I was in a a local LGS this morning looking for a "burner" (just looking to use up a permit that was about to expire) and got to talking with the owner about what I was interested in, and he came up with this:

 

Ruger Security Six .357 6" barrel in stainless.  Now I know the general info about the Ruger "6" line but this one is unique and I'm trying to get any information on it.  A google search didn't help much and the technical support line at Ruger said the only way to get info on it was to send in a request for a letter of authenticity.  I'll do that but was hoping the Ruger fans on the board could tell me if this is anything special.

 

It's a Security Six in Stainless with a 6" barrel, serial no. 161-46xxx.  Here's what I find unique about it:

 

Smooth trigger face

Front strap checkered

Three-dot sites - adjustable rear, front groove-mounted (not pinned).

Bobbed hammer - will shoot single-action if you catch the hammer and cock it.

Trigger action is very smooth Double action, and breaks crisply Single action - better than some of my S&W revolvers.

The grips are like Pachmyr's but have Ruger medallions and are marker Ruger on the inside.

 

Does this look like something Ruger made, or is it a previous-owner one off?

Most likely made in 1985.  I do not know of any Ruger models that had a front strap that was checkered or a bobbed hammer.  It would seem to be user improved by the description. Still for the right price a very desirable revolver.  The grips sound and look like Pachmyrs.  Not unusual to see Ruger medallions in the grips. It is common. I would pick it up if I didn't already own one.  Worth every penny.

Pretty interesting and definitely owner modified.As was said previously, the checkering on the front of the trigger guard and the fact that the hammer is bobbed but the S/A is still functional. If a factory bob, it would have been DAO. I believe the rear sight is a Millet - although not certain - what is certain is that the rear sight is not OEM, nor is the front dovetailed sight. I find it unusual to have a bobbed hammer and smooth D/A, but the chambers in the cylinder aren't chamfered.

 

Looks like a nice piece suitable for hunting, plinking or HD. I would not pay a premium for it because of the mods, but I don't think they are detrimental to the asking price either - worth the same as an unmodified Security Six.

 

JMHO

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

And if you don't like the bobbed hammer....here's another hammer (and a bunch of extra parts)

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RUGER-SECURITY-SIX-357-MAGNUM-HAMMER-PARTS-LOT-/381167204108?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58bf55f70c

 

Or better yet....you really don't want this one....

 

Just tell me where it is...I'll give it a good home...

Thanks guys.  I saw a 2" bobbed-hammer variant in some Ruger literature online, but it seems odd in a 6" barrel.  Everything else looks well-done but I can't find anything similar.  I agree the sights look like aftermarket, as well as the grips and checkering.  To me it looks like someone's personal custom.

 

I get bobbing the hammer in a short-barrel carry gun but miss the point with a 6" barrel.  The front-grip checkering seems to be a personal grip preference thing, but bobbing the hammer and taking SA off the table seems contrary to target shooting.  I'm convinced the action has been worked - it's far better than my other Rugers and on par or better than my S&W's.  It came with a Bianchi thumb-break holster that looks like it's spent a lot of time in, and that frankly only adds to the mystery.  Someone's competitive shooter, before semi-autos became more popular (remember, in 1985 I believe most LEO were still carrying revolvers)?  Rapid-fire drills?  Don't know.

 

I've been looking for a S&W K-frame to replace one I let get away years ago but haven't had much luck.  This is the same size and looks very similar.  I bought it 30-seconds after the dealer showed it to me.  The LGS had no info on it.  They bought it from someone who brought it to them in a shoebox a couple of days ago.  I like the look and feel of it except for the hammer. Unless it's original per Ruger I'll replace it.  I'll decide on the grips once I've shot it, I just thought it was odd to have both the Ruger medallions and "Ruger" molded into them on the inside.

 

I don't know if I overpaid or not, at this point it doesn't matter.  Paid $300 for it including the holster that I'll never use.

Great price, good luck with it.  You will like it.  Built like a tank.  Changing the hammer is easy to do.  Get the Wolff springs for it, makes it real nice.  I have redone my trigger with the springs it feels like a different gun. 

That's a great price. I picked up a 4" Six also fall and it's a ton of fun to shoot. Enjoy.

Excellent price. I'd leave the hammer alone - it is part & parcel of the great action that you like - change the hammer and that may go away. Shoot it double action - may be something you only did occasionally before, but now you have a gun that lends itself to it - get proficient at it.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Excellent price. I'd leave the hammer alone - it is part & parcel of the great action that you like - change the hammer and that may go away. Shoot it double action - may be something you only did occasionally before, but now you have a gun that lends itself to it - get proficient at it.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Great advice.

 

 

I actually enjoy shooting double action.

Excellent price. I'd leave the hammer alone - it is part & parcel of the great action that you like - change the hammer and that may go away. Shoot it double action - may be something you only did occasionally before, but now you have a gun that lends itself to it - get proficient at it.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Great advice.

 

 

I actually enjoy shooting double action.

 

Agreed.  Shooting Double Action has greatly improved my overall shooting.

Further info to support the action having been worked on:  DA trigger pull is 8 lbs, SA is 2.75 lbs.  Looked at a couple of videos where mods were similar to what was done on this one, and the problems seem to show up when shooting quickly with the trigger/cylinder locking up.  Sure enough, I have the same problem if I try to fire it as fast as I can pull the trigger.  I guess I need to get used to the trigger reset.  

 

I sent of the request to Ruger for a letter of authenticity, will update when it comes back.

All about Ruger trigger reset...

 

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/6128704bcecbafe8622e6be57028d96b-782.html

All about Ruger trigger reset...

 

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/6128704bcecbafe8622e6be57028d96b-782.html

 

Excellent article and makes a point that I was going to make before reading the article - that being, I can see this as a problem with people that primarily shoot semi-autos and are not used to the longer trigger reset of a revolver. Exacerbated by the use of lighter than OE trigger return springs.

 

Besides, doubtful that you will actually be able to shoot "as fast as I can pull the trigger", unless you are just doing a cylinder-dump with no regard for hitting your target. The closest I've come is on targets that are at almost contact distance and even then, some allowance must be made for recoil. I have experienced S&W short-stroking on maybe three or four occasions. Goes back to my earlier post - practice shooting DA and become proficient.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

A couple of updates - I finally got to the range with this.  The trigger was as expected, with a smooth DA trigger pull and a crisp SA break.  The DA pull will take some getting used to with the long, smooth & light pull.  I need to be careful not to rush it.  Definitely a different feeling than my other Ruger revolvers.  I actually like the grip so will leave it alone.  I still haven't been able to verify what stocks came on it from Ruger.  I've seen some mention that the ones on it now might be original, others say it should have the wood ones.  Anyone have a Security Six with original stocks that aren't wood? 

 

I took it apart and the mainspring assembly is definitely aftermarket.  It's actually threaded for adjustment and is significantly shorter than stock.  No problem with light primer strikes though.

 

I got the letter from Ruger verifying authenticity.  I was hoping it would list how the revolver was set up from the factory but all it tells me is the ship date and model number.  The revolver shipped in December 1984 and was a basic model GA-36, so everything I listed is an owner mod.  At least Ruger sent me an instruction manual with the letter.

 

If anyone has an original box this would have shipped in I'd be interested...

Dean

All security sixes came with wood Lett grips