barrel is hammer forged and the frame is aluminum. And that they use new CNC practices to cut cost.

 

[TTv2]

This is the point I always try to make when the subject of the Rough Rider comes up. Everybody wants to quote MSRP for a brand new gun but they have been made for 66yrs now. There are LOTS of them on the used market. I have three I paid $200, $225 and $250 for, the latter being a fixed sight "Vaquerito" .32H&R. But most are satisfied with strolling down to the local shop and paying $150 for the Heritage, because it's cheap and easy. That tells me they just wanted cheap and easy, not necessarily a good single action rimfire revolver. Which is fine, they'll just have another option now.

If I was looking for a 6 round .22 single action (which I wouldn't because 6 rd .22 revolvers make me feel ill) I would definitely look for a used Single Six over the Wrangler or Heritage. I'm sure if one waited long enough for the right deal to show up, they could get it for under $300, but that's the thing people aren't willing to do: wait.

I've been waiting for 6 months for a used steel frame 12 inch 1858 percussion revolver and that shows no signs of stopping. Maybe that's a different situation as that gun is nowhere near as prolific on the used market like the Single Six is.

 

[5-SHOTS]

There's a review with some pics here: https://www.realguns.com/articles/1096.htm
Pics don't help that much.

 

[TTv2]

Go back to the first post. There is a link to the Wrangler page at Ruger. There is a video at the bottom of the page. In the video the guy from Ruger states that the barrel is hammer forged and the frame is aluminum. And that they use new CNC practices to cut cost.

They use CNC for the Single Six/Nine/Ten as well. I think a lot of the cost for the Single series is the finishing vs Wrangler's cerakote. That and machining steel isn't as easy as Aluminum/Zinc.

 

[5-SHOTS]

Go back to the first post. There is a link to the Wrangler page at Ruger. There is a video at the bottom of the page. In the video the guy from Ruger states that the barrel is hammer forged and the frame is aluminum. And that they use new CNC practices to cut cost.

Ok, thank you, I'll check it.

 

[thomas15]

What this thread has taught me is that Mr. Ruger is actually, in fact, Santa Clause.

 

[.308 Norma]

I wonder if Ruger choose the Name Wrangler which will be most like be a popular gun in the coming years, to be in the face of the Bloomberg anti-gun Levi Strauss?

Ha! I'd enjoy that!

Does Wrangler Jeans benefit?

I wouldn't care if Wrangler Jeans did benefit, but I kinda doubt they do. My wife bought herself a Jeep "Wrangler" Sport as her retirement gift to herself, and I have a set of Goodyear "Wrangler" tires on my Dodge pickup truck. I don't think Wrangler Jeans benefitted from either of those two things.
On the other hand, I have a Wrangler Jeans jacket that has an inside pocket on each side that works pretty well for concealed carry.
Edited to say: As soon as I treat myself to a Ruger "Wrangler," maybe I'll try carrying it in one of the inside pockets of my Wrangler Jeans jacket while I'm out fishing.

 

[ECVMatt]

Well just a quick update, I went a reserved a Wrangler to be delivered in a few weeks. At the store there was a line of about 10 other guys doing the same thing...this is a very large chain of sporting goods store and the manager was reports a strong response at all the stores. So I guess it remains to be seen if Ruger will hit it out of the ball park with this one, but they definitely have struck a nerve!

 

[ThomasT]

There's a review with some pics here: https://www.realguns.com/articles/1096.htm
Pics don't help that much.

That link was posted way back in post #57. You should really go back and read the whole thread. It's um... interesting.

 

[ThomasT]

Well just a quick update, I went a reserved a Wrangler to be delivered in a few weeks. At the store there was a line of about 10 other guys doing the same thing...this is a very large chain of sporting goods store and the manager was reports a strong response at all the stores. So I guess it remains to be seen if Ruger will hit it out of the ball park with this one, but they definitely have struck a nerve!

Where at and whats the cost and wait time? You should know we need that sort of information.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

For me the new Ruger is a great gun. However, I have been looking at the RR for awhile and I love the birdshead grip models.

As someone that really can only shoot at a range I'd be happy with either.

I'd have bought the RR already if not for the fact I'm poor, and I own a S&W 63 to shoot 22lr and have fun.

I love single actions and I miss my Single Six, but I have higher gun priorities that come before them with my limited cash.

 

[thomas15]

Well just a quick update, I went a reserved a Wrangler to be delivered in a few weeks. At the store there was a line of about 10 other guys doing the same thing...this is a very large chain of sporting goods store and the manager was reports a strong response at all the stores.

I guess it's time to sell a few of my Cabbage Patch dolls and Furby's and get me a Ruger Wrangler!

 

[ThomasT]

As someone that really can only shoot at a range I'd be happy with either.

I'd have bought the RR already if not for the fact I'm poor, and I own a S&W 63 to shoot 22lr and have fun.

Your model 63 is an excellent gun and about all you need. I have a model 34-1 Flat Latch I was shooting a few months ago. I hadn't shot it in a while and had forgotten how accurate that little pistola is. I know all about being short on disposable cash. My storm year hasn't started yet (insurance adjuster) but hopefully soon. Storms are in the forecast. I am surprised that in Florida you can't find a wooded area or swamp to shoot in. I hate shooting at the range.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

Your model 63 is an excellent gun and about all you need. I have a model 34-1 Flat Latch I was shooting a few months ago. I hadn't shot it in a while and had forgotten how accurate that little pistola is. I know all about being short on disposable cash. My storm year hasn't started yet (insurance adjuster) but hopefully soon. Storms are in the forecast. I am surprised that in Florida you can't find a wooded area or swamp to shoot in. I hate shooting at the range.

There must be some around, but idk of any out door areas where I can shoot without any issues

 

[ECVMatt]

Where at and whats the cost and wait time? You should know we need that sort of information.

Tragically I am still in California....but getting ready to head east to get back west...The chain is Turner's Sporting Goods and I paid $179...just under 200 OTD. They are stating up to three weeks, but they are a huge Ruger dealer. The last one of these I did with them, we got our orders filled in about a week.

Either way I am fine. I have a few .22 pistols to shoot. I will admit that I bought this gun solely on the principles of fancy and novelty.

I look forward to a three way comparison of my friends Heritage RR, my Single Six, and the Wrangler.