Ruger Security Six

[oneflycowboy]

I just picked up this Ruger Security Six. I changed out the wood grips and installed some Hogue grips.

I wonder why Ruger stopped making the Security Six?

This 4 inch model weighs in at 33.5 oz's. It feels pretty good. I'm looking forward to some range time and will post a report thereafter.

Here are a few pics.

[19ontheslide]

I'd guess Ruger stopped the Six series of revolvers simply because the later GP-100s were quite a bit stronger from a mechanical standpoint. Still, there's no arguing that the Six series guns are fine revolvers. I keep hoping to run into a good deal on one myself.

[shouldazagged]

You'll like it. Wish I still had mine, but I let it get away many years ago.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by 19ontheslide

I'd guess Ruger stopped the Six series of revolvers simply because the later GP-100s were quite a bit stronger from a mechanical standpoint.

Can you expand on that a bit for me. I'm not sure how the BP-100 can be much stronger than the Six. Unless maybe it's made from some alien mega-metal from a planet in a galaxy far, far away.

In all seriousness, do you know of some area or part(s) that are stronger or better made in the 100? I've never fired one, but my Security-Six handles every ammo and situation with zero problems.

If you look at the Six's cylinder window and the upper half of the frame with the hammer, it looks almost like Ruger took it from the Super Blackhawk and morphed it into a DA revolver. All it needs is a plow handle grip and they'd be almost identical.

[Grayfox]

I keep saying it over and over. I truely believe the worst mistake Ruger ever made was discontinuing the "Six" Series revolvers. They were great guns, good size, accurate and strong as an ox.
To me the GP-100 is a clunky brick.
I have a 4" Security Six and have been keeping an eye out for a nice 2 3/4" gun.

[19ontheslide]

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

Can you expand on that a bit for me. I'm not sure how the BP-100 can be much stronger than the Six. Unless maybe it's made from some alien mega-metal from a planet in a galaxy far, far away.

In all seriousness, do you know of some area or part(s) that are stronger or better made in the 100? I've never fired one, but my Security-Six handles every ammo and situation with zero problems.

If you look at the Six's cylinder window and the upper half of the frame with the hammer, it looks almost like Ruger took it from the Super Blackhawk and morphed it into a DA revolver. All it needs is a plow handle grip and they'd be almost identical.

-- What I meant is that the GP-100 (and SP-101, Redhawk, and Super Redhawk while we're on the subject) utilize a different and stronger method to lock their cylinders into the gun's frame than on the Six series revolvers. The Six series is basically Ruger's beefed-up copy of a Smith and Wesson; the cylinder locks into the gun at the rear of the cylinder and the front of the ejector rod. The GP-100 locks at the rear of the cylinder and the front of the crane/yoke, utilizing a pivoting tab that locks into a groove cut into the frame. This later method is far and away stronger than the previous rear of cylinder and front of ejector rod system. All of this is no dig on the Six series guns or S&Ws; if the old method of locking in was that fragile we'd probably have heard about it by now. But it still remains that the GP-100 (and its modern brethren) are inherently stronger guns mechanically.

[BigBill]

I have two early sixes and my first 1976 is awesome. The second one I don't think was ever shot she looks like new about 6 years ago my lgs had it marked $199. Couldn't pass that up.

My S&W couldn't handle the stout loads that I put through my rugers. I'm not knocking my S&W for I like them too I just don't hammer them.

[k22fan]

Originally Posted by oneflycowboy

[...] I wonder why Ruger stopped making the Security Six? [...]

The main reason the Six Series was dropped was it costs less to manufacture a GP 100. A higher profit margin is the name of the game. Before writing the other big reason let me say I have a couple of Security Sixes and like them. Compared to 19s and 66s there are pros and cons. The Six series doesn’t have the stress riser on the bottom of their forcing cone so they don’t have the problem of cracking after firing large quantities of magnum cartridges. Their DA pull is darn near as good. They cost a lot less but the price was kept lower partly by giving up classy touches like wide hammer spurs and triggers and a gas ring. Ruger’s inability to wrestle a significant portion of the police and security market away from S&W was the other reason for replacing the Six Series. The then new 586 and 686 were being well received and to attract the same buyers Ruger copied their larger cylinder diameter and full lug.

The relative strength of the Six Series vs. GP100 is otherwise moot. Neither has any durability problems. L fames loosen up faster than either of them.

