Wheel Gun Showdown: Ruger Single-Six vs. Ruger Single-Ten
But which one is right for you—the tried-and-true Single-Six, or the high-capacity Single-Ten? Today we’re going to break down the differences, similarities, and use cases to help you decide.
A Quick History
The Ruger Single-Six debuted in 1953, riding the wave of cowboy Westerns and renewed interest in classic six-shooters. It was a scaled-down homage to the Colt Single Action Army but chambered in .22 LR—affordable, low-recoil, and perfect for plinking or small game.
Over the years, the Single-Six has seen countless variants: different barrel lengths, stainless or blued finishes, adjustable or fixed sights, and the addition of convertible models that allow a cylinder swap between .22 LR and .22 WMR.
Fast forward to 2011, and Ruger shook things up with the Single-Ten. Same frame, same classic feel, but with ten rounds in the cylinder instead of six. It was a subtle but meaningful update that appealed to modern shooters looking to squeeze out a little more trigger time between reloads.
Capacity: Six vs. Ten
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The Single-Ten holds 10 rounds of .22 LR, while the standard Single-Six holds six rounds. In a rimfire revolver, that extra capacity is a big deal.
When you're running drills, plinking cans, or trying to one-up your buddy on a steel challenge stage, those four extra rounds mean fewer reloads and more shooting. It's not a deal-breaker either way, but once you get used to ten shots, it’s hard to go back.
That said, the Single-Six Convertible models can swap between .22 LR and .22 Magnum. The Single-Ten is strictly a .22 LR affair. If you’re looking for a more versatile rimfire wheel gun that can step up in power, the Single-Six has a leg up.
Cylinder Design and Handling
Adding four more chambers to a compact revolver isn't as simple as it sounds. The Single-Ten’s cylinder is fluted and slightly tighter to accommodate the extra rounds, and that changes the way it feels in hand.
Some shooters report that the loading gate and ejection are a little trickier on the Single-Ten—especially for those with large fingers or reduced dexterity. The chambers are closer together, and it can take a touch more finesse to eject empties cleanly or load quickly.
The Single-Six, on the other hand, feels a little more “open.” Its spacing is generous, and loading/unloading is about as straightforward as it gets for a single-action revolver.
Sights and Trigger
The Single-Ten comes standard with Williams fiber optic sights, which are a big upgrade in visibility, especially in lower light or when shooting fast. The rear sight is fully adjustable, and the front glows like a traffic light in the sun. For aging eyes or competitive rimfire shooting, this is a nice touch.
The Single-Six usually comes with a blade front and adjustable rear, though some variants offer fixed sights. They’re more traditional, and for many shooters they work just fine—but if you’re looking for an edge in visibility, the Single-Ten wins here.
As for the trigger, both revolvers are solid. Ruger’s single-action triggers tend to be crisp with minimal take-up, and you’re unlikely to notice a huge difference unless you're running a trigger gauge. That said, individual revolvers can vary. Some shooters find the Single-Six a little smoother out of the box, while others prefer the slightly different feel of the Single-Ten.
Accuracy and Range Use
Here’s where things get interesting: both guns are impressively accurate. The longer sight radius on the 5.5” or 6.5” models gives you a bit of help, but the tight cylinder lockup and well-machined barrels make either one capable of one-hole groups with good ammo.
But again, the Single-Ten’s fiber optic sights can help you shoot tighter groups faster, especially in timed scenarios or when the lighting isn’t ideal. If you're entering a rimfire competition or setting up a dueling tree, that little boost in sight clarity can shave precious seconds off your times.
Weight, Balance, and Feel
Both revolvers are built on the same frame, so in terms of size and general layout, they’re quite similar. But because the Single-Ten has a denser cylinder, it’s slightly heavier (by around 2–3 ounces depending on the model).
Some shooters say that extra front-end weight helps reduce muzzle rise. Others prefer the lighter feel of the Single-Six. It really comes down to personal preference. If you can, handle both side by side to see which balances better in your hands.
The Cool Factor
Let’s not kid ourselves—part of the appeal of these guns is the cowboy aesthetic. The Single-Six, especially in blued finish with wood grips, absolutely nails the classic six-shooter vibe. It looks right at home on a leather belt or laid across a stump on a camping trip.
If you’re looking for a range gun with some nostalgia baked in, the Single-Six might speak to your inner cowboy a little louder.
Price and Availability
In today’s market, Single-Six revolvers tend to run a little cheaper than the Single-Ten. That may be due in part to the sheer number of Single-Six models on the market (including used ones) compared to the more niche Single-Ten.
Expect to see new Single-Six variants in the $600–$750 range, while the Single-Ten hovers closer to the $750–$850 mark. Not a massive difference, but if you’re price-sensitive or planning to grab multiple guns, it could sway your choice.
Final Thoughts
So, which Ruger rimfire should you go with?
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Choose the Single-Six if you want a classic, proven platform with convertible caliber options and that traditional six-gun charm. It’s a great teaching tool, plinker, and small-game revolver.
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Go with the Single-Ten if you value modern sights, higher capacity, and a bit more edge on the range. It’s a smart evolution of the original design that’s hard to beat for volume shooting.
What’s your pick? Let us know in the comments.
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