big blue
Member
What are your opinions? Both are blued steel, 4" barrels, adjustable sights.
Ruger Security Six vs. GP100 ?
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ChristopherG
Member
Well, I'll get the ball rolling, though I don't know much about Rugers.
I do know that most of what I've read suggests that the GP100 was introduced by B.R. NOT because of any deficiency in the S6, but as a counterpoint to the new, more robust S&W L-frame (which WAS introduced to address a specific weakness in its K-frame predecessor).
The Six-series is also widely rumored (including in an interview with B.R.) never to have made the company much money, though they sold better'n a million of them. The GP is supposed to have at least corrected this economic deficiency, from Ruger's POV.
Assuming both guns are 'just as good', I spose it depends on what you want it for. I got a S6 because I want to carry it a lot, and it's clearly a bit friendlier to carry. I've heard folks gripe about the grip of the Six series in comparison to the GP100, and I spose I can see that--though there are aftermarket grips out there.
If your purpose in a .357 is to see how many mega-loads you can shoot before you develop some kind of repetitive stress disorder, the GP100 would be the better bet, I'd think. I chose the S6, so I guess my choice is already clear. Let's see what someone who knows both systems better will say.
I do know that most of what I've read suggests that the GP100 was introduced by B.R. NOT because of any deficiency in the S6, but as a counterpoint to the new, more robust S&W L-frame (which WAS introduced to address a specific weakness in its K-frame predecessor).
The Six-series is also widely rumored (including in an interview with B.R.) never to have made the company much money, though they sold better'n a million of them. The GP is supposed to have at least corrected this economic deficiency, from Ruger's POV.
Assuming both guns are 'just as good', I spose it depends on what you want it for. I got a S6 because I want to carry it a lot, and it's clearly a bit friendlier to carry. I've heard folks gripe about the grip of the Six series in comparison to the GP100, and I spose I can see that--though there are aftermarket grips out there.
If your purpose in a .357 is to see how many mega-loads you can shoot before you develop some kind of repetitive stress disorder, the GP100 would be the better bet, I'd think. I chose the S6, so I guess my choice is already clear. Let's see what someone who knows both systems better will say.
Confederate
Member
Excellent comments, Christopher.
Actually, I think Bill Ruger said they didn't make a dime selling the Security-Six and, to answer the question, I like the S6 much better. First, the Ruger crowd tried to make it sound as though one spring doing the work of two was an improvement of some kind. Balderdash! I like the size, weight and trigger pull better on the S6.
Ditto on the grips, which could be ground to rounded. Pop on some Pachmayr compact grips and it was arguably the BEST grip you could get on a .357 anywhere. All you need is some old skinny grips from the factory to use as a guide.
To me, a gun shouldn't be heavier and bigger than it has to be, unless it's only to be shot at the range. The S6 didn't need to be bigger or heavier than it was. So that's my opinion in a nutshell.
Actually, I think Bill Ruger said they didn't make a dime selling the Security-Six and, to answer the question, I like the S6 much better. First, the Ruger crowd tried to make it sound as though one spring doing the work of two was an improvement of some kind. Balderdash! I like the size, weight and trigger pull better on the S6.
Ditto on the grips, which could be ground to rounded. Pop on some Pachmayr compact grips and it was arguably the BEST grip you could get on a .357 anywhere. All you need is some old skinny grips from the factory to use as a guide.
To me, a gun shouldn't be heavier and bigger than it has to be, unless it's only to be shot at the range. The S6 didn't need to be bigger or heavier than it was. So that's my opinion in a nutshell.
Own both--a number of the 57 varieties of the Sixes, all 4"; and one extremely smooth GP in 4" also. Carried one or another Six for many years and still do sometimes. Probably the best medium-frame revolver ever made--just not as pretty as the M19 Smith, but outstanding service.
The GP is sort of an engineering statement and one heck of a stout gun. No doubt there are people who happily CCW them, but IMHO they are uniformed duty police and field guns, not really "handy" unless you are 6' 6" or so. And whether we agree or not the day of the police wheelgun is over.
