- Ruger Security Six Review
- Ruger Security Six Grips
- Ruger Security Six Review
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. With products made in America, Ruger offers consumers almost 800 variations of more than 40 product lines. For more than 70 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. As with all Ruger firearms, the mainspring on the Security-Six is a coil spring, instead of the then-common leaf spring. Coil springs are used throughout virtually all of Ruger’s guns, save the. The Ruger Security-Six double-action revolver is the result of imaginative designing and modern production techniques. This solid-frame handgun with side-swing cylinder and simultaneous ejection. Get the best deals on Ruger Security Six Holster when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items Browse your favorite brands affordable prices. The Ruger Security-Six double-action revolver is the result of imaginative designing and modern production techniques. This solid-frame handgun with side-swing cylinder and simultaneous ejection.
Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum Revolver
By David Tong
Ruger Security-Six. Photo by David Tong.Sturm, Ruger & Co. hasalways been a bit of a dichotomy of a gun company. They use the most modern ofmanufacturing methods, that of precision investment casting, much as would ajeweler or dental lab, to provide a near-final-sized raw part which thusrequires a minimum of machining to become a completed arm. While doing sohowever, they have embraced neo-classic aesthetics in their arms; examplesinclude the their Blackhawk single-action revolvers, the M77 bolt action andNo. 1 fallling block sporting rifles and the Gold Label side-by-side shotguns.
In the early 1970s, whenthe double-action revolver was still the preference of most US law enforcementagencies, Ruger did not have a weapon to compete for this market, nor forcivilian home protection users. They rectified this in 1972 with theintroduction of the Security Six and Speed Six revolvers, building both of regularblued, carbon steel as well as their proprietary Terhune stainless steel.Security Sixes were generally .357s and had adjustable rear sights, while SpeedSixes were fixed sight guns that were made primarily in .357, but also in .38S&W Special and 9mm Luger.
Both were so-called“medium-frame” revolvers, in much the same vein as a Smith & WessonK-frame, or the Colt D-frame, exemplified by the Diamondback. However, theRuger engineers took a good look at the competition’s designs and followedanother path to ensure the new gun’s durability.
First, the engineers bulkedup key frame dimensions, including the height of the frame, the thickness ofthe top strap and barrel shank support and the cylinder diameter. They also offsetthe locking bolt notches on the cylinder to provide added strength to thatmost-thin area of each chamber.
They comprehensively lookedat the sometimes fragile and hand fitted lockwork of these designs, and inusual Ruger fashion, over-engineered all the working parts. If one were to do acomparison detail strip of a Smith, Colt and the Ruger, one would see that piecessuch as the cylinder locking bolt, the hand, the size of the double andsingle-action sears on the hammer, one would see that the Ruger pieces arequite a bit larger.
In addition, the Rugerfolks incorporated a transfer bar firing system. While both S&W and Colt usedrebounding hammers to provide a drop safety scheme and S&W had added thesliding hammer block in 1943 to WWII production “Victory Models” andsubsequently carried this change into civilian production post-war, Ruger feltthat the use of a rising 'transfer bar' of steel interposed betweenthe flat-faced hammer and the frame-mounted firing pin was even safer. Onlywhen the trigger was fully-depressed in a firing stroke would the transfer barrise and allow hammer to strike it and “transfer” that impact to the rear ofthe firing pin, discharging the chambered round.
Ruger arms are also made ofvery good, fully heat treated steels. This means long component life. The frameitself dispensed with the usual side-plate design and the piece is easily“field-stripped” for detail cleaning of the lockwork.
The downside to thisshooter is that the double-action stroke is problematic. Colt’s hand fittingand S&W’s selective-assembly methods meant that revolvers were fitted to thedimensional accuracy of the trigger and hammer pin locations on the frame.While this added to the cost of production, it means that the finished armgenerally needs no trigger action job to make the stroke smooth from front toback.
The Ruger has notableglitches in its DA pull. While I admire the way their engineers over-built therevolver’s internals, and knowing that they were attempting to bulldoze theirway into the marketplace via cost competitiveness by eliminating hand work, inmy opinion the Security Six is a “single-action revolver capable ofdouble-action firing.” Generally, the single-action pull is nothing to writehome about either, usually at least four pounds with some creep, compared tothe 2-3 pound triggers standard on period Colts or Smiths.
However, most shooters werewilling to accept this for the strength and price paid. At its introduction,the Colt Trooper was sold for $161, while the Smith M19 went for $143 and theRuger retailed for $121.
Thirty years on and a good usedSecurity Six can be had in the lower $300 price range. I’ve fitted mine withthe “Reduced” weight spring package from Wolff Springs, yet the DA pull must stillbe at least 14 pounds, with the aforementioned glitches. A prior owner hadtaken the factory walnut “target” stocks and cut finger-grooves into theirfront and reduced their overall girth, making them suitable for smaller hands,but very slippery with the not-inconsiderable recoil of a full-house .357round. I will probably have to fit other stocks affording me a more secure grip,as it squirms beyond my ability to hold it consistently.
