By Rusty Odom

The Ruger Security 6

The Ruger Security Six has a long lasting place in my mind, it was the first magnum revolver I ever fired and probably what sent me on the path of firearms in general. My father carried a Security 6 for as long as I can remember. His was a 6” barrel version, he loved it. After his day of shooting I always got to clean it, this is where I learned how to take it down all the way to the frame. The coolest part was I didn't need any tools to do it and I got to tactically fondle the revolver.

So now to present time, I was at a local gun store/pawn shop looking around to see what was laying around when I went to the end of the counter, and there it was, a four inch version of my Dad’s gun. It was glowing from under the scratched finger print covered glass counter. I stood there patiently waiting until it was my time to be served. When I got it out the first thing I noticed was that it was sporting a pair of Pachmayr grips, the lock up was tight, the cylinder came right out with just the right amount of pressure after releasing the latch. It rotated smoothly and was concentric. The old gun had just a bit of holster wear on the barrel and the frame. No rust was noticed anywhere on it. The cylinder still had a lot of bluing on the business end and appeared to not have been fired a whole lot.

Now it is history time for this line of Ruger revolvers. These are all double action revolvers, introduced in 1972 and ran until 1988. They were designed to be issued to law enforcement, military and personal defense. The Security 6 came in a variety of calibers, barrel lengths and two different finishes, blue and stainless. Barrel lengths ran 2,75”, 3”, 4” and 6” Ruger made these in 38 S&W, 38 Special, 357 Magnum and 9mm Luger. They all had a 6 round cylinder and adjustable sights. These revolvers were medium sized and were designed to be a competitor to the Smith Model 19 and the Colt Trooper. Ruger essentially built a heavy duty large frame revolver in a medium size that weighed 33.6 ounces in the 4” model. The top strap of the Security 6 was thicker than that of the Smith, a larger cylinder and a barrel shank. They were able to design the lockup to be beefier and leave more metal to support the weaker parts of other guns. The best part of these guns were they didn't have side plates, Which made it stronger and to take it apart for service, no tools were needed. The hammer spring is a coil spring instead of the old leaf spring design. All of the barrels on the “6” were all bull barrels with a vent rib with Baughman front sight pinned in. The rear sights were adjustable. The Security 6 was the first revolver to incorporate the hammer transfer bar safety system. There were several spin offs of this revolver including the Speed Six and Service Six. If you didn't know by now this is the grandpappy of the modern GP 100 series of guns.

The Security 6 was issued to a number of government agencies including the US Postal service, INS, and the Border Patrol. It rode in the classic basket weave holsters of hundreds of police departments across the nation, one reason was it was cheaper than its competitors and it was a tank. It could handle a steady diet of the heaviest 357 magnums without having to have parts replaced.

With my “6” I went online and ordered an original pair of wood grips, bought a Triple K holster, and two speed loader pouches. I primarily carry mine when I am out in the woods and during deer and bear hunting season. I reload for it and I push a lot of heavy match grade hard cast bullets out of it as well as Buffalo Bore 180 grain out to 1400 fps. I wouldn't do this with a Smith, at all. It is an accurate handgun, it fits well in the hands. The wood grips do hurt a bit with the heavier loads but it is still controllable with a good grip. With practice 50 yard shots free hand on 6 inch steel plates is easy, and with a proper rest and practice 100 yard shots can be done. The latter should only be done with a lot of practice and the right conditions.

For personal defense this gem will not let you down. A good holster, a thick belt and you should be good to go. There are so many different load choices for the 357 magnum and of course you can shoot 38 special for those that are recoil sensitive. If you are lucky enough to find one in 9mm or a 3” barrel model you will have found a rare jewel. So I guess what I am getting at is to not look over the used gun section of the gun stores. You might find your gem in the rough just sitting there. Do not ever hesitate to use a revolver as a primary weapon, if you train with it. They will sling lead all day and will in my opinion might make you a better shooter because of the amount of ammo you have loaded and mastering the double action trigger pull.