What's the best length for a Ruger Single Six?

[aterry33]

I grew up shooting the 4 5/8" barrel model, but some time ago I gave it to a friend for his young son. I'd like to pick up another one at some point. I'm thinking either the 4 5/8" or the 5 1/2". Any thoughts on the barrel lengths in the Single Six, which one balances best, which one is your favorite?

 

[Andy Griffith]

I've always been partial to the 6 1/2" myself.
On a Bisley frame.

 

[palmetto99]

I have a 4 5/8" and my brother has a 6 1/2". I can't tell much of a change in balance. A longer barrel will usually give better performance. BTW, my 4 5/8" seems to prefer standard vel. rounds over high vel.

 

[feralmerril]

I bought a new 6 1/2" convertable single six back in 1961. It was my first good handgun and I got pretty use to it, probley shooting it more than any of the many guns I have since. I got pretty good at aireal shooting with it. Through the years I have come to likeing shorter barrels better. Awhile back I found this 5 1/2" made in about 1957. It looked about new in the box. Were I to buy another I would try to buy a used one built before 1960 when they came out with the convertable. I understand everything after 60 has a bigger less accurate bore diameter to accomidate both the long rifle and the 22 WMRF. Older tighter bore is better for the long rifle. I would spring for a old one before buying a new one. You will play heck finding the very short barrel 4 5/8" so I would just buy either the 5 1/2" or 6 1/2" whichever good one showed up first. Here`s mine.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

In a SA I am partial to the five and half barrel length. Not too short and not too long and seems to balance well for me.

 

[btruman]

I'm kinda partial to the 6.5 ". I like the longer sight radius and just a tad more velocity

 

[paladin42]

I like 5 1/2".

 

[JcMack]

I really like the 6.5" blue. Are the new ones available without the declaration on the barrel?

 

[Rick in IA.]

I have a 6 1/2 inch and really like it. Shoots very good. Also have an Black hawk 41 mag in 6 1/2 inch.

For me they are well balanced .

Rick

 

[therevjay]

I had a 6 1/2" didn't like it, the Bbl. wobbled all over the target. Swapped it for a 4 5/8" from a buddy. And now we are both very pleased.

"Differnt strokes etc."

 

[Class III]

6-1/2" works well for me. I do have a 4-5/8" but it does not shoot as tight as the 6-1/2". The 6-1/2" loves 22 S/L/LR standard and high velocity but does not care for hyper velocity anything. I had a 9-1/2" that would not hit the broad side of the barn at ten paces with 22 S/L/LR standard, HV or Hyper Velocity but loved 22WMR. Sold it to a guy that I think ended up using it for a boat anchor.

Class III