What makes this a Lipsey Special? The 4 5/8” length – that’s about it.
The Ruger Single Six is a popular rimfire single action pistol series that attracts numerous of enthusiasts for it’s simplicity, affordability, and relative reliability. Gunblast has a comprehensive history on the revolver and certainly worth checking out.
With a green plastic box, Ruger lock, and 22 long rifle (LR) and magnum (WMR) cylinders, this pistol has a satin stainless steel finish and wood grips. The rear sight is adjustable and has a blade type in the front.
The pistol is sweet, just as is the conversion capability. The trigger isn’t shabby and the handle fits well in my hands – a lot better than the old Colt. The handles on the Peacemaker Buntline .22 were too small.
It was a mediocre purchase in my opinion. I should have purchased a previously owned Single Six Ruger instead. I can’t say that the exclusive length makes a huge different in balance as I haven’t held other lengths. This isn’t a total knock on this revolver as it is fun to shoot – I just wasn’t too impressed with it. I did hear that this was featured in American Rifleman in December 2002, so that might be worth checking out. If anyone has a back issue they would like to summarize, that would be fantastic.
One thing that bothered me a lot was the extra loose material that was still left on the pistol – a few pieces of metal shavings close to the rotation arm. The tool marks inside the frame around the cylinder isn’t appealing. Nonetheless, it works and I probably shouldn’t touch it.
On the other hand, accuracy isn’t too bad. I had a shooting sample put aside, but I lost it – I should have another one up soon. Otherwise, I achieved a 4” group at about 10 yards with CCI Maxi-Mag cartridges.
Overall, this pistol has it’s quirks, but I still like it. I just wish I had waited a bit longer before making a purchase. If you really want a 4 5/8” model, www.mastercampers.com has two or three on hand (as of October 28th 2007). One pair has consecutive serial numbers.
Nice gun. I have two Ruger Single Sixes at home; one is an old model from about 1969. Mine are blued rather than stainless, however.