I'd like to get a single action revolver, full-size frame, in .22 l.r. for practice to cut down on cost. I shoot both Ruger and SAA-reproductions in centerfire calibers but would like to get a rimfire for cheaper practice, something similar in size and weight so skills gained will be more easily transferred to my centerfires. What is recommended? I have little experience with rimfires in either Ruger single actions or SAA reproductions. I'm looking for accuracy and durability. Any suggestions?
Rimfire single-action practice gun
- Thread starter Dithsoer
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Dismantler
Member
Yes! By all means get the Ruger Single Six with the .22 LR and the .22 Magnum interchangeable cylinders. That is my favorite sandpit gun. Adjustable sights, so it will hit where you want it to. Lots of .22 LR inexpensive shooting. .22 Magnum for varmints.
They can be found used (blued) for $250 or so in my neighborhood. I am not sure what they go for new. I just bought a stainless model with a 5.5" barrel and custom grips, used, for $369.
I was out at 40 yards and was shooting both LR and Mag at a thick aluminum frying pan that I got at the dump. The LR's bounced off of it, but the Mags went right through it at that distance.
They can be found used (blued) for $250 or so in my neighborhood. I am not sure what they go for new. I just bought a stainless model with a 5.5" barrel and custom grips, used, for $369.
I was out at 40 yards and was shooting both LR and Mag at a thick aluminum frying pan that I got at the dump. The LR's bounced off of it, but the Mags went right through it at that distance.
theotherwaldo
Member
My Ruger Single Six is more accurate than I am and is, of course, over-built in the Ruger tradition. Admittedly, It feels more like a '58 Remington than a Super Blackhawk, but that's appropriate for a .22.
It's in stainless with target sights but without the magnum cylinder or box, looks lightly used, and cost me $195.00 at a local pawn shop.
It's in stainless with target sights but without the magnum cylinder or box, looks lightly used, and cost me $195.00 at a local pawn shop.
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Dismantler
Member
Wait...are we talking .22's or Vaqueros? The Ruger Single Six has adjustable sights. You can sight in any ammo type at any distance, and the gun will shoot better than you.
As far as Vaqueros go...I do not own one, and they are for another thread, aren't they? The CAS guys would tell you more about them. You were asking about .22's here. I think that Vaqueros are only centerfire.
As far as Vaqueros go...I do not own one, and they are for another thread, aren't they? The CAS guys would tell you more about them. You were asking about .22's here. I think that Vaqueros are only centerfire.
mgregg85
Member
Get the single-six, it is 7/8s of the size of a blackhawk so its pretty damn close.
mljdeckard
Member
Agree. Gave my dad one for his "In case I see a rattlesnake while I'm out fishing in mountain streams" gun, and it's squeezed out his Mk I and his Woodsman for attention. We have both sandbagged it, and you can almost see the bullet hit the paper right above the front sight.
Virginian
Member
They did make some blued Single Sixes with fixed sights, a la the Vaquero. I forget exactly what Ruger called these now. They are no longer made and are somewhat difficult to find and pricey when you do find them on the used market. They were available with the 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" bbls. if I remember right. I came an ace of getting one, but of course hemmed and hawwed around until it was too late.
I think any Single Six would serve you very well for what you are looking for.
I think any Single Six would serve you very well for what you are looking for.
Dismantler
Member
Many years ago a police officer chased armed robbers through my property. They had shot at the officer right in front of my house. The only gun I had was a Single Six, loaded with .22 magnums. You can bet that sixgun was in my hand!
hboy35
Member
fixed sight ruger .22
was that the bearcat? I remember the engraving on the cylinder and it costing twice what I paid for my Ruger single six, and that was way back in the 80s.....
was that the bearcat? I remember the engraving on the cylinder and it costing twice what I paid for my Ruger single six, and that was way back in the 80s.....
Dismantler
Member
The BearCat is a smaller single action than the Single Six.
woad_yurt
Member
Check this out. I have 2 and they're nice. It's a DA but you can always shoot SA. I'd put one of these up against a Single Six any day. Just as good. Now, if you want DA, too, this one's the only one. These are slick guns.
http://www.auctionarms.com/Search/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=8588897
http://www.auctionarms.com/Search/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=8588897
Ghost Tracker
Member
The Single Six is the answer to your (and most other .22 rimfire handgun) question(s).
Oops. I guess it's not a Vaquero. It's a stainless New Model Single Six, which is printed on the side of the frame. It has fixed-sights and came with white fake ivory grips. It looks just like the Vaquero model. I bought mine used. I'd use this, but some inexperienced gun-tinkerer decided to cut the barrel to four inches and did a poor job. It's not very accurate in it's current condition.
Would it be possible to get Ruger to replace the barrel with a 5 1/2 inch new one? If the cost isn't too bad (and they'd actually do it), I could just go this route.
Would it be possible to get Ruger to replace the barrel with a 5 1/2 inch new one? If the cost isn't too bad (and they'd actually do it), I could just go this route.
Handyguy
Member
My wife picked one up at a show a few weeks ago and just had to have it. Well now she doesn't want to shoot anything else that we have. That includes the Sig,HighStandard, S&W 41, M&P and on and on. Oh well shouldn't complain - .22 ammo is cheaper!
This fixed sighted Single Six convertible is no longer listed by Ruger but you can have your dealer order one from Davidsons. They have 6 each in stock of the 6.5" and 5.5" barreled guns.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/showimage.asp?img=10629.jpg
http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/showimage.asp?img=10629.jpg
The Single Six is just a tad smaller as you can see. I think it would be your best choice for practice with a single action. As far as the adjustable sights, if you do get a fixed sight larger caliber gun later, it's not that hard to change from one to the other.JMO
Virginian
Member
Many thanks Steve C. I will have mine Monday. I have been trolling the internet gun places and would never have known about Davidson's having some without your posting that link.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/showimage.asp?img=10646.jpg
http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/showimage.asp?img=10646.jpg
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