S&w model 10-5 vs. Ruger Security Six

[Pizzapinochle]

I have one of each of these and have to pick one to keep.

I'm a new shooter, so priority would be the one that is easier to learn with.

I've had the ruger for longer, but on the first day out i was no more accurate with it than the s&w.

Obviously the Ruger is newer and has the advantage of being able to handle .357 and .38, which is nice.

Other things i noticed:

S&w seems to have lighter trigger
Ruger is heavier, much heavier, and much nicer on the recoil
Grips feel very similar in my hand

They are both nice guns, obviously, so i don't think i will be wrong with either, but i can't keep both, so gotta decide.

I guess the other question could be, which one can I sell for more if they really are so close that I don't have a preference?

So, any advice on which gun will better serve me for a long time?

 

[mk70ss]

I like the Ruger better for my tastes, but those are two absolutely equal guns and it comes down to personal preference, nothing more.

 

[SeanSw]

The ability to shoot .357 is not an advantage if you never intend to use them. It is more expensive to shoot casually and premium .38 special is plenty of gun for most purposes.

I think you would easily get more money selling a Ruger Security Six than a S&W Model 10, but you could also dress up the Ruger to improve the fit and function if you wanted to invest in it. The Ruger may also give you room to grow but the Model 10 won't ever go out of style. At least no more than it already has.

I own both

 

[RealGun]

I am not sure if barrel length is implied with these models, but I believe a first gun in a revolver should have a 4" barrel, even longer, if you are not licensed to carry concealed and no plan to carry. That longer sight radius and balance in the gun will allow you more satisfying scoring without perfection in grip, trigger pull, and aim.

I find it hard to say which would be more valuable without doing some auction history research. Vintage S&W often gets the nod, but the model 10 to me is not as desirable as some other models, the 67, for example. Meanwhile, the Security Six is no longer made and seems to be well loved by the owners.

 

[shafter]

For me it would be a really difficult choice. I love the Model 10 with its good looks, trigger, and pointability, but I would have to choose to keep the Security Six. I carry in the North Woods often where having a 357 can be a comfort. I prefer mine just the way it is with its stock grips. They fit my hand well and conceal surprisingly well under an untucked shirt.

THANK GOD I have both and don't need to make that decision!!

 

[Hondo 60]

Oh man, that SUCKS!
I'm sorry to hear you have to make a choice.

If it were me, I'd regret it, no matter which one I chose.

But my 10-5 is my most accurate, so I'd have to go with that one.

 

[Ex]

I would keep the Ruger for two reasons. I like being able to shott two different rounds with no parts change, and I MUCH prefer adj sights. Even different ammo may shoot differently. With adjustables, you can dial it in for perfection with whatever you shoot.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Keeping the Sec. Six would be a no-brainer for me for exactly the reasons EX states in his post. Long time ago I took up reloading and standardized on .357 brass which I load to either .38 special levels or .357 as needed...and everything in between. Should you ever go that route, the Sec. Six will offer a world of opportunities the 10-5 cannot.

I've got two Sec. Sixes; had one for over 30 years. Of the revolvers I've owned/own (686,586,GP-100, Python) they're my favorites.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I also believe the Security Six is the better choice due to simpler internals, and it is generally believed or has proved to be stronger than the S&W K frames. I have chosen the Ruger Security Six to be the ONLY .357 I will ever need.

 

[Hometeached1]

Man, I feel for you. You will be able to get parts for the 10 easier than for the security six, but being able to shoot .357 or .38 is good too. I'd keep the Ruger, but I live in the sticks and there are some things that a .357 magnum would be better for. You can get another model 10 easier than a security six, at least in my area.

 

[Bush Pilot]

^^^^^ this. There are probably 30 model 10s for sale for each Security Six. I would keep the SS and sell the 10. I agree, I feel for you on this one.

 

[il.bill]

Boy, that is a tough one. If you were looking to buy one or the other, I would say that you can't go wrong with either, but when it comes to selling one of them - ouch, what a choice.
Assuming comparable condition and wear, the Ruger Security-Six should bring you a bit more cash, while a replacement S&W Model 10 would be much easier to find when your financial situation improves enough to be looking for another one.
You already know the pros and cons of each model. When faced with a similar choice, I like to take them both out and shoot three or four cylinders full through each, then take them home and clean them up. After they are cleaned and laying on the table or bench, I would go sit in a comfortable chair nearby and close my eyes. I have found that when I cannot make up my mind rationally, if I just quit trying so hard an image of one or the other will present itself when I relax with my eyes closed, and suddenly I know which way to go.

Lots of folks probably think I am nuts, but it works for me. I only took the time to write this out because I can fell your pain. Good luck, and once you make your decision do not look back - you will still have a fine revolver in hand either way.

 

[corpo]

Hummmm,
I think you should sell the Security Six......to ME...
Seriously bro, keep both you can do it, but if one must go as others said it will be easier to replace the 10. Btw, I already have both but I would love another SS especially in stainless.

 

[lowercase]

Why do you have to sell one?

They are both great guns. (I have three Model 10-5s)

I would keep both.

 

[Blue Brick]

love mine...38 Only.