[BobC357]

I like my Security Six and it has been flawless over the years. I am not familiar with the issue with the stress riser and cracking after a lot of rounds. I've pumped over 100,000 magnum rounds through my Mod 28, an N frame, and it hasn't cracked. I usually only run 38 spl in the Security Six.

[gunnails]

I'm sitting here looking at the Security Six I just obtain as an early inheritance from my father and it appears to have three locking points for the cylinder? But maybe I am not understanding what I am seeing?

So Dad gave me a 150 series that I understand will not work with after market grips, does any one know if this is correct?

[k22fan]

BobC357,

Metal is removed from from the bottom of K frame barrels under the forcing cone to provide clearance for closing the yoke. That flat creates a stress riser. Only K frames have it and it is only significant when they are chambered for .357. IMO cracking isn't a significant risk until after erosion thins the forcing cone. Most owners never fire enough magnums to erode off the tooling marks left cutting the forcing cone.

Your 28 should last darn near forever.

[Andyd]

Like K22fan wrote, the Six-series are strong and fine revolvers. Ruger priced them to compete with S&W's appeal and market position and always claimed not to make any profit on them.

I have an older Service Six that I got when they were overlooked by the general public and have about $135 in the gun. I worked the internals over and rust blued it and it has by far the best action of my four Ruger D/A revolvers.

[k22fan]

Originally Posted by gunnails

[...] So Dad gave me a 150 series that I understand will not work with after market grips, does any one know if this is correct?

Most but not all 150 prefix Six Series revolvers have the original low back frames. Their frames are lower around the hammer, hence the name. Also the tops of their back straps slope forward but not as much as a plow handle single action. 151 and later prefix frames are shaped more like S&Ws and cover up more of the hammer. Some of the early modern shaped frames still received 150 prefixes but they are unusual. Herretts used to have different model letters for grips built for low backs and later Six Series revolvers.

BTW, low backs are worth more as collectors' items.

[robin990]

I prefer the Security Six to the Model 19......Somehow i got one with the smoothest and most perfect trigger ive ever felt. And don`t worry about durability , just don`t . The model 19 has better overall finish , but i have no complaints about the Rugers finish.

[gunnails]

Serial starts with a 150, is this a low back?

[k22fan]

Yup. It's a low back, and in nice shape too. Don't sell it cheap!

[gunnails]

Originally Posted by k22fan

Yup. It's a low back, and in nice shape too. Don't sell it cheap!

========================

It's an heirloom gun, some day to belong to my 2 year old grandson. Thanks for your help K22.

Sorry to barge in on your thread oneflycowboy.

[oneflycowboy]

Originally Posted by gunnails

========================

It's an heirloom gun, some day to belong to my 2 year old grandson. Thanks for your help K22.

Sorry to barge in on your thread oneflycowboy.

No problem at all. This is all good information.

[flundertaker]

I have a couple sixes and love them. My question is why do some have the recoil shield recessed on the right side and some do not?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[IraIII]

Ruger as Smith&Wesson made changes during runs of their fireams, and the never say never rule applies to them. The GP weighs 40 ounces plus, and the Security weighs 33 ounces roughly depending on barrel length. Not all GP's have the full underlug like the 686, I had an early half lug GP100 in 6 inch. Some security sixes had a cut under the barrel like the 19/66 Smith&Wesson revolvers do. Some have a scalloped recoil shield, some do not. The "low-back" security sixes have a different shape to the grip from later versions, sloping more from the hammer to the top of the grip panel, a "break" in the rear shape of the tang, and grip instead of a smoother rounded shape, and a long point on the rear of the lower grip/ tang. And lastly all Rugers do not follow the Security six is adj. sights square butt, service six fixed sights, square butt, speed six fixed sights round butt rule, the early fixed sight revolvers were marked security six.
Here are some pictures comparing the lo-back grips to the "normal" grips, my Gp100 half-lug, a comparison of two take off barrels from security sixes' also note the difference in barrel profile and rib width, and lastly my security six fixed sight 2 3/4 revolver. My security six had been bubbaed before I got it, they ground away the rear portion of the grip tang to make a "round" butt poorly, and added a HIViz sight. I smoothed the ground off grip, fitted the HiViz better, bobbed the hammer, and contoured the grips to match the frame. No collector value but I like it.
Ruger Compilation Slideshow by IraIII | Photobucket

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally Posted by k22fan

Don't sell it cheap!

