The GP is heavier frame, cylinder, all around.

 

They still make the security six, its just single action... the GP100 is double action.

The GP is also very modern in comparison... I've shot both...I prefer the GP for the better balance, sights, and DA.

 

They still make the security six, its just single action... the GP100 is double action.

The GP is also very modern in comparison... I've shot both...I prefer the GP for the better balance, sights, and DA.

You are thinking about the SINGLE Six I think. The Security Six is out of production.

The GP has a "triple lock design" and the S6 had the traditional double lock design.

 

I have an old S-6 and have admired it these many years. If you can get a used one, it's well worth it. The GP is stronger but Ruger makes them all extremely strong.

 

i own 3 security sixes and one gp100. like them all. different uses for them. ss 2 2/34" s6 ccw. 2@ blue 4" s6 one for home defense one stays hidden at the camp for defense, ss 4" gp100 for target use. the gp is a little large for ccw for me the 2 3/4" s6 is much easier to conceal and handles +p ammo.

 

I have the S6 in 2 3/4"...Stainless. it wears a set of Hogue rubber mono's and has the all black adj. sights. It is THE gun I choose when backpacking, camping or just out on dayhikes.
I paid $125 bucks for it from the original owner [cop] who bought it as a backup gun.
Accuracy....absolutely, just as good with 38 wadcutters as my model 28 six incher, but NOT as accurate as my K38.
Full house 357 are heavy recoiling, but still managable and follow up is very easy.
My dealer has a 4" version in blue right now for just a song more than i paid for mine, but as that would make 4 threfivesevens... I'm sleepin on it....
I vote for the S6!
I'll post a pic if you'd like!

 

m141a, what is a song more in $. if you pass on the s6 let me know how i can get in on it. i'm kinda s6 junkie.

 

m141a, what is a song more in $. if you pass on the s6 let me know how i can get in on it. i'm kinda s6 junkie.

He wants 165...it appears "as new" in condition according to him
I bet I could get it for 150.
I'm going to look at it tomorrow...I'll pm you if I pass with his #.

chris~

 

The conventional thinking used to be that people would practice a lot with 38 specials, then use the 357 loads for the big needs; hunting, self defense, etc. When people paid no attention to convention, and shot 357 loads all the time, the guns started to wear out faster than anticipated. S&W beefed up the model 19 and made it the X86, and Ruger dropped the S6 and produced the GP. Those guns will take full time use of lots of 357 loads.

Darrel

 

I own both models, and one of my quirks is that I take measurement of all the guns I own. I measure the cylinder diameter, cylinder chamber thickness at both the front, rear, between chambers, and note whether the locking bolt cuts are centered on the chambers. I'd have to go dig out my notebook, but as I recall there is very little to no difference in the measurement between the GP- 100 and Security Six. What the GP has over the Security Six is the additional front lockup on the cylinder. They are both very tough guns.

 

I am glad this thread is still of interest, the comments are interesting. My pistol permits should be ready for pickup at the Sheriffs office next week and a gun show is coming early May where I hope to pick up a SS or GP.

454PB- Interesting comment. Those measurements would be interesting to know. The 4" GP weighs in at 40+ oz and the 4" SS weighs 30 oz or so. Surely there is more than just a lockup difference to account for the 10oz? For one, the frame looks a lot larger, but I can't tell if the cylinders are close dimensionally. Could be. Your data whould be interesting to read if you can find it.

 

Does Ruger still service the SS?

 

OldWolf:

Part of the weight difference is the full length barrel underlug on the GP.

Darrel

 

Here are the cylinder measurements comparing the Ruger Security Six and GP-100:

6" blued Security Six, manufactured in 1980:
Cylinder diameter: 1.503"
Chamber wall thickness front: .100"
Chamber wall thickness rear: .091"
Chamber wall thickness between chambers: .120"
Throat measurement: .357"

6" Stainless GP-100, manufactured about 1985 (I have not looked up it's man. date yet)
Cylinder diameter: 1.548
Chamber wall thickness front: .100"
Chamber wall thickness rear: .085"
Chamber wall thickness between chambers: .117"
Throats: four are .357", two are .358"

So, the GP-100 cylinder is .045" larger in diameter, but the chamber walls are actually thicker
on the Security Six. Both guns have the locking bolt notches cut between the chambers, which
eliminates a weakness in my opinion. The additional weight of the GP-100 is the larger frame,
cylinder, and heavy underlugged barrel.

Please note that I'm not critisizing either gun, just pointing out that as far as pressure containment
is concerned, they are of equal strength (theoretically). Obviously the heavier GP-100 absorbs recoil
better, and should hold up to more heavy loads over a lifetime of shooting.

I like both guns, but have always thought that the Security Six was a very under rated revolver.

 

My GP doesn't have the full underlug barrel, although that version is the only one available as new. My model was discontinued... I have a 6" blue steel model...

 

454PB - I must not understand your nomenclature. How can the chamber walls in the front and rear of the same cylinder be different?

Interesting data.

 

Look at any revolver cylinder chamber, the front has reduced internal diameter to support the bullet....."throat". Reduced internal diameter equals thicker chamber walls. Another way to look at it is that the rear of the chamber is larger to allow the cartridge case to enter.

 

What is the difference between these two models? I know the S6 is not made anymore but why is the GP better, if it is?

Simple answer, the GP is somewhat visually nicer and the additional lock adds some strength integrity

the SS is still a fine shooter that I take to the woods on my overniters for less weight. Owned both,

have you considered the SP101 in 3" .357 as a shooter?

 

Ruger Blackhawk Cylinder Dimensions

Here are the cylinder measurements comparing the Ruger Security Six and GP-100:

6" blued Security Six, manufactured in 1980:
Cylinder diameter: 1.503"
Chamber wall thickness front: .100"
Chamber wall thickness rear: .091"
Chamber wall thickness between chambers: .120"
Throat measurement: .357"

6" Stainless GP-100, manufactured about 1985 (I have not looked up it's man. date yet)
Cylinder diameter: 1.548
Chamber wall thickness front: .100"
Chamber wall thickness rear: .085"
Chamber wall thickness between chambers: .117"
Throats: four are .357", two are .358"

For the Record:

6.5" Blue .357 Blackhawk, manufactured 1975
Cylinder diameter: 1.725
Cylinder overall length: 1.641"
Chamber to Chamber wall thickness front: .184"
Chamber to Chamber wall thickness rear: .160"
Chamber to OD wall thickness front: .135"
Chamber to OD wall thickness rear: .125"

Pretty stout.

 

without sounding like "my dog is better than yours"...

I'd put my Security six up against a GP of the same BBL length in a test for accuracy and endurance, and I'm pretty sure the SS would last as long as the GP.

Bottom line, they are both great strong guns, built to last.

 

I bet you could shoot the Gp longer with the better grip size/configuration

 

The Security Six is more like a K frame Smith & Wesson while the GP100 is like the L frame Hope that helps. The SS is a fine all round gun. If I could get one in stainless steel for $150.00 I would jump on it. I think www.e-gunparts.com still has parts