Very recently I email Ruger asking about support for a Speed Six .357 and a 9mm I saw for sale and the reply was that they (Ruger) will not provide any support for this gun (made way way back in '88 or so, thats 1988 by the way) BUT the Company (Ruger that is) would provide a new handgun at a discounted price, no mention how attractive of a discount would be offered.

Very very recently I emailed Smith inquiring as to whether or not support is still provided for guns made during and just before the years that I worked there-the reply informed me that service and parts for guns dating back to '57 is not much of a problem though parts for the 'older' guns are SLOWLY starting to become scarce.

Ruger bails completely on ALL non current models and Smith continues to take care of their customers.

As for that LNIB Speed Six .357 and the 'pristine' Speed Six in 9mm-I think not.

Not bashing boys/girls just typing the facts.

I like both S&W and Ruger revolvers, some more then others.

As to the Speed Sixes, if they are anywhere near reasonable in price, I'd be more then happy to make sure they do not bother you again.

FYI, the Ruger Security (Speed, Police) Six series were some of the finest revolvers ever made, IMHO.

Not true.
However, I firmly believe you should stick to S&W.

This past summer I had a Redhawk in .45 Colt that had a badly bored cylinder since new. If you shot any thing mid range to warm the empty brass was hard to get out of the cylinder, sometimes needing a piece of wood dowel and a mallet. I had owned it since new and this revolver had seen maybe 400 -500 rounds through it, mostly light loads. An article by Brian Pierce in Handloader said that was an issue with some of the Redhawks in .45 Colt so I contacted them and got an RMA # and sent it in. In a short time they sent an email saying that the gun was unrepairable and if I wished they would would send me a new one at no charge. This one was probably made about 2000, and not as old as the OP's but indicated their trend to not repair but maybe to just replace existing firearms with issues.

I never liked rugers firearms. I've never had a problem with one, it's just they don't "fit" me. Rifles or revolvers. I don't necessarily agree with "replace rather than repair". I've never dealt with s&w's customer service, but I've never had a Smith and Wesson need repair.

weatherby-the info sent to me by Ruger was absolutely clear, no parts-no support. I was referred to four or so on line sources-you don't consider this a total bailout by the Company?

Please post any info you have which contradicts the info I received.

I like Smith and Ruger, own each... but have never had to deal with service on any of them. My revolvers are Ruger and my semis are Smiths... (I do own one old Smith revolver.)

I've just like the Smith semis better than the Ruger and the Ruger revolvers better than the Smiths...

Have not had one problem with either and the Smith dates back to 1923.

From Ruger citing their products:

'Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either "limited" or "full"-

Again if I am missing something I really do want to know.

S&W is more of an exception rather than the general rule for most corporations. The general rule is that companies maintain parts for 5 years after end of production after that owners must rely on the secondary market for their needs. Companies like Jack First, Numrich, and good gunsmiths have been keeping out of production guns working for many years.

Ruger didn't bail on me. They sent me parts for an out of production Security six and the completely refitted a 12 year old Mini 14 for me. Never charged me a dime.

Only service issue I have had with Ruger was losing a front sight on a 1911, they paid postage both ways and replaced sight at no charge. I have found them, in my observation to be very reliable firearms. I also own 2 SP101's with zero problems. Sorry you had a bad experience with them.

Gee and so many of those old Ruger's are breaking also.

Both Walther and Spfld Armory have a written lifetime warranty which may or may not be for the original owner only.

gen3, that was then this is now-but I am glad Ruger took care of you, how long ago was this?

mack, it isn't if the guns break the issue, for me, is what Ruger will do if they break and you happen to have one that isn't in production..

A mutant question: say you inherit your Dads beloved Speed Six 9mm, you take it to the range and dang it don't go bang. So off it goes to Ruger-should it be deemed to be, say, unsafe will you get it back?

Ruger does not provide a lifetime warranty but my experience has been that they do stand by their products. "Lifetime warranties" are also not what most commonly think they are, mostly they spell out the limits of what they will do.

"Very recently I email Ruger asking about support for a Speed Six .357 and a 9mm I saw for sale and the reply was that they (Ruger) will not provide any support for this gun (made way way back in '88 or so, thats 1988 by the way) BUT the Company (Ruger that is) would provide a new handgun at a discounted price, no mention how attractive of a discount would be offered.

