Ruger Single 6 Advice

[ForumSurfer]

I'm getting into revolvers again and I no longer have a Ruger Single Six. I've seen several used while browsing local gun stores locally. I'm not the smartest guy in the world, so I'd appreciate some advice. Are there any issues that I should be looking for when I inspect a used Single Six, Super Single Six or a Bearcat? I usually bring a little magnifying glass with a light on it so I can take a peek down the bore, but other than that the only thing I know to look for is decent cylinder lock up. Any other points I should be inspecting?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[phoglund]

I'm going to do one of those annoying 'doesn't answer the original question' replies...

I'd be interested in what people have to say to this question as well. I'm not in the market for another Single Six but have to say my ~28 year old Single Six convertible with more rounds through it than I'd like to consider has the smoothest action of any gun I own. I think they get better with age and use, after all, they aren't shooting a punishing round. I'd say check the bore and lock up and then find the oldest example you can find and buy it!

 

[ForumSurfer]

I'd say check the bore and lock up and then find the oldest example you can find and buy it!

That's what I was thinking, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[BCRider]

Why the oldest example?

Getting back to the checks I think you nailed it. I'd only add that it couldn't hurt to bring along a sliver of wood or vinyl tubing that you can put between the hammer and the frame so you can actually test the trigger feel without letting the hammer fall on an empty cylinder.

When I bought my old three screw I did this once with my thumb but didn't hold it quite in the best place. Made my eyes want to sweat a little. I then got a bit of cardboard from the counter guy and folded to 4 layers used that as a dry fire pad.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I'd say just follow the "Revolver Checkout" thread stickied at the top of this forum, and you should be good to go.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I'd say just follow the "Revolver Checkout" thread stickied at the top of this forum, and you should be good to go.

Thanks, I read through that before I posted. I also searched through several older posts. Just wanted to see if anyone had any model specific advice. You never know what you'll find out.

 

[forindooruseonly]

If you buy an old Single Six that has had the safety conversion from Ruger, I'd check to see if it had the original parts with it so it could be returned to the original configuration without the transfer bar. They seem to draw a bit more money unconverted, and if the parts aren't there, I'd try to get a discount.

If you buy a New Model Single Six then there are no worries about that.

 

[Steve C]

The problem I've seen with used Single Six's, esp in pawn shops si that peoplw who have sold them didn't include the secnd cylinder for either the .22 mag or LR. This leaves the buyer with only one caliber in a gun that was sold with interchangeable cylinders. Maybe not to bad if you want an inexpensive shooting .22 LR but if you only the the Mag cylinder you are stuck with the expensive ammo.

I've always wondered if these guns had been stolen and the spare cylinder just left with the original owner.