So is a Ruger Single Six worth the extra money over a Heritage?

[harmon rabb]

I'm wanting a 22lr revolver for the hell of it, and being a ruger fan, I immediately think of the single six. However, man, for a 22, the single six sure isn't cheap ($400+ from buds). Heritage has very similar looking revolvers for about $150 from Buds.

I get that the Heritage won't have the same quality as the Ruger. However... is the drastic price difference worth it?

 

[420Stainless]

I don't have a Heritage, so I can't make the comparison. I did pay $300 for a slightly used stainless Single Six and feel it is well worth that amount if this helps.

 

[Ron James]

In my opinion, that is really a no brainer. I would go with out food and save my money for a Ruger over a Hertiage. Remember, the Yugo also looked like a car and was cheap. JMHO.

 

[sixgunner455]

That's up to you. For me? Yes.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Get the single six. My dad bought one used in 1970 something. He shot the hell out of it. Now I have it and.....shoot the hell out of it. 0 issues and is worth more than the other in resale.........not that I would EVER sell it!!!

 

[elano]

The older single sixes are worth the extra money. The brand new ones though are made cheaper from what I've seen and not worth the extra money. I would get the heritage if it were me, or keep your eye out for a nice used single six.

 

[MCgunner]

In a word, yes. Adjustable sight, stainless or blued steel vs zinc alloy, yeah, why I've never bought a heritage. Figured if i wanted a single action .22, just get a stainless Single Six. It's a heckuva lot better built gun IMHO, better materials anyway.

 

[Red Cent]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/96720121.../Single-Six-Type/Ruger_New_Mdl_Single_Six.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/91887234...e-Six-Type/Ruger_Single_Six_Vaquero_Style.htm

I think the Vaquero would make a neat holster gun. I have had my single six going on nigh to 45 years. I also shoot Ruger 3 screw 357s in competition. Ain't much anything built as sturdy.

Look around for a used one. There are some very nice ones out there. If you can find an older "3 screw" single six, it will act like aa Colt. 'Course, you should carry hammer down on an empty chamber.

 

[Gryffydd]

I have been thoroughly unimpressed with the recently manufactured Single Sixes. The last one I handled was a hunter model and it had the worst single action trigger pull I think I've ever tried.
That said, I wasn't impressed by the Heritage either, though with that kind of price that's no surprise.
I'd go with the advice to find an older single six. It's not like you're going to find one that's been worn out.

 

[harmon rabb]

I have always had great luck with Ruger revolvers so I'm not scared of trying a new one... but how would I tell the age of one (or when one is old enough to be "good") on, say, gunbroker?

 

[Onward Allusion]

harmon rabb
So is a Ruger Single Six worth the extra money over a Heritage?
I'm wanting a 22lr revolver for the hell of it, and being a ruger fan, I immediately think of the single six. However, man, for a 22, the single six sure isn't cheap ($400+ from buds). Heritage has very similar looking revolvers for about $150 from Buds.

I get that the Heritage won't have the same quality as the Ruger. However... is the drastic price difference worth it?

It depends on what you intend on doing with the gun. If it is going to be a casual plinker and 22LR will be your primary ammo, go for the Heritage RR. If you actually intend on some varmint hunting, hand it down to your grand kids, and will be using 22 WMR often, go with the Ruger.

I've owned and shot both and to tell you the truth, aside from the nicer finish on the Ruger, the Heritage and the Ruger are similar guns - especially when just using as a plinker with 22LR.

 

[CraigC]

Absolutely!

...for a 22, the single six sure isn't cheap...

It baffles me that so many folks are afraid to spend a little money on the guns they will almost certainly use and shoot the most. Spend a little on your .22LR and get far more enjoyment out of your money than nearly any centerfire you'll ever buy.

The brand new ones though are made cheaper from what I've seen and not worth the extra money.

You're gonna have to validate that statement because from where I sit, it's pure nonsense.

The last one I handled was a hunter model and it had the worst single action trigger pull I think I've ever tried.

How many new guns actually have a decent trigger pull from the factory?