Ruger chambers are usuallya bit oversized, easing extraction when dirty, if compromising case lifesomewhat. They are also usually razor-edged at the rear of the cylinder,requiring a light chamfer to ease the use of speedloaders.
However, and this is thereal reason why these guns are a solid buy, they will simply out last any otherDA revolver over thousands of Magnum rounds. (With the exception, of course, ofRuger’s follow-on piece, the GP-100.) If one bought a Security Six, one couldexpect a lifetime of full use and still be able to hand it to one’s childrenwith nary a problem. I once knew of an indoor range that had one as a rentalgun and it digested, by their estimate, some 1,400,000 rounds with no partsbreakages and minimal maintenance. That is the essence of a good deal!
NOTE: This review is mirrored on the Product Reviews page.
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Post subject:What are the differences? Security Six/Service Six/Speed Six |
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Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:52 pm Posts: 288 Location: Wisconsin | As I'm starting to learn more about the Ruger Double Actions, I noticed on the Ruger website that The Security, Service and Speed Six revolvers used the same serial number list and were built the same time. I have to ask....what are the differences between the three models? Thanks!
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Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 10:36 pm |
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Joined: Fri May 28, 2004 1:01 am Posts: 1093 Location: MN | Some very general info: Security-Six has adjustable sights, square butt frame. Service-Six has fixed sights, square butt frame. Speed-Six has fixed sights, slightly rounded butt frame. I believe all of them were available in either blue or stainless, variety of barrel lengths, etc. That should get you started. I'm sure one of the experts will fill in the gaps in my info.
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Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 11:55 pm |
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Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:01 am Posts: 1167 Location: North East Ohio | Uncle Howie answered yer question well ! I personally wish Ruger would go RETRO and make these guns again. Lighter weight, yet well built guns!
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:52 am |
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Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:26 pm Posts: 10086 Location: Illinois | Then there's low back grip frame and high. Security Six available most commonly in 2.75', 4' or 6'. Uncommonly in 3' and 5'. Early ones had fixed sights. Service and Speed Six's most common in 2.75' or 4' but never in 6' ( well ..... never is a LONG time but I've never seen one ). Made in .38 Special, .380 Rim, .357 Magnum or 9MM. And of course there are a dozen or so other minor variation if you wanna get picky.
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:11 am |
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Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:34 pm Posts: 581 Location: Kuna, Idaho - a sparkling jewel in a park-like setting | And of course there are a dozen or so other minor variation if you wanna get picky. Don't tell me that! Now my collection seems insufficient. Dave _________________ Suffering with RDS (Ruger Derangement Syndrome) since 1975 . . . . I used to be indecisive but now I am not so sure.
Last edited by Glupy on Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post subject:Re: What are the differences? Security Six/Service Six/Speed |
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Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:15 pm Posts: 264 Location: Winchester, CA | As I'm starting to learn more about the Ruger Double Actions, I noticed on the Ruger website that The Security, Service and Speed Six revolvers used the same serial number list and were built the same time. I have to ask....what are the differences between the three models? Thanks! Hi oldiron1. The other members have explained the differences well. I am going to give you a link that goes into more detail. Here it is. http://world.guns.ru/handguns/double-ac ... six-e.html I have a Police Service Six. This is the fixed sight version. In my humble opinion the Security Six Series were the best double action revolvers Ruger ever made. Here is a picture of mine. You won't regret owning one. Howard Police Service Six
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:03 am |
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Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:57 pm Posts: 20 Location: Georgia | As has been mentioned : Service : Fixed sights, square butt Security : Adjustable sights, square butt Speed : Fixed, round butt Other than that, the Speed seems to command a higher price tag. There are quite a few odd-ball examples that keep collectors pretty busy, but any of these revolvers will make great shooters. You really can't go wrong. I have one Service 4', and two Speeds - one 2.75' .357 and one 2.75' 9MM. Fantastic guns.
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Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 10:31 am Posts: 81 Location: Southern VA | I have recently bought 2 service six's and 1 security six. I don't have a speed six yet but have been looking for the past 2 months and have noticed that the speed six's go for more,for basically, the same gun as the others. What is the appeal of the speed vs the other 2 types to command a higher price?
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:53 pm |
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Joined: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:01 am Posts: 593 Location: Port St.John, Florida, USA | The round butt looks better to some folks on the Speed-Six..
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Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2004 2:01 am Posts: 10762 Location: Rugerville, AZ | Then there are the employee-only runs that include a lanyard ring and 'half-moon' front sights... The DA-only versions with no hammer spur. The fixed-sight Security Six guns. The heavy barrels and the tapers. Pre-warning guns... ? _________________ Its a Right. A Civil Right. Not a permit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATF_gunwalking_scandal PC = Political Submission
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 5:48 pm |
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Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:52 pm Posts: 288 Location: Wisconsin | Thanks much guys!! I noticed just poking around Gun Broker that the Speed Six really does command a premium price tag. There is something though about the round but that does look sharp about them in my opinion. I appreciate the education!
