RUGGED YET ELEGANT, RUGER'S DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVERS WERE--AND ARE--THE FINEST EVER MADE.
With the introduction of the Security Six line in 1971, Bill Ruger reinvented the double-action revolver and made an aggressive foray into the world handgun market. At that time and for some years afterward, revolvers were the "weapon of choice" for most police agencies as well as a significant portion of the civilian market.
Major selling points included ease, of disassembly, great strength and durability by virtue of solid-frame, modular construction and relatively massive action components. Ruger's sales reps traveled the planet gleefully shot-putting the Security Sixes around police ranges and running over them with trucks. These tactics were quite successful.
By 1985, 1,210,000 examples of the Security Six and the fixed-sight Speed Six variation were in the field. When the dynamic duo was retired in 1988 with the introduction of the GP-l00, their final count exceeded 1.5 million.
Caliber options included the ubiquitous .38/.357, 9mm and even the .380 British revolver cartridge in deference to former members of the Empire. The revolvers had proven as rugged in the field as advertised and the Ruger division dedicated to servicing them was quite small. It consisted, in fact, of one employee in a small office.
The Security Six had barrel length options of 2.75", 4" and 6" with the latter variation being quite popular among outdoorsmen. The Speed Six featured a roundbutt and an option of two shorter barrel lengths.
The revolvers presented, relative to the traditional designs, a low barrel-to-grip axis and an overall aspect that could be accurately described as "Victorian streamline." The frame-fitting standard grips were quite easy to conceal, but were notorious for their capacity to transmit recoil to the shooter's hand. Wood and rubber target grips soon became a factory option.
All things considered, the Security Six was a resounding success. Out of print now for 15 years, excellent examples abound in the second-hand market. Generally priced between $200 and $250, they represent a particularly good bargain because Ruger retains a supply of parts and continues to provide full service.
Depending on condition, the Speed Sixes in this area tend to be between $250 and $350.