Thank you for your replies. No, the Security-Six pictured isn't mine, but is one reputed to have had the problem. The Ruger employee that caused the problem used a lubricant that was not intended to be used when the barrel was crush-fit into the frame. The lubricant dried in such a way that shooting magnum rounds caused catastrophic failure in the barrel, causing it to separate.
When I contacted Ruger, they acknowledged the problem and said there was no way to identify, via serial number, which guns were likely to have the problem. It is very rare, but apparently they can remove the barrel, re-lube it, then replace it. But if one has many of these guns, it would be impractical.
I tried finding the photo again, but was unable to.
These guns are so good that, when I had my FFL, I bought them up whenever I found a good price. I'll probably start getting rid of them as I get up in years. I envy those who will get them as they're completely unfired and in their boxes. I hope I don't live to see the generation of kids who will sell their rights to own guns down the tubes. The schools, I think, are sowing the seeds now and expect to reap the results in one or two generations.
For now, I'm glad I don't have to buy and use the present line of Ruger GPs. I'm sure many people like them, but many have never had the great fortune of owning and using the old "6-series" revolvers.