Oh, I don't know - I have a 150 version (without the "Owner's Manual" engraved into the barrel), and was always told they commanded a premium when sold. Yet, mt experience has been that on the private sale market you'd be lucky to get anywhere from around $250.00 for it, and at gun stores, the polite gun store staff won't even make you an offer on it - either as trade stock, or for a cash sale. YMMV. I bought a 4.0 inch stainless steel version of the Security Six this year for what I consider an excellent price (I think I paid $320.00 plus tax), and it's my favorite 4.0 inch barreled .357 Magnum revolver.

Regards,

Dave

[Arik]

There is one sitting in my lgs. 3 inch barrel. Asking $450. I can't seem to justify that because I passed up the same gun a few months back for $375. It is really a good looking, good sized gun that I would use as a living room gun to replace my 36

[JohnK]

I had a Speed Six, with 2 3/4" barrel, stainless, that was my carry gun on the farm. I absolutely LOVED it.

It shot my everyday .38 Special 158 gr. SWCHP at about 900 fps, and #11 shot loads for the copperheads, and water mocs.

I was bush hogging one day, the paddle holster came apart, and the Speed Six was dismantled in such a way, as to bring tears to your eyes. As it was being digested by the rotary cutter, it even managed to fire a couple of times, but the heavy steel kept the HP inside the cutter.

I collected the parts I could find, but almost nothing was useable. I briefly thought of sending it in to Ruger, for a warranty repair, but concluded that even their generous repair policies would be stretched a bit.

I had a buddy with a sorry Security Six, that needed a new ejector rod, so something was recycled, at least.

Gotta find another, one of these days.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by gunnails

So Dad gave me a 150 series that I understand will not work with after market grips, does any one know if this is correct?

Some grip makers will specify whether their product will work with 150-series guns.

You can still find factory stocks for the Six-series, for both the 150 and 151 series. I found a pair of NIB factory targets for my 150-series Six. You just have to look for them. I had bought the gun used and it had a horrible looking pair of Pachs on it. The factory stocks look so much better.

[pmosley]

While I have a number of S&W revolvers in K and N frames, this one suffices for my L frame-sized fix for the time being.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418332775.083632.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[holo]

here is mine

[jtcarm]

I dunno why they quit.

Someone posted a "GP 100 or Sec Six" topic on another forum and the Security Six was hands-down favorite.

They seem to be a good value, so I guess I'd better snag one before they're "discovered" like the Model 19.

[Bugchucka]

The six has been at the top of my list for quite some time now...just not at the top I guess. I've watched them appreciate for about 5 years now and would say they're the best substitute going.

[Cooter Brown]

I've read in more than one place--take it for what it's worth--that Bill Ruger said the company never made a dime off the Security Six series.

It's a fine, functional gun. I had one for years, a blue four incher that I think was a security guard gun, carried a lot, not shot much. It had a fine trigger, a different feel than a Smith, but smooth in DA and crisp in SA.

A few months ago I gave it to my cousin's son, a fine lad who is nuts about guns and shooting and hunting--he reminds me of me when I was his age. He had done me a favor and I told him I had something for him--when he came to collect I gave him my reloading press and most everything he needs to reload except a scale (I kept that). After we packed all that in his truck I told him, "Oh yeah, take this too," and tossed him a pistol rug with the Six in it. When he opened it I thought he was gonna break into a series of backflips.

He's shot the heck out of it and carried it a lot since then. Calls to give me reports every now and again. So it's got a good home and I hope he wears the thing out, like I did my old 45 Colt Blackhawk.

[eveled]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

I keep saying it over and over. I truely believe the worst mistake Ruger ever made was discontinuing the "Six" Series revolvers. They were great guns, good size, accurate and strong as an ox.
To me the GP-100 is a clunky brick.
I have a 4" Security Six and have been keeping an eye out for a nice 2 3/4" gun.

I agree with you to a point,, I think the biggest mistake they made was not making the SP101 a six shot. It is way too big and heavy for a 5 shot revolver.

I also love my GP100 fixed sight 4 inch gun.

Here is my Dad's 2-3/4 security six. I gave it to him for being my Best Man at my wedding. I got it back when he died. It was the last gun he ever shot, I brought him to the range a week or so before he died.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Bugchucka

I've watched them appreciate for about 5 years now and would say they're the best substitute going.

