The popularity of TV Westerns continued through the ‘50s and peaked in 1959, when an amazing eight out of the 10 most popular programs were Westerns. It would be 25 years before Colt returned to the single-action market, and by that time Ruger would be well positioned as the leader in the field.

Based on the popularity of Westerns on the TV screen and in motion pictures, Ruger decided to develop an updated and improved version of the single-action revolver. In fact, an official announcement from Colt several years earlier had stated there would not be a post-war Colt SAA. Colt had ceased production of the Single Action Army at the beginning of World War II and there was no indication that it would be back anytime soon. Find Out More About Ruger Firearmsīill Ruger, who had always been a fan of the classic Colt, saw an opportunity. By far the most frequently seen models were single-action revolvers, most of them patterned after the Colt Single Action Army. A common thread in these shows was the type of handguns used by both good guys and bad guys. Black and white TV screens were lighting up America’s living rooms every night, and some of the most popular programs were Westerns. The new medium of television was growing rapidly. Bill Ruger’s company was profitable and becoming well established in the industry, and he was anxious to expand his product line. The advent of the transfer bar safety made carrying a fully loaded Ruger Single Six a reality.The main difference between the ‘Old' and ‘New' model Ruger Single Six was only safe to carry the old with the hammer down on an empty chamber.22 LR had a 5 1/2-inch barrel, and 4 5/8, 6½ and 9½-inch models were later added. Given Colt discontinuing the SAA, the revolver gained a foothold.The Ruger Single Six was inspired by the popularity of TV and movie Westerns in the 1950s.How Did The Ruger Single Six Become An American Icon: A gun inspired by the classic Western TV shows of the 1950s that were dominating the family room of nearly every home in America, the Ruger Single Six has gone on to become the stuff of legend. For its first several years, the Single Six had what was known as a “flat loading gate” on the side of the receiver.

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