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Ruger Security Six Review
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:02 pm |
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Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:14 pm Posts: 90 Location: Canal Fulton, Ohio | I suppose that if someone really wanted a Speed Six type butt they could get a old beater square butt frame gun an apply a little file work to make it into one. I just bought an OD color spray painted early model Security Six .357 mag. off of Gunbroker. Paid $ 250 for it. The seller assured me on the phone that I could return it if it did not live up to his claims about it. I have not rec'd the gun yet and I hope that after I heat-gun the old paint off that it is not all pitted under the ancient amature paint job. The grips look good. I bought it to use as a powerful and reliable trail/backup/beater gun.
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 9:46 am |
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Joined: Mon Dec 27, 2010 2:55 pm Posts: 137 Location: Winter Haven, Florida | Hey Doc , I saw that Security Six for a couple of days & was thinking the same thing as you. Perfect for a field gun/trail beater. Also had thoughts of getting it 'Bead Blasted' which I think would remove all of that spray & leave a flat grayish finish. Love my sixes, got 3 & was shooting them on Saturday
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Ruger Security Six Grips
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:50 pm |
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Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2001 2:01 am Posts: 11003 Location: Colorado native, Vermont transplant | Security Six available most commonly in 2.75', 4' or 6'. Uncommonly in 3' and 5'. Early ones had fixed sights. Service and Speed Six's most common in 2.75' or 4' but never in 6' ( well ..... never is a LONG time but I've never seen one ).
I don't believe the Security Six was ever made in 5'. The only 5' guns I'm aware of are the RCMP Police Service Sixes. Also, I have never seen a 3' Security Six but that doesn't mean there are none. However, the 3' tube appears with some regularity on the later Speed and Service Sixes. I think the reason the 3' is rare-to-non-existent on the Security Six is because it did come out so late in production - the Security Six was the first model dropped from production in favor of the then-new GP100 but the Service and Speed Sixes remained in production for a couple of years until Ruger got the capacity to produce fixed sight GP100 guns. So the 3' barrel appeared when Ruger already knew the Secutiy Six was being replaced, so I don't think they ever made the 3' for the Security Six (which would require a new barrel design due to the sight ramp). There are rumors to some early frame (low back 150 prefix) fixed sight guns made with 6' barrels for export (what later became the Police Service Six was first sold as simply a fixed sight Security Six) Those early fixed sight Security Sixes appear on the earliest dealer price sheets in both .38 Special and .357 Mag as models SDA86 and SDA36 but examples are unknown and may never have been produced. By the way, the very earliest Security Sixes were adjustable sight but were simultaneously offered in fixed sight. The 2 digit guns that I have seen are all fixed sight and the earliest 3 digit that I am aware of is an SDA82 with a 3 digit SN. The first 2000 (or so) guns also had cast barrels versus later forged barrels. The Police Service Six is most common in 4' and the Speed Six is most common in 2.75'. In the Security Six, I used to believe that the 2.75' was the scarcest but I now believe the 6' is at least as uncommon as the 2.75'. By far, the most common length for a Security Six is the 4'. Collecting these early DA's offers up nearly as many (maybe more) possibilities as collecting old model Single Sixes as far as variations go. There were 12.25 million guns made over about an 18 year period, 3 basic models, multiple barrel lengths, several calibers, blue or stainless, pre-warning & post-warning, different grips, different sights, standard or heavy barrel, different triggers, different hammers, contract guns for police and government agencies with unique features such as lanyard rings and/or markings such as 'U.S.' and atypical model markings such as GS32N, SS84L, SS32L, foreign contract guns such as the oddball .380 Rimmed caliber, 4 different types of period packaging plus the late-ship oddballs in plastic cases or cardboard boxes with barcode labels, non-standard finishes, etc. Plus a whole myriad of aftermarket commemorative guns, some of which had at least a little factory buy-in. So far there seems to only be a handful of collectors seriously following these guns but they are getting more and more interest all the time. Values for NIB examples have gone up quite a lot in the past decade but are still reasonable compared to collecting the guns that are more widely followed. These DA's offer up a great opportunity for new collectors to get into Ruger collecting without breaking the bank and likely offer a higher potential for appreciation than the OM SA Rugers which have been sought after for the past 30+ years and have actually seen some recent depreciation. New 'variations' are constantly being discovered as more and more folks take notice and start paying attention to the subtle differences. Sorry, didn't mean to go off on a rant...
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 5:12 pm |
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Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2001 2:01 am Posts: 9724 Location: Dawson, Iowa | I'm a little late on this post oldiron, but don't forget the roundbutt Security-Six! Even though it does have a round butt, it is still called a Security-Six. Evidently a few gov't or police agencies wanted a round-butt security so a few (very few!) were made. and since I'm kind of having a little fun with this, there are also some round butt Service-Sixes (turned into Speed Sixes during late 'SIX series production in order to use up their old Service-Six stock.....just round off the lower corners of the grip frame at front and rear and you've got a Speed-Six! There are a few of these known and they are marked Service-Six (but will be boxed as 'SPEED-SIX' and will letter as 'SPEED-SIX'). Confused yet??? Chet15
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Ruger Security Six Review
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