Substitute for what? Mine is my everyday ride-on-the-front-seat gun.

[ironhead7544]

I participated in a LE test of the Security Six and the M65 S&W. We fired 3,000 rounds of 158 gr JSP ammo through each of them as fast as we could. Our hands were taped against the heat and recoil. Each person would fire three 50 round boxes of ammo and hand it off to another person.

Both revolvers were tested from a Ransom Rest before and after the test. Both revolvers were NIB.

After the test, both were just as accurate in the Ransom as before the test. The M65 S&W showed a bit of wear on the rifling but not much. The M65 was a bit looser in the cylinder than when new but not anything to be concerned about. The Security Six had no noticeable wear on the barrel or action. It looked as NIB.

Mu outfit was issued a M66 at that time. I felt just fine with it.

I just checked ammo prices. The 158 gr JSP is around $.50 a round in bulk. You would have to be rich to wear out a K frame with that load.

[Andyd]

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

Substitute for what? Mine is my everyday ride-on-the-front-seat gun.

I guess that they are commonly seen as a substitue for the S&W M19. While a Ruger is okay on a front seat as a duty gun and is solid as a shooter, it is not all as refined as a S&W M19, relegating it to substitute status.

[KLYDE]

Ruger or Smith & Wesson. Two different style guns. Like comparing apple to oranges. Own several from both makers. Love them all the same. I don't knock any Ruger.
1976

[Zipdog]

Just try to sell one of those Ruger Six Series that so many guys brag about.
They all run away unless it's under $300.00

[ralph7]

Originally Posted by Zipdog

Just try to sell one of those Ruger Six Series that so many guys brag about.
They all run away unless it's under $300.00

That's a plus when you are buying.

[loeman]

This Ruger Security Six is the first handgun I ever owned. I bought it new in 1977 for $177.00. That was a lot of money for me at that time, but I remember it was considerably more affordable than a Colt or Smith. I just recently exchanged the OEM stocks for the targets you see in the pic. It has been and continues to be a great gun.

[Andyd]

Originally Posted by ralph7

That's a plus when you are buying.

I see it as a value indicator, too.

[ralph7]

Originally Posted by Andyd

I see it as a value indicator, too.

Give it some time.
I remember when the models 28, 57, and 58 were priced similarly. It wasn't that long ago.

[Triathloncoach]

I grew up chasing my little brother around the house with my dad's nightstand 6 inch blue security six. It was always loaded. Things were different back in the day.

[KLYDE]

Originally Posted by Zipdog

Just try to sell one of those Ruger Six Series that so many guys brag about.
They all run away unless it's under $300.00

Let me know where you are seeing these sold for under $300. I'll buy every one I can get my hands on.

[Bat Guano]

I carried either a Service Six or Security Six in 4" for most of my career plus instructing. Also did the armorer's classes on these and the GP-100. Cases of .357/125s led to eventual forcing cone erosion and barrel replacement for both. Still have and use both. Plus a couple of "extras" I will never need. Not my EDCs anymore, but after almost 34 years I still think they were the absolute best workhorse service guns ever made.

Like all those 1917 Smiths from back in the 1960s, they don't come up for sale all that often. People hang on to them, and for good reason.

[loknload]

I'm sorry I didn't any of them up back in their heyday. I had several friends that had them so I did get to handle and shoot them.
Now trying to find them in my area is like finding hens teeth!

[StarchedCover]

I've had a stainless 4 inch for years and it gets carried around camp on a regular basis, it has been perfect for woods "bumming". Not too long ago my LGS had a blue 4 inch in great shape with the original grips that I picked up for $400 and I think I got a great deal; you can never have too many durable 357 magnums around.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Zipdog

Just try to sell one of those Ruger Six Series that so many guys brag about.
They all run away unless it's under $300.00

Tell you one thing. No one will ever get this one for three hundred bucks. Or twice that amount.

[gtoppcop]

The Sixes were wonderful guns. I had one back in the late 80s and swore I'd get another. I just came into a 1972-vintage 150-series blued gun. After a thorough cleaning and FLITZ-ing, her blue is every bit as nice as the S&Ws. Although I'm a S&W K-Frame guy, I really do like the Ruger Security Six. The gun is in 98% condition.

