S&W just re introduced the 66 2-3/4 357 mag 6 shot which is the same size as the Security and Speed Six. The 4 inch model re introduced 2 years ago has been flying off the shelves. I think Ruger needs to bring back the Security and Speed Six or lose market share. I have 2 of the new 66s on order. I own more than 50 Rugers and would love some more.
I think Ruger is in trouble
- Thread starter lfpiii
- Start date
Joe S.
Hunter
Pfft! I love my Smith K frames, but for 357 Mag shootin, I'll take my Wiley Calpp or 3" SP-101 any day. In my opinion, Smith should have made it a 3" so they could use the full length ejector rod. My old 66-2 with 2.5" barrel dont kick out empties as well as my 4" no dash 66.
Edit** just noticed you said 2 3/4". Maybe it will have a longer ejector rod stroke?
Edit** just noticed you said 2 3/4". Maybe it will have a longer ejector rod stroke?
Heck I'd be happy if Ruger just made the standard GP100's again with half-lug barrels. They put them on the Match Champion, why not regular GP100's? Maybe Lipsey's will order a run and Ruger will see the light.
Best Regards,
ADP3
Best Regards,
ADP3
powder smoke
Hawkeye
S&W 66 357 is one I always regretted parting way with. ps
You do all realize that if Ruger doesn't offer the barrel length and under lug configuration you desire, there are a number of fully capable gunsmiths who can make one just the way you want it. Some folks evidently don't see this as an option, but you can have it customized to your heart's desire. Just a suggestion.
Obviously, we each have different needs and wants for our hand guns but ...... I can't figure out why anyone would buy a brand spankin' new wheel gun; especially a S&W. Their prices are sky high and frankly, the Rugers are just better in about every way. Not to mention that excellent used guns at a fraction of new prices are available about everywhere. And, the "k-frame" styles; whether you like Ruger, Smith, Taurus or something else are about as common as they come.
I like the K Frame 4" S&W's as much as anyone, but to me it says a lot that I have one of them and about 13 Ruger small frame 357 mags. So guess which one I prefer... I think someone could go on Gunbroker and buy a 4" and a 2-1/2" and be shocked at what it costs them vs what you can get from Ruger for the same amount. When I head out I take a Ruger with me not an S&W. The equivalent Ruger to the K frame is the Security Six, and I vastly prefer that over the K frame.
bisleyfan41
Blackhawk
MaxP said:
At a substantial additional cost increase, though. That's exactly why everyone was clamoring for the 480 Bisley. In new factory form, it is WAY cheaper ($750) than sending off a stock Blackhawk for the conversion to 480 ($2000 or more).
In the same vain, I await for Ruger to become enlightened enough to offer their regular 41 Blackhawk models in stainless. Should they produce them, I expect I could get one for $600. To build one, I'd have the cost of a donor 357 (~$400) and then the cost of the conversion ($1000+) including a new barrel.
I spoke with one of the name smiths awhile back about using a S&W 8 3/8" stainless 41 barrel that I found and milling off the ejector housing to use on a Blackhawk conversion. He said it would be much cheaper to make a new barrel because of the work involved, which still ain't cheap. Not everyone has deep enough pockets to continually commission custom handguns. YMMV
I guess it boils down to how badly someone wants a particular configuration. Since they are not available, but you want one it seems to me it would be cheaper so send one of your favorite 41's to Metalife and have them do a mat finish on it. They hold up very well IME.
bisleyfan41
Blackhawk
That's a good idea BPJ.
But with the way Ruger is moving in regards to addressing shooters' needs, I still hold out hope for the stainless 41s. The 6.5" model is THE one I really want, MD has a 6" minimum barrel length for hunting so that's the model I'd get. I'm in no real hurry; have more time than money at this point.
