Just thought I would talk about myself and my like of Ruger. Been a fanboy of Ruger for a long time. The first handguns I shot were Rugers, a Single Six and a Blackhawk. You know what they say about first impressions! Also, I am a very big fan of single shots, instilled in me by my father and grandfather long ago. I would be given five 22 shorts and an old Revelation rifle. If I came back with 3 squirrels and one cartridge, I would be given a spanking for being disrespecting of the game animal and being wasteful. I learned to be sure of my shot!
Anyway, my first rifle was going to be the Ruger #3 in 22 Hornet. Alas, I could not afford it. Got a Harrington & Richardson in its place. My 2nd and 3rd was to be #3's in 30/40 and 45-70. Again, H&R would be the choice, only I had to settle for 30/30 and 45-70. When I bought my home and wanted a handgun for the house, the N.E.F. R73 was the choice (Harrington & Richardson had gone out of business and NEF bought the rights). At this time I had became interested hunting with handguns and the N.E.F. R92 had caught my eye. I saved up for it and when I went to the shop to purchase it, I changed my mind and bought a Ruger MKII.
Finally I had a Ruger! And it was as good as the first ones I had shot. It was also the first semi automatic and the only Ruger I would own for a long time. My only regret was that I wished I had bought the Single Six. I didn't because at the time North Carolina only allowed hunting with a 22 rimfire with at least a six inch barrel, and no longer that 7 1/2 inches on game lands. The only single six they had,had a barrel that was too long.
About 2 years ago, the bait and tackle shop I frequent had a Ruger Charger new in box. I thought what a great squirrel gun, my second Ruger. (They came out with the second generation Charger a few months after I purchased mine, but that's OK, I like the wood stock on the first generation better.) And not long after that I made the mistake of holding a LCRX3 in my hands. What a great carry! My 3rd Ruger.
Last week I was back in the bait and tackle shop when they were showing a 5 1/2 inch Single Six Convertable in stainless steel to a customer. $499 out the door price. It did not sell, I thought it was a good price and when the clerk was putting it back up, I stopped him. Finally, some 35 years after I bought the MKII, I have my single six!
My only regret now? They don't make the #3 anymore.