We reviewed the Ruger Single-Ten revolver here back in July of 2011. It proved to be a reliable, accurate single-action revolver, and I expected nothing less from the new Ruger Single-Nine; a nine-shot 22 Magnum version of the Single-Ten. The 22 Magnum is one of my all-time favorite cartridges, and I am glad that Ruger has added the cartridge to the latest and best version of their excellent single-action rimfire revolvers.

The cylinder is non-fluted on the Single-Nine, and the bolt drops cleanly into the lead of the bolt notches in the cylinder, eliminating the familiar drag line that circles most every Ruger single action revolver ever built. I really like the thinner profile Gunfighter grips on the Single-Nine. They are like those on the Single-Ten, and to me, they are much more natural-pointing than the traditional flared grips used on the Single-Six revolvers. I prefer Gunfighter style grips on my single actions, and the laminated wood Gunfighter grips on this Single-Nine fit my hand very well. Between the two grip panels is an aluminum sleeve through which the grip screw passes, eliminating the possibility of over-tightening the grip screw and either damaging the wood or pulling the nut from the opposite grip panel. Good idea. The reddish hue of the grips contrasts nicely with the satin stainless revolver. The overall appearance of the Single-Nine is very pleasing to my eyes, and Ruger did an outstanding job of fitting the grip frame to the cylinder frame on my sample, as they did on the Single-Ten

The Single-Nine is built primarily of stainless steel. The entire weapon is very well-fitted, and wears a satin finish throughout. The sights are a matte black, with the rear being fully adjustable. The rear sight blade is different than those found on other Ruger single action revolvers. The rear face of the blade is slightly angled, is serrated, and wears a square notch, matching the square post front for accurate target work. In addition, the front wears a single fiber-optic rod, presenting a sight picture of a black square post with a green dot insert. The rear is a black steel blade with a square notch and two green fiber-optic dots, set into an aluminum base. The fiber-optic rods gather light for a better sight picture in low light or against a dark background. The aluminum front sight blade and base is a one-piece unit, attached to the barrel with a single screw. This new Ruger sight arrangement gives the shooter the best of both worlds; a good square sight picture for paper-punching, and the fiber-optics for hunting and field use. Very well done.

Specifications are listed in the chart below, along with the specs for the Single-Ten for comparison. Weight is listed in ounces. Trigger pull is listed as pounds of pressure. Linear measurements are listed in inches. The cylinder length does not include the ratchet nor the integral bushing. Height includes the sights, with the rear set at its medium adjustment.

Accuracy was excellent from the new Single-Nine revolver. The largest group fired, with any of the ammunition, still measured well-under under two inches at twenty-five yards. Reliability was perfect. Every cartridge fired, and ejection was easy, with no signs of stickiness at all. The Ruger Single-Nine is a dandy revolver, with all of the great features of the Single-Ten, but firing the more-powerful 22 Magnum cartridge. Like all Ruger firearms, the Single Nine is built in the USA.

Check out the new Ruger Single-Ten online at www.ruger.com.