The Light Weight was dropped from Ruger’s advertisements by the end of 1957. Only a limited number shipped in 1958, and the aluminum cylinder was no longer available. When the last of the Light Weights shipped in August 1958, the serial number had reached 212530.

Although the Light Weight was in production for less than three years, more than 225 “Tri-Color” and less than a dozen blue-black, flawed cylinder frames were removed from the production line. These frames were structurally sound but showed minor visual defects in finish, usually small splotches and/or light spots. Some of the black frames had not been drilled and tapped for the setscrew for tightening the rear sight. In the mid-1960s these frames were brought back into production, using current parts, and marketed through Ruger distributors as seconds. The letter “S”—for second—was stamped on each cylinder frame at the Ruger factory. Ruger redesigned the grip frame in 1962. The new XR3 RED grip frame, standard for the “S”-marked Light Weight, is a little larger than the original. Stocks for this frame were oil-finished walnut, and cylinders were blued steel. Though a greater number was shipped with the contoured loading gate, examples with the flat loading gate were also produced. None was shipped as a convertible with the extra cylinder in .22 Mag., and barrel length for this model was 45/8 inches.

The Single-Six Light Weight is one of the most sought after single-action revolvers ever produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. It was an economically priced .22 sporting handgun, an affordable piece one might carry in his tackle box or afield in a holster, making examples in excellent condition very rare. In fact, a pair of the original hard rubber stocks, in today’s market, will cost you more than the original price of the gun.

Major Variations of the Single-Six Light Weight:

Tri-Color
Serial number range: 200000 to approximately 205200.
Black hard rubber stocks.
Flat loading gate and small, serrated ejector rod head (earliest variation).
Contoured gate and larger, dimpled ejector rod head (changes just prior to the natural anodized finish being phased out).
Aluminum cylinder with Martin Hard Coat finish.
Catalog designation: LWAC.

All Blue, Aluminum Cylinder
Serial number range: approximately 205200 to 207250.
Black hard rubber stocks.
Contoured gate and larger ejector rod head.
Aluminum cylinder.
Aluminum parts anodized blue-black.
Catalog designation: LWAC

All Blue, Steel Cylinder
Serial number range: approximately 207250 to 212530
Black hard rubber stocks.
Contoured gate and larger ejector rod head.
Steel cylinder.
Aluminum parts anodized blue-black.
Catalog designation: LWSC

Factory Second
Serial number range: random
Oil-finish walnut grip panels
Steel cylinder
Aluminum ejector housing standard on this model
Stamped with the letter “S” at the Ruger factory. Contact Ruger for verification. “S” may be stamped at front of trigger guard or appear as a suffix to the serial number
Catalog number: LWSC