Here's another interesting item I acquired from the same collection as my Browning Hi-Power project pistol and nickel finish SIG P245 mentioned in previous posts. This Ruger New Model Single-Six revolver (KNR-6; 62-7326x) was manufactured in 1974, making it one of the earlier Single-Six models offered in stainless steel. While some internet sources incorrectly cite serial number 62-00001 as the advent of stainless production, this serial number simply represents the introduction of the New Model Single-Six; not specifically the stainless model. I am still doing research in an attempt to identify the earliest known stainless serial number. If anyone happens to own a lower serial numbered stainless steel example, please feel free to comment. Attached is a photo of my revolver. Sadly, it has been separated from its .22 WMR conversion cylinder as well as the original box and papers.

Well, mine is a lot newer than yours, (265-263XX), but it doesn't look like they changed much in the years in between. Awesome guns!

Mine was a 5 1/2" which I shortened to 4 5/8", added custom walnut grips and a Bowen rear sight.

Veery niiice. When I was looking for one I really didn't want to pay extra for the 22 mag cylinder version. The 3 screws are nice when you find them but the early New Model is also nice. My 63- from 1975:

OP,

Have you looked for the star on front of trigger guard?

From the Ruger forum .22 lr only cylinder and were denoted by a "Star" stamped
on the cylinder frame in front of the trigger guard.

quote:

Originally posted by lot_45:
OP,

Have you looked for the star on front of trigger guard?

From the Ruger forum .22 lr only cylinder and were denoted by a "Star" stamped
on the cylinder frame in front of the trigger guard.

I did. Interestingly, my revolver does not display the .22 LR only star stamp. A quick call to Ruger Customer Service confirmed my revolver shipped as a KNR-6 Convertible Model with both the .22 LR & .22 WMR cylinders. With 1974 production of the various Single-Six models beginning at about serial number 60-60261, I estimate my revolver to have been produced sometime in March 1974. While it is unlikely mine is the very first stainless model produced, it is certainly among the earliest.