difference between Ruger 3" gp100 and 3" speed six

Status
Not open for further replies.

ChasMack

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
218
Are there any major differences between the Ruger security six and gp100 in a 3", 357. Except for the grip they look a lot alike. I've never seen either to be able to have it in my hand and look close. Thanks for expert help!
 
The internal design is quite a bit different. The GP100 is also bulkier and has a different balance point because there is less steel in the grip area. I've found the Sixes to have smoother triggers and I much prefer them as a carry piece. The GP100 would be a bit bulky for CCW. I'm sure someone has managed to do it but I prefer the speed six.

And if I'm going to go for a heavy .357 I prefer the Redhawk over the GP.
 
The GP is comparable to Smiths L frame & the Six series is comparable to the K frame .

Rugers biggest design change was all the lock works for the GP comes out with the trigger group & there`s a 3rd lock on the cyl (in front part of the crane) 2nd big change was the "stud" grip frame which allows the shooter alot more choices of grips to choose from . 3rd is obvious , underlugged barrel, 4th is the easy change front site (on adjustable site models)

One point Ruger makes & is why I shoot Rugers , is there is no screws essential to the Rugers works to loosen.

The GP100 has 3 , grip screw, site elevation(adjustable site models) & site windage screw.

Alot of people harp on trigger pulls , both can be made to be very smooth ,but the Rugers design will always have a longer pull , nuttin we can do `bout it.

I`m not too picky `bout triggers ,but it has to be smooth in DA (slight stack prefered) & not over 11lbs. & breaks like glass between 5-3 lbs in SA I`m generally happy.

I`ve shot, beat on & flat out abused revolvers from every maker out there & Rugers keep on tickin !

This is my humble honest opinion, but in the end you may do as you desire , I hope you keep the itch scratched so to say.

Just so you`ll be informed `bout the Six Series Ruger is qwikly runnin out of parts for em & does`nt plan on makin more . In saying that I`ve seen a couple of threads on Ruger Forum.com `bout members sending in their Six Series with forcing cone/barrel issues & get the NON REPAIRABLE letter.

But how many & what kind of rounds of ammo does it take to erode or crack a forcing cone ????
 
Last edited:
I bought this 3" GP100 last month as a HD/CCW gun.
In two visits to my rifle club, it has proven itself to be a fantastic shooter.
I have often read that GP triggers need work...
This GP is 2013 production, and I think the trigger is great. I have owned several well used S&W's like the Model 10 and Model 15...revolvers with triggers I considered light and smooth like only a well used Smith can be. But, I like this GP trigger more. The DA is very smooth, and the SA is light and crisp. I can't imagine what it would be like if I did the easy DIY trigger job and spring replacement. I may do nothing but shoot it.
Carrying the 3" is easy with a good holster and belt. It does require replacing the large Hogue grips that now come standard on the GP. I lucked into an OEM compact GP grip, which I found shoots very well and handles 357 recoil just fine.
The Security Six is a great revolver...but these days, collectors have driven the price up to where you can get a GP, and, having shot mine and put about 200rds through it, I'm very glad I got it.

DSC02414_zpsc96a5a37.jpg
 
The GP is comparable to Smiths L frame & the Six series is comparable to the K frame .
Right on the money.

I don't have a 3" GP (wish I did), but I do have a 4" GP100. My 4" GP weighs 40 oz and my 4" Security Six weighs 34 oz. I would assume the GP is stronger with the extra meat around the cylinder and frame, but I have yet to wear out any of my Sixes. I like them both, but the Six Series IMO has the better balance and POA. However, the extra weight of the GP absorbs the magnum recoil a little better. They are both quality weapons.

If for some reason I had to get rid of some of my revolvers the Six Series would be the last to go.

Hear are a couple photos for comparison.

I no longer have the 1711 (fixed sight GP) :(. It was defective from the factory, had send it back. Ruger was unable to replace it (special run) so they sent me the 1705 (adjustable sight 4" GP).

4" GP (1711) next to 2.75" Speed Six.

