Ruger Single-Six Reference

America's Rimfire Single-Action — Since 1953

The Ruger Single-Six debuted in June 1953 as Ruger's rimfire companion to the Blackhawk centerfire revolvers. Using investment casting — a manufacturing innovation Ruger had already leveraged for the Standard pistol — the Single-Six delivered cowboy-style single-action quality at a competitive price point that undercut traditional rivals.

The Single-Six's production history divides cleanly into three eras: Old Model Flat-Top (1953–~1960), Old Model Three-Screw (~1960–1973), and New Model (1973–present). More than 700,000 Old Models were produced before the 1973 safety redesign; New Model production exceeded 1,057,000 units by 1993 and continues today. The 1973 transfer bar safety redesign mirrored the parallel recall and redesign of the Blackhawk centerfire line.

Versatility has defined the model: launched in .22 LR, it added a .22 WMR convertible cylinder option, and later the .17 HMR chambering. "Super Single-Six" denotes adjustable sights. The Single-Ten (10-shot .22 LR, introduced 2011) and Single-Nine (9-shot .22 WMR, 2012) are modern derivatives expanding the family.

For collectors, the earliest Flat-Top examples (1953–1960) are the scarcest and command meaningful premiums. Convertible models with both factory-matched cylinders are worth 20–30% more than single-cylinder equivalents. Across all eras, originality — original finish, original grips, and original box — drives value more than any other factor.

Old Model Single-Six

Flat-Top (1953–~1960) · Three-Screw / Contoured Gate (~1960–1973)

The Single-Six launched in June 1953, serial number 1, from Ruger's Southport, Connecticut facility. The earliest production — now called the "Flat-Top" era — featured a flat frame top with no protective ear guards on the rear sight, and a flat loading gate on the very earliest guns (~pre-1958). Initially chambered in .22 LR only, the .22 WMR option was added in 1959. By approximately 1960, Ruger added ear guards to the rear sight and introduced a contoured (curved) loading gate, marking the beginning of the "Three-Screw" era.

Three-Screw production ran from ~1960 through the 1973 safety redesign. No Old Model Single-Six of any sub-type has a transfer bar — all require the 5-round carry rule (hammer resting on an empty chamber). Ruger offers a free conversion that installs a transfer bar and removes one screw, but this reduces collector value. Unconverted three-screw Old Models are more desirable to collectors.

Old Model Serial Numbers by Year

Ruger's published records show a gap in Single-Six Standard serial data from 1962 through 1969. Guns with serials between 187,367 and 20-00001 should be verified via Ruger factory letter.

New Model Single-Six

Transfer Bar Safety · Convertible · Super Single-Six · Still in Production

The 1973 redesign introduced the transfer bar safety mechanism, making 6-round carry safe for the first time in Single-Six history. New Model serial numbers begin with the 62-XXXXX prefix and progress through 268-XXXXX. The "Super Single-Six" designation — indicating adjustable target sights — became the predominant production variant. Stainless steel construction was added to the lineup, and the .17 HMR chambering followed in 2003.

Modern derivatives expanded the family: the Single-Ten (2011) offers a 10-shot .22 LR cylinder in stainless, while the Single-Nine (2012) provides 9-shot .22 WMR capacity. Both feature fiber-optic sights and have developed their own collector followings. The Bisley Single-Six, with its distinctive hammer and grip frame, has been available from 1986 and carries the 268-XXXXX serial prefix from 1994.

New Model Identification Points

New Model Serial Numbers by Year

The 268-XXXXX prefix (from 1994) covers Bisley and 50th Anniversary models. The 262–265- series covers standard and Super Single-Six production.

Single-Six Variant Identification Guide

Standard, Super, Convertible, Bisley, Single-Ten, Single-Nine

Full Variant Comparison

The Convertible Single-Six — Cylinder Matching & What to Know

The convertible configuration — shipping with both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders from the factory — is one of the most important value drivers in Single-Six collecting. Understanding cylinder matching and compatibility is essential before any purchase.

Fair Market Price Guide — Ruger Single-Six (July 2026)

Prices vary significantly by era, variant, condition, and cylinder completeness. The following ranges reflect secondary market conditions as of July 2026.

Single-Six Inspection Checklist

Use before purchasing any Old Model or New Model Single-Six

Old Model vs. New Model — Quick Reference

Related Guides & Resources