Stainless Steel Security Six Cylinder Slightly Grazing Frame

[P94/GP100]

I've noticed that the cylinder when slightly pressed down on closing into the frame will slightly graze the lower right frame window, leaving a slight burnish/polish/rub/scoring mark.

This does not appear to be an operational issue-the cylinder easily opens and closes, and, frankly, when I lift the cylinder "up" from the bottom to close, it doesn't touch the frame. When the cylinder is fully open (i.e., horizontal on the crane, as for reloading), it spins freely, without touching the side of the frame. The only time the metal-on-metal contact occurs between the cylinder and frame is when closing (and then, only if/when pressed down slightly).

The back of the cylinder's side inducing the frame scoring appear unmarked.

Endshake is .001

When I called Ruger's Tech Dept, they were somewhat non-committal (fairly understandable for a phone inquiry, in fairness to the Tech); stating that such rubbing could be considered normal, and the only way they could determine if it was within operational tolerances would be to ship the Security Six to them-a totally understandable answer.

I'd appreciate comments and thoughts. Since my Security Six is in stainless, this is only a concern if it's symptomanic of an mechanical/operational issue-to date, it's performed flawlessly in IDPA and for carry.

Here are some images of the scoring:

Best, Jon

 

[mohavesam]

If your description is accurate, my next move would be to send it in.

I once sent a pawn-shop find to Ruger. A Speed Six ss that had some rough use. A month or so later I got a box with what they said was the same gun - new hammer and trigger and some internals, shimmed cylinder (TIGHT), brand new grips, re-finished all over, crowned muzzle and absolutely nothing indicating it had years of use. The bill from Ruger was $36 for the polishing and new grip panels.

I never hesitate to send a gun to the factory.

 

[P94/GP100]

Thanks, Mohavesam. Since it's already been to Ruger (twice, actually-the first time, after getting it back, within 10 minutes of dry-firing the trigger return spring broke-I called Ruger, and told them that I understood how thins like this can happen to a 1978-vintage gun; they were apolegetic and sent me a shipping label, went through the entire gun again as a side benefit along with replacing the original broken trigger spring), and since I haven't really used it too heavily in the years since (probably less than 1000 rounds in the past 5 years or so, virtually all of them factory .38 Special 125 gr +P), I don't think that it's necessary, as a fellow from the "other" Ruger site experienced in -Six series guns has informed me that the scoring is superficial (and somewhat part-and-parcel to the -Six design with some of the guns), and nothing to worry about.

The other night, I spent an hour or so with some Mother's Mag Polish and went over the entire revolver. The scoring polished right out-and I can't get over how well the Mother's polish works.

I'll put up some photos later.

Thanks for your response-I appreciated it.

Best, Jon

 

[jpickar]

No big deal. Some Smiths do it too.

John

 

[GilaMonster]

My 4" Security Six .357 (built in 1976) has a similar mark. I've wondered how many others do this, but never really worried if it was damaging or dangerous...

now I know I am not alone!

 

[Hugh]

The Six series is my favorite. I believe I'd give Ruger a call and see if they would have a look at it for me.

 

[jpickar]

Why hassle Ruger when there isn't a problem?

It is all the nit picking is one of the reasons that the price of guns is going up. Someone has to pay for it!

John

 

[P94/GP100]

I've spoken with Ruger, and while they're quite willing to look at it for me, I've concluded that in reality it's a non-issue, and the money required for shipping expenses are better spent on ammunition.

My initial query was not so much to nit-pick, but to determine if the scoring was a symptom of a deeper issue, i.e., with the crane, etc. that needed to be addressed. Thanks in large part to the informative responses I've received on both this and the "other" Ruger forum (along with a dollop of common sense) I have concluded that the scoring is on no real significance.

Best, Jon

 

[Mobuck]

I'd say there is quite a bit of wear in the crane and center rod.

 

[jpickar]

Mobuck,This is based on What facts?

John

 

[P94/GP100]

I'd say there is quite a bit of wear in the crane and center rod.

That was one of my original thoughts, but 1) there's no evidence of excessive wear/abuse, and 2) the endshake measurement of .001 pretty much eliminated that as a concern.

As others have said, I've concluded that the scoring is of no operational issue or concern-but thanks for your reply.

Best, Jon