Ruger Single Six

The Ruger Single Six is a single action rimfire revolver produced by Sturm, Ruger. The Single Six was first released in June 1953.

The Single Six is currently produced as the New Model Single Six. The term "New Model" simply means that this model includes Ruger's transfer bar mechanism for increased safety, allowing one to carry the revolver safely with all 6 chambers loaded. Prior to 1973, the Single Six was produced without the transfer bar mechanism, making it less safe to carry with all six chambers loaded, and with the hammer resting on a loaded chamber. The transfer bar safety allows the weapon to fire only when the trigger has been pulled. Ruger provides the transfer bar safety upgrade free of charge for owners of any old model Single Six, though this will lower the value for those in pristine, collectable condition.

Specifications
The New Model Single Six is currently chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR (.22 Magnum), and .17 HMR. Barrel lengths include 4⅝, 5½, 6½, 7½, and 9½ inches. Both blued and stainless steel versions are available.

From 1984 to 1997 Ruger chambered the New Model Single Six in .32 H&R Magnum (which allows the use of .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long cartridges). Ruger reintroduced this caliber option in 2002, but was not listed on their website in October 2013.

Ruger manufactures several "convertible" models that ship with both a .22 LR cylinder and .22 WMR cylinder, allowing the use of both cartridges. (22 Short and 22 Long cartridges can also be fired in the Long Rifle cylinder.) For those models that ship with both cylinders, the last 3 digits of the serial number are engraved on the front of the cylinder; only cylinders that have been properly timed should be used with any given revolver.

The term "Super Single Six" refers to those models which have fully adjustable target sights.