Why 2 cylinders with Ruger Single Six?

[dorm]

A buddy of mine is looking at getting a Single Six and asked me why there are two cylinders with it. We know that one is for .22 LR and one for .22 mag but we were thinking that since a .357 can accommodate the shorter 38's, why can't the .22 mag cylinder accommodate the shorter .22 LR's. Is there a spacing issue or something of that nature?

I know that this might sound like a newbie question but I don't know the techie specs behind it to answer it. Help?

dorm

 

[Big JD-From the hills]

The .22mags brass is a few thousands oversize. Basicaly the .22lr case is the same diameter as the bullets, 22mag is like a .38 case, with the bullet inside the brass.

 

[NAA]

Yeah, not a good idea to shoot the .22lr in the .22 mag cylinder...

 

[ben hunchak]

The .22lr. uses a heeled bullet, which allows the use of a bullet the same size as the case, the .22Mag does not.

 

[dorm]

Thanks, guys. That covers it pretty well.

 

[thebaron]

Wow, you learn something new every day!