The GP is actually something of an anachronism, but then so are single actions.
The GP is sort of an engineering statement and one heck of a stout gun. No doubt there are people who happily CCW them, but IMHO they are uniformed duty police and field guns, not really "handy" unless you are 6' 6" or so. And whether we agree or not the day of the police wheelgun is over.
The GP is actually something of an anachronism, but then so are single actions.
big blue
Member
Does anyone have any specs for the S6? I'm interested in the weight of it vs. the GP. I want something to carry while deer hunting and as a trail gun for when I'm in the woods. I really like the look and feel of the GP, but I'm thinking the S6 might be lighter and easier to carry.
btw, Dispatch - I would love to get both, but unfortunately I can't "swing it"
. I've got a baby on the way, and I'm having to watch the pennies
btw, Dispatch - I would love to get both, but unfortunately I can't "swing it"
. I've got a baby on the way, and I'm having to watch the penniesronto
Member
The owners manual says nothing about the weight of the S6. I carry mine in a cross-draw holster and don't find it too heavy. I put Hogue Monogrips on it and it makes a world of difference. The factory wood grips really suck.
The S6 is becomming a "classic" and therefore would be a better "investment" IMHO.
The S6 is becomming a "classic" and therefore would be a better "investment" IMHO.
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ChristopherG
Member
Confederate--gracias.
Just to throw another log on the fire, I just today posted a pic of my recently acquired S6 in this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=2715062#post2715062
Just to throw another log on the fire, I just today posted a pic of my recently acquired S6 in this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=2715062#post2715062
I'd certainly vote for the Security Six. Over the years I've owned 4 of them - one short barrel stainless I still own. Others went to kids or friends and I regret letting them go!
The GP is a very sound revolver. It is designed and costs less to manufacture thus more profit for Ruger. Nothing wrong with that. The Security Six is probably one of the most over engineered revolvers made. In my case, I also liked the grip better for my hand.
So, it is really matter of preference but I don't need a GP since I have a Security Six and don't find it lacking at all. Besides, I like "older guns" - more class!
John
The GP is a very sound revolver. It is designed and costs less to manufacture thus more profit for Ruger. Nothing wrong with that. The Security Six is probably one of the most over engineered revolvers made. In my case, I also liked the grip better for my hand.
So, it is really matter of preference but I don't need a GP since I have a Security Six and don't find it lacking at all. Besides, I like "older guns" - more class!
John
I recently purchased a Security Six chambered for .357, and a GP-100 chambered for .357 about a week later. I called the factory and asked about the ammunition factor they informed me that the Security Six is not reccommended for +P ammo but the GP-100 would handle it all. That really suprised me because I thought .357 magnum packed more of a wallop than a +p .38
The biggest difference really is size and weight. Both great guns. For range work the GP-100 will be more comfortable to shoot. The Security Six is a work of art. Either one will handle any .357 load all day long and until you hand it off to your children.
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Fishman777
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Gp100
More grip options, ability to easily change the front sight, triple locking cylinder.
More grip options, ability to easily change the front sight, triple locking cylinder.
madcratebuilder
Member
I can't say one over the other as I have never shot a GP100. I do own two of the older Rugers, a 2.75" Security Six and a 4" Service Six. Both are twenty five years old, tight, smooth actions. The oem grips absolutely suck, a minor problem easy to correct. The trigger pull is not as nice as the best S&W's I own but it's very close. Not as pretty as my M27 or 586/686 revolvers. Pretty doesn't do much in a gun fight. I think the S6 series of revolvers are Rugers best.
There had to be a misunderstanding with that response. The .357 S6 revolvers well handle any production .357 on the market.
Hondov65 said:
There had to be a misunderstanding with that response. The .357 S6 revolvers well handle any production .357 on the market.
Confederate
Member
Oh, the above is rich! Not recommended for +P! It's like my friend who sneezed when he was firing a Security-Six. The whole gun just fell apart! He had to take it home in a paper sack!
