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.

Update 12-07-2024 Last evening I received an unexpected call form my LGS. While sorting through a box of accessories obtained from a local estate, my dealer located the matching .22 WMR conversion cylinder for my stainless Single-Six revolver. When I purchased the revolver I simply assumed it was lost forever. Apparently the family members in charge of the estate packaged the accessories separately from the firearms. I fell as though I hit the jackpot!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hjs157,

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 62-60261, 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.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hjs157,

That's awesome! Good on your LGS for following up, too. Not every shop would have done that. Nice to have your gun reunited with all of its parts!

This Single Six custom just got finished--real case hardening, charcoal blue, stag grips, all steel-grip frame and ejector rod housing, Bowen rear sight, lanyard ring...

Tim