Very very recently I emailed Smith inquiring as to whether or not support is still provided for guns made during and just before the years that I worked there-the reply informed me that service and parts for guns dating back to '57 is not much of a problem though parts for the 'older' guns are SLOWLY starting to become scarce.

Ruger bails completely on ALL non current models and Smith continues to take care of their customers.

As for that LNIB Speed Six .357 and the 'pristine' Speed Six in 9mm-I think not."

It looks to me that asking them an open ended generic question may not be the way to go. Had you asked a specific question, for example, "A crack has appeared in my hammer can you repair or replace this", you may have gotten a different answer.

tipoc

Both make quality handguns, that should give many years of service. If I had ever felt the need to have one and one only revolver for all around use/protection, I may well have purchased a Ruger product based on a lower price. But that's not me, thank goodness. So i opt to spend a little more money for an Iconic American brand. I find it confusing that Ruger will not perform service work on a product that is less than 30 years old. Does anyone know if Ruger made and Major changes in 1988- 1990?

__________________
Always Stay Strong!

Ruger ceased production of the Speed Six line in 1988, 29 years ago. They ran from 1973-88.

We don't know that Ruger won't do any service work on these guns. They may do some work. The op did not ask a specific question about a particular repair. The Ruger website says:

"Does Ruger service discontinued models?
We still offer service for many discontinued models. However, we do not offer service on some older discontinued models because the parts are no longer available. Contact our service departments for more complete information."

Ruger Frequently Asked Questions

When I buy a used piece a few decades old I don't assume I can send it back to the manufacturer for specific work, especially for a discontinued gun. Maybe they will, maybe it goes to a gunsmith and a search for parts. I either case I don't make it a condition of my purchase. I don't expect a manufacturer to have all spare parts for a pistol discontinued 30 years previously, whether it's S&W, Colt or Ruger.

tipoc

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ruger, even a used one. I'm confident they'd take care of any non-abuse problems.

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ok boys here it is and its ugly:

from the back of the lcr manual

WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM

The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller of manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as "limited" or as "full" and sets minimum standards for a "full" warranty. Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either "limited" or " full", rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and the regulation issued thereunder. There are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state to state, you should refer to your state statues. Sturm, Ruger & Company wishes to assure it customers of its continued interest in providing service to owners of Ruger firearms when we feel like it and only if the gun is currently in production. Should you insist on obtaining real security with regard to handgun warranties we suggest you contact the Smith and Wesson Company of Springfield, Massachusetts.

ok, so I added the last 40 or so keystrokes

I have multiple Rugers and my father has a couple as well.

Only had one go in for service and it was handled with no fuss no muss and no charge. It was a older discontinued model. Firearm returned in way better condition than it was sent in. Excellent warranty and customer service.


I was under the impression Smith only warranties to the original purchaser. Am I wrong?

__________________
AR15-22 Shield .40 BG 380

Ruger completely refurbished my Single Six and returned it at no charge many years ago. S&W has also completely satisfied me in several repair/warranty issues.

As I stated in my earlier post that Ruger took care of my issue by just giving me a new Redhawk at no charge when it would seem like they could have just re-fitted a new cylinder. I am satisfied with Ruger's response in this matter. The Redhawk is built like a tank and is a fine gun. But parts availability can be an issue no matter what brand or type of equipment. I just acquired a Smith & Wesson model 1076 10mm made in 1992 and have been advised that parts availability can be an issue for all of the 1xx6 series firearms. I love the gun, but hope it doesn't need repair down the road.

Awhile back I held off on buying a Security Six for that very reason, Ruger cannot guarantee service or parts availability.

But I talked to several gunsmiths and it seems there are plenty of people still willing to work on them (and a few recommended the Six line over the current products).

If I saw one at a good price I would not hesitate to pick it up. The Security Six with the 2.75" barrel looks a lot like the new 66.

The Six revolvers have been out of production for nearly 30 years. How long do you expect Ruger to produce parts for them? Think S&W would repair a 25 year old out of production gun?

My friend inherited his father's Security Six when his dad died. That gun was 30 years old at the time. Had at least 20,000 .357 Magnum rounds through it. That was the first .357 I ever fired.

