Ruger Single Six - What Barrel Length to buy?

[Seminole]

I've been wanting a Ruger .22LR/.22mag converible for a long time and I'm finally about to make the purchase.  How much difference in accuracy can one expect between the 6.5 inch barrel and the 5.5 inch barrel?  I plan to carry this in the truck when riding in the woods, or occasionally holster it for a walk in the woods to kill varmints and the like and general plinking.   

I originally set out to get the 6.5 thinking the longer barrel would be better balanced and provide an edge on accuracy.  The local shop has a sweet looking stainless one in 5.5 and I think the owner will make me a decent deal on it.  If I'm not giving up much with the shorter barrel, thought I might as well go with it.   I don't know a lot about handguns..this will be my first.....any feedback/thoughts are appreciated.

[navylawdog]

I would say that if you like the 5.5" barreled revolver then get that one. It is most important to get what you like. I really don't think that the one inch of barrel length at .22 pistol hunting and plinking distances is really going to matter. Velocity won't be too much of a problem either. Just do some experimentation and find out what shoots best through it and have some fun.

Navylawdog

[Ken ONeill]

I agree.

[COR]

Current Single sixes have been hit or miss for me and the last new one I picked up (site unseen) actually had a barrel that needed turned due to the sight being at damn near 1:00.  Ruger did take care of it but I still had to pay shipping which didn't set well with me.  They are plinkers plain and simple and they are not "target guns" by any stretch.  As long as you understand that you'll love them.  I like 5.5" barrels cause of aesthetics, but that inch ain't gonna make a bit of difference, just buy the one that feels good to you...and then buy the other barrel length later, cause it's an addiction.

[Seminole]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your replies.....

[Flash]

Get the stainless one for a better resale value.

[Jerry Lester]

Get the stainless one for a better resale value.

I second the stainless. They not only hold value a LOT better than the blued versions, but they balance better too because of the stainless grip frame. As far as length, I prefer 5.5" on all my Ruger single actions.

[Greeenriver]

My Single Six 22 has been cut back to 3&3/4 in. And turned down to remove the Ruger Bible from the side of the barrel and the ejector housing shortened to fit. Makes a great packing pistol, and hits POA with most brands of 22LR. It's got the drift rear sight and a post frt sight. Also have both cylinders for it, but don't shoot it much with the 22Mag, cost too much.  The base pin was shortened to alow the ejector rod to kick out the empties ok.

Makes a decent little gun, but I like my fixed sighted Single Six in 32H&R better. Hits a little harder, and I can load BP rounds for it.

I'm a sucker for a short barrel on a handgun, and love to shoot BP loads in everything I own.

Greeenriver

[Jerry Lester]

My Single Six 22 has been cut back to 3&3/4 in. And turned down to remove the Ruger Bible from the side of the barrel and the ejector housing shortened to fit. Makes a great packing pistol, and hits POA with most brands of 22LR. It's got the drift rear sight and a post frt sight. Also have both cylinders for it, but don't shoot it much with the 22Mag, cost too much.  The base pin was shortened to alow the ejector rod to kick out the empties ok.

Makes a decent little gun, but I like my fixed sighted Single Six in 32H&R better. Hits a little harder, and I can load BP rounds for it.

I'm a sucker for a short barrel on a handgun, and love to shoot BP loads in everything I own.

Greeenriver

I'd like to see that little jewel(the 22/22 mag.) I bet it's a sweet looking little gun! Post us a picture of it if you can?

[Greeenriver]

My Single Six 22 has been cut back to 3&3/4 in. And turned down to remove the Ruger Bible from the side of the barrel and the ejector housing shortened to fit. Makes a great packing pistol, and hits POA with most brands of 22LR. It's got the drift rear sight and a post frt sight. Also have both cylinders for it, but don't shoot it much with the 22Mag, cost too much.  The base pin was shortened to alow the ejector rod to kick out the empties ok.

Makes a decent little gun, but I like my fixed sighted Single Six in 32H&R better. Hits a little harder, and I can load BP rounds for it.

I'm a sucker for a short barrel on a handgun, and love to shoot BP loads in everything I own.

Greeenriver

I'd like to see that little jewel(the 22/22 mag.) I bet it's a sweet looking little gun! Post us a picture of it if you can?

Might take a couple days, but I'll see what I can do. Got a digital camera and can download direct to my puter, will just have to find a place to post the Pict's where they are visible to others.  I'll work on it when I'm sober tomorrow.

Greeenriver

[lakota]

I had a New Model Stainless Single Six w/ a 6.5" barrel, my current Single Six is a blued Old Model wit a 5.5" barrel, and I have to say that the 5.5" barrel rides a lot better on the hip than the 6.5" did. I see no difference in accuracy between the two.

[Seminole]

Thanks again everyone.  I just picked up the 5.5" in Stainless today.  Sweet gun!!!!  Can't wait to shoot it.  Any recommendations on ammo?

[kennisondan]

a box or two of several types would be my starting point.
dk

[lakota]

If you can find any, CCI Small Game Bullets shoot well from mine. I dont even know if they are made anymore. Whenever I find some at a gun show, I always buy a few boxes.