Ruger Six Series: An Obsession -- Review

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I figured that I might help you understand my obsession.
By Mark Singer
Safe Direction Firearms
Web Address: safedirection.org

In this author’s humble opinion it is the best revolver ever offered by Ruger. As compared to a Smith and Wesson I'd say there is a tiny bit of travel in single action with nearly zero pressure behind it and while the single action may not be as crisp as a S&W; I like how smooth the double action trigger is compared to the Smith. I even think the Security, Speed, and Service six revolvers' DA triggers are better than other Ruger models, such as the GP100 and SP101. Also, Ruger revolvers tend to be low maintenance and are very easy for a novice to completely disassembly.
.357 Magnum Ruger Security Six Early 150 Prefix Model


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[skidder]

Nice pics of two fine specimens.

I agree, I have 5 357 mag revolvers and my Security Six is my favorite. Even over my Smith and GP100.

My 1979 light barrel.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Wow What beauties

You and Mark have some really nice specimens. I need to get better pictures of mine.


I really want a security six to finish out the collection.

 

[19-3Ben]

This was my first Six Series revolver. A Security Six that I bought about 3 years ago for all of $190 OTD because it has some nasty corrosion from sitting in the bottom of a tackle box. I have been toying with the idea of getting it refinished for years now, but frankly, it shoots so perfectly, and carries so well in the woods, that I just keep it clean and oiled, and feed it regularly!
This gun has become so trusted that it actually replaced my Model 19 as my nightstand gun. Some Pachmyer Presentation grips, and a lot of practice, and I can hit whatever I point at with that gun.

I ended up getting a Speed Six of carry that my wife liked so much, she got her own! So we have matching carry guns as well, all in the Six family.
I think my absolute favorite has to be the Speed Six though. That's my answer whenever there is a thread about "if I could only have one handgun." It's the perfect do-it-all size, and it really can! I can carry it comfortably and conceal it well, but when the time comes for a range trip i can put countless boxes of ammo through it without fatigue.

 

[skidder]

You and Mark have some really nice specimens. I need to get better pictures of mine.


I really want a security six to finish out the collection.

I don't think the pics get much better than this one, WOW!

Not sure how you took that pic, but no doubt one of my favorites.

 

[mesinge2]

I too love the Speed Six. It is my favorite carry 357. The one I shot in this review (LINK) has been polished quite a bit to get that bright finish.

 

[btg3]

In this author’s humble opinion it is the best revolver ever offered [ahem] by Ruger.
...I like how smooth the double action trigger is compared to the Smith.

I've owned Speed Six and also have a Service Six. IMO, Smith has better overall triggers, whether before or after any trigger work.

 

[dbarale]

They are horrible, over-rated guns! They are so bad that I am running a buy-back program to keep them off the streets. Send them to me and you'll receive a $50 gift card regardless of condition...


Here's two of .... a few:

 

[Cranky CJ]

Okay, I'll play. Here are mine.

 

[ericbc7]

I totally agree that the security six is better than the gp100 that replaced it. If fits my hand and points like a dream. I bought this one from an old gunsmith and friend Al Ungrecht and never regretted it!

 

[Snake Plisskin]

 

[azrn]

thanks for the pics gang, i love these guns and wish ruger never stopped making them. azrn

 

[bannockburn]

Second the notion that for me at least the Security Six had a better feel and balance to it than the GP100.

 

[mesinge2]

Nice find!!

That my favorite Security Six model too. I actually bought two of them:

 

[Wishoot]

Snake- what grips are you running on that SS?

 

[Snake Plisskin]

Wishoot , Those are Badger Custom Grips ( Rosewood )

http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/custom-grips/ruger/ruger-security-six.html

 

[MCgunner]

I had one, a strong gun, but far from perfect. It never did shoot .38 very well, though 140 grain magnums were accurate. The thing had TINY grips, replaced 'em with a Hogue, but the felt recoil and muzzle climb with magnums was pretty bad compared to my M19 or my Taurus 66s. When I traded the gun straight up for a new .357 Blackhawk which I still have, the thing was beginning to shoot a little loose, a bit of end shake. Lots of hot rounds through it. The trigger was never that great on the gun, but I trimmed the hammer spring and got it a lot better while still being 100 percent reliable.

That was my first centerfire revolver, bought it in 1978 from Gibson's discount for 180 bucks brand new. It was a 4" stainless gun. I don't really miss it. I have the blackhawk and two laser accurate Taurus 66s I like better. Bash Taurus all you want, but mine are SWEET and are stronger guns than a S&W K frame, if a bit heavier do to a little beefier frame that allows for a ROUND forcing cone.

The Security Six was a good revolver, don't misunderstand, but I can't say it was the best. I much preferred the SP101 I had for carry and the GP100 is an improvement in both strength and accuracy, at least over the one I had. It may lack a round of capacity, but the SP101 is as strong or probably, owing to the lock up system, STRONGER than the Sixes. Sure a lot easier to tote around and with a Hogue, mine was easier on my hand with less muzzle jump with hot loads than my Six had.

But, it's all personal opinion. Knock yourselves out on those used Sixes. I don't drink the Koolade.

 

[mesinge2]

But I love Koolade!

 

[MCgunner]

You can always add a little Vodka.

 

[Hickok44]

My 1983 SS Speed Six is my go to for ccw. I love this weapon. I have a very nice GP100 from 1992. The GP keeps my safe company. But the Speed Six rides on my hip

 

[OrangePwrx9]

The Sec. Six is a favorite of mine too. I have a 4" I bought new 30 some years ago and a 2-3/4" I picked up used 2 or 3 years ago. Back in the '80s, my Python became a safe queen once I got the feel of shooting the Sec. Six double action.

Question: If Ruger brought back the oldies like S&W has done, how much would you pay for a new production Sec. Six?

A big part of their appeal, back in the day, was that they were much cheaper than their S&W and Colt counterparts while being stronger and just as accurate. Much as I like them, I probably wouldn't go past $650 for a new one, maybe not that much.

 

[PapaG]

Have three plus a pair of 101s. Two blue, one stainless, one each in the common barrel lengths. Won't part with any of them. (have some nice Smiths, too, but for some reason the Rugers are my go-tos for fun shooting).

 

[WestKentucky]

I keep looking for a six series but the ones I find are in bad shape. The wear matches the price too...too much for me. I had a chance to trade a gp100 for a nib security six and I didn't do it. Been kicking myself for a year now.

 

[Hometeached1]

dbarale, very nice sixes. Really like the one with the bobbed hammer.

 

[PBR Streetgang]

I have a couple Security Sixes and a GP-100,,,,,,the Sixes have it all over the GPs.........