Dan Wesson Pork Chop or Ruger Security Six?

[John C]

A good buddy of mine recently had his Ruger GP100 stolen in a burglary. He's on a tight budget, so for Christmas I thought I'd get him a new .357.

Cruising Gunbroker for high quality, bargain .357 magnum revolvers, I've honed in on Dan Wesson Pork Chops and Ruger Security Six revolvers. Does anyone have opinions as to which one is better? I have a couple of non-Pork Chop Dan Wessons, and love the quality. I've never had a Security Six, but am well acquainted with Ruger quality and feel these would be a good choice.

One thing I've noticed is that WOW, prices have gone up a lot in the last few years. I remember seeing these, both Dan Wesson Pork Chops and Security Sixes, 10 years ago for just above $200 for well used, functional guns.

I'm sort of partial to the Pork Chop Dan Wessons for the ugliness factor. How well do these hold up compared to the Security Six?

Thanks,

-John

 

[sixgunner455]

I'd get the Security Six. Very packable, practical gun. And you're a good friend.

 

[dprice3844444]

smith model 65

 

[John C]

Sixgunner;

Thanks for the recommendation. It's not me that's the good friend; my buddy has been a GREAT friend for a lot of years. It one of those things where it's the least I could do.

Dprice;

I agree Smiths are the top of the line, but price-wise, they're just a little too much. For quality, I feel Rugers and Dan Wesson equal Smith and Wesson. For fit and finish, S&W beats the other two.

Thanks,

-John

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with a Security Six. Great revolver that's still reasonably affordable on the used gun market.

 

[F-111 John]

If it were the newer Dan Wesson, I'd say go with that, but the pork chop, eh.

Ruger Security Six is as solid as a bank vault.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Of the two, go for the Ruger. I'm a Dan Wesson lover but the pork chop style shrouds just....well, yuk.

VooDoo

 

[rvn67n20]

I've small frame DWs and a Speed Six. Overall, much as I like my Dans, I'd go with the Ruger. Easier maintenance, and I think (don't know, as my Dans are all 4"+) the Ruger might be a bit 'better' (lighter, possibly a bit thinner) for CCW. If a range/woods gun, a toss-up, IMHO. In any event, you, and he, sound very lucky. Merry Christmas!

 

[critter]

The Ruger.

 

[TennJed]

The Security Six is the best all around revolver every made (IMHO)

 

[back40]

i'd lean towards the ruger, but i have an admitted bias.

 

[John C]

I guess it's unanimous for the Ruger. I guess that's what I'll do.

I'm surprised there's no love for the Dan Wesson Pork Chop. Admittedly, I don't own one, but I appreciate the form over style. They are UGLY, but for good reasons. Seeing the prices on them these days, somebody must be buying them.

-John

 

[USAF_Vet]

Another vote for the Ruger. One of my biggest kick myself moments was letting a Security Six get away from me. Consignment price at the LGS, $250.

 

[GP100man]

Cruise the web for GP reimported from LEO depatments , they`re usually mechanaclly sound , just cosmeticly lacking.

But go with the Ruger

I`m not biased ,I like all Rugers!

 

[Stevel]

I'd ask him....

and you're a good friend.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Security Six or GP-100.

Yes I have S&Ws, Colts, Rugers, Webley, even a Dan Wesson 'Little Dan' .38,

If you can find a tight, excellent condition, Security Six, say 4 or 2 3/4 inch barrel then I'd get one of those. GP-100 is second. And if you really have money, a 2 1/2 S&W 66 Combat Magnum!

Deaf

 

[John C]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I ended up grabbing a 6 inch stainless Security Six. Rated at 8/10, with a tight lockup and excellent bore. It's probably better in the long run over a Dan Wesson. It's stainless steel, and if anything ever goes wrong with it, he can send it back to Ruger for warranty repair.

SteveL; I'd ask him, but I want this to be a surprise.

Deaf: I agree completely, but budget was an issue for this purchase. I also prefer longer barreled revolvers.

Thanks again!

-John

 

[hemiram]

As much as I like Dan Wesson revolvers, I would probably take the Ruger too. If the DW wasn't a porkchop, it would totally be the other way. I had one porkchop DW, and while it shot fine, I couldn't wait to sell it. My -2's I regretted selling, every one of them.

 

[19-3Ben]

nicely done. I'd love a 6" Security Six. You're one heck of a good friend. If you're ever need another friend, let me know!

 

[md2lgyk]

If you're ever need another friend, let me know!

Me too! Though it's long gone, I treasured the Security-Six I bought new in 1977. It wasn't my first gun, but was my first revolver. Also the first caliber I reloaded for.