Ruger Single Six Cylinders Question

[rugerman07]

People are selling single six cylinders ( both 22/LR & 22 Magnum) on ebay. Are these cylinders interchangeable with any single six?

 

[hmphargh]

I am no single six expert, but I believe that the answer is yes. Many single sixes came with both cylinders, and I've shot my single six with other cylinders without any issue.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Maybe. Revolver cylinders often require a bit of hand fitting.

 

[Pudge]

I believe the convertible single-sixes have the last 3 numbers of the serial number engraved in the cylinders of the frame they are fitted to. Any cylinder may physically fit, but might not be timed or clearanced properly.

 

[foghornl]

Any random cylinder may or may not be timed properly in YOUR Single-Six. That is why Ruger will "electro-pencil" the last 3 digits of the serial number on the cylinders.

 

[rcmodel]

Are these cylinders interchangeable with any single six

NO.

There have been several iterations of Single-Sixes through the years, beginning in 1953.

Not all are the same, and there is even reason to believe the convertible models had a slightly larger bore to handle the larger dia jacketed .22 Mag bullet.

rc

 

[CraigC]

If they fit and function properly, yes. Some folks will make a big deal out of the minute difference in bore dimensions between the pre-convertible .22LR-only models and the later convertibles but it's a non-issue.

 

[vicdotcom]

If they fit and function properly, yes. Some folks will make a big deal out of the minute difference in bore dimensions between the pre-convertible .22LR-only models and the later convertibles but it's a non-issue.

If that were true, why bother engraving each cylinder that comes with the convertible models with the matching serial numbers? I am sure that Ruger would save a LOT of money otherwise.

 

[CraigC]

Because those cylinders are fitted by Ruger to their respective guns. Which is not to say that any given cylinder will not fit another gun. Because Ruger builds them in large batches. Very little actual fitting takes place. I'm also 99% sure it doesn't cost "a LOT of money" to scribble the last three digits with an electric pencil.

 

[PowerG]

Ruger says no, there is a warning in the Single Six manual on it.

 

[CraigC]

Of course Ruger says no.

 

[sixgunner455]

Right, and they also say if you need a new one, you have to send in your pistol to get it fitted.

It's not like it's rocket science to fit and time a cylinder, but there can be more to it than just slapping another one in there that's *supposed* to be machined to the correct dimensions.

 

[PowerG]

Of course Ruger says no.

The reason Ruger says no is because it might work, and it might not, and they have no idea if a given gun owner knows enough about what he's looking at to tell the difference. In my experience it does work, but I've only tried it a couple of times...my magnum cylinder in a couple of other SS's. Somebody told me that to buy a cylinder and have it fitted by Ruger (naturally you have to send the revolver to them) costs about $150 plus shipping, no idea if that is accurate.

 

[280shooter]

I have a single 6 with the mag.cylinder,I asked Ruger the same question years ago. they said the barrel bore is cut Dif then the reg,22 barrel.its not a true 22 mag, or true 22 Lr bore. its in between,
And they dont recommend,just buying a Mag.cylinder and using it in a reg,single 6, 22 LR pistol

 

[bergmen]

A cylinder from another single six may fit but the responible thing to do is have a gunsmith check to be sure it does fit.

I had a .357 Blackhawk and wanted to add a 9mm cylinder. Local gunsmith had a few on hand, checked them out and told me none of them fit properly, so no go.

Dan