When he got the gun (i think in 2008 or so), it was loose. He calls Ruger and they say "send it in". Total overhaul. Even re-blued it and sent it back in a hard plastic case. Back to new condition. Ready for another 20,000 rounds. Total cost? Zero! Not even for shipping.

When S&W does that to a Model 19 or a 27, let me know. I won't hold my breath.

Correction, the "new" re-issued IL Model 66, in the all new S&W 2.75" barrel looks a lot like the 2.75" SS series from Ruger.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news to you gsn, but from what I understand, the 3rd series 3953 that I carry is also no longer being "serviced" by S&W (or at least this is what I've been lead to believe), and I bought mine just after they came out (1991), which is 3 years after Ruger made their last SS handgun.

The 3rd gen autos by S&W were made into the 2000's (and some (5964 ?) were made until about 2014, from what I understand, for NYPD), so how is that to be explained?

Edit: I see GavinLee mentioned this above, he might know more about the 3rd gen situation then I do.

The first centerfire handgun I had was a Ruger Security Six 357 with a six inch barrel indestructible. I believe you would have to intentionally have to try and break it. I also had a Speed Six it was the same. Taking one apart was child's play wish I still had both. Bill Ruger over built anything he had a hand in producing.

Ok, so Ruger doesn't pack a warranty card due to political/legal reasons. Ain't the first time politicians have caused problems for companies. Ruger still fixes their products if something goes wrong.

I personally consider the old Ruger "SiX" series revolvers to be the best revolvers Ruger ever made AND some of the best revolvers anybody ever made.

No longer serviced? So what? The guns are dirt simple and parts are available from other sources. While I'm sure that it has happened, I have never seen or even heard of a "SIX" series revolver breaking.

I own both makes in handguns, and have no quarrel with either brand. Both have proven reliable and accurate. The only warranty issue I've had involved the mishandling abuse of a Ruger RSI carbine, but that's outside the parameter of this thread. Ruger eventually rectified that situation.

I've been a bit leery of Ruger long guns ever since, but in all fairness, I think most manufacturers go through hiccups in their quality control. Bottom line: Ruger makes quality revolvers. I wouldn't have an issue buying a quality Security Six or any of their older handguns that weren't abused, but I prefer S&W.

You will probably get the same response on an old gun no matter if it is Colt, Ruger, S&W or anyone else.
Ruger is not the only gun maker not providing a written warranty and thanks to the litigation society we live in it is really not legally smart to do so. One thing for sure is Ruger probably has the best customer service second to no gun maker.
Okay here is the warranty stated with my 627-1 pro revolver.
This warranty is effective from date of purchase to the original owner of any firearm. Any such defects of which S&W receives written notice within 1 year from date of purchase by original owner, will be remedied by S&W without charge within a reasonable time after such notification and delivery of the firearm.
Ruger doesn't say they don't have a warranty on their guns, they just don't provide a written warranty. Like I said nobody has a better customer service than Ruger. Turn around time often is no more than a week. Ruger stands behind its new products from what I and others have experienced with no hassles. If parts are no longer available for older guns then your local gunsmith could be last resort.
Anyone that buys an old gun takes the chances it may or may not still be repaired by the factory. Colt doesn't anymore have a repair shop for older revolvers from what recent reports from Colt say. Python...forget Colt repairing it. Specialty gunsmith only as most gunsmiths will not even touch a Python.
Most all high quality handguns will perform very well for many years if not abused or plain worn out from use. When buying an old gun first check the history of the gun model to find out if it was known for having common failures from even normal use. Know what failures were and check the gun for signs of possible failures or heavy use. If the model is known to be of highest quality and is built like a tank then you can expect better chances of it being trouble free for you. Old saying buyer beware.

Crack a forcing come on a K frame .357 and you're screwed. S&W doesn't have any more barrels. I was told this directly from S&W.

Have a 3rd gen pistol? Made in the late 1990's after lifetime warranty was standard? You're screwed. Parts are incredibly scarce and they ain't making them anymore.

Do Not Buy A Ruger!*


*A guy on the internet said so.

The older Smiths are like fine watches. Very precise, yet susceptible to damage through any very hard use. If you drop the Smith in a mud hole you'll be needing tools to remove the side plate to clean it out. My GP100 is completely modular. No tools required to strip down to the bare frame. So for enjoying a day at the range or for my home protection, I'd no doubt choose my 586. For a last ditch end of the world bugout scenario, the GP100 gets the nod from me. I own both and love both for what they are. As for Smith & Wesson's customer service on older guns? I've been trying to get them to send me a shipping label for my no dash 586 for over a year now. It hasn't had the firing pin bushing mod done yet. When I call they tell me it's coming, but I've yet to see anything. And I'll never be getting one with that stupid lock on it.

In "1980" my father purchased a 4" security six. I later inherited it from him. Sometime in the summer 2015 I noticed that the cylinder hand was not working. I called Ruger customer services, asking about repairs, and told them that I had inherited this pistol. They told me that they would repair it for free, even though I was not the original purchaser. I sent it to them and they replaced the hand and replaced the barrel, and sent it back with no charge.
The original invoice {which came with the pistol} is dated 1-3-80 for $220.50.
It appears as said before, that you got a generic answer for a generic question.
I for one, would not hesitate to purchase any gun from "Those fine folk's at Ruger"

This is the same as my experience with Ruger. An aftermarket trigger return spring broke in a Security Six just a few years ago, long after the end of production, and Ruger sent a replacement set of springs at no charge.

My experience with S&W support has also been excellent.
-Mark

Given that most warranties you get....... are 90 days, six months or a year......

....... I think Smith is doing ......OK!

I bought an early S&W Model 60 that had been worked on by "Bubba's Gunsmithing" and needed a new hammer. Smith didn't have any more of them, so replaced the narrow stainless hammer with a slightly wider case-colored one. I thought that was a nice example of making extra effort to service an out-of-date revolver.

To answer the question in the title of the original post: My recent handgun purchases have been S&W (models 10, 36, 629, 625), except for an old-model Ruger Blackhawk .357. No problem with any, but I did find out that I'm not a single-action guy, so traded the blackhawk for a Shield 9. I do enjoy two Security Six revolvers, though.
-Mark

I know I would be annoyed if I sent in a revolver with a stainless hammer with firing pin on it and got back a MIM hammer and frame mounted firing pin. Yeah, the gun is working again, but most of us like to keep the guns looking classic. It would be like replacing a broken radio in a 57 Chevy with a CD player.

I think you are reading something into his post that isn't there. He never mentions S&W putting a MIM hammer into his gun. He said that they replaced the flash chrome original hammer with a case colored hammer and that the width of the new hammer was slightly wider than the original. As far as I know, there is no way to mount a frame mounted firing pin hammer into a revolver that originally came with a hammer mounted firing pin.

Hhm. Sorry bout that. I seem to
Remember somebody getting a frame mounted pin when they had a hammer mounted one. My mistake.

I do know I will never dryfire my revolvers anymore without snap caps. Just to be safe.

I propose you ask this same question over on the Ruger forum and see if you get the same answers? I consider both American made revolvers you mention worthy opponents.
Steve

The post right after this you write that you made the above up, and more than 40 keystrokes. Yeah don't do that. It's not funny and tips your hand--that means you're showing your hand--it means I can read the cards you are playing and intending to play.

Someone wondered what you'd do over to the Ruger forum. I think you'd complain about S&W's warranty.

tipoc

The Ruger Security-Six and Speed-Six revolvers were some of the best made guns ever and most never need any service in their long lives. And the fact is, many have shot many hundreds of thousands of rounds without going out of time. And some gun rental places say their Rugers have had more than a million rounds each put through them with no sevice required.



That said, the Security-Six and Speed-Six are no longer made. I not only have them, I recommend them strongly. Now, however, the worm has turned in a big way. Ruger removed it's steel grip from its GPs and added the weight to the barrel, completely throwing the balance off. Thus, the gun has turned into a boat anchor!



The S&W 686 is a much better gun than any Ruger now, but they're still too heavy in my view. The 686 are fine range guns and competitive pieces, but not great for carrying on trails, hiking or camping. They need to go on a diet. The Rugers are far better outdoor guns if you stick to the old Six-Series. And they'll never need servicing. The new Ruger series is just too heavy.

