Ruger Security-Six vs. GP100
- Thread starter Pax+Caritas
- Start date
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
I had both, in stainless and with 6" barrels. I know my GP100 was totally stock because I bought it new. The SS was bought used but the trigger pull felt stock.
I liked the overall size, weight, feel and trigger of the SS way better than the GP. OTOH, I was more accurate with the GP shooting my own 38 spl+P+ reloads (158 grain Lee SWC mold, 1000 fps chronoed out of the GP). I could do 3 inch, 6 shot, 15 meter, double-action offhand groups with the GP but managed only 5 inch groups with the SS. But then, I have 1,000+ rounds experience on the GP, vs about 50 on the SS. So more trigger time on the SS will almost certainly improve groups. Or perhaps the SS did not like my reloads.
Anyways, the SS was traded away soon after, for a Ruger SR1911 BNIB. Not sure if that was the right call though. SR1911's are easy to find but SS's are rare. I do like the SR1911 and have grown very fond of it. Anyways, if I was presented with the same opportunity today, I may not proceed with the trade.
For now, I would choose the SS over the GP. You can always find a GP later, and I am sure you will want one.
Price in near new condition? For Stainess versions, around $700 for either, face to face.
I liked the overall size, weight, feel and trigger of the SS way better than the GP. OTOH, I was more accurate with the GP shooting my own 38 spl+P+ reloads (158 grain Lee SWC mold, 1000 fps chronoed out of the GP). I could do 3 inch, 6 shot, 15 meter, double-action offhand groups with the GP but managed only 5 inch groups with the SS. But then, I have 1,000+ rounds experience on the GP, vs about 50 on the SS. So more trigger time on the SS will almost certainly improve groups. Or perhaps the SS did not like my reloads.
Anyways, the SS was traded away soon after, for a Ruger SR1911 BNIB. Not sure if that was the right call though. SR1911's are easy to find but SS's are rare. I do like the SR1911 and have grown very fond of it. Anyways, if I was presented with the same opportunity today, I may not proceed with the trade.
For now, I would choose the SS over the GP. You can always find a GP later, and I am sure you will want one.
Price in near new condition? For Stainess versions, around $700 for either, face to face.
Pax+Caritas
CGN Regular
Dang! Easyrider, were you ever right! I just didn't realize how right you would be.
I bought the Security-Six yesterday, and I just agreed to buy a GP100 today (4.2")!
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Pax+Caritas
CGN Regular
I sure do...got some yummy recipes?
hatman1793
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Ruger's Security Six was their first SA/DA revolver in the S&W genre. To compete. They sold thousands to parties who wanted a price alternative to Colt & S&W revolvers.
Ruger updated that version to the superior GP100 new platform. The GP100 series was a direct competitor to S&W's new "L" frame revolver. Ruger used the transfer bar, while S&W had a firing pin on the hammer...
Both revolvers suffer from the poor 1" in 16" barrel twist rate.
Ruger updated that version to the superior GP100 new platform. The GP100 series was a direct competitor to S&W's new "L" frame revolver. Ruger used the transfer bar, while S&W had a firing pin on the hammer...
Both revolvers suffer from the poor 1" in 16" barrel twist rate.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
Disclaimer: I do not guarantee the performance or safety of these loads below.
This is what I have used on my .357 Magnum revolvers (These loads Not for use in .38 spl only revolvers):
Using .38 special brass, these are +P+ loads:
1. Powder: 700X, 4.3 grains
Bullet: 158 grain Lee Mold 158 grain LSWC (actual weight average 160 grains)
Primer: Winchester Small Pistol
Velocity: from 6 inch 686: 1010 fps from my Chrony
2. Powder: Titegroup, 5.1 grains
Bullet: 125 grain Rainier Plated Hollow Point
Primer: Winchester Small Pistol
Note: Did not chrono. Primers did not exhibit high pressure signs.
Using 357 brass:
Powder: Alliant 2400, 14.0 grains
Bullet: Speer 158 grain JHP
Primer: Winchester Small Pistol
Note: This is slightly lower than maximum load for 2400. Did not chrono. Accuracy in my GP100 at 15 Meters, standing offhand in double action was less than 1 inch (6 years ago).
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TacticalCanuck
Regular
- Location
- SW Ontario
When you are torn between two guns buying both seems like the logical solution.
In a situation like this, there is another way to think?!
Pax+Caritas
CGN Regular
Last edited:
Congrats on both of your new purchases. Here are a few loads my SS prefers.
Disclaimer: I also do not guarantee the safety or performance of these loads.
All loads in .357 Mag Brass.
Projectile: Lee 158 gr cast LSWC TL
Powder: 7.0 gr HS-6
Primer: CCI 550 SPM
C.O.A.L.: 1.590"
Accurate and economical mellow plinking/target load.
Projectile: Campro 158 gr TC FCP
Powder: 16.0 gr H110
Primer: CCI 550 SPM
C.O.A.L.: 1.590"
Accurate fun plinking/target load.
Projectile: Hornady XTP 158 gr JHP
Powder: 16.5 gr H110
Primer: CCI 550 SPM
C.O.A.L.: 1.585"
This load is .2 gr below max throws fireballs and accurate as well.
Always refer to published data before loading, I double checked these, but typos do happen. Cheers.
Pax+Caritas
CGN Regular
Thanks Ubermeier.
Other than the obvious external differences, can anyone tell me what changed from the Security-Six to GP100?
Thanks.
redbirddog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Maple Syrup land Ontario
my SS with a scope was a tack driver for 100yrd silhouettes. Much better then my GP100.
I miss my SS.
I miss my SS.
GP has heavier barrel, frame and crane locking bolt for additional strength for magnum loads. It was Ruger's answer to S&W 586/686 as the K frame S&W guns would suffer from a continuous use of Magnum ammo. However, I don't think the Security Six guns had as many (or any ) issues with Magnum loads as K frame S&W's.
