Ruger Speed Six and Service Six Help Requested

[oldrevolverguy]

Guys,

I just bought a brand new in the box Ruger Police Service Six. The first thing I want to do is convert it to round butt just like the Speed Six. Would one of you gentlemen who own a Speed Six please do me a huge favor. I need someone to trace the outline of a set of Ruger factory wood Speed Six grips. I will then use that as a template for grinding down the square butt to match the round butt profile. I would really appreciate it if one of you could help me out.

Thanks in advance!

 

[444marlin]

where did you find a NIB service six and do they have another?

 

[hoptob]

Oldrevolverguy,

Here is a scan of grip panels from late model SpeedSix serial number 157-.

Size of the black rectangle in your print should be 3.80" x 3.80".

Left grip panel is exactly as it came with the gun. Right panel is slightly modified (top only), note that "hook" is gone. This should not be a problem for you because, I think, the difference between SpeedSix and SecuritySix frames is at the bottom.

Good luck.

Mike

 

[QuietEarp]

I am sure I am not the only one who read the key words, NIB, and then the words "grinding down." Ouch. It is your gun and you should be happy, but why make a Service Six into a Speed Six when you could just get a Speed Six? I think it is the NIB line that has me hung up. The Ruger Six series are great guns that are sure to increase in value so I guess I am wondering about the reason for grinding down the grips. Wouldn't the aftermarket grip market fill this niche without sacrificing the value and history of the Service Six model? These are real questions, I am interested. I have experience with both a Security Six and a Speed Six and I am impressed with both firearms. I know that the OP is not asking advice or if they should do this, but I feel that we all want to know why. Great guns the Ruger Sixes and it seems oldrevolverguy must know what he wants. Maybe it is the whole NIB thing that has me hung up.

 

[oldrevolverguy]

Thank you very much hoptob

Thank you hoptob. This is precisely the information I need.

As for the other folks concerned about the NIB statement; please be reassured that I am sorry I mentioned it.

It is just a Ruger. A working man's gun. It was never intended to be a safe queen. If anyone wishes to rescue this weapon from a life of being shot, carried as a CHL gun, and perhaps saving my bacon please feel free to make an offer. It will be a few weeks before I have time to fit the pachmayr professional round butt grips.

I want to again thank Mike for the kind and thorough response. I owe you one.

 

[logical]

Wouldn't the smarter plan be to get the gribs you plan to install and use them to mark the new contour?

 

[gb6491]

It will be a few weeks before I have time to fit the pachmayr professional round butt grips.

Speaking of the Pachmayr Professional round butt grips, I had some on my Speed Six. While I like the look and size, I prefer not to have the backstrap covered. I tried a set of the Pachmayr Compac Professional grips and the fit was terrible (the plain Professionals actually fit rather well). I was resigned to the Professionals until I saw an Ebay auction for some Herrett Shooting Stars for the Speed Six. I won the auction (only bidder) and after I got them decided I really didn't like the squared look of them. The Dremel tool and some sandpaper fixed that.
Here's what the Pachmayer Pros look like on the Speed Six:

A photo from the auction of the Shooting Stars:

Modified and compared to the Pros:

Herretts installed:

Regards,
Greg

 

[oldrevolverguy]

Great input guys! Thank you.

BTW Logical. The grips I am going to install cover the front strap and will not provide a template for trimming same.

FYI guys, I decided to try the Hogue mono grip.

 

[MADDOG]

FWIW I have some of those "Ruger working man guns" and I going to keep the grinder away from them.

 

[Rodentman]

I have a Service Six I bought new in 1976. It's been my go-to workhorse and has seen many hours of open carry when I lived in AZ in the 70's.

 

[oldrevolverguy]

Great gun

Just got back from the range. The Service Six shoots like a bandit. It shoots my prefered .357 carry load very well and precisely to the point of aim. I bought Safariland speed loaders and a Don Hume IWB holster at the range. I bought a dremel tool on the way home and the modification to fit the round butt Hogue grips took about 30 minutes. They perform exactly as I hoped they would. Mike, the template I made from your scan worked perfectly. Thanks again.

 

[Confederate]

Of course it shoots like a bandit, it's the best deal you can get on a .357 mag, bar none. I was originally going to get a Dan Wesson pistol pac with various barrel lengths, but decided to get a Security-Six in each barrel length (stainless, naturally), and I'm happy I went that way.

These are guns I never tire of shooting. Your blue model is gorgeous.

 

[hoptob]

I bought a dremel tool on the way home and the modification to fit the round butt Hogue grips took about 30 minutes.

Wow, you are fast! You are welcome, oldrevolverguy. It's a great gun, hope it will serve you well.



Mike