First Look: Ruger's New Single Seven

by
posted on February 24, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rugerseven.jpg

You don't always need a monster magnum for handgun hunting. Big bores create big holes, but in game ranging from jack rabbits through small deer, smaller wound channels and reduced recoil are much appreciated. Such are the characteristics of Federal's 327 Magnum with its .31 caliber bullets ranging in weight from 60 to 115 grains. AndRuger's new Single Seven is the perfectly sized single action revolver for taking the 327 afield. Here are three things you need to know.

1. It has the same frame and lock work as Ruger's .22 caliber Model Single Six. 
That said, the Single Seven's cylinder now holds 7 rounds of either 327 Magnum or 32 H&R Magnum. Much like the 357/38 Special combination revolvers, the 327/32 Magnum handles both short and long cases that allow you to choose a level of performance commensurate with the game you're hunting. And while recoil isn't at all abusive in the larger 327 loads, it's still more pleasant and economical to practice (and hunt) with the smaller 32 Mag when appropriate.

2. The Single Seven is the classic .22 Ruger. 
With the exception of larger holes in the barrel and cylinder, that is. For now at least, it is only available in stainless steel. Good news is that all 3 "classic" barrel lengths are available: 4.75, 5.5, and 7.5 inches. During some very brief range time, I was able to shoot all 3. My quick conclusion is that the 7.5 inch barrel had slightly more muzzle flip with the more powerful 327 loads while the 4.75 inch was easiest to carry. The 5.5 inch was a compromise but felt more like the 4.75 barrel. Advantage of sight radius goes to the longest barrel although all models have the adjustable black Ruger single action revolver sights that are quite good for daylight hunting.

3. The variety of factory ammo is excellent. 
Cast and jacketed hollow point 32 Mag. loads are available from Black Hills and Double Tap while Hornady offers their Critical Defense FTX bullet load. More powerful 327 Magnum loads come from Federal (jacketed hollow points) and Double Tap (both JHPs and heavier 115 grain hard cast solids.) Depending on barrel length, you can get anywhere from 800 to 1600 feet per second.

My only outing with the 327 was a 2-day javelina hunt, which proved unsuccessful due to the diminishing field skills of "Hawkeye Williams" rather than any failure of weapon or ammo. Hopefully the short barrel Ruger will have an opportunity for one of Texas's smaller exotics later this year.

Latest

Lead Photo 02
Lead Photo 02

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.