Understanding the Ruger Single Six – A Timeless Classic
The Ruger Single Six revolver. The name itself conjures images of classic Westerns, the American frontier, and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted firearm. These iconic six-shooters are not just functional tools; they’re also highly sought-after by collectors, gun enthusiasts, and history buffs. One of the most crucial aspects of understanding and valuing a Ruger Single Six is knowing its date of manufacture. Determining the year your Single Six was born unlocks a wealth of information, offering insights into its history, its rarity, and its place within the broader context of Ruger’s legacy. This guide will delve deep into the world of Ruger Single Six serial numbers, providing you with the knowledge needed to decode these markings and unlock the secrets of your own firearm.
The story of the Ruger Single Six begins in the early nineteen-fifties. Introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Company, the Single Six was designed to be a rugged, reliable, and affordable single-action revolver. It was an immediate success, filling a niche for a well-built, accurate, and safe handgun. The design was inspired by the iconic Colt Single Action Army, but Ruger’s innovative manufacturing methods and the use of modern materials brought a fresh approach to the classic Western revolver.
The Single Six was initially chambered in the popular .22 Long Rifle cartridge, making it a fantastic choice for plinking, target practice, and small game hunting. Over time, the Single Six line expanded to include chamberings in .22 Magnum and even .17 HMR. These different chamberings contributed to the revolver’s versatility, appealing to a wide range of shooters and collectors.
Throughout its production run, the Single Six has been offered in various models and variations, each with its own distinct characteristics. From the classic blued steel models to the durable stainless steel versions, from the standard models to the convertible versions (allowing the use of both .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders), Ruger provided choices. Special editions and limited runs, such as those with Bisley grips or other unique features, further enhanced the appeal of these already desirable revolvers. Understanding the differences in these models is a part of valuing your Ruger Single Six.
Knowing the serial number of your Ruger Single Six is much more than just a matter of curiosity. For collectors and potential buyers, it is essential for determining the value and authenticity of the firearm. A Single Six produced in the early years, for example, might be more valuable than a later model, all other things being equal. Appraisers and dealers rely on serial numbers to accurately assess the worth of a Single Six, taking into account its historical significance, its rarity, and its overall condition. For owners, knowing the manufacturing date can provide valuable information about the revolver’s history, allowing you to learn more about its past and appreciate its place in the evolution of firearms. Serial numbers are also critical for tracing the lineage of your firearm and potentially identifying any unique features or characteristics.
The Serial Number System – Unveiling the Code
Before diving into the specific serial number series, it’s essential to understand where to find the serial number itself. On most Ruger Single Six revolvers, the serial number is typically located on the frame, often on the bottom of the frame, just in front of the trigger guard. In some cases, it might also be found on the grip frame, which houses the grips. It is critical to carefully examine these areas to locate the serial number, ensuring accurate identification and dating.
When exploring Ruger Single Six serial numbers, it’s important to recognize some key terminology. The term “prefix” refers to a letter or a series of numbers that appears before the main serial number. A “suffix” is a letter or number that follows the serial number. The presence or absence of these prefixes and suffixes, along with the structure of the serial number itself, is a key component in understanding the year your firearm was manufactured.
The use of prefixes and suffixes helps narrow down the production timeline, allowing you to pinpoint the approximate year of manufacture. It is important to note that Ruger has used several different serial number systems over the years, each with its own specific structure. This has created a system of serial numbers. These systems provide us with a clue as to the age and production run of your firearm.
Key Series – Deciphering the Timeline
Early Beginnings
The earliest Ruger Single Six revolvers, those manufactured in the early nineteen-fifties, followed a somewhat simpler system. These firearms typically lacked a prefix or a suffix. Identifying the exact date of manufacture for these early models can be somewhat challenging. However, by comparing the serial number with documented records and serial number lists, it is possible to get a good estimate. These early serial numbers typically fall within a specific range, but dating can be less precise than with later models. The careful inspection of other markings, such as the type of grip or barrel, can provide additional clues to help narrow down the manufacturing date.
