Ruger Single Six Value or devalue
I inherited a ruger single six three screw shipped in 1962 with two cylinders. Bluing is pretty worn and it has not has the safety recall work nor does it have the magnum cylinder. If I sent it in to ruger to get the magnum cylinder and have it fit($115) and had them reblue it ($130) (and of course they require me to do the safety work if I send it to them) how much would that devalue or increase the value of the gun. I figure it might be a $250 gun right now. Ideas, thoughts??? Thanks in advance Scott
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If you want to have the cylinder and have it reblued because you plan on keeping it forever thats one thing. If you plan on selling it you will never recoup what you put into it--even if Ruger is the one doing the reblue job. Collectors like untouched and complete guns(extra cylinders, box etc) and since yours has most of the finish gone it is a good shooter. You can change the gun back to a non safety gun when it gets home as Ruger gives you the parts. If you think you can get $250 for it now and have a buyer I'd take them up on the offer.
I was given a Ruger Standard .22 pistol in rough shape and sent it to Ruger because I plan on keeping it forever and it was in bad enough shape to warrant it-plus the gun cost me nothing--so for me it was worth it. They do a really nice job FWIW.0 -
personally I'd keep it as is for all my time with it as that is how it was given to me for a reason. just me. 0 -
i bought a spare mag cylinder and it fit perfectly??? 0 -
You occasionally hear of cases where Ruger did NOT return the original parts. It can happen. IF you send it to them, pull the trigger, hand, bolt and hammer first.
Not sure what fordsix's "????" mean, but we've gone around the barn on that question before. I've had several non original cylinders drop in, fine. Some, apparently, do require a little extra attention.0 -
i don't think ruger returns the parts anymore either. also i wouldn't spend the money for the magnum cylinder. they are not as accurate as the Lr and are getting cost prohibitive to shoot much.
this is just my opinion and i am offering it for free.0 -
I would leave it as it is and use it. They are nice pistols. If you feel better having the safety work done then that is ok too but be sure and insist on getting your parts back. If your not planing on shooting the mag ammo then I would not put the money in a cylinder. Would not refinish it either just take care of it as it is. If your looking for investments, then keep your eye out for very nice ones in original box, paperwork, and cylinder. They're out there. 0 -
Having it refinished will reduce the current value by 50per cent. 0 -
Thanks for the replies. It's about keeping this gun...it was my friend's gun so the question just became whether to refinish it or not. I can live without re-blueing it as the wear gives it character. I would like to get the mag cylinder though and my other friend has 3 and will send them to me to pick one. How would I tell which fit's best??? Should I use a feeler gauge between the front of the cylinder and the barrel??? Ruger gives you the impression that if they don't fit it that it could blow up in your face. 0 -
First thing I'd do is install each cylinder and slowly pull back the hammer until the 4th click, but not beyond. Has each chamber locked up, or do you still have to turn the cylinder a bit before the bolt drops into the recess? If you have a Ransom rest available, or are confident in your "sand bag consistency", you could also check each for accuracy.Another thing you may want to try is to take a piece of heavy 8 1/2 X 11 paper and fold it over the short way. Then drape this "tent" over the frame and send a shot down range. Discoloration and damage to both sides of the paper should be about the same. If one side gets torn up and the other only discolored, its an indication that the chamber isn't in line with the bore and is shaving lead as the bullet passes from one to the other. Check for side play at lockup. Larger notches in the cylinder will give more play and although I haven't seen it, its possible that the bolt might not drop freely into its recess, which wouldn't be good. After that it's mostly aesthetics; does one have a finish that more nearly matches the rest of the gun, etc. Hope this helps.
Good friend you've got there, by the way.[:D]0 -
If you are looking for an original 3 screw 22mag cylinder, it will look exactly like the 22LR cylinder. It will be blue, fluted, and indistinguishable from the 22LR cylinder except for the breech end of the cylinder. 
New Model Single-Six guns started in 1973. This is when the Magnum cylinder was produced without flutes. All Old Model magnum cylinders are fluted. Some new model magnum cylinders, early '73, were fluted until the supply of old model cylinders were used up.0
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