[Jakeleg]

I see pictures of the New Model Single Six with the mag cylinder having no flutes. Both of my cylinders are fluted.
My serial # starts with 62-xxxx
Did Ruger make non fluted cylinders for the Single Six.
What does XR3 Red frame mean?
Thanks

 

[Scorpion8]

Some people prefer the non-fluted cylinders. My Single Six Convertible has a fluted 22LR cylinder and a non-fluted 22WMR cylinder.

XR3 Red is a slightly re-designed grip frame for the Blackhawk-series of SA guns.

 

[Kid Vermin]

Early single six and super blackhawk had fluted mag cylinders, then went to non fluted.

 

[Waveform]

The fluted 22 WMR cylinders are more uncommon and I think that makes them kinda cool. I would be happy with one but my Single Six convertible is of fairly recent vintage so it has the non-fluted cylinder instead.

 

[North country gal]

As mentioned, there have been fluted mag cylinders over the years, but the non-fluted are by far the most common.

Our new Talo Single Six Cowboy, though, came with a fluted 22 mag cylinder, just to be a little different. It is also stamped with an M for magnum, a nice little touch and something I haven't seen, before.

 

[Kid Vermin]

Ah, thanks, too many dealer exclusives to keep track. Didn't know recent runs have the flutes.

 

[North country gal]

Ah, thanks, too many dealer exclusives to keep track. Didn't know recent runs have the flutes.

Not sure if they all do, but I know what you mean about the exclusives. They're beginning to bankrupt us.

 

[Hondo44]

Fluted Mag cylinders were produced for old and new models until 1976. Then Ruger switched to non fluted. Fluted and non-fluted cylinders for old and new models are interchangeable. Stainless fluted mag cylinders are the hardest to find because they were only produced from 1973 until 1976.

The XR3-Red size grip frames are used on old and new model single sixes, blackhawks and 5 1/2" and shorter super BHs. This shows the size difference:

 

[ihriec]

I bought a Single Six Convertible in 2009 as my first gun. It has the fluted 22LR cylinder and non-fluted 22WMR cylinder. I also recently purchased the 8 round 22WMR cylinder from Midway and it is non-fluted..