Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum...Should it be retired?

You've provided her with a revolver whose durability is the stuff of legend and lore. Replacing it with a newer model out of fear that it will fail is rather silly. If the revolver timing and lock up are as good as you say, then what reason do you have to be afraid? The new models won't do anything that your Security Six won't do. You're essentially wasting money (unless, as has been stated above, you just want a new gun) retiring that gun in prime condition.
 
The only times I've ever even heard a Security Six damaged beyond the point that it could be easily and inexpensively repaired are cases of abject abuse.

If it makes you feel better, Gun Parts Corp still has most of the parts for these guns in stock and you could easily and inexpensively stock up on small parts like the pawl, transfer bar, and various springs which would be most likely to need replacement in the future. Honestly though, unless your daughter plans to subject the gun to some pretty extreme situations, I doubt it would ever give her problems.
 
The Security Six would probably last the average person several lifetimes of shooting without needing repair, with basic maintenance.

It's an excellent revolver, well suited for back country, with manageable recoil for a smaller shooter.

It'll take care of any 2 or 4 legged predators except probably a bear... and you'd need to step up so an unmanageable .50 caliber SW 500 or a long gun to help her with a bear.

So, send her off with the Ruger, some quality training and ammo, and a can of bear spray, and a bearbell and whistle and other back woods tools and feel confident she'll be fine.
 
Ruger "Six" series guns aren't all that rare.

They aren't common - but - they aren't rare either.

I did a quick look see and they seem to be going for $400 to $450 - asking price.

They seem to be an exceptional value at the moment.
If I wanted to invest in a gun that should go up in value in the next few years, I believe I'd be sinking some money into a few.
 
I think the Ruger will server her well. So will the 200 grainers.

Also,.. I hate to stray to far from the original plan,... but if bears are a real issue, 10mm Glock. They are ugly, but they keep a lot of lead on tap and the 10 has the punch to handle all of her potential Ursine woes. It does have a thick"ish" grip. My wife and daughter didn't like the grip of my Glock until they had run out a few mags. And there's a Short frame version for those with smaller hands. 10mm, even full on hot loads, are easier to shoot than the 44 mag.

If it were my pride and joy out, I'd fell better knowing there was 15 shots ready to go riding on her hip and an extra mag to boot.
 
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Unless SHE likes/prefers whatever, nothing will work.

Sooooooo, if she already like the SS, then do it - BT, DT (w/my adult daughter)



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Unless the gun in question is a rare and fragile collector's item, if you don't shoot it because parts are hard to get, it might as well be broken now.

Since a Ruger Six is neither rare nor fragile, take it out and shoot it.
 
I deliberately bought a 36 year old Ruger Security Six so that I would have a gun that I could shoot and it would last forever. In all fairness, my gun didn't have too many miles on it, but that wouldn't matter with a Ruger, anyway. I think I could shoot this gun every week, for the rest of my life, and not wear it out. .................................................................................
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I Am Weak :-(

Today, I dropped into a local pawn shop that I frequent. Instantly, my eyes noticed a 1980 produced Ruger Police Service-Six in the glass case. And, I bought it. The bluing has worn thin in some areas but it was clearly due to holster wear and not abuse. There is very little indication of actual use. More worn than used. Trigger is smooth. The lock-up is tight. The timing is spot on.

I am not sure if the price was good or not. $390+tax.

I just love the feel of this gun in my hand. It, like my 3 Speed-Six and 1 Security-Six revolvers, fits like a glove in my hand. This 4" barreled gun has great balance, too.

I hate being so weak. :o

(the shininess in the pictures is camera flash reflection and not loss of bluing)
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My 4" stainless Security Six was the first handgun I bought back in 1976. It has had thousands of rounds through it, many of them my handloads that ranged fron puny .38 spl target loads to pretty stout .357 mags. I carried it as a duty gun at times when I was a LEO. Its been my house gun and hunting and camping companion. Its durable and I like its modular design without a sideplate. If it gets wet or dirt in the action, its easily stripped to basic parts and cleaned. If my daughter wanted it for a trail gun, I would be pleased to let her take it.
 
So I guess now you have to decide which Six you're going to send to Utah. :)

I'm in Utah and have an extra SP101 snubbie like new...might be interested in trading. ;)
 
Forgive my lack of knowledge, but is the Security Six blued or SS? If it is blued, I'd probably look for something like the GP 100 or SP 101 for a hiking gun, but that's just me. I know blued guns aren't fragile, but a few rainstorms or wrapped with condensation don't do them any good either.
 
I bought a 4'' SS Police Service Six from my fatherinlaw. He bought it new and had only been fired 6 times before I added about 20. I can't decide what to do with it. I don't carry it and I don't target shoot it. I just look at it and admire the beauty off an SS revolver!
 
I bought a 4'' SS Police Service Six from my fatherinlaw. He bought it new and had only been fired 6 times before I added about 20. I can't decide what to do with it. I don't carry it and I don't target shoot it. I just look at it and admire the beauty off an SS revolver!
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Sell it if you want. I doubt you'll have problems finding a buyer.

BUT, chances are you'll regret it eventually.
 
I like the Security Six better than the GP. Why? More solid ejector rod. I'd carry it (or let her carry it) with confidence.
 
I have no doubts as to the guns reliability. It will work. But I'm going against the crowd a bit and would reserve that particular gun to range use only at this time. A hiking gun is used in pretty harsh conditions and while we all joke about it the possibility of being lost in a boating accident is very real. Or in this case a stream crossing or other outdoors hazard.

In short the gun will work, I'm confident of that. I'd just prefer something else that could be easily replaced in the event an unexpected incident came up for this use.
 
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