Wheel Gun Showdown

Uncle Kenny
Jul 24
4 min read

Updated: Jul 30

Ruger Single-Six vs. Single-Ten

Some guns just feel like home. For me, a single action .22 revolver brings back memories of dusty campsites, tin cans lined up on a log, and hearing the soft “ping” of a well placed shot. Ruger’s been king of that particular hill since 1953 with the Single-Six, and in 2011, they stirred the pot with a ten-shot version, the Single-Ten.

Now, I’ve shot both, carried both, and argued around more than one campfire about which one’s better. Truth is, they’re both solid as a hickory fencepost, but they shine in different ways. So if you’re trying to pick one for plinking, teaching, or just plain fun, here’s what you need to know.

Back When the Single-Six Made Its Mark

The Single-Six came out when cowboy shows ruled the TV and every kid wanted to be a marshal. Ruger saw that and gave us a .22 six shooter that looked like a scaled down Colt single action but ran cheap ammo and kicked like a feather.

Over the years, Ruger offered just about every flavor: blued or stainless, adjustable or fixed sights, short barrels or long. They even made convertible models that swap between .22 LR and .22 Magnum, which is a mighty fine option if you’re chasing squirrels one day and tougher critters the next.

The Single-Ten Steps In

Fast forward to 2011, and Ruger says, “Let’s give them four more shots.” Same frame, same single action feel, but a ten shot cylinder instead of six. It was a quiet revolution, no big fanfare, but it made a difference.

Those four extra rounds might not seem like much, but when you’re banging steel or teaching a new shooter, less reloading means more time behind the trigger. Once you get used to ten, it’s hard to go back.

That said, the Single-Ten is .22 LR only. No .22 Magnum conversion here. So if you want caliber flexibility, the Single-Six still holds the high ground.

Cylinder Fit and Feel

Adding four more holes to a wheel gun changes things. The Single-Ten’s cylinder is fluted, a bit tighter, and some folks say it’s trickier to load and unload, especially with big fingers or cold hands.

The Single-Six feels more open. There’s more space between chambers, and the loading gate has that old-school ease that just works.

Sights, Triggers, and Targets

This is where the Single-Ten pulls ahead. It comes with Williams fiber optic sights, and they’re no joke. Bright, fast, and great in low light. They make a difference if your eyes aren’t what they used to be or if you’re running speed drills.

The Single-Six usually wears a plain blade and adjustable rear, though some come with fixed sights. Traditional? Yes. Precise? Mostly. But not as quick on the draw in poor light or fast shooting.

As for triggers, both are crisp, clean, and just what you want from a Ruger single-action. Some might say one’s smoother than the other, but truth is, it comes down to the individual gun more than the model.

Ranch Range Report

Both revolvers are plenty accurate. With a good barrel and a tight cylinder, they’ll group tight at 25 yards and beyond, especially if you’re shooting off a stump or a bench.

The Single-Ten’s fiber optic sights might help you ring steel faster, but the Single-Six has that easy rhythm to it. Either one will knock cans off a fence rail all afternoon long.

Weight and Balance

They share the same frame, but the Single-Ten’s heavier cylinder adds a couple ounces. That makes it a touch more nose heavy, which can help control muzzle rise a bit. Some folks like it, others find the Single-Six more nimble. Best way to know? Handle both, spin the cylinder, and trust your hand.

Style Points Count Too

Let’s face it, these guns just look cool. The Single-Six, especially with a blued finish and wood grips, feels like a piece of the Old West. It’s a campfire gun, a story gun, a “first .22” gun.

The Single-Ten still nods to that tradition, but with a more modern touch: matte stainless, fiber optics, and a cleaner, newer look.

If you want nostalgia, the Single-Six leans harder into cowboy roots. If you want an edge for range work, the Single-Ten gives you more rounds and brighter sights.

Money Talks

As of now, you’ll usually find Single-Sixes priced a little lower, more models out there, both new and used. The Single-Ten runs about $100 more on average, especially in stainless.

Either way, you’re not just buying a plinker. You’re buying a revolver built to last generations. And both hold their value better than most.

Final Word from Uncle Kenny

You can’t go wrong with either one. If you like switching between .22 LR and .22 Magnum, or want that classic cowboy feel, the Single-Six is your huckleberry. If you want more shots and better sights for range days, the Single-Ten is a smart pick.

For me? I keep both in the safe. The Single-Six reminds me of the old days. The Single-Ten keeps up with my grandkids when they want to shoot faster than I can load. Different tools for different days.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a rock solid rimfire revolver that does what it’s supposed to do, with style, accuracy, and a whole lot of fun.

By:

Uncle Kenny