How much is my Ruger Old Model Single Six worth?

Question

Here's what I know about the gun....Its stainless, 6.5 inch barrell, shoots both 22lr and 22mag, the wood grips are in good shape, gun shows some wear, gun was made in 1956 or 57 with low numbers. I bought the gun early this year in a gun store in Reno,NV. I paid $170 for it. The dealer had the gun in storage. I told him what I was looking for and this is one of 2 guns he showed me. I've shot this gun and shots nice. Upon learning how old it was, I've retired the gun.

Answer 1

OK..Thanks for the answers. Here are the results, The data supplied originates from a Dealer Data base that I use in my firearms appraisel business. This data base is considered a "Bible" for the firearms Industry to determine actual value on firearms based on age, condition and current market value as a collectable or for resale. This data base is constantly updated (monthly) to reflect any + or - price changes. You can count on these figures being current and accurate.

You have in fact a 3-Screw, Old Model Single Six Convertable,Single Action,6 1/2" barrel, w/Additional .22 Magnum Cylinder, Wood Grips, Fixed sights.

Here's where it gets a bit interesting. The serial number you supplied indicates this gun was manufactured in 1960 and was manufactured in a factory "blue" finish. It is a mid-range serial number and isn't really a low number for this model. In addition Ruger didn't manufacture stainless steel models of this gun until years later. It's safe to say that the previous owner probably had a Gunsmith who refinishes guns put a chromium/ nickel finish on this handgun. Hence the "stainless " looking finish and wear you mentioned. This obviously has a drastic effect on the collectors value and it would have been worth more money had the original owner left the factory finish "Blue"
Back in the 60's these nickel finishes were quite the rage and a lot of gun owners had their guns plated to be trendy not realizing that it would have an effect on the collectors value of their guns.
This doesn't mean you got a bad deal for the price you paid. It just means the collectors value is reduced. Below is a list of values/conditions for the "blued" version of this gun.
100% condition $450 + $30 for Addl/Mag Cylinder
98%" " " $350 + $30 " " " " "
95%" " " $250 + $30 " " " " "
90%" " " $175 + $30 " " "
80% " " " $165 +$30 " " " "

I did find records of (2) Old Model Single Six .22 convertables that were sold in firearms auctions in the last 8 years. Both of these were Nickel plated. One sold for $205 (manu 1959)
The other $195 (manu 1964)

Regardless you still have a historical gun with an impressive past. It's a shooter too, so no need put it away. Good Luck and thanks for "sharing"......

Answer 2

Ruger Single Six Serial Numbers

Answer 3

Ruger 22 Cal Single Six

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How much is my Ruger Old Model Single Six worth?
Here's what I know about the gun....Its stainless, 6.5 inch barrell, shoots both 22lr and 22mag, the wood grips are in good shape, gun shows some wear, gun was made in 1956 or 57 with low numbers. I bought the gun early this year in a gun store in Reno,NV. I paid $170 for it. The dealer had the...

Answer 5

Ruger single action 22caliber revolvers. 1950,s Spanish engraved.by Jerred

Answer 6

Well Savage, unless it has a really low serial number (like 1, 2 or 10), it is not going to be much more than what you orignally paid for it and possibly a bit less. If its a good shooter, hold on to it. It could increase in value, if not, you still have a good shooter.

Best.

H

Answer 7

No need to retire it, a Ruger made in the 1950s is still a solid gun.

Answer 8

Go to Gunsamerica and see if you can find an identical model and see what the current asking price is.