Rugers: I Can't Stop Thinking About Them!

Ruger is introducing new products into the marketplace on a regular basis, and every one of their new guns gives me a case of gun-itch, causing me to save back lunch money for a purchase.  The recent announcement of the SR-1911 absolutely made me weak in the knees, and I decided that one of these stainless beauties has to be in my future.  Then, last week, Ruger sent out e-mails to their fans with more good news: a ten shot single action, stainless, .22 Long Rifle revolver!  I have seen nine shot .22 revolvers in the past, but I think Ruger's Single-Ten is the first of its kind.  Which should come first, the SR-1911, or the Single-Ten?

Ruger's announcement:

"Ruger is proud to announce the Ruger Single-Ten™, a ten-shot single-action revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle.  The Single-Ten features a ten-shot cylinder and is constructed from durable and handsome satin-finished stainless steel. With a 5.5" barrel and smooth, walnut "Gunfighter" grips, the Single-Ten is well balanced and points easily. The sight picture of the Single-Ten is enhanced by Williams™ fiber optic sights, which are click-adjustable for both windage and elevation."

                                     

Fans of the Ruger Single-Six series will notice a few differences right away.  The cylinder is not fluted on the Single-Ten, and there are fiber optic sights replacing the traditional iron sights.  I have already seen a comment on a gun blog asking why this model is not convertible to .22 Magnum.  Take a good look at the back end of the cylinder in the top photo.  There will be little clearance between the rims of cartridges when this cylinder is loaded.  .22 Magnum cartridges are are just a little bit bigger in diameter than .22 Long Rifles, and if this gun was made as a convertible, Ruger would not have been able to make it with a ten shot cylinder.  If you need the extra power of the magnum, you can still buy a Single-Six Convertible.  If you are like most shooters, and want a .22 for lots of practice at the range, the Single-Ten is right down your alley.

Photos and ad copy are courtesy of Sturm, Ruger, and Co.

UPDATE!  Jeff Quinn at Gunblast.com has done a review of the Single-Ten!