Security Six or S&W 66-1?

B

baddarryl

New member
Hi all. I am looking at these two locally. Both stainless and in basically equal condition. The S&W is priced about $130 more than the Ruger. I have handled the S&W and loved it, not the Ruger, but might before I get the Smith. Is the price difference just because of name or is there a measurable real difference?

Sorry Mods, I realize this should be in Revolvers.
 
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The "Six" is the stronger design and priced cheaper mainly because - - it's a Ruger "Six" series.

They were made to be sold to a price point that placed them under both Colt and S&W.
They were Ruger's first foray into the D/A market.
The timing however was off because the police market Ruger was trying to capture was moving towards a semi auto.

The "Six" would be the wiser investment, IMHO, since the value is on the way up on them.
They are near to point of "cult status" where people are willing to pay a premium price for one - just because.
Dan Wesson revolvers went through this not too many years ago. They went from dirt cheap a dozen years ago to pretty expensive these days.


Which is the better shooter?
No question in my mind - the S&W.
As good as the Ruger is, I still can't stand the Ruger trigger.
YMMV...as I'm sure it does for people that like the Ruger trigger.
 
Whatever I get will be a shooter, so trigger is more important. I have a GP100 that I am not thrilled about the trigger about. I could get a trigger job, but like the feel of a medium frame 357 better anyway. That GP will be for sale.
 
I'd go with the 66-1 hands down....better trigger, better resale value down the road, better gun overall....in my view.

Is there a difference to account for the price....yes...all of the above, in my view.
 
The Smith will have a better trigger, but with work the Ruger can have a very good trigger. It's your choice mine was to get both a k and a six series.
 
I have a S&W K-Frame magnum, and I do not own a Security Six. Even so, I'd still steer you to the Ruger. The Security Six is the finest mass-market .357 magnum service ever made, in my opinion. It's the perfect size and weight for even hot .357 loads, with Ruger durability thrown in as well. It's a more modern design that beats the Smith in everything except looks (subjective) and trigger (can be improved).

I'll never sell my beloved S&W 19, but it can be finicky when it comes to reliability, especially where hot loads and high round counts are concerned. I've never had a gas ring shake loose or a cylinder bind up with soot while shooting the Security Six, which is not something I can say of the S&W.
 
Which Secrity Six?

Blued? Stainless, 2 3/4 inch or 4 or 6 inch?

Same for the Combat Magnum. 2 1/2 inch barrel, or 4 or six?

Deaf
 
I would get the Model 66-1 in choosing between the two. However, I would also enjoy the Security Six, if the price were right.

I believe the Smith & Wesson is the better revolver. But more importantly for my needs... the Smith & Wesson has the double action trigger that I expect and am used to. For me, it doesn't matter what "can be done..." to the other revolvers, the S&W has the action that my shooting hands have become accustomed to, so it's the one I'm going to choose.
 
They are both Stainless 4 inch barrels. I am gauging that $600 for that Smith (in very good, but not mint condition) is right about fair market price?
 
I am gauging that $600 for that Smith (in very good, but not mint condition) is right about fair market price?
Click to expand...

Well.... if it's in real good condition, yes.

Now since they are both 4 inch stainless I'd expect the S&W to cost more.

But if you intend to really use it, and shoot it alot, the Ruger will last longer.

Up to you!

Of course I'm a snubbie freak.

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Deaf
 
I've had both S&W 66 and Ruger Security 6. I no longer have the S&W but have four Sec 6. Guess which I prefer.
 
I own a S&W Model 19 and a Ruger Security 6. One sits on the Mrs's night table, the other in my bedside safe.

I think they are both excellent, and enjoy shooting both about equally. I don't think you can make a "wrong" decision.

When push comes to shove, however, I would go with the 66-1, especially since that comes before the introduction of the internal lock- making it very desireable to a large segment of revolver owners. I think the $130 premium is about right, and a price tag of $600 for a Model 66 is about what I am seeing in good condition. I have seen them cheaper, but not very often.
 
Well.... if it's in real good condition, yes.

Now since they are both 4 inch stainless I'd expect the S&W to cost more.

But if you intend to really use it, and shoot it alot, the Ruger will last longer.

Up to you!

Of course I'm a snubbie freak.
Click to expand...

Deaf- what kind of grips are you using on those puppies? I'm looking for something like those for my Security SIx.
 
Model 66-1

We have one of those---best hand gun I've ever owned---not that I am a greatly experienced pistolero. The 66-1 is pinned and recessed, which essentially makes it a bit more valuable since they changed that in 1982. The trigger is great, and the piece is reliable and to me, a pleasure to shoot.

Those that own Security Six's and similar Rugers seem to really like them, and one would be welcome in our house if there weren't always some new rifle, doodad or sewing device on the top of the "Buy List."
 
No doubt the 66 has a much better trigger - but the funny thing is that I seem to shoot the Six well despite that. I would probably go with whichever was cheaper.
 
I've owned both. Well I've owned the blue version of both, I don't really care for SS guns, as a rule. I'd say it's six of one, and a half dozen of the other. IF you want it as a shooter. I happen to like Smith & Wesson's better myself, but it's more of a looks and feel thing.

I doubt the average person will put enough rounds through either one to tell if one is "better" than the other. If I just wanted a 4" .357, either one would do.
 
I have a 66-2. awesome trigger compared to the security six. well worth the price. and I can hit a 6" plate with it at 100 yards (its the gun not me)
 
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