The main pros of the Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum are its virtually indestructible solid-frame construction, brilliant toolless disassembly design, and excellent adjustable sights, while the main cons are its out-of-production status making spare parts scarce, a somewhat heavy factory double-action trigger, and limited modern aftermarket support. Introduced in 1972 as Bill Ruger’s first foray into the double-action revolver market, this mid-sized workhorse was designed specifically to handle a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum ammunition without shooting loose. While it lacks the refined, glass-smooth trigger of vintage Smith & Wesson revolvers, it more than makes up for it with sheer tank-like durability and easy field maintenance. Because it pairs an innovative modular fire-control group with a robust investment-cast steel frame, it remains a highly sought-after classic for collectors, trail hikers, and those wanting a reliable, heirloom-quality wheel gun.
Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum Pros And Cons
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Accuracy | Consistently shoots tight groups at 25 yards thanks to its rigid frame and adjustable sights. | The heavy double-action trigger pull can pull shots off target for inexperienced shooters. |
| Build construction | Legendary investment-cast solid frame with no sideplate ensures massive structural strength. | Replacement parts are no longer manufactured, requiring scavenging from used markets if something breaks. |
| Action and lockup | The modular trigger group and cylinder lock up solidly and can be field-stripped using a simple coin. | The action can feel slightly gritty or staged compared to premium hand-fitted competitor revolvers. |
| Trigger pull | The single-action break is remarkably crisp and clean, excellent for precision target shooting. | The double-action pull is notoriously heavy, requiring significant finger strength to master. |
| Sights and optics | Features an excellent, fully adjustable rear sight and a replaceable front ramp sight. | It is a classic revolver; mounting a modern red dot optic requires custom gunsmithing and drilling. |
| Capacity | Holds 6 rounds of heavy-hitting .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition. | Reloading via speedloaders can be slightly obstructed by the factory wooden target grips. |
| Concealability | The 2.75-inch barrel models are surprisingly easy to conceal under a light jacket or untucked shirt. | The 4-inch and 6-inch barrel models are too large and heavy for comfortable everyday concealed carry. |
| Ballistic performance | Fully capable of maximizing the devastating terminal ballistics of the .357 Magnum cartridge. | High-pressure magnum rounds create severe muzzle blast and noise, especially in shorter barrels. |
| Ammunition versatility | Safely chambers and fires much cheaper, lower-recoiling .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds. | None. This dual-caliber capability is one of the platform’s greatest strengths. |
| Effective range | Highly lethal on medium game and two-legged threats inside 50 yards with the 4 or 6-inch barrel. | Sight radius and bullet drop severely limit its utility for hunting at extended rifle distances. |
| Ergonomics | The traditional square-butt frame points naturally and balances exceptionally well in the hand. | Factory wood grips can feel small and punishing, leading many to immediately swap them for rubber. |
| Recoil management | The 33-ounce (4-inch) steel weight absorbs a substantial amount of the .357 Magnum’s harsh kick. | Firing 158-grain magnum loads will still produce sharp recoil that can induce a flinch over time. |
| Price/value | Continues to appreciate in value as a reliable, highly collectible piece of American firearms history. | You will pay a premium on the used market compared to buying a brand-new budget revolver today. |
| Safety features | Incorporates Ruger’s patented transfer bar mechanism, making it 100% drop-safe when fully loaded. | Lacks modern manual safeties, relying entirely on the heavy double-action trigger pull. |
Accuracy And Sights
The Ruger Security Six provides excellent mechanical accuracy, easily matching its main rival of the era, the Smith & Wesson Model 19. Because the barrel is threaded into a rigid, one-piece frame, the revolver locks up tightly and aligns perfectly with the cylinder. The “Security” designation in the name indicates that this model features a fully adjustable rear sight (adjustable for both windage and elevation) paired with a pinned front ramp sight. This allows shooters to dial in their exact point of impact for varying bullet weights, making it highly accurate for both target shooting and medium-game hunting.
Build Construction And Durability
Ruger revolutionized revolver manufacturing with the Security Six series. Instead of machining the frame from forged steel and utilizing a screwed-on sideplate to access the internals—which inherently weakens the frame—Ruger used advanced investment casting to create a solid, one-piece steel frame. The result is a revolver that is famous for being overbuilt. It can digest a lifetime of high-pressure .357 Magnum rounds without suffering from frame stretching or timing issues, a problem that frequently plagued lighter competitor revolvers of the 1970s and 1980s.
Action And Toolless Disassembly
One of the most brilliant engineering features of the Security Six is its modular design. The revolver can be completely field-stripped into its major component groups—the frame, the cylinder/crane assembly, and the trigger housing—without the use of specialized gunsmithing screwdrivers. In fact, utilizing nothing more than a coin or the rim of a .357 Magnum cartridge, a user can take the entire gun apart for deep cleaning or maintenance. This made it incredibly popular with law enforcement and outdoorsmen operating in harsh environments.
