Ruger "Six" series vs. GP100

[Panzerschwein]

The question is in the title:

Which would you choose, and why? Would you rather have the older Ruger "Six" series guns (Service, Speed, Security) in hand, or the newer GP100 style guns?

GO!

 

[hAkron]

Both are pretty equal. The GP-100 is a bit beefier.

 

[roaddog28]

I own a Police Service Six 4 inch. I have owned two GP100s. I prefer the Six line because of the half barrel lug. I found the GP100 with full lug to be muzzle heavy. As long as a person uses sane 357 magnum loads in a Security Six, It will last many years.
Howard

 

[Kiln]

GP100. Parts availability and factory service are still available for the GP100. The six series? Not so much.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

What Kiln said.

 

[pps]

I like the feel and looks of the six series. If they made a throwback GP with the 1/2 lug and wood grips, I'd consider one.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I kind of wish Ruger would reintroduce the Six series double action .357 revolvers, but I just don't see that ever happening.

The GP100 is a great revolver, even though I personally think it is overweight and piggish for what it is. The Six series guns were more svelt and easier to carry around, but still very strong guns. The GP100 was introduced so folks could shoot an unlimited number of max power .357 rounds... only problem is I know few people who do that, most shoot .38s in the GP100s.

The other day at a local Pawn n' Gun, I saw a GP100 w/ 3" bbl in .38 special only. I thought to myself "who would want to carry that over a S&W model 10?" LOL but that's just me!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I had to make that decision I would first have to know what the revolver will be used for.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I like the feel and looks of the six series. If they made a throwback GP with the 1/2 lug and wood grips, I'd consider one.

GP100 Match Champion.
Not exactly a -Six, but closer than most GPs.

 

[Lucky Derby]

The -Six series.
GPs are great guns but overweight.

 

[CajunBass]

The six series.

The GP-100 is ugly enough that it has simply never interested me enough to even pick one up and look at it. Might be the best gun in the world for all I know, but I don't want one.

 

[PBR Streetgang]

Security -Six series,,,,,,better balance and a smoother trigger....... BTW I own both Six and GP versions....

 

[lilguy]

Six, I have 2. One blue, one SS. Shot the hell out of both of them and they're still tight as ever. Blued was my first gun, have had it over 40 years.

 

[RealGun]

As long as referring to .38 Special, I'll take the Six series. The GP100 is clearly superior for .357 Magnum.

 

[bikerdoc]

I have my service six duty revolver the dept let me buy when I retired. Great gun for the the time.

 

[moxie]

To me, the Sixes are just "handier."

 

[bannockburn]

Big fan of the whole Six series. For me they were just the right size for a .357 revolver, had great balance and handling qualities, and really loved the modular design. I had a GP100 and felt that it had none of the attributes that I so very much enjoyed with the Security Six.

 

[md2lgyk]

I've owned both. In fact, my first centerfire handgun was a 4" Service Six, bought in 1977 or so. Wish I still had it. The three GPs, not so much.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I like the more solid cylinder ejector rod on the Six series better.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

For me, the Six series fall into a "not good for anything" category. That is only because I have other .357's though. For a HD or range gun, I want the weight and heft of a GP100(Or in my case, a 686 Competitor). For carry I want something smaller, more easily concealed than a six series gun, and my SP101 fills that role.

If I feel like carrying a full size .357, I carry my 3" 686+. I like the lines a little better than the Six series guns or the GP100, and I get 7 rounds.

Personally, I think the GP100, the Six series guns, and the SP101 are all great. But I have my needs filled by my SP and 686's. The Service and Speed Six guns would accomplish nothing for me that I can't already do.

Just my scenario though. For a new buyer, the Six series guns have appeal. I think that's part of why S&W re-introduced the M66. they saw a bit of a void that they hope to fill. It isn't a huge void though IMO.

I like the more solid cylinder ejector rod on the Six series better.

Say it again. The ejector rod is the one thing on both of my SP101's (same as the GP's I believe) that seems really lame. I haven't had a problem with either, but they just seem wobbly and poorly conceaved.

 

[19-3Ben]

I love my Six series revolvers. I guess, like many the answer to the question depends on what you plan to do with it. For solely a range gun or HD gun, where it will never be carried, the extra weight of a GP would make for lower recoil.
But honestly, I just like the size and feel of the Six series, and it's not like they are exactly killer in the recoil department as is.

 

[RugRev]

For carry the Six Series as is lighter and more compact. For targets or firing really heavy loads the GP as I think the trigger can be tuned a bit better and lighter and the frame has more metal in it. I have both types, though, along with a SP to cover all angles.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I love the Six series, but my answer would have to be the GP100 for factory service and parts availability.

 

[RealGun]

I love the Six series, but my answer would have to be the GP100 for factory service and parts availability.

I can relate there. I have a Service Six that needs a new barrel, and neither Ruger nor Numrich can help me with one stamped 38 Special and 4" in SS. Ruger offered me a GP at a big discount, but I am holding off hoping the right barrel will turn up. I don't want or need a GP in 38 Special, so I wonder if they were referring to .357. I already have a 5" GP .357 and a 3" 38 Special (for 41 Spl conversion) and am not looking for another barrel length or to spend more money on a gun I don't need. I bought one barrel stamped 38 Special and thought the picture was of the Police service barrel profile, but it turned out to be an incompatible Security Six barrel. I was so beguiled by the 38 Special stamping and the rarity of Security Sixes in 38 Special that I just didn't look close enough at a rather small picture. Oh, well. Good price though...$50 and shipping.

 

[Jim Watson]

There is a legend that a Ruger exec said they did not make any money on sales of Security Six series. Hard to imagine, but it would be one reason they quit making them and no longer support them.