Ruger Star Stamp New Model Super Single-Six .22 LR Stainless Revolver, 1974
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 211003BB98
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Super Single-Six (Catalog No. KS-9)
Serial Number: 63-29012
Year of Manufacture: 1974 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle Only
Action Type: Side-Gate Loading Single Action Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame under the cylinder is marked “RUGER® .22 CAL. / NEW MODEL SINGLE SIX®”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number “63-29012”. The frame chin is marked with a star. Both grip panels have inset Ruger phoenix medallions at the top.
Barrel Length: 9 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch leaf pinned to the topstrap that is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. There are minor handling marks, but otherwise the grips are free of any notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-to-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 95% of its metal finish. Most notably on the frame there are patches of minor surface oxidation. Otherwise there are only scattered minor nicks and a few scuffs, mainly on the barrel. The cylinder has an intermittent faint turn line. Screws are sharp, pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This New Model Single-Six includes its original product-matching cardboard box and its manual.
Our Assessment: From an NRA.com article looking back at the Single-Six: “Only a relative handful of rank, old cowboy types still clung to the thumb-buster, and most of them couldn’t scrape together enough cash to buy a new gun. Besides, the tooling to build single-action revolvers was worn out and obsolete. It made absolutely no business sense whatsoever to continue to make single-action revolvers.” In most Ruger stories, this is right about when Bill Ruger says, “Hold my beer,” and proceeds to make the thing that no one wanted or needed and turns it into the thing that everyone wants. Mix in the rise in popularity of westerns on the then-new television with a fair chunk of change from profits made selling the Standard Pistol, and you have the Single-Six revolver which has been in production continuously since 1953. This example is from 1974. Unlike other Single-Six revolvers of the era, this one shipped with only the .22 Rimfire cylinder. The included original manual has a disclaimer on the front explaining this, and the revolver itself is marked with a star on the frame chin so owners could tell the difference. Single-Six revolvers are plentiful, and while pre-warning versions are certainly becoming collectible, this variant is truly on the rare side. Add to that the impressive 9 1/2” barrel and a stainless finish, you have on your hands a dang fine revolver. The bore is clean and bright, and while there is some minor handling wear, the revolver functions perfectly. Good luck and happy bidding!