Ruger New Model Single Six -- .22 or .17?

[Augustus Andras]

In the next day or two, I'm going to purchase a new Ruger Single Six; most likely a stainless gun with a 6.5" barrel. The gun will simply be a fun, informal "plinker." Why should I get a .22 instead of a .17?

 

[lawson]

well, if it's gonna be a fun, informal plinker, .22 is cheaper to shoot.

 

[Monkeybear]

Have you seen how much .17 cost? Around here Ive seen it start at around $6-7 for 50. Might as well shoot my 9mm for that cost.

 

[ronto]

Get the .22 for sure. Much cheaper ammo, wider variety of ammo choices, and a better resale value if you ever want to trade/sell it.

 

[Augustus Andras]

Thanks, guys. I had no idea .17 ammo was that costly. .22 it will be.

This brings up another question. Most of the .22's that I find in the stores are combo guns (.22LR/.22WMR). In my limited experience with combo guns, it seems like they shoot sloppy. Is that actually the case? Would a .22LR-only gun shoot more accurately? I don't really have much need for a .22WMR.

 

[Shawnee]

I've had a Ruger 22/22mag "convertible" since 1969 and put thousands of rounds through it. It doesn't "shoot sloppy" and I've never seen any other one "shoot sloppy" either.
I, personally, think the "shoot sloppy" business is pure gun-zine fairytale but since you claim to have actually experienced .22 "convertibles" "shooting sloppy" the best thing for you to do is probably find one that isn't a convertible model so you eliminate any/all concern.
Whichever you buy you are going to enjoy it though, and that's the important part.

 

[GRIZ22]

I have a Single Six in 22 with both cylinders. Cheaper to shoot and can go to magnums if I feel I need more power. I still can't see any use for the 17.

 

[kevin387]

I would go with the convertible. A little more oomph can sometimes be a lot more fun. Even if accuracy is off a bit as plinker I am sure it will still be minute of can accurate.

 

[Augustus Andras]

So, to be clear, putting input from the shooter aside, a combo gun is every bit as accurate as the .22LR-only guns?

 

[JJE]

a combo gun is every bit as accurate as the .22LR-only guns?

I have a 7-1/2" stainless hunter with a 2x scope. Without putting your gun on a machine rest and shooting both .22LR and .22WMR rounds, which I haven't done, you can't answer that question. But if you want a plinker, or even a hunter, the answer doesn't really matter. A Single Six .22 with a 6-1/2" barrel is going to be a very, very accurate gun whether it's shooting LRs or magnums. And yes, it's a lot of fun to shoot. So much, that I can see myself getting a stainless 5-1/2" model.

 

[ronto]

IMHO, and some may disagree, a 22WMR out of a handgun is just turning good money into loud noise and is generally less accurate and for sure more expensive than 22LR ammo.
The 22WMR was designed for use in a rifle, not in a handgun.
If I had the 22WMR cylinder, it would get no use.
I'd go with the 22LR only.
P.S. Upon looking at the 2006 catalog, I guess you get a 22WMR cylinder anyway. In that case it would make a great paperweight. (or get a Bearcat instead)

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Get the .22. You the ammo's cheaper and, if you want something that makes a lot of noise, used the .22 mag cylinder. Haven't priced .17 in a while, but I'll bet the .22 magnum ammunition is still cheaper. Been in production a long time. I had an AMT Automag II years ago. The blast and the noise from it were impressive, but I didn't really like shooting it.

I had a Super Single-Six years ago, but traded it on something else. Never even tried the .22 mag cylinder. It was accurate for plinking purposes, but never even came close to my Ruger MKI pistol. I'll get another one before too much longer.

 

[Steven1281]

I just picked up a New Model Single Six (blued, 5 1/2" bbl) a few weeks ago. Very enjoyable machine! I was glad to see you opted for the .22 version - and mine seems quite decent on accuracy with either the standard or magnum cylinder. In any version, you're in for a heck of a lot of fun! You should look forward to it like a kid before Christmas and enjoy it knowing you will be able to pass it down to your grandchildren even with a minimum of care! (They're built like the proverbial brick ****house!).

 

[Monkeybear]

The way I understand it the only differnce between the .22LR only and the .22LR/.22MAG is that the .22LR/.22MAG comes with an extra cylinder. If thats the case then I cant see how it would be any less accurate.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

You really can't go wrong with a .22 Ruger Single Six.

Just to muddy up the waters here, I will point out that Ruger also makes the Bearcat. The SS is approximately Colt Peacemaker size, the Bearcat is about 3/4 size.

Bearcat is also available in stainless, has fixed-sights only, operates on the old Colt "half-cock" system, and runs about $325 NIB in Texas.

I have small hands, and date short women, so I bought a Bearcat instead. Single Six is somewhat better as a target gun (adjustable sights, longer barrel), but if you want a smaller version that you can toss in a jacket pocket, which is also extremely accurate and durable, go for the Bearcat.

Soon as I get home from Christmas break, I'll post pics of my my Bearcat with the new elk-antler grips I just bought for it ($59).

-MV

 

[461]

Mathew,
Once again we seem to think alike. The Bearcat is an awesome little shooter. I bought one for my daughter a few years ago and I shoot the begeebers out of it and it's rapidly becoming one of my favorite pieces. That said, I went looking at Single-Sixes tonight myself and think I'll be adding one to the herd again. I find I buy one, enjoy it, sell it and buy another one every few years. Someday one will make enough of an impression on me to stay around. Single-Six is a great weapon, I'm just fickle.

 

[Augustus Andras]

The more I think about this, the more I think I want a gun that only shoots .22LR. Based on my own previous experience and common sense, I can't help but believe that a combo gun is going to be less accurate. How could it not?

The .22 Mag is larger in circumference than the .22LR, so it makes sense that the .22LR is going to be a bit sloppy out of a combo gun. It can't possibly be as accurate as a gun that is made to fire ONLY .22LR.

It looks like my only option from Ruger in their current line of guns is the Bisley. Not exactly the gun (or finish) I wanted, but it'll certainly work.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firea...amid=11&variation=Blued&bct=Yes&type=Revolver

 

[MatthewVanitas]

IRT the .22Mag vs. .22LR diameter debate:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=229764

In the above thread, folks emailed ammo companies, measured their own bores with micrometers. Some folks found no difference, others recorded a .001" difference.

Most people aren't too alarmed by it.

So far as a .22LR only revo being more accurate: do we know for sure that Ruger bores different barrels for the .22LR revos and the combo revos, or do they just use the same barrels for both?

The Bisley is pretty cool though, and I believe stainless-steel versions are available (though not currently carried by Ruger).

I still vote for the Bearcat though (grin).

-MV