Ruger GP100 vs. Security Six?

[John C]

I'm just wondering what the difference is between the GP100 and the Security Six? Why did Ruger make the change?

Also, which one is "better" qualitatively? Feel, accuracy?

Finally, if you were at a gun show and saw one of each at a table in similar, excellent condition, and the prices were good, which one would you buy, and why?

I'm looking at getting one of these fine revolvers when the right deal comes up. I'm looking for a six inch, stainless one, I think.

Thanks,

John C

 

[tc300mag1]

They changed the grip stud or i should say put one on the gp-100 where as the six has a grip frame. The cylinder lock pawl is different and thats about it internally.

I think the gp100 is a bit bulker i prefer the 4 inch in either of these guns of course stainless

 

[9mmepiphany]

the gp-100 was designed to replace the security-six for too reasons.
1. ease of manufacture, taking advantage of more modern machining and casting methods

2. handle the constant pounding of .357mag ammo. the gp-100 folowed the smith L-frame's lead in upsizing it's frame to that of the colt python.

i prefer the fixed-sighted and round-butted profile of the speed-six to the security six, but i consider them just about the ideal size and ruggedness for CCW. if i went to 6" on a security-six, i'd screw on a python barrel

 

[stans]

I agree with 9mmepiphany, the GP-100 is larger than the Security Six, much like the S&W 586/686 is larger than the 19/66. The GP-100 does have a stud to which the stocks are attached, this makes custom shaping of the stock so much easier, although I find little fault with the well designed factory stocks on the GP-100.

 

[tbeb]

I once owned a 4" stainless GP-100 that was very accurate with .357 magnum 140 gr. reloads and .357 magnum Winchester Silvertip 145 gr. JHP's. I never owned a Security Six. I own two .357 magnum Speed Sixes, which are a basically a fixed sight Security Six with round butt. They are very good quality. I like the grip on both models. The stock wood/rubber grip on my GP-100 was great, as is the Hogue rubber grip on my Speed Six. I personally like rubber grips. I would buy whichever had the best price. If price was same for same condition then I'd buy the GP-100.

 

[JohnBT]

Mr. Ruger said in an interview that counting both the cost of development and the cost of manufacturing they probably didn't make a penny on that entire Six line.

I'd buy a 4" blue Service-Six, but I already have one and it came with a 6.75 pound DA pull. Nice gun and very accurate at 50 yards with match wadcutters if I haven't been drinking too much coffee.

John

 

[GrandmasterB]

They are both good guns. They are both good quality.

I own two Security Sixes and one Speed Six. I don't have a GP100. I just like the size and balance of the Six line better.

 

[Cosmoline]

The Security Six line is more like a beefed up K frame. It balances and handles better than the GP-100 line IMHO.

 

[magsnubby]

i own a GP100 and 2 Security Sixs. While the GP100 handles the hotter .357's better (a little less recoil) i still perfer the Security Six. It just feels better in my hand than the GP100.

If i didn't own a .357 i would go for the GP100 if buying new and with the Security Six if buying used.

But if i could only have 1 .357 it would be my stainless steel Security Six.

 

[Lone Star]

You guys have missed a major point: the GP-100 is not only larger; the cylinder locks differently, with a unique crane lock. This probably adds to its durability.

Lone Star

 

[Texian Pistolero]

I agree with all previous comments. While the GP-100 does have some design improvements, there were NO complains about the Securirty Six.

I've had over a dozen, currently down to three.

I think Ruger missed the timing on the GP-100. He came out with it pretty much near the time LEO's went semi-auto, so he missed his major market.

For open carry, house, range or car, the heavier GP-100 has it's advantages. For CCW, the lighter SS has the edge.
Put them on a postal meter and figure the difference. I find that every ounce or mm of width matters.

I stick with my Security-Sixes, because I'll NEVER wear them out. The Security Six was a gun where Joe Six-Pack REALLY got a good deal! I can feel superior to Smith owners, but they'll never understand why! (duck!)

 

[slick6]

GP100 versus Security Six?

I agree with all of the positive comments about the advantages of the Security Six over the GP100! I also agree, that the GP100 is larger and bulkier than the Security Six(And, the other "Six Series" revolvers!)! And, although the GP100 does have the added advantage of having the front crane lock-up, history has proven the solid design and the superior strength of the Security Six(Including the other Six Series revolvers!)and "Unlike" the Smith & Wesson K-frames, Ruger designed the Security Six, from the ground up, to withstand countless rounds of .357 magnum! And(Again!)unlike the weaker S&W K-frame revolvers(That started out many years ago only designed to fire .38 caliber ammunition!)and then were "Beefed up" enough to enable "Occassional" firing of .357 magnums(Mixed in with target practice with mostly, .38 Special's!)but, suddenly, became prone to failure, under extreme and continuous firing of .357 magnums(In which these guns were never designed for!)this was not the situation with the Security Six! This is the reason that S&W created the larger "L" frame(As it was designed to fire .357 magnum's continuously!)! Ruger, did not need to introduce the GP100 to the Gun World, because of any real weakness inherent in the Security Six-but, merely to cut production costs and, to compete directly with the S&W "L" frame from a marketing standpoint! To offer a new gun that the Gun Public could directly compare with the new, S&W "L" frame offerings! The GP100, also has increased material in the frame and around the threads(Being thicker)to give the barrel greater support(Due to not having a conventional ejector rod in the way!)and, "Granted" this is a definate improvement on the GP100 over all of the "Six Series" revolvers! However, based upon the long-term proven strength of the "Six Series" revolvers(And, the fact that many have been going for years and years(Without failure!))and, are still going, "Banging away" with .357 magnum ammo, is proof in the pudding, just how good(And, strong)these revolvers are! In view of this, it may not make much difference at all, about the small increase in strength, that the GP100 offers over the Security Six! The Security Six is plenty strong-and, will more than likely, outlive you! Besides(Just my personal opinion!)I think that the Security Six is a nicer looking revolver(Than is the GP100)and I like the S&W K-frame size of the Security Six! I own several Security Sixes(In all the barrel lengths!)and, I guess you can tell, that the Security Six, is my favorite Ruger double action revolver! If Ruger still made them, I'd be rushing out to buy more of these "Superb" revolvers! You'll have no worries with owning any Security Six!