The Ruger Single-Six Revolver has been around since 1953. Since then, there have been a multitude of different models of this handy small-framed single action. It was on a Ruger Single-Six 22 that I first learned how to shoot a handgun and I suspect that is the case for a lot of people. A couple of years ago Ruger came out with a special model of this wheel gun as an exclusive for one of their distributors. This version is called the Single-Seven and it is chambered in .327 Federal Magnum.
The Ruger .327 Single-Seven.
What the heck is .327?
“.327? Don’t you mean .357?” This was said to me at the range one day while I was working on this review. It was also repeated multiple times by employees in gun shops while I was searching for ammo. Even though the .327 was released a decade ago, there are a lot of shooters that are not familiar with this little cartridge. So, in case this one is new to you too, let us take a quick look at the development and the idea behind the .327 Federal Magnum.
The .32 caliber is nothing new. Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester were making firearms in .32 back in the 19th century. The 32-20 Winchester even had a song about it by the infamous bluesman Robert Johnson. The first pistol cartridge that John Browning designed was the 32 ACP. Until the advent of the .327, the most powerful .32 handgun cartridge was the .32 H&R Magnum. The H&R was designed to be used in small revolvers and provide 38 Special-like energy. The idea being that you could get six rounds in the same sized cylinder that would only hold five .38s. The .327 Federal Magnum has the same basic concept of the .32 H&R but increases the performance closer to that of the .357. You can also see where they came up with the idea of calling it the .327.
Buffalo Bore and Jamison Brass and Ammo both make .327.
Federal Cartridge and Ruger developed the .327 in 2007-08 from the .32 H&R case. The case length of the .327 is a 1/8 th of an inch longer and has a strengthened web, thicker case walls and uses different heat treatment and case material. This all allows for higher pressures and velocities. According to SAAMI, the .327 has about a 400-500 fps advantage over the .32 H&R depending on bullet weight. There are also heavier bullets available for the .327.
One other thing to note: none of the .32s are actually .32 in size. They are actually .312. Of course, a .38 isn’t really a .38 either.
Lipsey’s Dealer Exclusive
Lipsey’s and Ruger have been teaming up for some special editions for a number of years now. If you are not familiar with the name Lipsey’s, they are a firearms wholesaler based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If you take a look through Ruger’s Catalog you will find a version or two of just about every gun they make that has an exclusive for Lipsey’s. That is what this Single-Seven is. Here are some specs on the review gun:
- ACTION: Single Action
- FINISH: Satin Blue
- FRAME: Steel Frame with Aluminum Grip Frame
- STOCK/GRIPS: Black Micarta
- WEIGHT: 31 oz.
- CALIBER: 327 Federal Magnum Can also fire 32H&R Mag, 32 S&W Long, and 32 S&W
- CAPACITY: 7
- BARREL: 4-5/8″
- RATE-OF-TWIST: 1-in-16
- SIGHTS: XS Front Sight/Adjustable Rear
- SAFETY: Transfer Bar
This Single-Seven is a Dealer Exclusive to Lipsey’s.
Sights
The front sight on this revolver is a bit different from what you typically find on a factory Ruger. It is made by XS Sights and is essentially a tall post with a big white dot. This is not a glowing night sight, but the brightness of the white dot will make it easy to pick up in low light. Another thing about the sight is that it sits a bit higher than a factory sight. Out of the box, the review gun was shooting about 2 inches high from 50 feet. The windage was fine, just the elevation. This is nothing that a little adjustment can’t fix.
The big white dot is easy to pick up.
Fit & Finish
This is a good-looking revolver. The black grips match pretty closely to the frame and barrel of the Ruger. As with most of the aluminum grip frames, the color of it is a little lighter than the bluing of the steel parts. Not really a big deal, but it is always something I notice. I do really like the contrast of the bright metal on the sides of the hammer and the trigger.
The grips feel very good in my hands. That is one of the things I really like about the Ruger Single-Six sized revolvers. They are a bit smaller than their Blackhawk counterparts, but not so small that they are hard to get a good grip on. The finish on the grips is a matte. It is a bit slick and could pose a bit of an issue with wet hands. Of course, if this is something that is easily changed if you are so inclined.
