RUGER SINGLE SIX CONVERTILE
Posted Jun 15, 2023
Introduction
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is a classic revolver that has been in production since the early 1950s. It has long been a favorite of handgun collectors and shooters alike. The Convertible model is an improvement on the original, offering an array of features such as interchangeable cylinders, adjustable sights, and an ambidextrous safety. Ruger handguns have earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy and the Ruger Single Six Convertible is no exception; it is easy to see why it has been so popular for so long.
Design and Construction
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is a single-action revolver manufactured by Sturm, Ruger, & Co. in the United States. The gun was designed by William B. Ruger Sr. and was released in 1953. The original model was chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but later models have been chambered in a variety of calibers. The Convertible model, released in 1957, features a second cylinder chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges. This allows the shooter to switch back and forth between the two calibers without having to unload the weapon.
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is a medium-framed revolver, with a frame length of 6.5 inches and a barrel length of 5.5 inches. The weapon is composed of steel parts and is finished with a blue disk for the frame, cylinder, and screw heads and a matte black for the barrel and adjustable sights. The revolver is equipped with an ambidextrous safety, adjustable sights, and a grooved trigger guard.
The gun is quite reliable and accurate, and it is very simple to operate. The cylinder can be removed and the spent shells ejected with a push of a button. Reloading is easy as well, with the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum cartridges both being interchangeable between the cylinders.
Performance
The Ruger Single Six Convertible performs well as both a beginner level pistol and as an experienced shooter's revolver. The .22 Long Rifle ammunition provides a mild recoil, allowing for easy training and practice. Accuracy is also excellent, with groups around one inch of hold at twenty-five yards. The adjustable sights make it easy to adjust for different ranges and lighting conditions.
The Single Six Convertible is also very reliable. The mechanism is simple yet sturdy and the revolver is remarkably resistant to jamming and misfires. The .22 Long Rifle's small powder charge also makes it a low-maintenance gun, requiring minimal cleaning and lubrication. This makes the revolver ideal for use in harsh environments and as an everyday carry gun.
In addition, the Ruger Single Six Convertible is a pleasure to shoot. The trigger action is smooth and the adjustable sights make it easy to zero in on a target. The revolver also comes equipped with an ambidextrous safety, allowing for easy manipulation of the weapon for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Price
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is widely considered a great value for the money. The revolver typically runs between $400 and $500, depending on the condition and features. This is a good price for such a reliable and accurate handgun.
The price is also comparable to other revolvers of similar quality and features. Ruger handguns are known to hold their value over time, and the Single Six Convertible is no exception.
Conclusion
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is a well-made and reliable revolver perfect for shooters of all levels. The convertible cylinders allow for .22 Long Rifle and .22 Winchester Magnum cartridges to be used interchangeably, and the adjustable sights make the revolver easily zeroed in for various ranges and lighting conditions. The action is smooth and accurate, and the gun is easy to operate. The Ruger Single Six Convertible is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced shooters alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The Convertible version of the Ruger Single Six is capable of firing both rimfire .22LR rounds and centerfire .22 Magnum rounds.
-The pistol is incredibly accurate and lightweight, making it ideal for plinking and small game hunting.
-The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, so you can sight in your shots.
-The Ruger Single Six Convertible has a 4.63 inch barrel, making it very compact and ideal for concealed carry.
Cons:
-The Ruger Single Six Convertible is an expensive handgun, with a retail price of around $700.
-The .22LR rounds are not particularly powerful, making it better suited for target practice and plinking rather than self-defense.
-The .22 Magnum rounds are more powerful, but are still relatively weak for self-defense uses.
Who Should Buy
Anyone interested in purchasing a single action rimfire revolver should consider the Ruger Single Six Convertible. It is built to Ruger's high standards of quality, is extremely reliable, and is highly accurate. This revolver has a unique design that offers both a 22 LR cylinder and a 22 magnum cylinder, giving shooters the flexibility of shooting two different cartridge options.
This revolver is not recommended for those who are new to firearms or to revolver shooting, as this revolver has a single action only configuration and requires some additional training on how to safely load and unload, as well as how to safely manipulate the hammer and trigger.
Comparisons
| Feature | RUGER SINGLE SIX CONVERTIBLE | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5 x 8.25 in | 7.5 x 10.75 in | 7.5 x 10.75 in | 6.5 x 8.25 in |
| Weight | 36 oz | 41.42 oz | 41.42 oz | 16.6 oz |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds | 7 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
| Caliber | .22 LR, .22 Mag | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .41 Magnum | .38 Special +P |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .22 LR and .22 WMR
•Barrel Length: 6.5 inches
•Weight: 35 ounces
•Overall Length: 11.38 inches
•Finish: Hardwood Frame with a Blued Cylinder and Barrel
•Sights: Adjustable Rear Sight and Ramp Front Sight
•Action: Single Action Revolver
•Capacity: 6
•Features: Manual Safety, Transfer-Bar Safety System
Popular Accessories
- Holster: A holster is essential for carrying and protecting a Ruger Single Six Convertible.
- extra cylinders: Having an extra cylinder for the Ruger Single Six Convertible is helpful for quickly swapping between different calibers like .22LR or .22 mag.
- Grips: Grips make shooting a pistol more comfortable and can add an aesthetic touch to your Ruger Single Six Convertible.
- Sight: Sights are a great way to improve the accuracy of any firearm. Iron sights, red dot sights, and scopes are all great options for a Ruger Single Six Convertible.
- Cleaning equipment: Keeping your firearm clean is essential for its performance and reliability. A good cleaning kit with brushes, lubricant, patches, and a pull through are all great for your Ruger Single Six Convertible.
Accuracy
The Ruger Single Six Convertible is known for its accurate shooting. It is a single-action revolver that can be quickly and easily converted from .22 LR to .22 WMR. With the .22 LR configuration, the Single Six Convertible is capable of producing remarkable accuracy, with bullet groups of less than 1" at 25 yards off a rest. The Single Six Convertible also features adjustable sights, allowing shooters to customize the accuracy of their shots. All in all, Ruger's Single Six Convertible can be considered among the most accurate and reliable revolvers on the market.
