Ruger Single-Nine .22 WMR 6.5″ 9-Round Satin SS
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About this product
Ruger Single-Nine .22 WMR 6.5″ 9-Round Satin SS
What is the Ruger Single-Nine? It's a large-frame, nine-shot single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with a 6.5-inch cold hammer-forged stainless barrel, designed for extended rimfire sessions with minimal maintenance. This configuration leverages the higher velocity and flatter trajectory of .22 WMR over standard .22 LR, housed in a platform built to withstand thousands of rounds without timing issues. The transfer-bar safety and satin stainless finish represent decades of Ruger's reliability engineering applied to a traditionally styled single-action.
What is the Ruger Single-Nine used for?
The Ruger Single-Nine is used for small-game hunting, extended rimfire target practice, and introductory single-action training, achieving a practical balance between capacity and handling. Its 39-ounce weight and 6.5-inch barrel provide a stable platform for precision shots on varmints like prairie dogs out to 75 yards, where the .22 WMR cartridge retains enough energy for clean kills. The nine-round cylinder lets a hunter or plinker stay on target longer than the typical six-round .22 revolver, reducing reload frequency by a third during a session.
How does the Ruger Single-Nine compare to the Heritage Rough Rider?
The Ruger Single-Nine is mechanically superior in durability and safety to the budget Heritage Rough Rider, justifying its higher price point for serious use. Where the Single-Nine uses a forged stainless steel frame and transfer-bar firing system that prevents accidental discharge if dropped, the Rough Rider employs a cast alloy frame and requires manual safety engagement between shots. For a shooter who values a lifetime of service over initial cost savings, the Ruger's construction is preferable, as testing shows its cylinder lock-up remains tight after 10,000 rounds, while the Rough Rider's may show timing wear earlier.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger Single-Nine weighs 39 ounces unloaded and measures 12 inches in overall length with a cylinder diameter of 1.6 inches. The 39-ounce heft—significantly more than a polymer-framed semi-auto like the the Stevens 334 Rifle—distributes recoil noticeably well, turning the .22 WMR's sharp report into a manageable push. The 12-inch length provides a 9.5-inch sight radius between the fiber-optic front and rear blades, optimizing for precise off-hand shooting without becoming unwieldy in a field holster.
Who is this NOT for?
The Ruger Single-Nine is not for a shooter seeking rapid defensive capability or a first-time buyer on a tight budget. Its single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a deliberate process unsuitable for defensive scenarios where split-second engagement is critical. Additionally, its $726.99 price tag places it in a category above entry-level rimfire revolvers, making it a poor choice over more utilitarian options like a .22 LR semi-automatic rifle for pure plinking economy.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you receive the revolver, a single nine-round cylinder, the owner's manual, and a Ruger security lock, with no additional included accessories. The cylinder is pre-installed and headspaced at the factory, ready for immediate use without the tool-free interchangeability found on some convertible .22 LR/.22 WMR models. This keeps the initial cost focused on the primary chambering, though aftermarket cylinders are available from Ruger for approximately $120 if you wish to add .22 LR capability later.
Is the Ruger Single-Nine worth it at $726.99?
The Ruger Single-Nine is worth its $726.99 price for a shooter who values stainless steel durability, higher rimfire capacity, and traditional single-action mechanics for hunting or disciplined practice. You are paying for a cold hammer-forged barrel that will maintain accuracy longer than a button-rifled alternative and a transfer-bar safety system that meets modern handling standards without compromising the classic feel. Compared to allocating funds toward a dedicated sporting Stevens 555 review, this revolver offers a different kind of precision tool for the rimfire enthusiast who appreciates mechanical simplicity and longevity.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 9-round cylinder capacity — 50% more than standard 6-shot .22 revolvers
- Cold hammer-forged 6.5" stainless barrel — ensures consistent rifling and extended accuracy life
- Satin stainless steel construction — 39-ounce weight dampens .22 WMR's snappy recoil
- Williams adjustable fiber-optic sights — provide a 9.5" sight radius for precise off-hand shooting
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking for every shot, unsuitable for defensive use
- Non-convertible cylinder out of the box — adding .22 LR capability requires a $120+ factory cylinder
- 12" overall length — may be cumbersome for shooters accustomed to compact 4" revolvers
Key attributes
| upc | 736676081509 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 8150 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 6.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 14.6500 |
| model | Single-Six |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.25 |
| sights | Williams Adj Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, the Ruger Single-Nine is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and cannot safely fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Attempting to fire .22 LR in this cylinder will result in improper headspacing and dangerous pressure issues. For a convertible option, you would need to purchase an additional, factory-fitted .22 LR cylinder direct from Ruger.
- Does it fit standard single-action holsters?
- Yes, the Single-Nine's frame dimensions are based on Ruger's large-frame single-action platform and will fit most generic holsters designed for a 6.5-inch barreled Blackhawk or Vaquero. The 1.6-inch cylinder width may require slight stretching in some rigid leather designs, but common models from Simply Rugged or El Paso Saddlery accommodate it without modification.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to your local FFL from Ironclad Armory typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items after payment verification and compliance checks are complete. All firearms shipments require a valid copy of your dealer's license on file before processing, which can add 24-48 hours to the initial timeline if not pre-provided.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to non-licensees once the transfer has been completed at your FFL. If there is a verifiable manufacturer defect, Ironclad Armory will facilitate a direct warranty repair or replacement with Ruger, but you cannot return the firearm simply because it does not fit your hand or meet expectations. We recommend handling one at a local range before purchasing.