I have been trying to date it with the serial number on. The serial number should have a prefix that will define exactly what it is, and if if it's a.22/.22 Magnum convertable or not. Unless it's a spare part (wnich is unlikely) part of the serial number of the revolver it was originally fitted to should be marked by electric pencil on the cylinder's front face.

Question - Ruger Single Six SS 22 LR Only! I don't recall that revolver's serial number, but it did have a 4 5/8 inch barrel and the frame sported that little asterisk. I sold the revolver in the mid-1980s, so my memory for relevant details is limited. I recently purchased a three screw single six with a serial number 20-937XX. I believe that it was made or shipped in 1971. Ruger Forum > Pistol & Revolver Forum > Ruger Single Action It has an aluminum trigger guard and ejector rod housing. That's an excellent example and one that would have some collectors very interested.Īnother possibility and one I'm starting to think is most likely is that your example is from 1968. The RENE Reference mentions that a block of 1400 RSS5X duplicate serial number Single Six convertibles were released in 1968 and are in the general serial number range D500000 to D505140. I know you said the box is marked RSS5 but perhaps that's an error. You have wood grip panels so it could also be an RSS5W. Either way it would be a pretty scarce example and this is one time it would be a good idea to contact Ruger customer service and request a letter that would nail down exactly what model you have and what year it was shipped. It may have been shipped originally as an RSS5W (non-convertible) and the magnum cylinder was fitted later.

This was fairly common back in that era and something the factory was willing to do then for a modest fee thereby giving the Single Six owner the convertible option.Īpparently that block of duplicate serial number Single Sixes were used in 1968 to produce both convertible and 22LR only models. The most rare would be an RSS5W but the RSS5X would be pretty scarce too. The excellent condition of your example make me suspect the previous owner knew it was rather scarce and kept it in pristine condition.

Ruger single six serial numbers