Colt had ceased production of the Single Action Army at the beginning of World War II and there was no indication that it would be back anytime soon.

Find Out More About Ruger Firearmsīill Ruger, who had always been a fan of the classic Colt, saw an opportunity. By far the most frequently seen models were single-action revolvers, most of them patterned after the Colt Single Action Army. A common thread in these shows was the type of handguns used by both good guys and bad guys. Black and white TV screens were lighting up America’s living rooms every night, and some of the most popular programs were Westerns. The new medium of television was growing rapidly. Bill Ruger’s company was profitable and becoming well established in the industry, and he was anxious to expand his product line. The advent of the transfer bar safety made carrying a fully loaded Ruger Single Six a reality.The main difference between the ‘Old' and ‘New' model Ruger Single Six was only safe to carry the old with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

22 LR had a 5 1/2-inch barrel, and 4 5/8, 6½ and 9½-inch models were later added.

Given Colt discontinuing the SAA, the revolver gained a foothold.

The Ruger Single Six was inspired by the popularity of TV and movie Westerns in the 1950s.

How Did The Ruger Single Six Become An American Icon: A gun inspired by the classic Western TV shows of the 1950s that were dominating the family room of nearly every home in America, the Ruger Single Six has gone on to become the stuff of legend.

And in some cases, firearms may be stored for a length of time before they are shipped.įor details on your specific serial number you may contact our Service Department: 33įor serial numbers manufactured prior to our electronic records, or for an official letter confirming the details on your firearm please download and mail in the Request for Letter of Authenticity form.Ĭopyright © 2016 by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.For its first several years, the Single Six had what was known as a “flat loading gate” on the side of the receiver. Also, within a model family the same serial number prefix may be used to produce a variety of different models, all in the same block of serial numbers. There are occasions when blocks of serial numbers have been manufactured out of sequence, sometimes years later. Ruger does not necessarily produce firearms in serial number order. It can be used to determine the approximate year your Ruger firearm was It is not necessarily the very first serial number shipped, but This number should be used as a point of reference The above chart shows the approximate first serial number shipped for (Manufactured from 1959 to 1969) Caliber: 22 Magnum Ruger Single Six Magnum Serial Number History

Ruger new single six serial numbers