4" Security Six VS 4" GP 100

[Doc Thornton]

I'm thinking about picking up a used double action Ruger. All of my
current Rugers are single actions (5). I've narrowed it down to a gun
with a 4" barrel, 357 mag, either a Security Six or a GP 100.

I'm okay with fixed sights so the differences that I am wondering about
are mostly size realted. What is the difference between the two revolvers
as far as weight and general size goes? Is one more versatile in the area
of after market grips or is the GP a minus in that area?

 

[hittman]

Security Six size = K Frame S&W like the 10, 15, 19, etc.
GP100 size = L Frame S&W like the 686.

Unless you get a Security Six with the low grip frame, in the 150-xxxxx s/n range, the grip choices should be about equal.

Personally, I prefer the Security, Service and Speed Six's. Nothing wrong with the GP's. Both are built like tanks, the Six Series is a little smaller and lighter but most important 1.) they're less expensive to buy and 2.) since they are older, the potential collector value is greater.

 

[pyth0n]

The Sec. Six is about the size of the S&W mod. 19. Slightly smaller than the GP100. The Sec. Six was built form the ground up as a .357 mag snd not an adaptation of a .38 spl. You may have to look awhile to find a 4" Sec. Six since they're a used gun market item since '85". GP 100 is stiil available as new from the factory. Finding grips for both would be about equal. I've been able to find them for my sixes. But keep in mind with the six, the more common grips are for s/n's begining 151 and up.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi Doc,
I have both in 4 inch barrel. The weight of my Police Service Six is in the 33 to 34 ounce area. My GP100 is in about the 39 to 40 ounce area. You really have to handle both two see which one you like the best. Grip size is different and the GP100 is considered a large medium frame vs the Security Six which is a regular medium. I feel my Police Service Six handles better and is easier to carry than my GP100. If you are just going to shoot 357s then I would get the GP100. The full underlug like mine is great for soaking up recoil. But the down side is for me is the revolver is muzzle heavy.
My favorite is my Police Service Six. I have had the revolver the longest and consider it my go to revolver. The best solution is to get both!

Good luck,
Howard

 

[kmrcstintn]

I've owned both in the past; I like the reduced weight of the Security Six, but using Hogue grips which leaves the backstrap on the grip frame exposed and prone to corrosion from sweat and transfers recoil more dircetly into the palm of the hand; I currently own a 4" GP100 and like it alot; built like a tank and heavy enough to tame recoil; I prefer the grip frame on the GP100's so that I can get grips that fully encompass the metal

 

[Doc Thornton]

Hey folks, thanks for the response and the info, I value your input
and opinions here on this forum!

I'm sure that either revolver would be just peachy and I guess that
I lean a bit toward the Service Six and that family of Rugers due to
the smaller size. I suppose that I had better just go to a gun show and
see if I can find one of each and see how they fit and feel to me in their stock forms.
I have a table reserved at the show in Dalton Ohio for the last weekend in February.

From what you have told me it sounds like I can alwlays replace the grips
as needed on either model. Having fairly large paws means making an
adjustment sometimes to get the gun to give right feel in the hand.

I'm looking forward to shopping for a new Ruger and it will be nice to have one in double action for a change.
For now you have given me things to daydream about and to enjoy the anticipation of gettin' a new gun!