Trigger System
The Security Six utilizes coil springs throughout its action rather than traditional leaf springs. While coil springs are virtually unbreakable and incredibly reliable, they do result in a distinct trigger feel. The double-action pull is notoriously heavy (often exceeding 12 pounds) and can feel slightly “staged” or gritty before it breaks. However, cocking the hammer back for a single-action shot reveals a remarkably crisp, clean break hovering around 4 pounds, which allows for superb precision when shooting off a rest.
Ammunition Versatility
Like all .357 Magnum revolvers, the Security Six offers the tremendous advantage of ammunition versatility. It can safely chamber and fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Because the revolver is built so heavily, shooting standard .38 Special target loads feels incredibly mild, making it an excellent platform for introducing new shooters to centerfire handguns. When you need serious defensive stopping power or woods protection, you can seamlessly transition to full-power .357 Magnum loads.
Recoil Management
Weighing approximately 33.5 ounces in its popular 4-inch configuration, the Security Six strikes a great balance. It is light enough to carry comfortably on a belt all day, yet heavy enough to soak up a substantial amount of recoil. However, the original factory wooden target grips are often criticized for being too narrow near the top, which allows the trigger guard to rap the shooter’s knuckles under heavy recoil. Swapping the factory wood for aftermarket rubber grips from Hogue or Pachmayr drastically improves comfort and control.
Price And Value
Ruger ceased production of the Security Six line in 1988, replacing it with the heavier GP100 series. Because it has been out of production for decades, it has achieved legendary status among revolver enthusiasts. Finding one in excellent condition on the used market is becoming increasingly difficult, and prices have steadily climbed as collectors recognize their durability and historical significance. It is a revolver that will only appreciate in value if kept in good condition.
Main Drawbacks
The absolute biggest drawback to the Security Six today is the lack of factory support. Because Ruger no longer manufactures the revolver, spare parts (like springs, extractors, or internal sears) are hard to find and must be scavenged from auction sites or used parts bins if something breaks. Additionally, the limited aftermarket support means finding modern holsters, custom sights, or specific grip styles requires much more searching than outfitting a modern production revolver.
Final Verdict
Is Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum good?
Yes, it is widely considered one of the most durable, robust, and intelligently designed medium-frame revolvers in American history.
This revolver is best suited for firearms collectors, hikers and outdoorsmen needing a bomb-proof trail gun, and home defenders who appreciate the timeless reliability of a solid-frame .357 Magnum.
However, shooters who demand the absolute smoothest double-action trigger, or those who want the peace of mind of a lifetime factory warranty and endless modern aftermarket accessories, would be much better served by a modern Ruger GP100 or a Smith & Wesson 686.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the Ruger Security Six manufactured?
The Security Six was introduced in 1972 and remained in production until 1988, when Ruger phased it out in favor of the GP100.
2. What is the difference between the Security Six, Service Six, and Speed Six?
The Security Six features adjustable sights and a square butt grip. The Police Service Six features fixed sights and a square butt grip. The Speed Six features fixed sights and a rounded butt grip designed for better concealability.
3. Does the Security Six have a sideplate?
No. Unlike traditional Smith & Wesson or Colt revolvers, the Security Six features a solid frame design with no sideplate, which drastically increases its overall structural strength.
4. Can I shoot a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum through it?
Yes. The Security Six is famous for its durability. It was specifically engineered to digest unlimited amounts of high-pressure full-house .357 Magnum ammunition without suffering from timing issues or frame stretching.
5. Why did Ruger discontinue the Security Six?
Despite its popularity, the Security Six was expensive to manufacture. Ruger replaced it with the GP100, which utilized a simplified lockwork design and a peg-style grip frame that was easier and more cost-effective to produce at scale.
6. Will Ruger GP100 grips fit on a Security Six?
No. The grip frames are completely different. The Security Six uses a traditional full grip frame, while the GP100 uses a peg-style grip frame. You must buy grips specifically designed for the Security/Service Six models.
7. Is the Security Six drop-safe?
Yes. It features Ruger’s patented transfer bar safety mechanism. The hammer cannot physically strike the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled completely to the rear, making it perfectly safe to carry fully loaded with six rounds.
8. Can I dry-fire the Security Six?
Yes. Thanks to the transfer bar safety, dry-firing the Security Six will not damage the firing pin. (Always double-check that the firearm is completely unloaded before dry-firing).
9. What barrel lengths were available for the Security Six?
Ruger offered the Security Six primarily in 2.75-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch barrel lengths, with the 4-inch model being the most popular for police and general civilian use.
10. What is the magazine/cylinder capacity?
The cylinder holds 6 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition.