Ruger Security Six

[Genetically Swiss]

I believe the Six series were the best DA revolvers Ruger ever built. I've said a thousand times that I think that discontinuing the Six series was the biggest mistake Ruger ever made.
Instead of trying to compare one to the 686, think of it more as a K-frame on steroids. It was made to compete with the S&W Models 19 & 66. Roughly the same size and weight. But one Hell of a lot tougher. No need to be careful of ammo choices or worry about cracked forcing cones in a Six. It'll eat anything you wanna put in it till the cows come home and ask for more.
No, its not quite as pretty as a Smith. But they're beautiful in their own way. Totally reliable, accurate and tough as nails.
I've got a blue 4" Security Six and love it. I've been wanting to add a 2.75" for years, but just can't seem to run across one for sale around here. Those that have 'em, keep 'em!

What grips are those on your Security Six, Grayfox?

GS

 

[Grayfox]

That's a old set of Herrett's Shooting Stars. They have a story of their own. I bought those at a gun show probably 20 years ago for $10. They were marked S&W K. But I found that they weren't. I knew they weren't Colt either. So I just threw 'em in the wood pile and forgot them.
About 5 years ago I bought the Security Six. Later I ran across these grips again and thought "I wonder?" Sho nuff, they fit! I like 'em.

 

[Bakebfr480]

One of the most over built revolvers in history! I have a 4 incher built in 76' I bought used that I personally have over 40,000 rounds of heavy handloads through it without so much as a hiccup!

 

[Muss Muggins]

Everybody should have a Ruger Service/Security/Speed Six in the safe. Mine currently resides in the mother-in-law's nightstand . . .

 

[nachogrande]

2 3/4" speed six here.

It makes a dandy field gun & would probly be the first to go in a bug out bag during the zombie apocalypse. I much prefer the takedown, (no side plate) the lock up/action/trigger is just fine. (on mine) I always run new 38 & 357 loads in the Ruger before the S&W's. About the only negative I have is that WITH HANDLOADS & the fixed sights, (it very well may be just me) it took more time/experimentation to find a load that shot to point of aim than typically with a fixed sight S&W. The six series, Rugers best DA revolvers hands down. If they made a six series in 45 ACP OR LC I'd be in hog heaven.

 

[dogzebra]

The Security Six is a fine revolver. Comparing it to a S&W 686 is just another apple vs. orange topic.

My favorite DA .357 is my SP101, mainly because I love snubbies. My favorite .357 SA is my Blackhawk convertible.

One item not mentioned is the ease Ruger DA revolvers tear down for deep cleaning... a dime is all I need to strip down my Security Six.

 

[rwsmith]

I want one....

I have a 6" 686 but I've always thought a lot of the Security Six. A friend has one and I really like it. Especially in a shorter barrel. A good effort from Ruger.

 

[Flyingfool]

Novice question here.

But what are the differences between the service six, security six, and speed six?

 

[gunnails]

Novice question here.

But what are the differences between the service six, security six, and speed six?

==========

Sights and hammers,
Security Six = adjustable rear sight.
Service Six = fixed sights.
Speed Six = fixed sight and bobbed hammer.

 

[Ashlander]

==========

Sights and hammers,
Security Six = adjustable rear sight.
Service Six = fixed sights.
Speed Six = fixed sight and bobbed hammer.

I'll quibble a bit. The Speed Six had fixed sights and a round butt. While some had bobbed hammers, many pictured in this thread do not. My 4" in factory setup has a regular hammer as well.

 

[squidsix]

And there was a very uncommon run of round-butt snub nosed Police Service Six revolvers. Very hard to find but legit.

 

[ralph7]

And light years ahead of the Colt pull release.
Ruger did that little modification right!

 

[Genetically Swiss]

==========

Sights and hammers,
Security Six = adjustable rear sight.
Service Six = fixed sights.
Speed Six = fixed sight and bobbed hammer.

Thanks Gunnails, very helpful!

GS

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Funny thing, I get mixed up routinely between the Security Six and the Service Six. I have one of each, a 4" and a 2.5", and I have to look up the difference all the time. Well, I KNOW the difference is the adjustable sights - I just never remember which is which.

They are tanks; totally reliable. I agree that a 686 is more attractive and I think my 4" 686 handles better than my 4" Ruger but, still, it WILL get the job done!

I HAVE carried this one, despite it being clunky with those Hogues on it:

Adjustable sights - Security Six. I am reminded again! I don't have a picture of my 4" Service Six but it IS A GREAT SHOOTER!

 

[rwt1405]

I believe the Six series were the best DA revolvers Ruger ever built. I've said a thousand times that I think that discontinuing the Six series was the biggest mistake Ruger ever made.

I couldn't have said it better!

While I have more 686's and K-frames then I could ever need, there is a special place in my heart for the "service Six" series!

The Ruger "Service Six" series were (IMHO) the finest DA revolver Ruger has ever made, and one of the finest DA revolvers ever made!

 

[Old Corp]

Another big fan of the S6 series here.
A Security Six 4" SS was my first centerfire handgun in 1975. I was working at an LGS at the time and sold many as a stand-in for the S&W M66, which was very hard to come by at the time. Of course, it went away in a trade.
Another blued model came and went...
Couple of years ago, decided I'd try to find a replacement for the long-ago #1, and came up with this one from GB. S/N puts it at ~1975.

Very slick, very accurate. One of my main woods guns.

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks Gunnails, very helpful!

GS

Only partially true. Only some Speed-Sixes had bobbed hammers. The usual difference between it and Service-Six is the round butt on the Speed-Six.

Very stylish guns...

 

[LWCmdr45]

Forgive me, Obi-Wan; I, too, have been tempted by the "Dark Side."

 

[kbm6893]

Only partially true. Only some Speed-Sixes had bobbed hammers. The usual difference between it and Service-Six is the round butt on the Speed-Six.

Very stylish guns...

The Service Six was authorized by the NYPD for a while. First the blued spurred hammer version, which were pretty uncommon, then the stainless spurless hammer version. They were .38 special only.

 

[chief38]

Not bashing Ruger Revolvers and to me they "have their place" in our hobby as less expensive, more crude type of Revolvers and are just not in the same league as the older S&W's which are much more refined. Yes they work, yes they get the job done but they are clunky, rough, have a less conventional take down and are mostly purchased as a less expensive alternative to a Smith or Colt. If all you have to spend on a Revolver is strictly a fixed amount and all you can get for that amount is a Ruger - yup, it will work.

As far as comparing a Ruger Security Six against a Smith 686 (vintage version) - the Smith is way on top IMHO. Just my personal opinion and YMMV.