Actually I think someone at Ruger is trying to keep someone from buying a Security-Six. If so, it certainly isn't what I'd consider ethical. The Security-Six will handle as many +Ps as a GP-100 will. Both are capable of handling tens of thousands of +P .38s and both are fabulous guns.
The only thing I'm not crazy about on the GP-100 is that without the grips, it has just a stump sticking out of the bottom. If the grips from a S6 are removed, you still have...grips. The balance of the S6 also is superior in my view. Still, both guns are great.
The GP-100's grips covers a multitude of sins. The gun has just a stub
sticking out out the bottom. Then you've got more steel in the underlug,
which throws the guns balance forward. This is fine if you're going to be
shooting at a range, but the S6 is seven ounces lighter and the front
sight is easier to pick up a moving target. It's more of an issue with a
6-incher, but some people prefer the GP. Me, I like the S6.
Actually I think someone at Ruger is trying to keep someone from buying a Security-Six. If so, it certainly isn't what I'd consider ethical. The Security-Six will handle as many +Ps as a GP-100 will. Both are capable of handling tens of thousands of +P .38s and both are fabulous guns.
The only thing I'm not crazy about on the GP-100 is that without the grips, it has just a stump sticking out of the bottom. If the grips from a S6 are removed, you still have...grips. The balance of the S6 also is superior in my view. Still, both guns are great.
The GP-100's grips covers a multitude of sins. The gun has just a stub
sticking out out the bottom. Then you've got more steel in the underlug,
which throws the guns balance forward. This is fine if you're going to be
shooting at a range, but the S6 is seven ounces lighter and the front
sight is easier to pick up a moving target. It's more of an issue with a
6-incher, but some people prefer the GP. Me, I like the S6.
Kentucky_Rifleman
Member
The recommendation against +P is probably because some of the old S6s were chambered in .38 special instead of .357. Of course, I expect they would be overbuilt enough to handle the +P, but I KNOW the .357 will, as it operates at much higher pressures
KR
KR
roaddog28
Member
I have a Police Service Six and a GP100. I like them both but I favor the Police Service Six. It handles better and carries better. I along with others on this forum feel the Security Six series revolvers were the best that Ruger ever made.
Also, the Security Six will handle any +P round and shoot hundreds of them with no problems. Also, the Security Six will handle any factory 357 round availiable. Just as long as the Security Six is chambered for 357. Ruger did make some 38 special Security Sixes too.
If you can't not afford both a Security Six and GP100 I would buy the Security Six first. That is what I did.
Good luck,
roaddog28
Also, the Security Six will handle any +P round and shoot hundreds of them with no problems. Also, the Security Six will handle any factory 357 round availiable. Just as long as the Security Six is chambered for 357. Ruger did make some 38 special Security Sixes too.
If you can't not afford both a Security Six and GP100 I would buy the Security Six first. That is what I did.
Good luck,
roaddog28
Deaf Smith
Member
The Security Six handguns, at least to me, handle better than the GP (and lighter to.)
Now I have heard, but not verified, that the .357 chamber on the GP series does not handle 38 Specials well. Anyone know about this?
But yes both are good guns. And I perfer the Sixes!
Deaf
Now I have heard, but not verified, that the .357 chamber on the GP series does not handle 38 Specials well. Anyone know about this?
But yes both are good guns. And I perfer the Sixes!
Deaf
Black Knight
Member
About 30 years ago I passed on a Security Six and have regretted it ever since only because I don't have one in my collection. The gun I passed the Security Six up for was a 6" Colt Python. I don't regret the Python.
Deaf Smith
Member
Guys,
The GP-100, like the Security Six, has been made in .38 Special to.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_GP-100
I suspect they have never changed the heat treating of the guns, and thus any Security Six or GP will handle .357 pressures, chambered in .38 or .357. In fact from what I’ve researched Ruger, unlike other companies, used the same heat treatment on the .38s as they did on the .357s due to selling a lot of .38 versions to foreign markets where .357s were not allowed and Ruger, knowing .38 Security Six’s would be a drug on the market here, just used the same cylinders with same heat treatment but reamed to .38 specs and stamped on the barrel .38 Special. After all, why would they hold back a batch of cylinders just for that? It would be more cost effective to treat them all the same and not have to set up a different heat treatment regime for each kind. I also note there is NO stamp for .38 or .357 on the cylinders to denote either way.
