John Taffin Custom Ruger Single-Six .32 H&R Mag 5.5” SA Revolver, MFD 1985
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS003
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Single Six
Serial Number: 650-15848
Year of Manufacture: 1985 / Modern
Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “650-15848”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER .32 H&R MAG. / NEW MODEL SINGLE-SIX”.
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a custom serrated black blade screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch in a base pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth walnut panels. There are little to no handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Cylinder Quantity & Condition: 1x 6 round fluted cylinder for .32 H&R Mag.
Type of Finish: Blued W/ Replacement Aluminum Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is some moderate stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There is minimal wear throughout. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The frame, cylinder, and hammer have a light plum patina. The screw heads are lightly tooled and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the .32 H&R Magnum version of the New Model Single-Six in 1984, adapting its compact single-action platform to a useful centerfire cartridge that offered greater performance than the traditional rimfire Single-Six while maintaining relatively mild recoil. Ruger confirms that the original adjustable-sight .32 H&R Magnum Single-Six revolvers were produced beginning in 1984, making this 1985 example an early-production gun from the second year of manufacture. This particular revolver has since been customized and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the John Taffin Collection. Its configuration includes a 5.5″ barrel, custom serrated front sight, fully adjustable rear sight, replacement aluminum grip frame, smooth walnut stocks, and the traditional six-shot fluted cylinder. These modifications give the revolver a distinctly personalized character while retaining the compact proportions and handling qualities that made the centerfire Single-Six an appealing trail and sporting revolver. This revolver remains in Very Good to Excellent condition as refinished, retaining approximately 98% of its present finish with only minimal wear. A crisp cylinder turn line is present, while the frame, cylinder, and hammer exhibit a light plum coloration that adds character to the revolver’s appearance. The screw heads are lightly tooled, the pins remain undamaged, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though moderate stubborn fouling remains throughout, and rates 8.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The replacement two-piece smooth walnut grips show little to no handling wear and remain free of chips or cracks, rating in Excellent condition. The action functions as intended, and the revolver is accompanied by its John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
For collectors of Ruger single actions and firearms associated with John Taffin, this customized .32 H&R Magnum Single-Six offers an appealing combination of early-production pedigree, practical chambering, and individual custom work. Ruger’s original adjustable-sight .32 H&R Magnum Single-Six was produced from 1984 through the 1990s before the chambering later returned in different configurations, giving these early examples a distinct place in the development of Ruger’s small-frame centerfire revolvers. The John Taffin provenance, strong bore, excellent refinished condition, and custom sight and grip-frame arrangement make this revolver particularly interesting as a personalized working single action rather than a strictly factory-original collector piece. It should appeal to enthusiasts of classic Rugers, .32-caliber revolvers, and historically significant custom sixguns alike. -R.E.