22 LR had a 5 1/2-inch barrel, and 4 5/8, 6½ and 9½-inch models were later added. 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.