My first post on any Ruger forum would most likely be an inquiry as to just why, if Rugers are so good, why the Company refuses to offer any written warranty-imagine the responses....

tipoc, so what is the count 43 keystrokes?-the fact is that Ruger provides no written warranty or any kind for support of their products; you and others are ok with this, and that is fine. I was not aware of this and that is the reason for this thread.

stargater, I agree that Ruger makes fine quality guns and am glad that you are so satisfied and have such a degree of confidence in the quality of the Six series. As to your statement that the Ruger guns you own will never need service, most probably that is true.

I was looking at two Sixes-one at about $800 and one $1200 a fair amount of cash which is why I happened to make the inquiry about support to Ruger, glad I did.

Ruger doesn't want to know anything about guns, which in the scheme of things are not that old and I just don't get it.

Does anyone really not understand why I decided to keep the cash in our checking account?

I get brand loyalty so some point, just not in the case of Sturm, Ruger and Company Inc-they simply do not care-if they cared about their customers FACTORY support would be available for guns made way back in '88, to argue otherwise is silly.

As has been pointed out, S&W will not Replace a barrel or cylinder on a K frame magnum. They stopped producing 3rd gens like 5 years ago, and parts now are incredibly scarce and will be all gone in a few years. The warranty that S&W gives only started in 1989, and only applies to new guns and original purchaser. And they only cover defects in the weapon, not being worn out from hard use or even neglect. So you're screwed if the Model 19 you inherited from your dad needs work. And they no longer make blued guns, so how about they stick a stainless model 64 barrel on your blued model 10?


Multiple posters have stated the excellent, no questions asked, service from Ruger, but you're not getting it. S&W no longer services their out of production products either. It's just that S&W hasn't really changed their product lineup in revolvers like Ruger has. So if your model 15 needs a few internal parts, they can use parts from newer k frame revolvers. Unless it's the barrel, and then you're screwed.

And I wouldn't spend that kind of money on any Six revolver, either. Way overpriced.

Well, I don't understand it. I think you're depriving yourself of some nice firearms. But, it's your money, so it's really none of my concern. I don't mind you not buying a particular brand of anything.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

By your admission you have no experience with Ruger customer service. Keep that in mind.

Folks here, with some experience of Ruger customer service, have explained that Ruger does indeed provide some services for older guns and have done so. Personally twice I've called them about issues with older guns. They never asked if I was the original owner and helped as they could on parts.

I quoted from Ruger's web site and provided a link to it where they say the same thing.

So the admonition on your part that Ruger does not care anything about, or service, the older guns is a bit of a stretch. It's not completely accurate.

People have also explained that no gun company keeps on hand all spare parts for all of their out of production guns. So no one can guarantee that they do all repair work on all their older pieces. S&W can't and doesn't guarantee that.

Fortunately there is an entire secondary industry which buys up and/or manufacturers many parts for older guns. It's a thriving part of the industry. Similar to the auto industry that way.

Seems to me the sellers of these guns were asking too much money for them unless they were unique in some way. That should have given you pause.

You are surprised that Ruger does not pledge to do something that they can't do. I think it's better that they are honest about it. Some parts they can replace and some they can't. You didn't ask about any particular part or issue though. You asked an open ended generic question. You got an open ended answer and are irritated by it. Maybe shocked and offended by it. People here are trying to tell you not to be that it's pretty normal.

tipoc

Mine still had the firing pin on the hammer when I got it back.
- Mark

I think he is purposely missing the point to be honest. The one they fixed for us was 40+ years old, not the original owner and no questions. I have 3 S&W and only 1 has any sort of warranty from S&W that is the AR15-22. The other 2 I bought used so they are not covered.

__________________
AR15-22 Shield .40 BG 380

As for Ruger customer service, I recently purchased a 1958 vintage Single Six .22 from a local gun shop. When put out on consignment, the base pin release button was broken, so the shop sent it to Ruger for repair, and was notified that due to their protocol, the transfer bar modification would have to be done. When the revolver was received back, all the original parts that were replaced were returned, new stocks were installed, and the gun had been completely serviced inside and out. Haven't had to contact S&W for service, so I have nothing to compare Ruger to. But I will say that my 1979 Stainless Security Six is built like a tank and still looks new. As for my 2011 GP100 .327 Federal Mag, more like a battleship than a tank. Still love my old K-frames, though. Diversity of a collection makes it fun!