Ruger Single-Six
The Ruger Single Six is a single-action .22 LR revolver that has been in continuous production since 1953, built on a scaled-down version of the classic Colt Single Action Army pattern. Virtually all Single Six models include a second convertible cylinder in .22 WMR, giving owners two rimfire calibers in a single gun—a feature that has made it a perennial bestseller for backpacking, small game hunting, pest control, and teaching new shooters the fundamentals of revolver handling.
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Single Six vs. Ruger Wrangler: What’s the Difference?
The Ruger Wrangler is a budget-priced single-action .22 built on the Single Six platform with an aluminum alloy frame and Cerakote finish. The Single Six uses a steel frame with blued or stainless finish and includes the convertible .22 WMR cylinder that the Wrangler lacks. The Single Six also has an adjustable rear sight on most variants; the Wrangler uses a fixed rear sight. The Single Six is a more refined, more capable, and more durable gun—the Wrangler is the right choice for a shooter who wants single-action .22 fun at the lowest possible price. For a shooter who wants quality, the convertible cylinder capability, and adjustable sights, the Single Six is worth the premium.
Single Six Configurations: Standard, New Model, and Hunter
The original Single Six (pre-1973) used a half-cock safety mechanism. The New Model Single Six (1973–present) uses Ruger’s transfer bar safety that allows carrying all six chambers loaded safely—a significant practical safety improvement. All current production Single Six revolvers are New Model. The Single Six Hunter adds a longer barrel (7.5″), adjustable rear sight, and a rail for mounting optics—it’s the most capable configuration for small game hunting and varmint control at distance. The standard New Model in 5.5″ barrel is the most common configuration and the best all-around choice for general plinking, camp carry, and teaching.
How Does the Convertible Cylinder System Work?
The Single Six ships with two cylinders: one chambered for .22 LR and one chambered for .22 WMR. Swapping takes about 30 seconds—open the loading gate, pull the cylinder pin, swap cylinders, and replace the pin. The .22 LR cylinder accepts standard .22 LR and .22 Short. The .22 WMR cylinder accepts .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire only—never fire .22 LR in the WMR cylinder as the case dimensions differ and reliable functioning is not guaranteed. The .22 WMR provides meaningfully more velocity (1,900+ fps with a 30-grain load from a 5.5″ barrel) and energy for pest control and small game at distances where the .22 LR begins to lose effectiveness.
Single Six for Teaching and First Guns
The Single Six is one of the finest platforms for teaching new shooters firearms fundamentals. The single-action mechanism requires deliberately cocking the hammer before each shot, which enforces a measured, deliberate shooting cadence. The loading gate system requires manual round-by-round loading, which teaches spatial awareness about what’s in the cylinder. The transfer bar safety allows completely safe carry with all chambers loaded. Recoil is negligible and report is mild with .22 LR. The adjustable rear sight allows correction for different ammunition. For a parent teaching a child or a new shooter learning revolver fundamentals, the Single Six is an exceptional choice.
Single Six for Hunting and Field Use
The Single Six is a capable small game and varmint revolver for squirrel, rabbit, and similarly-sized animals. With .22 WMR, the effective range for clean kills on small game extends to 75–100 yards with a scoped Hunter configuration. The 7.5″ Hunter barrel with a compact handgun scope such as a Leupold FX-II 4x28mm or Burris 2–7x32mm transforms the Single Six into a precision small game tool. Hikers and campers carry the standard 5.5″ Single Six as a lightweight camp defense and pest control handgun. The all-steel construction and straightforward mechanism make it reliable regardless of conditions.
Related Pages
Browse all Ruger firearms, compare with the Ruger Wrangler for a budget alternative, or shop .22 LR ammunition and .22 WMR ammunition for your Single Six.