Ruger Security Six Bicentennial Edition (First Revolver)

L

LinuxHack3r

New member
Yesterday I traded for a .357 Magnum. It is a beautiful gun. I have shot but never owned a revolver before, so I am proud of myself! It is stainless, and is rather quite swell condition. However I have a few questions.

1) Anything that I should know or be aware of in regards to anything?

2) How could I "buff" the few minor scratches that it has? I would like to make it shiny as new if possible.

3) What are the things about revolvers I should know? What about "timing", and "lockup". Any other terms I should familiarize myself with?

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WooHoo!
 
Is Flitz better than MAAS? Because I like the way it works on knives. Just wondering. And yes, I think I'm going to love this one!
 
I am considering placing a lighter mainspring in it. What kit would be the best to do this with? If I can ease the double action trigger pull a bit, that would be great. I am also open to any other suggestions.
 
Security Sixes are fine guns. Not as fine as a S&W or Colt; but just as accurate and reliable. They're unique in that you can field strip them easily, without tools. A search on Youtube or a Ruger owner's manual will walk you through the process. Just keep it clean and oiled and you'll have a gun that will outlive you.

"Timing" refers to the chambers lining up with the barrel as the gun is fired. If the timing is off, then the chamber isn't lined up properly and the gun will shave off bits of lead from the bullet scraping against the edge of the forcing cone. This can be dangerous. To check the timing, just slowly cock the hammer back (AFTER UNLOADING THE GUN) and if the little bolt in the bottom of the frame pops up into the notch in the cylinder and locks the cylinder in place before you finish pulling the hammer all the way back, then the timing is probably fine.

Lockup is how tightly the cylinder is locked in position when the trigger is pulled all the way back. Unload the gun, pull the trigger all the way back, hold it back, and then wiggle the cylinder with your fingers. Most Rugers won't lock up rock solid like a Colt, or some S&Ws, but as long as it isn't sloppy you're fine.

There's a sticky at the top of this forum that will walk you through a revolver inspection. Though these old Rugers don't usually need them, unless someone decided to tinker with it before you (found out mine had a cylinder packed with grease).

DO NOT slam the cylinder shut, cock the hammer halfway and spin the cylinder, or do anything else you've ever seen in a movie. It may look cool when Duane "The Toothfairy" Johnson does it on screen, but these habits are often harmful to the revolver and will negatively impact things like timing and lockup.

And don't bother with a lighter spring. If you can master a double action revolver trigger, everything else is a piece of cake. ;)
 
I checked the timing and the little bolt pops back up onto the cylinder halfway between the notches. A soon as the notch arrives at the bolt, it locks in. This takes place before the hammer is all the way back.

As far as lockup goes, there is very very minimal play, hardly any at all.

I wonder how true the rumor of a Security Six with 1.4 million rounds truly is? It truly is one of the toughest revolvers out there isn't it?
 
2) How could I "buff" the few minor scratches that it has? I would like to make it shiny as new if possible.
Click to expand...

Most Rugers have a satin brush finish. For the deeper scratches and scuffs I start with a maroon scotch brite pad (more coarse) and then go over it with a green Brillo scrub sponge from Walmart (an excellent match for the satin brush finish). The maroon pad will work by itself, but those green ones from Walmart are a closer match. I was nervous at first so I started on the grip frame, but was amazed how it turned out. I did my sp101, Security Six, Service Six, and my Redhawk (no polish required).

Here is my Redhawk done with just the maroon pad (before I discovered the brillo scrub sponge). I did not do the section between the grip and the cylinder (that is still the factory). It even removes the cylinder ring! I did my stainless sixes with a combination of both pads, mostly the brillo sponge (for minor blemishes the green side on the Brillo scrub sponges work the best). Sorry about the crummy pics.:rolleyes:

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@Skidder

Those look very nice. However, the thought of that is scary! But doing to grip frame first is a great idea. How long per gun would you estimate?
 
LinuxHack3r-- It was scary:eek:. A few minutes later and I was at ease.:cool:

I did mine in sections as needed. Some places just needed touch ups and others needed more. Make a clean and steady pass in the same direction as the current Ruger brush pattern, and you will be surprised (do not do "wax on" "wax off" or "sand da floor" :D). I like to do quick swipes, pressing a little harder on the deeper scuffs. If your brush strokes are a little off you can fix them pretty easy. It does not take much to eliminate the shiny spots and scuffs, so it shouldn't take you very long.

I got the idea for the maroon scotch brite from a guy in the Ruger forum and it worked pretty good. I wanted something a little lighter and I happened spot those scrub sponges under the kitchen sink....gave it a whirl....and it was exactly what I was looking for.

I'm sure your gun has a lot of scratches on the butt so I would start there to see how you like the results. I was amazed at the difference.
 
That's a fine revolver. I bought one new in 1979 and it is still my favorite wheel gun. It is very accurate and has an excellent double action pull. It is arguably the best revolvers Ruger ever produced. Used ones in good condition are in high demand.

You can buff it with Mothers mag polish.
 
I'd love to add a 6" stainless Security Six to my collection. In 1976, I bought a new, blued 6" "Liberty" edition Security Six, and I still own it. It still has its original finish, and is still in excellent shape. Like you, it was my first .357 revolver. I have a ton of memories associated with that gun, and it'll be the one that I never sell.

Congratulations on scoring such a neat find.
 
Blue Magic

Congrats on a great find...
I used this...
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to get mine to look like this...

I also ordered the oversize grips from Ruger for $10.00 a steal IMHO

I simply kept rubbing and polishing by hand with strips of an old tee shirt one section at a time while watching TV and wala:}

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