I have a 1979 4 inch S/S Ruger Security Six in my collection. Colleague is interested in trading a Ruger Mk!!! standard with two mags, tapered 4 inch barrel for it. The new Ruger MK IV is not available in California, so options to get a Mark series are limited to what's already in the state. Is this a reasonable transaction? Thanks in advance.

Not around here its not. MkIIIs are common. A decent Security Six isn't seen very often and can bring much more money.

I did a swap for a '77 stainless Security Six 4" .357 that is barely used. I've got about $475 in it and feel like I got the better part of the deal. I would keep the Six and look for another .22 Ruger.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I'd keep the security six. A standard MkII or MkIII is pretty common and worth much less. I only gave just under $400 for a MKIII Slabside Competition LNIB a couple years ago.

I wouldn't even think twice about that trade before saying NO. You would be getting the way short straw on that deal. I bought a brand new MK IV for under $400 and IMO a Security Six is worth way more than that.
You don't often see old Ruger Security Sixs for sale. They are IMO a collectors item.

No way would I make that deal!

Equal condition on both, you are going to need another $150-200 with that MK III to equal your Six-Series.

No deal. IMHO.

Keep the Security Six. They're gettin' hard to come by and worth more every day. Ruger .22s are common as dirt.

And Ruger MkIIIs are pretty much overrated, IMO.
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I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

You do realize you are on the "Smith & Wesson" forum don't you?

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Ummm - maybe that's why this post is in the "Firearms & Knives - Other Brands" section ... To actually say something pertinent and worthwhile: like everyone else says - Ruger Mark pistols are a dime a dozen. Nice condition Security-Sixes - especially with box - are unheard of around here ...

If the other trade includes an additional $250 along with the MKlll Standard it may be close to a fair trade. A Target or Hunter model plus $100 would be a good trade. IMHO...
Security Sixes in my area have been going for $550 in decent shape(when they show up). I haven't seen one in like new condition in yeeears.

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John

I wish I still had my 1976 marked 4" Ruger.
I have a Mk II or III, I forget.
No way would I trade the ^-shooter for a Mk whatever 22.
ESPECIALLY in Kali.
I have found several nice old Smiths here. But have NEVER seen a Security-six.
Keep it.

Personally I wouldn't swap any Ruger wheel gun for a Ruger auto.

In the rest of the country, the situation is as noted above.

The OP is in California. It is its own world there. Certain guns are unavailable, or are driven by supply & demand for a finite pool of Cali Grandfathered guns.

I have no idea of Cali specific values for specific models of pistol . Perhaps check with the good people at the Ruger Forum, and at CalGuns .

I'm with everybody else (no deal). I bought a mark ll and stainless security six both this year. In my opinion the mark ll is better than the mark lll. Lot of complaints about round indicator flag and equally difficult to disassemble. I would say if he wants to kick in $200 on top, then it would be fair. The security six is getting harder to find especially the stainless version. I got a perfect 1977 stainless security six for $350 which I thought was an incredible deal and the mark ll cost $225 and think I paid about retail on that one.

My thoughts on the deal are summed up here

I'd want some cash coming my way in that trade....quite a bit of cash.

Trade only if you must have a 22 semi and none are available. Even then, I would expect 200+ with the 22. Just depends on how bad you need that 22. Ruger is making 22 semis but a like new security six is almost unheard of and the price just keeps going up.

I seen a 78 ruger security six gf32 2 3/4" barrel 357 mag in stainless sell in one day for $750. With box. It wasn't the bicentennial model.
Seeing this tells me the bicentennial model gf32 from '76 is worth way more with the 200th year inscription. This gf32 made in the 200th year of American liberty in 1976 was never in the ruger catalogue. Food for thought keep an eye out for one.

Fellows the ruger's are collectible now.

I'll trade you my Mark III for your Security Six.

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Not in jail.

I think giving up a Security Six (I have one) is a very bad idea. I bought a MarkIII recently for $200 to help out a friend. He couldn't get even that high an offer anywhere.

A good Security Six is a "lifetime" gun.

Collect security sixes not trade or sell them. In the past two decades I only seen one locally for sale. S&W's and colts have plenty of history behind them, ruger is making history now in the present. Shoot them and enjoy them keep them in good condition.