Ruger single six, RSSM 6 1/2"

[JHICK]

I purchased an old Model single six from a old family friend last week. Unfortunately he passed away a few days later. I have learned a lot from this site in the last day. I have decided, I will not send it to Ruger for the safety upgrade, based on info I have learned from here.
Any help to determine the age and value would be appreciated. This is the conversion model. I have box, but no literature inside, The 22 mag cylinder has the red bag and the box it was packed in, the blue is better then 98%, catalog # is RSSM, 6 1/2" barrel, SN # is 467###. I spoke with Ruger a few days ago because I was considering sending it in for upgrade. The gentleman on the phone informed me it was made in early 1963 and is a super single six. I told him it didn't have adjustable sites and he said it was beginning stage of Super.
If anyone has any information, please share your thoughts.
Thank you

 

[J-Bar]

I am not a Ruger collector nor an expert, but I may get you started.

On Ruger's website, find the tab for "Instruction Manuals and Product History" under the Customer Service heading for a list of model serial numbers:

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#

I looked in the single six lists for a number like yours and found it is Single Six Magnum made in 1966 it looks like:

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-SSixMM.html

Hope those links work for you.

If it was me, and you are not into collecting, I would try to wear it out!!

Download the instruction manual from that online site and learn the details for safe shooting and cleaning.

 

[bannockburn]

JHICK

My Single Six was built a few years before 1966 and is also in the serial number range for the Single Six Magnum. Didn't come with a .22 Magnum cylinder but I found one at a gun show and had it fitted to the gun. The rear sight is adjustable only in the sense you can move it by tapping it with a mallett from side to side. All in all a great little .22 revolver.

 

[JHICK]

JHICK

My Single Six was built a few years before 1966 and is also in the serial number range for the Single Six Magnum. Didn't come with a .22 Magnum cylinder but I found one at a gun show and had it fitted to the gun. The rear sight is adjustable only in the sense you can move it by tapping it with a mallett from side to side. All in all a great little .22 revolver.

Thank you J-Barr, good info !
Bannock urn, I just checked and my rear site is adjustable with a mallet, so it must be adjustable. Thank you

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

Don't convert it - just carry it with an empty chamber under the hammer.

 

[JHICK]

I will not convert it. Thank you

 

[bannockburn]

JHICK

Good, as in not getting it converted. I also have a Blackhawk in its original configuration and would never get it converted either. I love the way it sounds when I pull back on the hammer. Just load 5 with the hammer resting on an empty chamber as previously posted and you'll be fine. Now go out and enjoy that Single Six.

 

[Wil Terry]

RUGER'S OWN RECORDS show there were NO SUPER SINGLE SIX 22 revolvers until 1964 when they were introduced with serial numbers beginning well after the number you note.

 

[JHICK]

I think the guy a spoke with at Ruger was mistaken. I agree with J-Bar, my gun should be from early 1966. I will give Ruger a call tomorrow and see if they can send me a letter on my gun. Thanks

 

[dirtman]

I bought mine in oct. of 72 Calif ... looking at the receipt i paid $66.99 ser# 21-32***
It was new in the box which shows RSS5 51/2 " Bbl red bag with mag cyl.... Hammer no leaf.... i would never have it converted.... it has been an excellent gun and just plain accurate. My box whick still looks brand new only says Single-six 22 cal... If i could find another just as clean i would for sure buy it, cause i really like it..... dirt

 

[Lucky Derby]

Condolences on the loss of your friend.

 

[JHICK]

Thank you, he was a good man. He was a school teacher and principle in our small town for about 40 years. He will be missed.