I acquired this gun from a friend of mine. It is my ONLY non S&W handgun.

It had a rough life, sort of a junk yard dog. Spent most of its 32 years in a semi. My guess would be jammed between the bulkhead and the bunk for quick access. It has been abused, but not fired much. Everything is tight as new.

Here are some pics from just after I started, to finish. My only regret is I didn't take a picture before I started, only after I got rolling. Started about the 1st week in April, and just finished officially this morning. A little time here and there.

I have no experience with refinishing, but what the heck, I gave it a try. I figured, if I couldn't make it look pretty, it still would shoot like h*ll!!!

I won't post many pics, (to save room here) but I think if you click on a picture, it will take you to photo bucket and you can see the total progress. All my pictures are public.

Thanks for checking it out.

Chuck

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I had one that I bought at a pawn shop a few years back for $125. It wasn't quite as rough as that one, but close. I spot refinished it with cold blue and got it looking presentable. I did a trigger job with some new springs and a little polishing. At the time I was competing in steel plate matches pretty regularly. Long story short, I ended up shooting the ugly duckling in a match and bested my previous low score by more than 1 second. 5 random sized plates at random distance, starting from low ready in 2.8X seconds. I was later offered about 3X what I had in the gun and I foolishly sold it. Yours looks really nice. I didn't have he patience to do that nice a job. What kind of blueing did you use ?

Looks very presentable now that it's cleaned up. Good job!

Looks about 400% better--damn nice work.

Makes me miss the very surface-worn Security Six I foolishly sold years ago.

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Oh well, what the hell.

You did one heck of a job on saving that gun. Those old Sixes are solid guns that the new models can't hold a candle to. You can research your born date on the Ruger web site. Congrats on a great job.

Jan 76 Security Six


1982 Speed Six 9mm

I really hate to see a good gun in that condition. You did a really good job bringing the old boy back to a decent appearance.

Great shooting! The ugly duck is usually the one to take home from the bar!!!
I don't shoot competitive, but the price was right and I don't have a .357. I hated to see it like that, so I wasn't going to make it any worse. I just kept it in my toolbox in my garage, and when the women in the house got to much, I just went out to the work bench and put in the time.

You won't believe it, I used Birch-wood Casey's cold blue kit. I looked up some video on you tube and just followed the directions included in the kit. I did file/sand more than the instructions said. Most of the prep was in my head before hand, then when I was satisfied, I followed the instructions. Go figure? I could always try again with something else if it didn't work out. The only thing I found to help it along was to use 0000 steel wool between bluing coats. It helped it be more uniform as the steel is old and probably more porous in some places than others.

Thank you Sir. I have done that, and the serial # puts it between late '81, early '82. That's a beauty you have there!

You have the same sights I do. I wonder if they were an upgrade, or just part of the Security Six line?

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looks like a good job to me.
you've done wonders. I've got a somewhat distressed looking one too but not as bad as yours was.

Great Job! A good solid gun.

Although I'm a S&W man from way back I've owned 15 or more Rugers. Never had a bit of trouble with any. Wish I still had the standard model Red Eagle I bought in 1953.

Excellent job!

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John
S&WCA Life Member

You really brought that one back to life. It looks great.

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James
On the Llano Estacado

Thanks all! I'm still stunned at how well it turned out. I haven't even shot it yet. I'm starting to get itchy about getting to the range.

This thing is growing on me fast. I had to fondle it again today and rubbed some more Rem oil on it. Now might be a good time to try Frog Lube being this is an "experimental" gun!!!

Every time I think I have a favorite gun, a new one comes along to mix me up again.

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Found 158 gr. JHP in .357 mag. Going tomm, or next Sunday to range to sight her in. I removed the rear adjustable sight when I did the refinish.

Can't wait!!!

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There are no words, I am in absolute awe of how you revived that gun. One doesn't see many Ruger "-Six" revolvers on the used market; they must be good as those as has 'em, keeps 'em. I've never been a fan of the "worn finish = 'character'" concept, probably why I especially appreciate what you accomplished.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thank you Sir.

It is quite an honor to get the comments I have on such a great site. Especially from some of the "recognized" contributors (in my eye). I just did my homework and took my time. If it had been just a "worn finish", I don't know if I would have attempted this, but it was so beat up, I couldn't leave it like that.

Now, I think if I ever had to get rid of some inventory, this would be the last and I haven't even been to the range with it yet. So far I have been lucky and only added to my collection.

I don't see this one ever being "for sale" at any price. The more handle it, the more I like it.

Again, thanks for the kudos, and your service.

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Very nice work, you did a great job!

Those sights were standard on the Security Six, although I'm not sure about the red insert on the front sight.

EDIT: After doing some quick research, I see that the red insert was standard at some point, but I'm not sure if it was always so or if Ruger began to offer it in the revolver's later production years.

Watchdog, I'll look further to see what's up with that. I see them on Numrich's, even a PA trooper orange, red and regular orange? blued and stainless. Now I want to know.

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I'm now thinking the red insert came into play when Ruger began stamping its infamous "Read the Manual" on revolver barrels.

I know there is at least one Ruger guru on this forum, so maybe he'll see this thread and give us the info. It would be an interesting little tidbit of knowledge to have.

I have a 6" Security Six I bought new in 85 (161-03xxx) it has a red insert on the front sight. It has the "Read the Manual" stamped on the barrel.

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SWCA #2817

The security six is a great gun . I have 3 of them myself. two stainless 4" and a blue 4" . It's one of those guns that anytime you see one in a dealers display case, you buy it . They are well built, great looking revolvers that have yet to explode in price..but soon will .

Lewis

So it looks like "read the manual" may be the common denominator? I have had horrible luck perusing pawn shops for nice used guns. Me thinks I've been looking for the wrong guns. I think I'll start to broaden my scope and start looking for Ruger Six series. I may have passed up some already as I only look for S&W's.

bigmoneylewis, I think you are correct. Since I acquired this one, I have been watching, and the prices are starting to sneak up. These are a well kept secret.

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There are several on GB right now, including a stainless pre-warning 4-inch. It doesn't have factory stocks on it and it has a reserve that didn't get met first time around, so it's been relisted. I think there may be a Speed-Six or a Service-Six on there as well.

Oh, I gotta catch my breath 1st. Mommy ain't happy. 3 new, and 1 used gun in 1 year 8 months.
I'm gonna go peak over at GB anyway... (shh)

That don't mean I can't look at the pawn shops, now that I know what I'm after. Those 6's are in the back corner of the glass case cause no one wants 'em......

The warnings don't bother me, I can't see them from where I'm standing anyway!

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Wow. You are a Master!!!

Thank you. I'll look for more of your videos, great stuff.

Not really, just patient and very lucky. Hence the 4 months (a little at a time) filing and sanding.

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