The grips ARE hard to come by for them. I've gotten 2 sets of 150-series grips (Both are Herretts Shooting Stars). One pair was the skip checked variety and ANIB. I sent that pair off to 'Dee' at Herretts for her to remove the skip checkering and make them smooth. The other pair is a VERY rounded pair of Shooting Stars that replicates an open-backstrap Herretts Jordan Trooper. Both of these were had on ebay.

As far as the action is concerned, mine was shot little (if at all). It still has the newness in the action. I purchased an old stock Bullseye Brand spring set for the Six series. While apart, I sent the hammer and trigger off to Mag-Na-Port for their excellent Combat Trigger package (radius and polish). The hammer will have the same high machine polish as the trigger to "set off" the beautiful blue. While waiting for the parts to come back, I sent the stripped frame off to my local gunsmith and had him mount a Meprolight SP101 front Tritium sight into the top of the barrel rib. The mainspring strut's top was polished to oblivion, so the hammer's travel is smoothed. I also polished the cylinder yoke's bearing surface to further smooth the travel of the cylinder's revolution.

When complete, she'll be a modernized example of one of the best guns to ever come out of Southport. It's a shame that the Six series guns are no longer built. They were perfect holster guns. The ONLY gun of theirs that comes close is the new Match Champion. It's a bit trimmer than the "normal" GP100.

I am always on the lookout for a 9mm Speed Six. If any of you see them, buy them! They are quickly becoming THE gun to have.

With that said, I won't stop buying S&Ws, but I wouldn't pass up on a Security/Speed/Service Six gun either.

Lastly, if you want the best grip for the 150-series guns, 'Dee' tells me that she still has the molds for them at Herretts. I really want a nicely figured set of Jordan Troopers.

[hdfinder47]

Just picked up a 95% "Liberty" Speed Six +/-3" with factory bobbed hammer with box, etc. for $450. Maybe a little high but I'm nuts over 3" wheel guns and have a fondness for Liberty models. The factor bobbed hammer was an interesting plus.

[Frizzman]

The first handgun I bought was a four inch stainless Security Six. That was in 1977. I don't remember exactly what I paid for it but I think around $150ish. I got a set of Shooting Star stocks for it soon after that. I still have it. It has served as a home defense, camping/woods gun, service revolver and off duty gun. It has had thousands of .38 Spl and .357 Mags through it, mostly my handloads. Many of them were stout and the earlier ones put together with an old Lee Loader tool set weren't very consistent...Despite all that, it is just as tight and accurate as when new...I had wanted a S&W M19 or M66 but they were scarce and too expensive for a poorly paid rookie cop. I have a fine 19-3 now as well as a 686 and M28. The Ruger fits in with those fine revolvers and isn't considered a lesser choice by me...I have had a couple GP100's and they were good revolvers but have moved on as trades. If I found one of those under $300 Sixes around here, I would gladly buy it!

[woodsltc]

My favorite to carry while hunting or just out walking the woods to scout for places to hunt deer/turkey etc.. is an old stainless 2&3/4" Speed-Six that I found years ago.

I've got lot's of S&W's that I carry to the range to shoot, but its the old Speed-Six that I reach for more often than not when I go hiking or just out "woods-walking".

I used to use it for my truck gun...but I like it too much and put an old scratched up Glock in the truck to take it's place.

Don

[gtoppcop]

All,

I finally got the 150-series Security Six all complete. I was waiting on the hammer and trigger to come back from Mag-Na-Port. They did a 1-week turn around. I'm very happy. Some other details came into being since the last time I typed are:

--The Meproplight front sight added
--The Herrett's rounded Shooting Stars (received from ebay) refinished and mounted
--The Bullseye mainspring and trigger return spring (from ebay) added

The hammer pivot pin was polished as well as the mainspring stud pivot point. Doing this, along with the spring gave the action a smooth feel that any S&W man would begrudgingly like.

The next step is to shoot and 'dial' her in with my HD load: .38 Special 125gr Remington Golden Saber +P. From a 4-inch barrel, they're doing close to 1000 fps. They open up to approx. .62 caliber and penetrate 14-16 inches. They are in my estimation what the .38 Special should have been.

At any rate, I'm happy how the package came out. Not perfect mind you, but decent nonetheless. Thanks for looking. Regret the graininess of the pics.