Ruger New Model Single Six

The Ruger New Model Single Six is a .22 Long Rifle single-action revolver and one of the longest-running production firearms in American history. The original Single Six was introduced in 1953 as one of Sturm, Ruger and Company’s earliest products, designed to capitalize on the Western craze sweeping postwar America through television and movies. In 1973, Ruger redesigned the gun with a modern transfer bar safety mechanism, creating the “New Model” designation. This critical safety improvement allowed the revolver to be carried with all six chambers loaded, eliminating the old practice of keeping the hammer down on an empty chamber to prevent accidental discharge if the gun was dropped.

The New Model Single Six is built on a medium-sized steel frame with a six-round cylinder and fixed or adjustable sights depending on the variant. The action operates in classic single-action fashion – the hammer must be manually thumbed back before each shot, which rotates the cylinder and locks it into position. Many versions ship with a second interchangeable cylinder chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, giving the shooter the option of running either cartridge simply by swapping cylinders. Barrel lengths have been offered in several configurations over the years, with 4.625-inch, 5.5-inch, and 6.5-inch being the most common.

The Single Six occupies an important place in Ruger’s identity as a company. It was the gun that established Bill Ruger’s reputation for delivering quality firearms at reasonable prices, and its commercial success funded the development of the Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, and the rest of the Ruger single-action family. For generations of American shooters, the Single Six has served as a first handgun, a trail companion, a small game getter, and a gateway into the satisfying mechanics of single-action shooting. Its combination of durability, accuracy, and timeless Western styling has kept it relevant for over seven decades, and it remains one of the best values in the rimfire revolver market today.