Plus there is a guy on the Ruger Forum, SSA, that has a .38 Speed Six, blue, reamed to .357 Magnum and he shoots magnum loads out of it.
So who knows…. I sure wish Ruger would fess up!
Deaf
The GP-100, like the Security Six, has been made in .38 Special to.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_GP-100
I suspect they have never changed the heat treating of the guns, and thus any Security Six or GP will handle .357 pressures, chambered in .38 or .357. In fact from what I’ve researched Ruger, unlike other companies, used the same heat treatment on the .38s as they did on the .357s due to selling a lot of .38 versions to foreign markets where .357s were not allowed and Ruger, knowing .38 Security Six’s would be a drug on the market here, just used the same cylinders with same heat treatment but reamed to .38 specs and stamped on the barrel .38 Special. After all, why would they hold back a batch of cylinders just for that? It would be more cost effective to treat them all the same and not have to set up a different heat treatment regime for each kind. I also note there is NO stamp for .38 or .357 on the cylinders to denote either way.
Plus there is a guy on the Ruger Forum, SSA, that has a .38 Speed Six, blue, reamed to .357 Magnum and he shoots magnum loads out of it.
So who knows…. I sure wish Ruger would fess up!
Deaf
Confederate
Member
I bought a couple of .38 Spc revolvers years ago and had both of them rechambered for .357. Result? The most accurate "Six" revolvers I've ever seen! The smith who did them was a stickler for detail and he gave each chamber the dead-on proper throating, which meant I could drop a .357 bullet into each chamber and each would catch and not fall through.Kentucky Rifleman said:
Those guns turned into the best .357s I've ever owned, even though both were Speed-Sixes. The actions are slick, the butts rounded and...did I mention they were accurate?
This is one of the two I rechambered for .357. They were dirt cheap,
as I was a dealer at the time.
.
chieftain
Member
I bought my First Security Six in 1971. Paid $105 cash money new in the box. At my local dealer.
I sure liked it and I was and still am a S&W guy. Used it as my CCW for almost 15 years, then lent it to a friend for his duty revolver in Mohave county as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for 7 years. ( I had gone back to a 3" model 66 and later the 686.). Until I went to the dark side and began to carry a bottom feeder, SIG's.
I have never found a thing wrong with any of the Security Six family of guns, and I didn't understand the reason for the GP100.
I don't own a GP100, don't really see a need for it, nothing wrong with the few I have shot either. I think Ruger should have kept the S6 and used the Redhawk in 357 (they made some of them, NOT the super Redhawk either) for their "heavy" 357 to compete with the 686.
Good luck, no really bad choices here. For carry CCW I would go with the Security, for service, field, and target use with a Ruger I would go with the GP100.
I sure liked it and I was and still am a S&W guy. Used it as my CCW for almost 15 years, then lent it to a friend for his duty revolver in Mohave county as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for 7 years. ( I had gone back to a 3" model 66 and later the 686.). Until I went to the dark side and began to carry a bottom feeder, SIG's.
I have never found a thing wrong with any of the Security Six family of guns, and I didn't understand the reason for the GP100.
I don't own a GP100, don't really see a need for it, nothing wrong with the few I have shot either. I think Ruger should have kept the S6 and used the Redhawk in 357 (they made some of them, NOT the super Redhawk either) for their "heavy" 357 to compete with the 686.
Good luck, no really bad choices here. For carry CCW I would go with the Security, for service, field, and target use with a Ruger I would go with the GP100.
Lucky Derby
Member
Between the two I would opt for the Security-Six, all else being equal.
While the GP is a fine gun they just don't feel as nice in my hand as the -Six series revolvers.
While the GP is a fine gun they just don't feel as nice in my hand as the -Six series revolvers.
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