Ruger Wrangler: A Popular Rimfire Revolver for Those on a Budget

by
posted on June 23, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wrangler.jpg

Ruger has been producing rugged and reliable firearms that perform since 1949, and its Single-Six Revolver—first introduced in 1953 and now offered in a “New” version—puts the company’s craftsmanship and quality on full display. To provide even more enthusiasts a chance to savor the single-action wheelgun experience, the company introduced the budget-minded .22 LR-chambered Ruger Wrangler in 2019.

B. Gil Horman gave one a test ride last year for American Rifleman and concluded, “Now .22 LR enthusiasts who have little or no experience with single-action revolvers can give them a try without having to spend two or three times more than they would for a pistol. Best yet, they don’t have to sacrifice the product quality and customer service that Ruger provides.”

It's that kind of glowing praise the helped the Single-Six Revolver claimed third-place honors among the revolvers sold by retailers using the services of Gunbroker.com last year. Figures aren’t available through other outlets or wholesalers, but there’s no doubt the firearm is a favorite among enthusiasts who want a reliable gun, one with Old West Style.

Horman’s writeup provides a close look at the construction, performance and specifications. It’s well worth a read, but here are a few details that should pique any gun owner’s interest. The three versions available are all chambered in .22 LR, share identical specifications, but come in either a black Cerakote, silver Cerakote or burnt bronze Cerakote finish.

The single actions have cylinders capable of holding six cartridges and barrels are 4.62 inches long. Weight comes in at 30 ounces and overall length is 10 1/4 inches. The synthetic grips are “checkered” in the classic Single Six pattern and a transfer bar mechanism enhances safety. Best of all, they’re Rugers with an MSRP of only $249.

 

Latest

Icarry Springfield Sa35 Polished 1
Icarry Springfield Sa35 Polished 1

I Carry: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished in a Falco C631 Gorham Holster

In our latest episode of "I Carry" above, we're taking a closer look at the details of the new Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished, and we're packaging it with a high-quality leather holster from Falco Holsters, along with a new EDC knife from Work Sharp.

ATF Suffers Major Cybersecurity Incident

On Aug. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that an outside group had breached its systems in what it termed a "major incident."

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 28, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Conversation About Gun-Making in America

Recently, a paper titled “The American Tradition of Self-Made Arms" written by Joe Greenlee, director of NRA-ILA's Office of Litigation Counsel,was cited by a court in an important ruling on frame-or-receiver litigation.

The Model 87 Ultra Special: A Rare Survivor of Ithaca's Final Gamble

In the spring of 1990, an 18-year-old received a shotgun he didn't order. The Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special he got instead was the last gasp of one of America's most iconic shotgun makers.

As Gun Sales Stay High, Violent Crime Hits a Historic Low

According to a recent report from the FBI on national crime statistics, violent crime has decreased 9.3 percent from 2024, marking the largest year-to-year drop since the 1930s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.