GP100_zps0cdd8b9b.jpg

4" GP (1705) next to 4" Security Six.

a77345ac-d23e-49d2-b37f-b2fd61264edc_zps5fb35193.jpg
 
Last edited:
The GP is comparable to Smiths L frame & the Six series is comparable to the K frame .

You might be right, but my impression is my S&W 686 (L frame) is slimmed down compared to my GP100. I wonder if the 686 isn't very comparable to a Ruger Six. The pictures here suggest that comparison.
 
3" I've had for over a decade now... Bought it brand new, had it bobbed a few years back.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    102.9 KB · Views: 22
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/ruger-security-six

3/22/2011

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 was introduced in 1970. It is offered in .38 Spl. and .357 Mag. chamberings and with choice of fixed or adjustable target-style sights.

Trim, compact, and strong, this six-shot revolver with four-in. barrel weighs 33 ounces unloaded and measures 9 ¼-inches long overall. It is also available with 2 ¾- and six-inch barrels. To quote the manufacturer: “It is a handsome, rugged holster revolver—compact in the overall, yet massive enough to properly be designated as a heavy duty revolver for the rigors of police and military service.”

Among several desirable features of the Security-Six is that it can be disassembled easily for cleaning and lubrication without use of special tools. After turning out the grip screw with a cartridge rim, coin, or screwdriver, the grips, lockwork, and cylinder assembly can be removed. Except for windage and elevation adjustment screws in the rear sight of the target version, the only screw in this revolver is the grip screw.

Unlike most other handguns, the frame, crane, hammer, trigger, trigger guard and several smaller parts of the Security-Six are produced from chrome-molybdenum steel investment castings. The barrel is a machined forging and the cylinder, which rotates to the left, is machined from bar stock. All springs are of durable coil type. The frame is not fitted with a sideplate as in many other revolvers. This aids strength.

Integral with the barrel are an ejector rod housing and a raised grooved barrel rib. Pinned to the front of the rib is a Baughman-style quick-draw front sight.

In pleasing contrast with the blued finish of the other metal parts, sides of the hammer and trigger are polished bright. The grips are oil-finished American walnut, each fitted with a smaller circular Ruger medallion of white metal. Cut checkering in a diamond-shaped area on the grips is nicely executed.

An excellent safety feature of this revolver is the system of transmitting the hammer blow to the spring-loaded firing pin by means of a transfer bar. The hammer nose rests on the frame, and the transfer bar does not align with the firing pin until the trigger is fully to the rear. This prevents accidental firings should the gun be dropped with the hammer down, or should the hammer be struck when down and with the trigger forward.

Another excellent safety feature is that the hammer cannot be cocked when the cylinder has been swung out, and the cylinder cannot be opened when the hammer is cocked. The cylinder assembly is released to swing out to the left by depressing the cylinder release button in the left recoil shield of the frame.

Handling and pointing qualities of this well-made reliable revolver are excellent, and its overall precision is very good. Its double-action trigger pull is satisfactorily smooth, without excessive buildup of resistance when the trigger pressure is increased. The single-action pull weighs approximately three pounds, and has very little creep.

The Security-Six is well made and finished throughout, and its design shows considerable ingenuity.
 
I have both, a 3 inch GP-100 and 2 3/4 Speed Six. Both in .357 and both stainless.

I like 'em alot. The GP is stronger but the Speed Six is now weak sister.

Now if I was to pack them for CCW the Speed Six is abit lighter. Maybe 3 ounces lighter but either would do fine.

Deaf
 
I had a 6" GP100 and thought it's balance terrible. One of the few handguns I've ever gotten rid of. The lack of metal in the grip area was likely the culprit; that combined with the long underlug barrel. However, a 3" GP100 might not be too bad due to the shorter barrel.

That said, if you can find a solid 4" or 2-3/4" Six-series, jump on it. They're great guns and very accurate. I have one of each and they're my favorites. A 2-3/4" Six would be the choice for CCW.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top