Having a hard time deciding which Used .357 to buy... opinions please.

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Security Six, nicely balanced K-Frame that will easily handle the shooting you described. Your grandchild will love you when he/she is shooting it later down the road of life. Of course I'm a little biased since our household has a Security Six, Speed Six and a recently acquired Service Six in it. It would have four but I gave my stepson a blued Speed Six. I am a great stepfather( patting self on back).

I'm going to sign off and go put some Hogue Goncalo Alve grips on my Police Six now.
 
The Security Six.

All day.

I've got a Speed Six and a Service Six. When they first came out, I always thought of the Six series as the second tier behind S&W and Colt.

As I got older, I realized I was mistaken.
 
Analogkid said:
I am wanting a decent older 6" 357. Unfortunately funds are limited to about $500 total.

1. A early Dan Wesson 6" with the exposed barrel nut. Its super Mint in both looks and action.

2. A NIB Older Ruger Security Six in Stainless. 6" I'd wager to bet it has never been fired save from the factory.

3. Used but nice looking Dan Wesson model 15 vent rib. This is a touch more than I want to spend but the guy is a good friend and will hold onto it for me.

4. Used Taurus Tracker in 357. Yeah I know. But I like the looks and used ones are in this price range. I worry about the longevity of this one though since there are some horror stories about. I assume they have made tons of them and they are cheaper and that's why you hear more bad about them. The two I am looking at are well used but in decent shape. Fit and finish is better than the taurus norm at least on the two I am looking at.

I have also seen some used Black model gp-100's for sale locally but they really don't do much for me even though I know they are really strong revolvers.
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Be careful with the Security Six. Somewhere during production Ruger changed the shape of grip frame on the Security Six. If your gun is one of the original size grip frames good luck on finding aftermarket grips to fit it. Someone knowledgeable about Rugers can tell you when at what serial number Ruger made the change. You can probably find it on google also.

If Dan Wesson #3 will accept other barrel lengths I would seriously consider it instead. a 4" and 6" combination would get you a lot of options.
 
Hi...
As the owner of at least a half dozen .357Magnum revolvers with many thousands of rounds through them, I can heartily recommend the 686.
It is easily the most accurate revolver I own.Mine is a Silhouette Model with an 8-3/8" barrel in stainless steel. I bought it used about 30 years ago for $300.
FWIW, I also have three Blackhawks in .357 as well as a pair of Colt Troopers. All were bought used for less than $350 each with the exception of one Blackhawk that was bought new. IIRC, that one was right about $350 also.
I don't know if I need any more .357 handguns but if I do decide I need another it will probably be either a stainless Blackhawk or one of the Uberti Cattleman models with the brass grip and case colored frame.
Of course, I probably wouldn't turn down a Python if someone wanted to sell me one cheap.
 
The Security Six I am looking at is the later model with the slope versus the square corner.

I am probably going to go with the Security Six and save for one of the Dan Wesson's.
 
I like Ruger Security Six Revolvers....... BUT......Given the choice of one of those or the Model 15 Dan Wesson I would not even slow down to glance at the Ruger. If the Model 15 DW was not on the table I would go for the Ruger.

My experience with the Model 15 set up as a six inch was marvelous.....until it was stolen. Only problem with it was once the then girl friend started shooting it I had to load a lot more ammo.

Yep the Ruger is a tank and will be around for your Grandkids if you do your part, but the M15DW is a freaking high end sports car.....that will be around for your Grandkids if you do your part.

-kBob
 
GBExpat,

Sounds right. Have you found any grips for the 150? Ticks me off that folks selling SSix grips seldom mention the frame type and then usually only down in the text as 151 and later.

-kBob
 
Ruger!!!!!
Never had a Dan Wesson. Might be fun to try.
#4 not an option, been there done that.
Good luck
 
Security Six.

Don't worry for one second about spare parts. You will NEVER break a Security Six.

The S&W Model 28 is another great choice. You can find them for $450 on the auction sites, so in store prices shouldn't be much higher.
 
Ruger Security Six in Stainless to carry and shoot, Dan Wesson to Shoot and carry. Check out grip/stock options if your hand does not fit.
Check out available holsters if you plan on packing one. Which one is easier for you to open eject and reload?
 
Starter52 said:
Security Six.

Don't worry for one second about spare parts. You will NEVER break a Security Six.

The S&W Model 28 is another great choice. You can find them for $450 on the auction sites, so in store prices shouldn't be much higher.
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I always figure that the only parts that the only parts that might get "tired" are the springs. But Wolff still makes them! I know because I just got in touch with them. Gonna pick up a couple sets as spares since there are so many Sixes in the family. Besides, they don't cost much.
 
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Lots of great advice here. There are a few things that might help you (or anyone else) making the same decision.
  • I think you'll find the Security six to be physically lighter. That might matter, depending on your use.
  • The Dan Wessons have interchangeable barrels and grips, so they can change to better suit your use/needs.
  • While the Ruger isn't a lightweight, the DWs are notoriously stout. That might help if you plan on slinging some major lead.
  • Both are solid, reliable, great shooters.
  • You really can't go wrong with either, just which one better suits YOU.
 
Save up just a bit more and buy a nice used S&W. Various frame sizes are available with adjustable and non-adjustable sights. They will increase in value the longer you own them.
 
bluetopper said:
Save up just a bit more and buy a nice used S&W. Various frame sizes are available with adjustable and non-adjustable sights. They will increase in value the longer you own them.
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Nah this is it. $500 is my max. I've asked to purchased the Security Six. Just need to set a time to pick it up
 
I don't think you went wrong with the Security Six! Those things are old workhorses! ;)
 
Be sure t post pics of your new security six. You made the same choice that I would have. I have a beautiful early 2.75" blued SS with an early low back frame tucked away as a safe queen. The action is so slick and precise it almost makes my 6" stainless SS feel like mistake in comparison. None of the SP or GP series come close. If I could find any grips to fit the early frame it may become my favorite revolver.
 
bannockburn said:
beag_nut



That's what I thought too when the GP100 came out. I was very happy with every Security, Service, and Speed Six I owned and still kick myself for trading them away (typically for one of those new-fangled semi-autos). So I thought: "Great, this new GP100 should be a stronger, improved version of the Security Six." though truth be told I was more than happy with the Security Six just the way it was.

But the GP100 weighed in at 41 oz. (competing with the 42 oz. S&W Model 686), but not possessing the balance and handling characteristics that made the 34 oz. Six so popular. It was bigger and heavier, had a grip design that I never felt comfortable with, and had a heavy and gritty trigger in both double and single action mode.

So while I do have fond memories of the Six Series I can't say the same thing for the GP100.
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Regardless of your opinion of its looks, it is STILL incredibly strong (by design)
 
If I have to get rid of one, it won't be the Security Six. If you want to shoot a lot of full power .357, a 686 or 28 will tame recoil better. 28s can be found quite reasonable if you are patient.
 

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