Security Six Scalloped Recoil Shield?

[REB]

When was the recoil shield scalloped on the security six? Was this on some models or a change in production?

 

[hittman]

On all models after a particular date, as I understand it. But, I don't know the date or serial number range when it started.

My 151- is not scalloped, my 160- is. Know that's a mighty wide range but it's all I've got.

 

[REB]

Well my late 159 prefix is not so that narrows it down.

Thanks

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Reb,

From the RENE reference,
The scallop on the right recoil shield began at about the 158-14100.
The highest known gun with out the scallop is 158-31335.

Hope this helps.
Terry

 

[Terry T]

It's been my observation that the material removed from the scallop was added to the top strap making it thicker and therefore stronger.
Terry T

 

[REB]

Thanks Terry.

I have 159-80063 that is not scalloped. I guess this frame got lost in the bottom of the bin.

 

[chet15]

Since the last Reference was published, I've also recorded two other high numbered DA's without the scallop...an SS32 s/n 158-74023 and GF-34 s/n 159-50313.
REB...your gun is definitely neat!!
Chet15

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

It's been my observation that the material removed from the scallop was added to the top strap making it thicker and therefore stronger.
Terry T

That's a neat observation. Do you have any dimensional numbers i.e. pre-scallop vs post-scallop ?

Terry

 

[Terry T]

Terry,
I noticed it first on the Service Six - the (fixed) sight channel was more pronounced (and easier for these old eyes to see! :shock: ) I looked at the top strap from the side and could see the slight difference when held side by side. I've also noticed it on the Speed Sixs, again with the fixed sights. I haven't really looked at my Security Sixs.
I'll have to get the calipers out to get the exact dimensions but I'm going to guess at maybe 1/32" or maybe 1/16" thicker.
Terry T

 

[Timbo22]

It was my understanding that the scalloped recoil shield was introduced to make the Security/Service/Speed Six's match the appearance of the recoil shield of the then new Redhawk. I seem to remember seeing that in some period Ruger literature if I remember correctly.

Tim

 

[Terry T]

Getting ready for Ogden so had the safe open -
On Service Sixs and Speed Sixs, Blued or Stainless:

Scalloped frame top strap is .25" or 1/4" thick.

Non-Scalloped frame top strap is .20" or 1/5" thick.

(I have not measured the Security Six (Adj. sight) top straps.)

Top straps are thicker on fixed sight scalloped frame guns! :shock:

Disadvantage of having a bunch laying around to compare!
Therefore, I believe the material removed from the scallop was added to the top strap in the casting because the weights are the same!

Terry T

 

[mohavesam]

Somewhere in 1982 the "scallop" (recoil shield relief) appeared. It would be interesting to find the drawing revision info that heralded this change, possibly the final design change for the entire series?

I'm sure the relief (design change in '81?) dropped lost a couple of ounces from the casting (Read: material cost).
I think it is safe to say the GP-100 was in the works about 1983-84 (as-produced in late 85-86), which also stopped further design refinements to the -Six series.

I suppose.

 

[Sugar River]

Yeah, I'm sure that's the case, back when high quality alloys of steel would run around $1 / lb. TFF.

 

[Terry T]

Nope - weight remained the same. See my above post.
Terry T