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Testing the Ruger Security Six Revolver

The Ruger Security Six revolver has been discontinued, but that’s what makes it so great. It’s still widely available in so many variations that it offers something for every shooter. In fact, it’s a highly desirable firearm that everyone should get a chance to shoot at least once. I bet once you shoot it, you won’t be able to stop.

Thanks to an ingenious modular construction, it’s easy to take apart for cleaning and maintenance. It’s also one of the most durable and reliable revolvers ever, and it’s proven itself to be incredibly long-lasting, given its continued wide availability and exceptional performance.

History of the Ruger Security Six Revolver

The Ruger Security Six made its debut in 1972. The revolver was chambered in .357 Magnum, but you could also get .38 Special, .38 S&W, and 9mm Parabellum if you wanted.

The combination of competitive prices and a reputation for reliability led to skyrocketing sales. It was one of the most popular firearms sold, and it was used by government and police agencies as well as civilians.

I use one as my concealed carry firearm, because it is so simple and straightforward. Ruger took the guesswork out of shooting with its streamlined performance.

Even though the revolver was discontinued in 1988, Ruger had already manufactured and sold more than 1.5 million units – unheard of for a first run of any firearm to date.

About the Ruger Security Six

This was the first double-action revolver that Ruger ever produced. Not only was it wildly successful, but it is nearly flawless. It was designed as a mid-weight firearm that was ideal for law enforcement, military, and self-defense. The revolver has a six-shot double-action and uses investment casings and coil springs that, despite being low-cost, are robust, durable, and reliable. 

The Ruger Security Six is stronger than the Model 19 by Smith & Wesson, making it more ideally suited for heavier cartridges like the .357 Magnum. It is a versatile firearm with a 4-inch barrel, but it only weighs 33.5 ounces.

I can personally attest to its ability to handle Magnum cartridges. Yes, they’re expensive, but they’re just so dang fun. I live on 40 acres with nary a neighbor within a mile, so shooting into the burn pile is a favorite pastime of mine.

At first, the revolver was only made with blued steel, but by the mid 70s it also came in stainless steel. It also came in a variety of barrel lengths including 2.74, 3, and 6 inches. Other options included either round or square butts and adjustable sights.

The stocks were made mostly of wood with some pressed checkering for more aesthetic appeal.

Mechanics

The Ruger Security Six is unique in terms of disassembly. You only need a flathead screwdriver or something thin like a penny to loosen the grip screw. After you remove that, everything else from the grips to the cylinder comes apart. This is all thanks to the modular assembly, which also helped keep the production cost down.

I clean my Ruger Security Six far more often than I clean everything else, and I know I should be more diligent, but I shoot it far more often, because it’s way more fun. That means it needs frequently cleanings, and they’ve made it so easy to do that it takes a matter of minutes.

Once it’s been disassembled, it’s easy to see that the lack of a removable side plate makes this firearm’s frame much stronger than many competitors.

The press-button cylinder release is a rugged feature that most double-action Ruger revolvers possess. Pressing it firmly swings the cylinder out, allowing you to load all six cartridges.

In keeping with the double-action design, you can either thumb the hammer back for a 2-pound trigger pull or simply squeeze the trigger in double-action mode for a smooth and light 9-pound pull. To eject the empty cartridge cases, pop the cylinder out again, tip it upward, and tap the ejector rod.

Safety

At the time of manufacturing, Ruger was under the microscope. People had been carrying their single-action revolvers fully loaded with the hammer down on the firing pin. They managed to blow their legs off. Lawyers can smell money a mile away, so you can imagine what happened next.

In the interest of additional safety, Ruger developed the Security Six with a couple of different protection measures. The transfer bar system was engineered in such a way that the hammer couldn’t touch the firing pin unless the trigger was pulled all the way to the rear.

Again, it’s one of the reasons why it’s such a great conceal carry option.

It also featured an interlock preventing the hammer from being cocked if the cylinder was open. That also meant that the cylinder couldn’t be opened if the hammer was cocked. Both of these safety measures allowed Ruger to keep on plugging along, despite several lawsuits.

Shooting

The Ruger Security Six groups nicely at 25 yards with the light and crisp trigger pull, while iron sights improve accuracy. While it chambers .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads nicely, you may find that it favors a vintage Remington UMC 125-grain JSP.

Muzzle velocity is excellent, even with a moderate barrel length. When it comes to explosive power, the Security Six shoots surprisingly well, with close to 600 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with the Remington UNC loads.

Recoil is spry but pleasant, and not too painful or hard to control. This, of course, makes for even greater accuracy. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a fairly accurate shooter anyway. However, it’s nearly impossible to miss your target with this revolver.

The grip is nicely shaped and ergonomic from the factory, making it a comfortable, correct, sure shot for most people.

Final Thoughts

Even under rapid fire with heavy cartridges, this revolver is a pleasure to shoot, long after it’s been discontinued. It’s a fantastic option for personal protection, especially for those who want a wheel gun rather than a semi-automatic.

With all the variations available, there’s a Ruger Security Six for every shooter. The modular construction makes it easy to take apart, resulting in breezy cleaning and maintenance. It’s also durable, reliable, and long-lasting. It’s a great addition to any collection, whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, interested in self-defense or fun.

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