Ruger Security-Six

Lore & Background

Development of the Security-Six began as early as 1966, when Ruger designers Harry Sefried and Henry Into started work on the company's first double-action revolver. Founder Bill Ruger aimed to break into the law enforcement and private security markets, then dominated by Smith & Wesson and Colt. The Security-Six used investment casting for most parts to control production costs, and its one-piece frame (lacking a removable sideplate) provided superior strength. Sefried, who had previously designed the High Standard Sentinel revolver, reused that gun's grip profile for the 'Six' line.

The Security-Six featured adjustable iron sights (though a few early models had fixed sights), a hammer powered by a coil spring with a transfer-bar firing system, and a six-round cylinder. It was chambered primarily for .357 Magnum, which also allowed use of .38 Special, and some police orders received .38 Special-only cylinders. Barrel lengths offered were 2.75, 4, and 6 inches. The revolver came standard with service-style wooden grips manufactured by W.F. Lett Manufacturing, and oversized walnut target/combat grips were available as a factory option. Disassembly required only a flathead screwdriver, coin, or cartridge case rim to remove the grip screw.

The Security-Six was somewhat stronger than competing medium-frame revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 19, thanks to a thicker frame without sideplate cutout, stronger barrel shank support, larger internal parts, and an increased-diameter cylinder with offset bolt locking notches. Initially produced in blued carbon steel, stainless steel versions were added in 1975. The Security-Six line was replaced in the Ruger product line by the GP100 in the early 1980s, a heavier-duty upgrade designed for a lifetime of full-power magnum loads.

Reader's Guide

The Security-Six and its variants achieved significant sales success due to their basic features, solid construction, and competitive pricing. They were adopted by numerous U.S. government agencies, including the NYPD, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Postal Service, the Border Patrol, and many local police departments. The revolver also saw export to overseas law enforcement and military organizations. Although production ended in 1988, over 1.5 million units of the entire Six series were produced. The Security-Six remains well-liked and respected, and is highly sought after in the second-hand market for its strength and reliability. Its design influenced later Ruger revolvers, notably the Redhawk (introduced in 1980), which was a scaled-up and improved version of the Security-Six. The GP100, introduced in the early 1980s, replaced the Security-Six in Ruger's lineup, but the Six line continues to be popular with shooters and collectors.

Did You Know?

• The Security-Six was Ruger's first double-action revolver, introduced in 1972.
• It used a one-piece frame without a removable sideplate, giving it superior strength over competitors.
• The grip profile was reused from the High Standard Sentinel revolver, designed by Harry Sefried.
• Over 1.5 million revolvers in the Six series were produced before production ended in 1988.