OK, I've been wanting to get a Single Six .22 with the two cylinders for a long time now. I've pretty much decided on a 6-1/2". I'm leaning towards blued for a lower price. Anyone want to comment on pluses/minuses of each finish? I only own one revolver, 686, and that takes some elbow grease to get that cylinder face clean (using a Metal Magic type cloth, which cannot be used on blued surfaces). This will be for paper punching, not field use.
Single Six 6-1/2", Blued vs, Stainless
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20cows
Member
Unless your shooting/storage habits invite corosion, go with the blue.
By the above mentioned habits, I mean will it be frequently used in wet weather? Is it going to be stored in a leather holster in a humid climate? Will it be subjected to perspiration when carried? If the answer to all the above questions is no, then the blued gun will serve you quite well.
The only other reason for going stainless I can think of is, do you just like that look? If you do, that's reason enough.
By the above mentioned habits, I mean will it be frequently used in wet weather? Is it going to be stored in a leather holster in a humid climate? Will it be subjected to perspiration when carried? If the answer to all the above questions is no, then the blued gun will serve you quite well.
The only other reason for going stainless I can think of is, do you just like that look? If you do, that's reason enough.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I think blued is well adequate - shoots the same. However I do like the relative reduction in cleaning - meaning external protection. I have sweat that is a bit acidic and have to keep blued guns covered with a CLP or RIG film to play safe.
The issue with front of cyl - and blackening - to be honest I don't bother with that too much - knowing that at some point the ''leadaway'' cloth will do the trick - as per my other stainless guns.
If tho you can run to the SS, I would - I think long term it is a better bet. Just me maybe.
Whatever - you will enjoy this gun - one of the classics for .22. And the later ones ... Super Single Six, are safe to carry fully loaded - whereas early models had to be carried on an empty for safety' sake.
The issue with front of cyl - and blackening - to be honest I don't bother with that too much - knowing that at some point the ''leadaway'' cloth will do the trick - as per my other stainless guns.
If tho you can run to the SS, I would - I think long term it is a better bet. Just me maybe.
Whatever - you will enjoy this gun - one of the classics for .22. And the later ones ... Super Single Six, are safe to carry fully loaded - whereas early models had to be carried on an empty for safety' sake.
115grfmj
Member
The only other thing to consider.....
is that the stainless Single Six's have steel grip frames, and ejector rod
housings, the blue has black painted aluminum for both. If that bothers you.
Heres mine its a SS 4 5/8" from lipseys.
is that the stainless Single Six's have steel grip frames, and ejector rod
housings, the blue has black painted aluminum for both. If that bothers you.
Heres mine its a SS 4 5/8" from lipseys.
Stainz
Member
My local pusher had a few Single Six 50th Anniversary Specials last fall. My wife picked out the prettiest cocobolo stock they had, and gave me the Single Six for Christmas. I rationalized that the short barrel and lighter weight vs the ss model would make it handier. Gone also was that adjustable rear sight... I recalled a friend's 6.5" ss SSS... he was always adjusting that sight. Combined with the slow reload, he sold it @ 2 months. As a plinker, the fixed sights would be nice... in reality, they are very close with .22 WMR's. It is an easy to grab and mentally adjust (aka 'Kentucky windage') for plinker with either cylinder fitted. I like the standard Blackhawk size stock, but others may like the smaller Bearcat's stocks.
Of course, the best .22LR plinker, at least to me, is a Ruger MKII - especially the KMK-678GC with a 2x28mm handgun scope fitted, like mine. Heavy and big, but super to shoot - and frugal. Heck, the most fun you can have with a dollar's worth of ammo. I'll bet even a standard 4" blued would be fun, too. And - a few magazines really help. I trust the new MKIII's are just as much fun. My MKII is my only evil-bottom-feeder, my remaining collection being all revolvers. Admittedly, that SS would go long before the MKII.
Stainz
Of course, the best .22LR plinker, at least to me, is a Ruger MKII - especially the KMK-678GC with a 2x28mm handgun scope fitted, like mine. Heavy and big, but super to shoot - and frugal. Heck, the most fun you can have with a dollar's worth of ammo. I'll bet even a standard 4" blued would be fun, too. And - a few magazines really help. I trust the new MKIII's are just as much fun. My MKII is my only evil-bottom-feeder, my remaining collection being all revolvers. Admittedly, that SS would go long before the MKII.
Stainz
Mine is a 6½" blued model.
I live in Florida, and carry it in a cheap Uncle Mike's holster (the cordura hasn't rubbed through the bluing yet, and I think it's easier on the finish than a leather holster would be). So, not only does it get wet with sweat and general rain, etc, but also the salt in the air. I haven't had a problem yet. I just rub it down with an oily cloth in camp and clean as normal, wiping with the oily cloth when putting it away at home. I do not store it in a holster.
I live in Florida, and carry it in a cheap Uncle Mike's holster (the cordura hasn't rubbed through the bluing yet, and I think it's easier on the finish than a leather holster would be). So, not only does it get wet with sweat and general rain, etc, but also the salt in the air. I haven't had a problem yet. I just rub it down with an oily cloth in camp and clean as normal, wiping with the oily cloth when putting it away at home. I do not store it in a holster.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I make my own holsters, and after boning them (wetting them with alcohol and pressing them into shape around the gun), I warm the leather and impregnate it with Sno Seal (you can usually find it in the shoe department at Wal Mart.) This is a wax-based waterproofing that prevents sweat-through, protects the gun, and the waxed finish is very easy on blueing.
Thanks all,
I think it looks like a blued one.
I like to give my firearms a very light coat of CLP prior to placing them in storage, and the storage area has a dehumidifier running at appropriate times.
If I like this first one, I'll go stainless for that next one...and then there will be that brl length decision for the 2nd one!
I think it looks like a blued one.
I like to give my firearms a very light coat of CLP prior to placing them in storage, and the storage area has a dehumidifier running at appropriate times.
If I like this first one, I'll go stainless for that next one...and then there will be that brl length decision for the 2nd one!
I have the 50th year Single Six, fixed sight 4-5/8" barrel, blue. More fun than should be allowed. Seems to be farily accurate, no matter which cylinder is installed.
If I was going to use this as a "field & stream" sidearm, I would probaly look for a 6-1/2" barrel stainless version.
If I was going to use this as a "field & stream" sidearm, I would probaly look for a 6-1/2" barrel stainless version.
Mastrogiacomo
Member
There's not enough blue guns in the world -- you can get stainless anywhere. I'd say you made the right choice if you go with the blue model -- looks nicer too, in my opinion. 
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