You can see the slightly different shade of black on the grip frame. The matte black on the grips is a nice touch.
The cylinder is tight and has very little back and forth play. The timing is correct and the lockup is solid. The action is smooth, especially for a new revolver that has not been cycled a lot or had an action job on it. That is not to say that a little bit of polishing on the internals wouldn’t make it even smoother. The trigger broke cleanly and with little to no creep at just over 4 pounds.
Shooting
This is a fun wheel gun to shoot. Even with the hottest .327 ammo I could find, the recoil is still very mild and manageable. I think the closest comparison I can think of in regards to the recoil is that of a 22 Magnum. It is a bit more than that, but far less than even a .38 Special or a 9mm. I also had a box of .32 Smith and Wesson Long. The recoil from the smaller cartridge was more in line with a 22 LR.
3 rounds in hand from 25 feet.
I had zero failures of any kind with the Ruger Single-Seven. Granted, this is a single-action revolver and they are just about as reliable as it gets. I was able to consistently get 1-inch groups from 50 feet off a bench. They did open up with shooting off hand, but that is me not the gun.
Data and Ammo
I wanted to chronograph the different ammo I was able to find for the .327. The “able to find” is a key point here. I checked at a couple of the “big-box” retailers in town for .327 on the shelf. There was zero to be found. When I finally located a store worker that had at least heard of a .327, I was told they had not had any in a year or so. Luckily one of the well stocked local gun shops did have two different offerings in this caliber along with some 32 S&W Long. I bought all of the .327 they had, which was 5 boxes in total. So if you are looking at a .327, be advised that ammo is not super easy to find. It does appear to be in stock at most of the online retailers.
The ammo I did find was from Buffalo Bore and Jamison Brass and Ammunition. The Buffalo Bore was the hottest of the two. It was loaded with 130-grain hard cast Keith SWC. The Buffalo Bore box stated 1300 fps, I recorded closer to 1500.
Buffalo Bore.
The Jamison was loaded with a 78-grain round nosed. They claimed 1350 fps, and I found them to be pretty close with a 5-round average of 1290.
Jamison Brass and Ammunition.
The Aguila .32 Smith and Wesson Long was loaded with a 98-grain round nose. I recorded about 550 fps with these.
The .32 S&W Long is a bit of a slacker.
Thoughts and Opinion
This is a well-made revolver. It simply works. Simply. That is the great thing about single-action revolvers, they are simple. More often than not, it is the simple things that work the best. A trusty single-action revolver is my number one choice for a sidearm in bear country as they tend to work in the harshest of conditions when your life might depend on it. But in bear country, I would not choose the .327 — you need a bit more power and penetration for that application.
There are two main reasons I do think the .327 has a place and is relevant. First, it is fairly powerful and you can get an extra round over a .38 or .357 in the same sized revolver. The review gun holds 7 rounds. Ruger also makes these in their light-weight concealed carry LCR with a six-round count. That extra round can be a big deal if your life was on the line.
The other reason is the mild recoil. This would make a very solid choice for someone who is recoil sensitive. One of the worst things you can have is a carry gun that the user is afraid to shoot. A revolver with mild recoil sending a 130-grain projectile at around 1,500 fps is nothing to sneeze at.
Visit Ruger to learn more about the Single-Seven chambered in .327 HERE.
.327 Fed Mag is “da bomb”. A highly overlooked and under appreciated cartridge.
Ok
I recently got my 4.62 inch stainless single seven. I found a good load for it. Hornady 100 grain XTP bullet over 5.1 grains of Titegroup powder. I received a new catalog from a retailer I normally order from and they did not list any 327 federal brass and 32 caliber bullets were limited too. I panicked and ordered brass directly from the manufacturer. I think the 327 federal is a very useful cartridge but I help but feel its headed for the grave.
The shallow V rear sight with the big dot front sight is fine for a self defense gun. I have that set up on one of my Bowen custom Rugers I use for bear protection. Great sight for fast up close work but they are not conducive to fine shooting at long ranges. This gun, at least for me would be a dandy varmint in the garden gun and general purpose farm gun. A 22 mag with way more womp if you will. My shooting needs would be 50 to 100 yards and Ruger original factory sights would be much better for me. Is the front sight blade changeable like on my Bowen?