But with the way Ruger is moving in regards to addressing shooters' needs, I still hold out hope for the stainless 41s. The 6.5" model is THE one I really want, MD has a 6" minimum barrel length for hunting so that's the model I'd get. I'm in no real hurry; have more time than money at this point.
black029
Single-Sixer
hittman said:
Ruger's prices have risen steadily and aren't far off S&W prices. In fact the Redhawk 4" 45 LC/45 ACP has the same retail as the Performance Center 627 8 shot "Bloodwork" gun (and the 629 and 657). I'd consider the Smiths to be better values with smoother actions. At least right out of their boxes.
bisleyfan41 said:
While I agree with you, if someone absolutely wants something that isn't offered by the factory, a custom build is the way to fulfill that "need." I get the impression that some are unaware that these services are available to them.
Snake, that is porn! :shock: Good on ya! :lol:
gramps
gramps
black029
Single-Sixer
Snake45 said:You mean like this?Joe S. said:
Woof! My dream gun. You even use the grips I'd use. You lucky bawstard!
Prince and the Pea. Me.
The GP 100 is clunky, the SP101 is pretty small. The Security Six was just right. K-frames are pretty perfect in size, also, but I prefer the .357-resistance that the Security Six provides.
WAYNO.
The GP 100 is clunky, the SP101 is pretty small. The Security Six was just right. K-frames are pretty perfect in size, also, but I prefer the .357-resistance that the Security Six provides.
WAYNO.
bigbill
Single-Sixer
Rugers brand new 8 shot Redhawk.
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5033.html
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5033.html
Joe S.
Hunter
Snake45 said:You mean like this?Joe S. said:
Yep. About like that!
Poco Oso
Buckeye
I'd like to see the Security Six come back. Mainly because I haven't found the right used one yet. I don't own any S&W products and have no plans to own any in the future.
I want a GP100 in .41 magnum.
Why hasn't Ruger made one? :?
Why hasn't Ruger made one? :?
Poco Oso
Buckeye
Snake45 said:
Thanks Snake. I probably should have added that last sentence to mine too. They lost me in the '80's.
Snake45 said:
I have to admit I do have an S&W 66-2. I'd like a 629-4, and I'm good. Maybe a 63-1. I'm with Snake, I'd have trouble picking a gun out of the current catalog that I want. They lost me a LONG TIME AGO. To quote someone. :)
buckeyeshooter
Blackhawk
If it were old manufacture with pinned, recessed and no lock, I would agree. But I have not even looked at a new smith in 15 to 20 years because of the quality drop.
41-44-45-48
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2015
- Messages
- 103
As with Ruger, Marlin, and almost everything else, I think the idea that "Smith quality is in the toilet and all they build is junk nowadays" is somewhere between an overblown minor issue and an outright falsity.
I picked up a brand new Smith 629-6 4" a couple years back. Complete with the hillary hole, MIM parts, and EDM rifling. Contrary to what the internet experts would lead you to expect, the fit/finish was top notch, bore is glass smooth, trigger was awesome straight out the box, and it shoots everything from 200 gr specials to 320 gr thumpers (I limit the diet of those in deference to the 100+ year old design) with great accuracy and practically zero leading. The round count is now near 2000 and it's as good as new. Oh, and the lock never actuated itself either.
Yeah I'm sure there have been some lemons but those happened in the 1950s glory days too. All I'm saying is that you're bound to miss out on some great shooters by writing off current production Smiths.
I picked up a brand new Smith 629-6 4" a couple years back. Complete with the hillary hole, MIM parts, and EDM rifling. Contrary to what the internet experts would lead you to expect, the fit/finish was top notch, bore is glass smooth, trigger was awesome straight out the box, and it shoots everything from 200 gr specials to 320 gr thumpers (I limit the diet of those in deference to the 100+ year old design) with great accuracy and practically zero leading. The round count is now near 2000 and it's as good as new. Oh, and the lock never actuated itself either.
Yeah I'm sure there have been some lemons but those happened in the 1950s glory days too. All I'm saying is that you're bound to miss out on some great shooters by writing off current production Smiths.
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