 

[Erik M]

I own both so I can tell you, unbiased, the Ruger is something that could become an heirloom, the Heritage will show wear marks on the internals and has a poor quality finish. Don't get me wrong they make an awesome product but I would compare this argument to shopping for a knife, do you want a Benchmade or an Mtech? One is an investment and the other is an abuse/throwaway.

 

[wideym]

Definatly go for the Single Six. I had both the SS and the Heritage .22s with the .22mag conversion cylinders. Both went bang every time, but the Ruger was much nicer looking, felt more balanced, and didn't have that ugly safety like the Heritage.

I wouldn't have even bought the Heritage except that it was like new in the box and only cost $100 out the door. I was so under impressed with it that I gave it to one of my aunts as a birthday present the other day.

 

[montanaoffroader]

For me, the Ruger was worth the extra $$. I'm not knocking the Heritage, for the price it is tough to beat, but in my opinion the Ruger is a better built pistol that will outlast the Heritage.

I have shot both pistols, and I currently own a Single Six. The Rough Rider I shot worked just fine, in fact IIRC, it grouped slightly better than my Ruger.

That being said, I just don't like the idea of a pot metal gun. I just couldn't bring myself to buy a Heritage. Same thing with the Hi-Point pistols, my nephew's Hi-Point shot ok and functioned perfectly, but I just can't bring myself to buy one.

In the end, I guess it's just a matter of personal taste. If it were a choice of no gun or the Heritage, I would buy the Heritage. A choice between the Ruger and the Heritage, I'll take the Ruger every time.

 

[Hobie]

Seriously? Get the Ruger. There's really no other correct answer.

 

[Gryffydd]

How many new guns actually have a decent trigger pull from the factory?

Decent? Quite a few. Both my Ruger center fire revolvers for starters. Maybe by "decent" you actually mean "excellent"?
This one wasn't anywhere near decent, and was a far cry from my Blackhawk the way it came from the factory. But hey, this is a sample size of 1...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

From www.gunsamerica.com

Ruger Single Six Old Model 969498449

Ruger Single Six in 22 LR, old model 3 screw not converted, ser.#61582, 90%++ original finish with nicely figured after market grips, Ca. sales welcome (read more)

Seller: Bullseye Sporting Goods $285.00

Ruger New Mdl Single Six 967201214

Ruger New Mdl Single Six 22lr, SS 6 1/2" bbl, in 99% condidtion, comes with Adjustable Rear Sight. NO BOX $320.00 Plus S&I (read more)

Seller: S and S Firearms $300.00

.22 Ruger 921887183

Ruger .22 Single Six Pistol (read more)

Seller: nicolegf $300.00

 

[Remllez]

Ruger,its worth the extra to me and in all likelihood you as well. Your son will appreciate it when you give it to him in the future. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one,you just can't wreck them. I own a stainless with both cylinders but tend to shoot LR more.

They're a hoot to shoot and excellent for beginners. They carry well on the hip and you can dress them up or leave bone stock. Just want to mention the Bearcat...very very nice little pistols as well.

 

[Prosser]

My new one had a heavy trigger. Poor man's trigger job, and it feels like a
target tuned gun.

 

[isc]

I sold my single six years ago and never regretted it. I have 2 rough riders now and have put 3 or 4 bricks through one with no noticable wear.

I figure that after my family wears out the first one they'll start shooting the second one. I'm sure I'll be long dead by then.

we only shoot a couple thousand rounds through it a year and I only have 30 or so years left that I expect to keep shooting.

A 12 year old kid who shoots 5 bricks a year though his single action revolver might wear one out in a lifetime, but seriously, is that a realistic?

 

[MCgunner]

For the size, I like the Bearcat, have often tossed around looking for one. I don't know, though, kind of a niche gun. They're cool, though, and little guns attract me for some reason. For the same reason, I've often thought about getting a NAA mini master. Not done THAT, either. I do have a magnum Black Widow that's a danged good shooter. I just have no real desire for a Heritage. I'm sure they're okay for the money, but been there, done that with an old Hawes single action two cylinder set I got in High School, my first handgun. It was a similar zinc framed gun and shot okay, but I'm more into steel now days for revolvers, even .22s. I think it's the zinc in the Heritage that puts me off a bit. I mean, if you like it, fine, I'm sure it shoots and does its job and .22LR ain't real tough on frames.