building my first comp revolver

[Tenn Sixer]

So as a 20 year retirement from the Army, I have decided to dabble in USPSA revolver shooting and want to do it on a 6" Security Six. I picked up a nice one the other day for $350.00. i know there is a few places I can send my Ruger off to and have the work done but that takes all the fun out of it. So my question is, does anyone know what I can do to it myself to get it ready or what I need to get done to it first? Thanks

 

[Snake45]

First thing to do is SHOOT IT and see what you like and don't like about it.

Does it need different grips? Bigger? Smaller? Prettier?

Does it need bigger, better, or different sights?

How's the accuracy? Do you think it's not shooting as well as you can, or will it be a while before YOU can shoot it as well as IT can?

How's the action? Does it need to be smoother, or lighter?

Go about this logically and you could end up with a VERY competitive and shootable revolver for not a huge outlay of money--and you might be able to do some of the work yourself.

Good luck with your project, and keep us posted on how it's going. :wink:

 

[Tenn Sixer]

Havn't had the chance to live fire it yet but based off the dry fire it will need some trigger work, the return is a little ruff. It also has a very long trigger pull but i read that it is typical for the Ruger. The grips will need to be replaced but i want to take it from square butt to round so i know I gotta send it off for that. Trigger feels to be around 16lb so I will wanna drop that to closer to 6 or 8. Will let ya'll know more when I get to range it. I will also take some before and after pics. Always open to advice.... Thanks

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
I shoot USPSA myself, and I'm a RO. I also have a revolver I use occasionally. I'll throw out a few thoughts. The MAN, MR. Revolver, Jerry Miculek actually has heavier than normal springs in his guns. He said it allows him to cycle things a bit faster. I'd spend a lot of time dry firing the gun, or have the action slicked up to make it smoother before I'd fool with the springs.
Next, to hope to have any type of competitive score, you'll need to be fast at reloading. That's why all the revolver shooters use a "moon clip" gun of some form. Much faster reloads. I doubt that many have the machines or ability to cut the Ruger to accept moons at home. You'll need a gunsmith that can do it PROPERLY for you.
Next, a new USPSA rule is going to allow 8 shot revolvers, minor category only. Some will stick to the 6 shot guns, and others will try the 8 shot ones. Whatever load you choose, you will want to make "major" so clocking your ammo is a given.
Just a few thoughts here.

 

[Snake45]

Trigger feels to be around 16lb so I will wanna drop that to closer to 6 or 8.

That sounds too light for reliable ignition to me.

DA experts will tell you that smooth is more important than light. I think you should be shooting for somewhere around 10 pounds, but anything under 12, smooth, will work well. Your current 16 is of course excessive, especially if it has any hitches or glitches in it.

Try an aftermarket spring kit and see how that works for you. Brownell's should have several different options for you.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I most highly recommend a highly visible front sight, and a rear sight notch a minimum of .145" wide/deep.

To further assess your current trigger pull first completely disassemble and clean thoroughly. Reassmble and lube generously using BreakFree CLP.
Re-test.

Chamfer cylinder chamber mouths.

Install stocks that allow a high grip on the backstrap.

Dehorn EVERY sharp edge.

HKS speedloaders are secure, but slower than Safariland choices.

Mr. Bob Cogan at Accurate Plating & Weaponry www.apwcogan.com can handle Security Six modifications.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I've shot Revolver Division using (a pair of) GP100s, 5.5" Redhawks in 41, 44, and 45, and a 7.5" 357.
It's great fun.

Yes thatsalotta speedloaders.

A33102

 

[Tenn Sixer]

WOW, thats a ton of info. Thanks so much guys. Looks like i need to start at the basics, clean, smooth, then replace as needed. Then start upgrades. Sound about right?

 

[Snake45]

WOW, thats a ton of info. Thanks so much guys. Looks like i need to start at the basics, clean, smooth, then replace as needed. Then start upgrades. Sound about right?

Now you're getting the idea! :wink:

 

[Tenn Sixer]

too many shots to the head makes me a little slow,lol

 

[Bob R]

First your choice of a Security Six is not the best choice in a revolver if you are going all out to be a winner.

WHY???

Reason #1: Speed Loaders
The Security Six cylinder spacing is not the same as the S&W K Frame or the S&W 686 L Frame / GP100.
In English that means you do not have a good selection of speed loaders. Pretty much the Turn Knob HKS MK3-A is it.
Now if you are just shooting for your personal enjoyment, the HKS speed loaders will work fine. They are just 1/2 to 1 full second slower to reload with than a Jet Loader or a Safariland Comp III.

