Ruger .22/.22mag opinions wanted...

Mongo · Dec 4, 2002

Greetings all. Stopped by my local gun shop today during lunch and spotted a used Ruger SA in .22/.22mag. Actually there were two of them, one with about a 4" barrel and the other with about a 5&1/2" barrel. The former was $250 without a box, and the latter $275 with a box. Both of course had the two cylinders for each .22 and .22mag. So, who has one of these? How do you like it? I would mainly use it for general plinking and maybe even squirrel hunting if I'm feeling adventurous. Are these good prices for a used gun? They look clean. The hammer pull was even, but I did not pull the trigger or get a chance to fire them. I may be able to arrange to shoot them in an indoor range, but I need to do some finagling yet.
On one level, $275 doesn't sound like much for a gun... but I sure know that I could be well on my way for a nice custom knife with that much $

So, what do you all think...
Looking forward to your replies,
Mongo

logical · Dec 4, 2002

I have one in I think 4.5 inches. It's a fine gun and the prices sound right. the only drawback as a plinker is that it is very slow to load and eject cases....one at a time. I prefer my taurus model 94 stainless 9-shot revolver for plinking. the ruger does have a better SA trigger though.

trane fan · Dec 4, 2002

I used to own a Ruger Single-Six with the two cylinders. I sold it years ago and still miss it. I currently do my plinking with a Ruger Mark I. Two observations re: the guns in question. Given the option of either gun I would go with the longer barrel. If I were you I would want one that is SS. Mine was blued and I always regretted not having gotten it in SS. As far as the price, without seeing the guns it is hard to gauge if these are fair prices. Besides they always build in wiggle room for negotiations. The question re: gun vs. knife is fairly simple. Which will you use the most and enjoy more. I hope this helps, take care.

DonL · Dec 4, 2002

I had a 5-1/2" stainless Single Six and truly enjoyed it. It was, indeed, slow to load and unload, but if your intent is to spend a leisurely day at the range, then there's no real hurry, right? It was accurate, had a very nice S/A trigger, and handled very well. A big advantage was the ability to swap in the Magnum cylinder for hunting bushytails or rats out at a dump. There are times I really miss it, but I traded it around at the time for a (then) new stainless bull bbl. MkII. I haven't had a revolver for quite a while now, and I've been thinking more and more that it's time to correct that deficiency.

Gun vs. knife? Which would you use more? If the knife is destined to become a drawer queen, then even the revolver you'd use at least several times a year, I'd think. If you're looking for an EDC, then it's a tougher choice.

RattlerXX · Dec 4, 2002

I had a 5 1/2" SS Single Six with both cylinders, and loved it. My wife's grandfather fell in love with it also, so I gave it to him. Now I need another, if I find the right deal.

The gun was an excellent shooter.

Mongo · Dec 5, 2002

In case I forgot to mention, they are both blued and not SS. Danbo replied to me in email that I should be able to do better in price though. It sure looks like a fun gun to play with, and I think that it would take precedence over a knife

eek: ) at this point. Besides, I gotta get my wife used to the idea that I like guns too! I already got too many ideas on guns that I'd like to buy... perhaps another Ruger revolver in .45LC or .44mag, maybe a nice 1911 style .45, of course still need a side by side shotgun... perhaps in 16ga., still eyeballin' some kind of varmint rifle. Heck, my safe is only 1/3rd full!
My wife has a very good friend whose family owns a gun store. Hopefully she would give us a good deal on a gun, so maybe I'll see if they have a new SS model. Danbo also recommended the Bisely model because of the grips. Anybody else have any experience with this? I still like the idea of the interchangable cylinders.
Wish me luck...
Mongo

The Tourist · Dec 6, 2002

I remember reading one minor point. The exact calibre of a 22LR is .220 or .221, if memory serves me, and it doesn't some times. A .22 magnum is .223, not much bigger, but different.

Most of these combo kits cut the barrel a tad bigger to compensate. Same with the .45 ACP and .45 Long Colt combos; the ACP is .4515 and the Colt is .454, and even then the Colt measurements are all over the place.

Some are very accurate, some are just plinkers. Modern thought is that the cylinder mouth dimensions are more important.

Erasmus · Dec 9, 2002

We have the 4(ish) inch and the 6(ish) inch Ruger SA's. I have shot them both, extensively. I can barely hit anything with the 4 inch barreled one, but can shoot very well with the 6 inch one.

Get the longer barreled one, if it feels better in your hand. I like the way its barrel "hangs," when I aim it.

notos&w · Dec 9, 2002

i really love shooting my super single six. slow to load and only slightly faster to unload, it is an absolute joy to shoot. forces you to take your time and slowly blow the heck out of tin can. there is something really neat about single action.
the gun is beautiful, the trigger is good, and recoil is nill (wife likes that). mine is incredibly accurate and w/ adjustable sights i can do pretty well.
i highly recommend it. i paid about $310 new for my blued 4.5 inch barrel w/ both cylinders.