I have read that it has a very sharp and unpleasant report. Any comment?
Great reviews but what does it cost?
This is a very confusing article, I’m thinking on buying the Kel-Tec 22 Mag semi. Auto pistol and I’m totally new to guns or rifles. I am fairly new to the smaller cal. I have a Ruger 22 rifle and a 7 shot wheel gun pistol. I’m now into the magnum 22 soon,like later this week! I would like to know more about these sizes of bullets! I this new Rugar a 22 or not?
No, it is not a .22 LR revolver.
It IS built on the Ruger Single-Six frame (which was originally and currently made in .22 LR), but is chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge.
You may be interested in:
– Ruger Super Single-six : six shot cylinders, one in .22 LR & one in .22 Magnum.
– Ruger Single-Nine : nine shot, .22 Magnum
– Ruger Single-Ten : ten shot, .22 LR
I would like to find one of these with a 6 1/2 inch barrel.
Alas. They come in 5.5 inch, and 7.5 inch., a 5.5 inch Bisley, and even a 3.5 inch bird’s head. Some are stainless, and the sight picture might be different. But I can’t find one in 6.5 inch.
Timely article:)
Ive been thinking on getting the Springfield 3″ 1911 in .9m & the Ruger. 9m PC Rifle. Was thinking that the Carbine in .9m would be accurate at 200yrds & still hit hard enough, just for plunking & self Defense.
LMK what you think.:)
Sheldon
Correction: the grips and grip frames on the New Model Single -Six and Single-Seven are identical.
No mention of stainless version. Have had one (6 1/2 in. barrel) for a couple of years and have shot everything through it, including 32 ACP(32ACP not very accurate thru mine). Pleasant to shoot with highest velocity 327 ammo. Federal, Am. Eagle, is the least expensive 327 ammo per round, (100gr. jacketed HP). Very accurate w/327 ammo.
With Federal factory 100gr SP, I get 1600fps from a 4 5/8″ Single Seven; 1550fps from the 7.5″ Single Seven; 2241fps from the 20″ Marlin 1894CB rechambered by Ranger Point Precision. Haven’t chrono’d the 3 1/2″ Birdshead Single Seven yet. The .327 has been my EDC for some years now. A bullet caster and hand loader’s dream, I rarely shoot anything else anymore. .327 does it all.
What can this ctg. do that a 32./20 can’t do?
Well you really can’t push a 32-20 to the same velocities safely and you surely won’t find factory 32-20 with these kinds of vels. And as far as reloading…this one is much easier and the cases last pretty well, Then the 327 will shoot all the 32 ammo out there….mine will even shoot 32 ACP. It is a fun cartridge and so is the 32 H&R as well as the 32 Long just for target and plinking . I am even thinking of cutting the chambers out in my S&W 16-4 32 mag so I can shoot this round in it. It also shoots the 32 ACP just fine. I do like the 327 but must admit it IS a niche cartridge. My wife likes it too. One caveat,,,,it is loud… somewhat like a 357 mag. ear plugs and muffs help
“. I checked at a couple of the “big-box” retailers in town for .327 on the shelf.” Mr Gun Writer go to a real gun shop not Wal Mart .my local shop stocks it and he’s a small dealer. if he out he can have it for me next ammo run at the end of the week ~ “big-box” retailers aren’t gun friendly businesses
Got one of their fist runs with the Rosewood grips to go with my Henry Big Boy ,Love it to death /those passing on the 327 Fed Mag are missing fine cartridge . in the Henry they are getting 2000 fps ,that’s a short range deer gun .I also have the LCR & a taurus snubbie in the 327 Fed mag. a good carry pc also
A .38 Special / 9mm version would be more appealing, (ammo cost and performance), even if it meant going to six, or even five rounds. The Blackhawk is a great gun, but it’s huge. The Single Six is trimmer and handles better. The steel frame Single Six is really way overbuilt for a .22 LR. Hope we see Ruger offering it in more centerfire rounds.
Ammo cost it less than 38spl my shop gets me 327 Fed Mag for under $20.00 & figure you can shoot all the 32 calibers in it.