Reason #2: Springs
While the Wolff spring kit (Midway Number 734104) is reasonably priced at under $10. From the user comments it does not reduce the felt trigger pull much at all.

Reason #3: No Fiber Optic Front Sight available for a Security Six.

My advice would be to upgrade to a 6 Inch GP100.
You have a choice of L Frame / GP100 Jet Loaders or the Safariland Comp III Spring Driven speed loaders.
The Adjustable Sight GP100's have a Quick Change Front Sight system.
The GP100 has all Coil Springs AND Wolffe makes a great Spring PAK for the GP100 with some choices in spring weight.

If you are stuck on the Security Six. By all means get several MK3-A Speed Loaders, and have a good time.
I make Kydex speed loader carriers, and I am pretty sure the K Frame speed loader carriers will work. I would need to measure a MK3-A to be sure about the diameter. I have almost every HKS speed loader in my Try Box except the MK3-A and the J32 and K32. I guess I should add those as well.

The Kydex Belt Carrier shown is for a J Frame / SP101, but they are all pretty much the same design from a K22 to the 25-5 for a 45 Colt.
The Speed Loader in the Carrier is a Spring Driven J Frame Jet Loader, the one beside it is an HKS 36.
The HKS speed loaders will work just fine from the Kydex Belt Carrier. What will not work is a Safariland Comp I. Nothing to get a grip on with the tiny knob.

I hope I have been of some help. Nothing wrong with shooting to have a good time. You need a monthly match to shoot to stay sharp. I shot IDPA back in the 1970's. It got to be a job instead of a hobby, and I quit around 1977. I started shooting again the last 8 or 10 years. We were shooting Defensive Pistol monthly. The last 2 years we added lots of Reactive Steel, and we went to shooting Steel one month, and Defensive pistol the next. Last year we added ICORE Revolver on Sundays following the Saturday Match.
I can tell a HUGE Difference in my shooting since I started shooting a match every month. The whole gang that shoots with me have all made the same comment reguarding improving. Have A Great Time!

Bob
ICORE MO2908
Big Creek Kydex

 

[Tenn Sixer]

Bob, thanks for the advice. I'm all for good info. Gonna run the SS to get my feet wet and make sure I even like the USPSA style of shooting before I jump all in. This way I can build a little less expensive comp gun to get the feel. But I will use your advice and check out the speed loaders. On the front sights, is it not possible to custom make a set of sights? Or at least try to trick the blade sight thats already on it? Just courious

 

[Tenn Sixer]

Think they have a sight called XS Express, any thoughts on that sight for USPSA?

 

[Tenn Sixer]

First test run...
1.Trigger pull was smooth, long but smooth. trigger still feels a couple of pounds to heavy, and it seemed to dig into my finger a bit, not sure what to do here.
2.Sights, although stock, I found them to be nuts on, 20yds bulls eye target 10 for 10 on single and 9 for 10 on double action on the X.
3.Grips, the jury is still out on this one, they felt a little large in my hand but i was able to maintain a fair amount of recoil as I sped up my shots, may need to try out some different ones, any ideas?
That's all i have from the first run, will update after I mess around with a few things on it first. As always, i'm open to any suggestions on what to try first. Thanks

 

[contender]

Looks like you have a winner!
Maybe a set of custom grips, or whatever to allow a better fit you YOUR hand? Then see how the trigger feels, and how easy it is to pull.

 

[Bob R]

What I would do:

Get the Wolffe spring Kit and see what you can slick up with a stone, and polishing. Be careful and do not change any angles. You might look into side play shims also. Do some looking on You Tube to get a handle on exactly what to work on.

Clean it well and relube with a synthetic oil. I use my home brew.
50/50 blend Royal Purple 0W20 Motor Oil and Dextron III or ATF+4 0W-20 weight ATF.

Look on You Tube for information on home project chamfering the chambers. Do not get carried away with this either.

Houge and Pachmayr both still make grips for the Security Six.

Paint the front sight with Brite Sights Green sight paint. Take a sight picture and see how much of the front sight you are looking at in the back sight. Paint only this area.

USPSA Stages are supposed to be limited to 32 rounds maximum.
You will need atleast 6 of the MK3-A HKS Speed Loaders.

You will also need 5 Kydex Belt Carriers.
I make them as does Ready Tactical and North Mountain.

The kydex holsters are the rage. A custom maker can probably fix you up.
NOTE: I do not make anything except Speedloader Carriers.