[/QUOTE]

 

[ZVP]

I'd keep the Model 10. Yes it's less powerfull but the Smith generally proves out more accurate in most shooters hands.
Accuracy can subistitute for sheer power when placing ones shots to vitals centers. Use as a Traik gun in dangerous game country would neccitate the choice of the ,357 Magnum, Especally in Bear country."Social" work sometimes demands a more powerfull caliber too.
aaafor my personal uses the Model 10 works out being the choice. I don't fight Bears but I may (I sincerely hope NOT!) have a need for an accurte cartrige and revolver.
Parts supplies should also be reguarded when making the choice which one to keep.
JMHO,
BPDave

 

[Ash]

I'd keep the Ruger, because accuracy is not so different between them that it would make any kind of difference in a self-defense setting. I'd keep the Ruger because .357 or .38 is a better choice than .38 only. I'd also keep the Ruger because it will be stronger than the model 10 and easier to maintain - having adjustable sights is a plus as well. I say that owning both the Model 10, and the fixed sight Ruger Police Service Six.

 

[Pizzapinochle]

Man... I appreciate the responses, but you guys are no help at all!! Making the decision harder, not easier. Well, I am going to the range to shoot both (again). At this rate, I am going to end up keeping both...

 

[Janos Dracwlya]

I have a 10-6 and a Service Six, so pretty similar. If I had to get rid of one, it would be, with great regret, the S&W. The Service Six seems to be a lot more rugged, and the capability of using .357 magnum is potentially very useful.

 

[boom boom]

If you are only able to have one gun--probably pick the Security Six.
Reasons--Security Six was purposefully built to be stronger than the S&W's Model 19 action (Smith's .357 magnum adaptation of the K-Frame .38 Special Frame such as the Model 10). The strength matters because the most police tested .38 special ammunition is +p 158 grain LHP (so called FBI load) and the +p+ 110 gr. HP Treasury Load. If you can control it, the .357 Magnum in 125gr HP from any of the big ammo companies is simply one of the best proven SD rounds in existence. In 158 gr. .357 HP, the Security Six could serve as an emergency hunting weapon especially with the adj. sights.

The Smith 10-5 can fire both of .38 Special rounds mentioned above but a heavy dose of these will cause problems like endshake and the revolver going out of time. Remember the Smith's basis lockwork is a late 19th Century invention with the major improvement over time being better steel.

I love the Smith K-Frame, trained on it in the AF long ago, and own a lovely pre-model 15. The trigger is superb, the gun naturally points, and I would not worry about using it for self defense if that was all I had. However, I have a GP-100 which is the Security Six on steriods and have owned two Security Six models in the past. The Security Six models handled the 125 gr. HP and 158gr. HP .357 rounds with aplomb and the recoil was more manageable than in a Model 19. Replaced the Security Sixes with the GP 100 simply to have a hunting option with even heavier 180 gr. cast bullets if I desire. The Smith is more accurate but we are talking maybe one inch difference at 25 yds which is not very significant in SD matters. My Smith also does better with lead than the Rugers because the Rugers are engineered for jacketed bullets.

The Model 10 is a classic, it was rugged with the fixed sights, can shoot with a target pistol's accuracy, has a trigger system that can be as smooth as glass, and parts/service are widely available. I see them regularly priced at about 300 or so. It will serve as a bare minimum self defense weapon with std. pressure ammo and excellent plinking gun. For better self-defense in the .38 Special, hotter loads are required and that will accelerate wear on the Smith and the .38 round has limited hunting usefullness. Nevertheless, it would be easy to buy one in the future while the Ruger Security Series are getting scarce and pricey (about 450-500) in LGS.

Now if immediate money is the concern, sell the Ruger and get more money but when able consider replacing the Security Six with a used GP100 (about 450-500) which is now selling at the same price point with readily available service and parts (not that you would probably ever need those) if that is your worry.

I bought one of the early GP100 1980's model about a decade ago. I have fired several thousand rounds of ammo through it including hot .357 rounds. I have needed not one part except a grip screw on some CT laser grips that I lost at the range one day. The Security Six has more elegant lines and it is easy to get holsters as most K Frame holsters fit it. However, the GP100 is built like a tank. (Also like the 686 Series but it is pricier even used than the GP100).

 

[Pizzapinochle]

To answer the question of "why only one?"

I already bought my 870 wingmaster on a credit card, knowing I had to sell one of these pay for it.

And, I like to keep things simple. I would rather have one gun and be 100% comfortable with it than try to learn two different guns.

Range testing today,m the Security Six felt a lot better.

I'll give them both one more chance at least, but leaning toward the ruger.

 

[TennJed]

Ruger hands down for me. The security six may be the all around revolver ever made. I love mine

 

[tallpaul]

I would try to keep both revolvers... they are hard to replace and only increasing in value as time goes. they are similar enough that training for both will be very similar. the security six ca shoo t the ammo ya use in the model 10 and frankly will do 90 percent of what one would do with a midframe revolver.

Bitin the bullet and paying the shottty off would be my choice.

What barrel length are the revolvers and I assume the security six has adjustable sights? That would be the tipping favor for me if I had to keep one- that and the 38/357 chambering make it more versatile especially if a four inch or longer barrel is on it.

Don't forget that the feel of both of those guns can be radically changed by using different grips!

 

[shafter]

Ruger hands down for me. The security six may be the all around revolver ever made. I love mine

Agreed! Tough enough to last a lifetime, powerful enough to hunt medium game, more accurate than most shooters, and easier to carry concealed than most would suspect. Mine has a very worn set of original grips and they're my favorite.

Not to say I don't love the Model 10. They come pretty close to perfection to IMO.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Obviously the Ruger is newer and has the advantage of being able to handle .357 and .38, which is nice.

There ya go.