The Prefix Era
In the nineteen-fifties, Ruger introduced a serial number system incorporating prefixes. This system made it easier to track production and to estimate the year of manufacture more accurately. The prefixes consisted of numbers, often beginning with “2,” “3,” “4,” or “5.” The serial number itself followed the prefix.
Here’s a simplified illustration of common prefix ranges and approximate years:
- 2x: Mid-nineteen-fifties
- 3x: Late-nineteen-fifties to early-nineteen-sixties
- 4x: Mid-nineteen-sixties
- 5x: Late-nineteen-sixties to early-nineteen-seventies
For example, if your Single Six has a serial number beginning with “3x,” then your Ruger was likely manufactured between the late nineteen-fifties and the early nineteen-sixties. The serial number itself, following the prefix, provided a further level of identification. While these general ranges are helpful, it’s important to understand that there can be some overlap in these years. The manufacturing processes of the day allowed for a degree of variation. Serial number lists and specialized resources are beneficial for pinpointing a more precise date.
Prefixes and Suffixes
From the mid-nineteen-seventies onward, Ruger refined its serial number system, introducing a system that combined both prefixes and suffixes. This new approach provided an even more precise means of determining the year of manufacture. Understanding this system requires paying close attention to both the prefix and the suffix.
The prefix remained a key component, but now, the suffix, a letter or a series of letters, was added to the end of the serial number. The prefix, serial number, and suffix provided clues to the gun’s origins. The location of these letters in a line of numbers can tell us a lot about the firearm’s age.
For example, a serial number might look like this: “65-12345-R.” In this example, “65” could indicate the production year, “12345” is the serial number itself, and “R” is the suffix. A serial number like this could be interpreted with the use of serial number references or manuals.
It is important to note that Ruger manufactured other models during this period. Understanding the unique nature of the Single Six serial number scheme remains an important task.
Modern Era
From the late nineteen-nineties to the present, Ruger has continued to refine its serial number system. The modern system typically utilizes a prefix followed by a numerical serial number. The exact structure of these modern serial numbers may vary somewhat, depending on the model and the year of manufacture, but the overall pattern has become more streamlined.
Modern Ruger Single Six revolvers, for example, may feature prefixes such as “67,” “68,” or “89,” followed by a longer serial number.
Special Situations and Exceptions
Unusual Varieties
As with any firearm, certain Ruger Single Six models might follow slightly different serial number practices. For example, special edition revolvers or those produced in limited runs might have unique serial number sequences or markings.
Military and Governmental Contracts
Ruger has occasionally supplied firearms to military or governmental entities. These firearms might have specific serial number markings, often related to the contract specifications. This can include special serial number ranges.
Where to Gather More Details
To gain a deeper understanding of your Ruger Single Six, consider the following resources:
- Ruger’s Official Website: Ruger’s official website is a good place to start.
- Reference Books: A variety of books provide serial number information.
- Gun Forums: Online gun forums are a good place to get information.
- Appraisers: Consider contacting an experienced gun appraiser.
In Conclusion
Deciphering the serial number of your Ruger Single Six revolver is an essential step in appreciating its history, its value, and its place in the world of firearms. This guide has provided a roadmap to help you navigate the different serial number systems used by Ruger over the years, from the early prefix systems to the modern systems. By understanding the serial number and its meaning, you will be able to unlock the secrets of your Single Six, gaining a deeper appreciation for this iconic firearm.
If you’re considering purchasing a Ruger Single Six, determining the serial number is part of the due diligence. Taking the time to research the serial number will help you make an informed decision.
Remember, that a thorough understanding of serial numbers, in combination with your personal interest, will deepen your relationship with this classic six-shooter. We encourage you to use this guide to determine the history and unique properties of your Ruger Single Six. Enjoy your Single Six!
