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For you single six owners out there what would you recommend for a nice plinker. The five and a half inch barrel or the six and a half.
Ruger single six 5.5 or 6.5
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Personal preference. I like 5 1/2" for all my guns.... But .. my single-six is a 6 1/2" 
. Reason being is I got from a private party for a good price for a gun that was rarely shot. Have no problem with 6 1/2" as it shoots very well so really happy with it. Guess what I am saying I see no pro-con for either for plinking. If carrying all the time, the shorter barrels are nice, for a bit more sight radius the longer barrels are nice. Mine is for plinking, so haven't yet carried it on the hip.
. Reason being is I got from a private party for a good price for a gun that was rarely shot. Have no problem with 6 1/2" as it shoots very well so really happy with it. Guess what I am saying I see no pro-con for either for plinking. If carrying all the time, the shorter barrels are nice, for a bit more sight radius the longer barrels are nice. Mine is for plinking, so haven't yet carried it on the hip.
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215 Posts
I like the 5.5" barrel on my handguns.
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On the Single-Six I used to have, I liked the balance of the 5.5 inch barrel. There seem to be more holsters made for just the 6.5, though, like the Bianchi Lawman. Something to consider.
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485 Posts
It's only an inch difference, so personal preference is my call.
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I recently got a Single Ten which has the 5 1/2 inch barrel. I think it's about the perfect length. Nice balance. I got a holster that fits it nicely from the Ruger website.
I have the 9 1/2" because I like the longer focal length and the extra velocity.
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I don't have to worry about carry because I live in Illinois it's one of the great things about this state, I save money not buying holsters, but on a serious note I appreciate the replys. I like the looks of the 5.5 but I might have to go with the 6.5 for the longer sight radius. I don't think I want anything longer it might get too front heavy after that. I want a nice balance on the gun.
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5,722 Posts
Get one of each ... I did...and I also have a 9 1/2" for "grins" at the range...looks like a "buntline special"...all are great...all are accurate and cheap and reliable....I even got a flatgate but I don't shoot it (did once just to prove everything worked and it's now resting up after a long and fun life having been owned by many folks and shooting lots of small game and targets.
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5,018 Posts
Have had the 5 1/2 and the 6 1/2. Definitely prefer the balance and feel of the 5 1/2" Glad Ruger went with the 5 1/2" on my Single Ten.
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Got a 61/2" just to match my OM .44 Flattop barel legnth, and it grew on me.
Anything shorter or longer just seems odd to me now...never used to be like that.
I carry it into the woods for plinking in a backpack only, on a quadrunner, and have other guns for holster carry.
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Anything shorter or longer just seems odd to me now...never used to be like that.
I carry it into the woods for plinking in a backpack only, on a quadrunner, and have other guns for holster carry.
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Just checked out the 6.5 and 5.5 at the LGS and I like the balance of the 5.5 better I think I found a winner.
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771 Posts
If you haven't bought it yet...I'd opine that a shorter barrel is better for nearly any purpose, short of "haul it out at the range" use. I'd even suggest 4-5/8" is better than either of the longer ones, and noticeably easier to pack in a waist belt holster.
I think you'll find that the shortest barrel offered by Ruger, is as accurate in actual, off-hand use (but maybe not off a set of sandbags) as either of the longer tubes.
But it also gets down to balance in your hand and I'd say that if the longer tubes balance better for you, you'll probably shoot them better.
In deciding all of this, try the gun as you plan to use it...borrow a holster of the type you intend to use and see if you can sit in any type of seated conveyance without it poking up into your ribs...too, shoot it while standing on your hind legs...as you would if you and your buds were betting on beer...
I think you'll like the 4-5/8" model for these real world uses..(try carrying it a bit in your rear jeans hip pocket...it's a favorite of mine for informal carry here on our farm...it's very comfortable there, and that short barrel keeps it from fallin' out!
Good luck with your purchase and report back on accuracy, fit and finish etc...I for one will be interested to hear about it. Best Regards, Rod
I think you'll find that the shortest barrel offered by Ruger, is as accurate in actual, off-hand use (but maybe not off a set of sandbags) as either of the longer tubes.
But it also gets down to balance in your hand and I'd say that if the longer tubes balance better for you, you'll probably shoot them better.
In deciding all of this, try the gun as you plan to use it...borrow a holster of the type you intend to use and see if you can sit in any type of seated conveyance without it poking up into your ribs...too, shoot it while standing on your hind legs...as you would if you and your buds were betting on beer...
I think you'll like the 4-5/8" model for these real world uses..(try carrying it a bit in your rear jeans hip pocket...it's a favorite of mine for informal carry here on our farm...it's very comfortable there, and that short barrel keeps it from fallin' out!
Good luck with your purchase and report back on accuracy, fit and finish etc...I for one will be interested to hear about it. Best Regards, Rod
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I like the 4 5/8" barrel this best. The 5 1/2" would be a close second. 61/2" out of the running for me.
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