In the September 2014 issue, we tested two Buntline-style long-barrel revolvers.
They were the Ruger New Model Single-Six Convertible #0624 22 LR/22 WMR, $569; and the Heritage Mfg. Rough Rider Combo #RR22MB9 22 LR/22 WMR, $230
Ned Buntline, from whom the revolver gets its name, was a dime novelist who penned Western sagas about cowboys, outlaws, and other gunfighters.
There’s no need to rest the hammer on a empty chamber as the New Model Single Six has a transfer bar built in that avoids accidental discharge if the revolver is dropped with a round under the hammer.
Swapping cylinders required the user to open the loading gate, press the base pin button, and pull the base pin free from the frame. The cylinder would then drop out of the right side (loading gate side) of the revolver. This operation had no hitches and was fast and easy to execute.
Our Team Said: The Ruger was built better, in our estimation, which was reflected in the price. Our shooters said they would like Ruger to install a reverse indexing pawl like in the New Model Vaquero to make loading easier.
