I purchased a "new to me" Ruger New Model Single Six. When I took it from the gun case, I thought it was a newer revolver. Paid $362, tax included. A previous post here had a link to Ruger's website. A quick check suggested a 1973 production.

I called Ruger customer service today and Patricia was very helpful. She called back with all of the details on my revolver in no time short!

Produced and shipped: June 1973
Finish: Blued
Grips: Rosewood
Barrel: 4 5/8
Caliber: .22/.22 Mag
Model: 00623

She stated that it is an NR4, whatever that means. Could someone knowledgeable explain what "NR4" means? Thanks in advance.

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otis

Can we see a picture of your you Single Six? Someone may be able to tell you what NR4 means.

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Life is short,live it fully.

When I get home this evening, I will try to take better pics with my wife's Ipad and post them.

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otis

"She stated that it is an NR4, whatever that means. Could someone knowledgeable explain what "NR4" means? Thanks in advance."

I believe that is the model number & includes the barrel length.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I believe the NR4 prefix is code for 4 5/8 barreled models, and may also indicate a convertible model. You just missed the old model 3 screw cut off by less than a year.

Larry

That kind of info would cost you $75 from other companies. Can't beat free.

I always start with a positive attitude, ask how their day is going, and how the weather is wherever they are at. In this case, N.C. She stated that it was humid and getting rain, probably from hurricane Nate. It's just a reflection of who I am in general, but being on friendly terms and setting a positive tone does wonders! You build your bridges before you need them, not afterwards!

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otis

Pics added. Do both grips look like rosewood? The right grip panel shows no wood grains, the left one lots of wood grain. Is this normal? The two grip panels look different.

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otis

Needs a bigger photo.

Does the gun come with the Ruger transfer bar safety system or is it old enough to not have that installed?

I have one standard Single Six and one .22 WRM Single Six. The former is in original condition without the transfer bar but the latter came with the transfer bar. My old model Bearcat is unmodified/no transfer bar also.

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+1 to ISCS Yoda's? 1973 is when they began installing transfer bars in their revolvers and seeing as yours is from the middle of that year, let us know. Nice score btw!

Good find at a descent price! Somthing about the single sixes and nines I really like. I am also a big fan of 22 rmf. I keep an eye out for one just like yours at a good price. Enjoy and shoot that gun often!

My first handgun was a single six convertible that I bought new in 1966. Did you get both cylinders with it. The .22 mag is a real hoot. Be sure to wear hearing protection.

Thanks, Guys! Yes, it does have the transfer bar safety. And I did receive both cylinders. Looking forward to some range time. I have 800-1000 rounds of .22LR. I will have to pick up some .22 mag.

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otis

I have my Dad's 1959 or 60 SS just like yours but the 3 screw. Probably never wear it out. My brother and I grew up shooting it. My down size is I shot a lot and easier to load semi autos worked better for me. Then I started buying 22 Masterpieces.

I still use the Ruger and have taught many folks how to shoot pistols using it. I also sent it back for the upgrade. It is safer gun.

I think you will like it. The 4 5/8th bbl is great for carrying.

I'm a sucker for older Single Six's . Especially clean ones! I currently keep (only) one old model with fixed sights. Pre transfer bar so it has a 4 click action as sweet as a swiss watch.Single Six's are a joy to handle and shoot. The fact that they force me to slow down is a good thing sometimes too.
Enjoy your new find. You got a good price on it too!

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Dave

It's what's usually called a "New Model" Single-Six. A 2-screw gun as opposed to the older 3-screw guns. It has Ruger's transfer bar safety mechanism.

It's also really a "Super Single-Six" because it has the adjustable rear sight. The regular ol' Single-Six just had a drift rear sight dovetailed in.

I prefer the shiny ones, and different lengths for different jobs.

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"Tastes just like chicken"

New Single Six, also from 1973.

Below are some pics of my Ruger, Single-Six Convertible with both cylinders. Both cylinders are engraved with the last 3 digits of the serial number and match the gun.

My research on my gun years ago came up with the info (also from Ruger at the time) that mine was a 4-5/8" bbl, in stainless and with factory Rosewood grips...just like you see in the pics.

Additionally I was told at the time (circa 2002) that my Model number (AS 0627) was an exclusive production run for Lipsey's and carried the code for a 4-5/8" barrel, which was usually reserved for exclusive distributor production runs, so you would not find Model No. 0627 is standard literature, brochures, etc., or even a 4-5/8" choice in standard production.

Like you found.....the advice was free so I have just run with it and enjoyed the gun all these years, never really caring much about documentation beyond what I was told.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

NR4 is the Ruger 'product code' for the particular revolver model (SuperSingle Six) and configuration of it (bbl length, blued steel,ect.)
Product code used for simpler cataloging ,inventory & production accountability.

Every Single Six I've shot has been a great shooter. I'd say that you got a fair deal on the one you bought depending on what part of the country you live in. People pay high prices for them in my area and that isn't true of a lot of other guns. Some guns shops won't even carry Sig pistols because they can't sell any. Go figure. I love my Sig.

I recall back in the late 1960's FedCo was selling Ruger single Six's. Beautiful pistol. Wish I had bought one. I believe they had a .30 caliber as well. Don't recall any .22LRs then. I bought a .30 caliber Universal carbine instead. Still haven't fired a round through it, even though I carried in on duty for several years. Still a virgin.

Late Single Six adopter here.
Learned to shoot a handgun with a SA 22 in high school.
Stumbled onto a run of Bisley Single Sixes.
Ordered one up, Fitted walnut stocks to replace the awful red plywood it came with.
Has a nifty "Bisley" roll engraved cylinder.

This one was issued with only a 22LR cylinder.
Purchased a MRF on off eBay and fitted it in about 10 minutes.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

New holster. Not bad for around $28 shipped.

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otis

I love the looks of the wooden grips. But for shooting purposes and functionality, I prefer something with a little more grip. Where can I find faux stag or plastic checkered grips at a reasonable price?

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otis

Ruger Blackhawk/Vaquero | Altamont Company

Altamont has some grips that are checkered as well as some imitation stag. Your gun takes any Blackhawk grip that fits an XR3-red grip frame.

Those 4 5/8' Single Sixes are great guns.

Dan

Thank you! I wondered if mine took the XR3-Red grips. I appreciate the clarification!

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otis

Got the new Altamont grips in the mail today. Love them! Will post pics this evening.

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otis

Here it is with the new grips. Enjoy!

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otis