6 vs. 66

[mattz357]

Well, another post just opened my eyes to the Ruger Security Six, which "seems to me" to be almost the same as the S&W 66. Both have adjustable sights, half lug barrel, stainless steel... Are there any advantages of one over the other? The Ruger is going for around $300 on Gunbroker while the 66 is around $500. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[jc2]

First, the Ruger is discontinued (and has been for close to a decade), and the Smith is currently in production. The Ruger is probably slightly stronger than the Smith--it did not have the problems handling the hot 125-grain SJHPs the Smith did. The Smith will probably have a slightly better trigger pull. Rugers was really cutting into Smith's share of the LE market until the autoloader craze hit. My personal favourite Ruger is the Speed Six.

 

[Dot_mdb]

Is the M66 new and the Security-Six used? $300 seems a little high for the Security-Six unless the prices have gone up a little lately. I think $250 is a more common price.

In my opinion both of those revolvers are so good that you can't choose between them based on quality, reliability, strength etc. The M66 probably can not take a steady diet of the 110gr and 125gr magnum loads but other than that both revolvers will be equally durable. I don't own a M66 but I own a Speed-Six (for 27 years) and some M10s. I wouldn't sell any of them and love them all. Both companies stand behind their products 100%. I sent my Speed-Six back to Ruger in the last year for some tightening up they repaired it and got it back to me in about a week. No charge. I have had good experience with S&W customer service as well.

Some people would say to buy both. I agree. It adds to a shooters quality of life.

Bill

 

[mattz357]

The Ruger is used (obviously, they're not really available "new" anymore) on Gunbroker and the S&W is new at Gander Mountain. I like the look of the S&W better, and actually love the 3 1/8" that I saw on Gunbroker, but I'm told they are limited.

 

[Dot_mdb]

As of last year my local dealer had a brand new Ruger Security-Six, 6" barrel in stock. You never know what some of these dealers will have in inventory. Same dealer sold me a brand new M28-2 in the box with warranty card and sealed cleaning tools etc. These revolvers were not out for display, they were in the back and you had to inquire. BTW, he had a second new 28-2 at the time also.

Bill