Ammunition: I am still shooting lead. However the bullets of choice are plated to get away from the lube smoke. Look for 150 - 160 grain Round Nose bullets.
Use a low smoke powder.
Match revolvers like Federal Primers. Unless your trigger job is real successful you can probably run other brands that are easier to come by at this time.
38 Special shell cases. I have all brands. I have trashed some foreign ones due to very tight primer pockets. I would look for a source for about 1000 once fired myself to get started. I probably have 2/3 of a 5 gallon bucket full. You cannot have too many.

Just for info Clark Custom lists Security Six Trigger Jobs for $145, and they do a Yellow/Green sight insert for I believe $45. Just something to keep in mind.

Good luck

Bob

 

[gramps]

TennSixer, I have a set of Pachmyer Presentation grips not in use if you would like them.
gramps

 

[WESHOOT2]

I used K-frame HKS for my Security Sixes, and carried them in Safariland 333 speedloader holders. NOT fast, but really secure.

 

[Bob R]

IF the K Frame speed loaders will work in the Security Six, You might luck out and get a Jet Loader of Comp III to work.
I believe I tryed the Mk3-A in a K Frame, and it would not work that direction.

I have a neighbor who has a Speed Six snub. I will see if I can catch him and try out the K Frame Jet Loader and Comp III in his revolver. I have examples of both on hand.

Bob

 

[Tenn Sixer]

Sweet. Good looking out

 

[dbarale]

I am in the same boat as Tenn Sixer and I was wondering what the ruling is on cutting for moonclips? I thought it was not allowed for the revolver division, did that change or was I just confused?

I ordered some kydex to try and make a holster and speedloader carriers, and looking for speedloaders. Now I need to get back in the reloading room and crank out some adequate rounds.

 

[6gun]

Just go buy one of them new "GP100 Match Champions" ruggedness right out of the box. :lol:

Anyone shot one yet? are they competition ready or is it just a new marketing ploy?

 

[contender]

Hey Frenchy, I do believe USPSA allows you to use a cut/modified revolver. I'm not going that route,,, I found a 40 S&W cal revolver to use.
We are having a LOT of fun in LL & have made some improvements too. Come on down when you can.

 

[Bob R]

Well I did manage to catch my neighbor with the Speed Six home.
The K Jet Loader will not work at all.
The ones I had given him were not HKS, but some antique Safariland speed loaders. They did not work well either.

My Two Cents. The HKS Model 10 speed loaders may be sloppy enough that they may work. HKS would not make a different speed loader for the Security Six unless it fit much better. Get the correct Speed Loaders for it.

Moon Clip Question
IDPA has an ESR Division where moon clips can play. The problem with IDPA is the Power Factor is 165. This can be done with a 357 using Full Power 158 grain jacketed bullet. Not fun to shoot 100 rounds in a match I would think. I would rather see a Power Factor in ESR of about 145, but they did not ask me.

ICORE is different, a Moon Clip 38 should work here in Limited Division. ICORE Power factor is 120 across the board. Easily made with 158 grain 38 Special Reloads. I have a moon clip cut 686, however I also have a 625 (45acp) and a 610 (40 S&W/10mm), so I have never shot the 686 in a match so far.

I do not mess with USPSA, so No Idea about it.

38 Special Moon Clips have some issues you need to be aware of. First is ammunition. They make clips for Winchester Brass (.020 Thick) Remington & Federal (.025 Thick) and Starline Brass ( .025 Thick) You will need to stay with one brand of Brass and the correct moon clips for that brass.
Next is the reload it's self. The moon clip guns that work best use Short Fat ammunition. The 45acp is the King, the 40 S&W below that, and 38 Super and 38 Special on down the list a little further. Long and Skinny is harder to hit the holes with, than Short and Fat. They work pretty well, just not as well as 45 and 40 does.
Looking at the TK web site they ONLY carry one moon clip for a Security Six the HearthCo .025. It did not specify which brass to use. That probably means the Remington and Federal as well as Starline will work. Starline probably fitting a little looser in the clips. If they only carry one Moon Clip, HearthCo should be the best.

Now you will need Single Post Moon Clip Carriers. California Competition Works makes a pretty fair one. I believe North Mountain does as well. They are not all the same, so be sure and get the ones for a 38 Special if you go that direction.


Bob

 

[dbarale]

Hey Frenchy, I do believe USPSA allows you to use a cut/modified revolver. I'm not going that route,,, I found a 40 S&W cal revolver to use.
We are having a LOT of fun in LL & have made some improvements too. Come on down when you can.

I wish I could find an affordable 40/10mm revolver but it's about as frequent as a honest politician... Besides I'm not shooting to win so I'll be OK with the Security Six. More fun than shooting the Glocks that's for sure. I really want to get back into shooting more, schedule and weather did not cooperate this past year.