Ruger Security Six Accuracy Problems

Brad01 · August 29, 2009, 12:47 PM

I purchased the pistol (6" barrel, 357 caliber, adjustable sights) used so I do not know its prior life but it visually appears in good shap. I've tried multiple handloads and factory loads. Even a different shooter. Trying different sets of loads at 20 yards, I'm consistantly getting 8-10 inch groups. The best are 6-8 inches. The only pattern is the group is a little oval, as opposed to round, in a horizontal pattern. I notice about 1/3 of the holes seem to be torn implying the rounds were not flying in a clear spiral. Any ideas or known issues? Thanks in advance.

Slopemeno · August 29, 2009, 02:21 PM

Mine isn't exactly guilt-edged accurate, but it's accurate enough. Have you tried some 148 gn wadcutters?

I'd probably start with having someone else who I know hacn shoot bulleye shoot the gun, then I'd look at the sights. My front sight had become a bit loose over the years so I used a bit of blue loctite to keep it from rocking.

For comparisons sake- what's your best accuracy at these ranges on your favorite gun?

jrothWA · August 29, 2009, 03:09 PM

over a rest @ 10 yds.
This will give good indication of remaining accuracy.

Havw you detailed the SS6 prior to using, maybe a good cleaning/soaking of barrel overnight be helpful.
What type grips and what glove size you use, maybe not keeping a firm relaxed grip? (I'm a D5 glove size 5) and use the Pachmyar gripper, its a slightly long length with narrow width, give me great grip using Federal's 158gr JSP's. Normally used Hornady's 140gr XTP.)

Russ5924 · August 29, 2009, 04:21 PM

Check and make sure the barrel isn't leaded up from the previous owner. That gun with a 6 inch barrel at 20 yards should be shooting dead on

Or it's you

Brad01 · August 29, 2009, 04:59 PM

Both the other shooter and I are both experienced shooters (but more so with automatics) so I don't think it's the shooter. With my 1911 or XD45, my groups would be a third the size I'm getting with the Ruger. I think the elongated holes would indicate a non-shooter problem.

While I have not tried 148gr wadcutters, I have tried numerous loads, some of which were 148 gr. After trying several factory and handloads, I think it's the pistol. We both tried some of the Hornady self defese ammo, wanting the highest quality I had on hand. Still same shotgun pattern with about 1/3 elongated holes.

I just tried and careful and thorough cleaning. I'll get back to the range in the next few days. After that, it's time for a gunsmith or Ruger.

Thanks for the ideas. I wish it was me, that's easier to fix. Well, at least cheaper.

Sevens · August 29, 2009, 05:07 PM

I'd also submit a vote to look for a severely leaded up barrel. If that's not it, I'd contact Ruger. The have quite a reputation for taking care of things like this in a very pleasing fashion.

SIGSHR · August 29, 2009, 05:36 PM

My 6" Stainless Security Six is one of my most consistently accurate revolvers. As the other have said, try giving the barrel a good cleaning.

Cold Steel · August 29, 2009, 07:52 PM

A problem I saw back when the Ruger Security-Six was in production was people swapping out parts from other Security-Sixes, keeping the best parts for one and then selling the other. (I had one fellow try to sell me one with a B/C gap of .014! The way the trigger loaded up, it was apparent that someone had switched out parts.)

Check you B/C gap and make sure it's between .004-.009 (spec). Also, with a clean gun, drop a JHP/JSP bullet into each chamber. If they fall through on all each chamber, try semi-wadcutter bullets (which are a bit larger). If they fall through, your problem is with the chamber size. (Make sure you don't push the bullets through if they stick or you'll resize them.) Also check headspace (space between the case and the recoil shield). If it's more than about .009, that can cause problems, but not so much with accuracy.

Finally, check for forcing cone fouling and barrel leading (as has been mentioned). I've got several Security-Sixes and they're all very accurate. BTW, is yours stainless or blued?

Brad01 · August 29, 2009, 09:34 PM

Thanks for the additional ideas. The barrel looked pretty clean before I started and I brushed it carefully. Visually tried to inspect the barrel and other parts. Cold Steel, thanks for your input. I'll try those checks as well. I'm not sure how to check for swapped out parts. It looks right but I'm certainly no expert. I expected this to be an above average quality revolver and looked for it specifically. Also, mine is stainless. Again, thanks to all.

madmag · August 29, 2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Finally, check for forcing cone fouling and barrel

Second that.

All good advice you are getting. I have a Speed Six and it shoots very accurate.

As mentioned check the forcing cone, the lead-in to the rifle area. That's the first part of the barrel the bullet sees after leaving the chamber. Crud build-up can look Gray and hard to see, but it can effect accuracy. I wet mine with bore cleaner and use a dental tool with a 90 deg. bend to gently scrape the crud loose. This does not hurt if done gently. This crude can be almost impossible to remove just using a bore brush. It can make a real difference.

BTW, hope you find the solution. I have lots of pistols, but I count my SS Speed Six as one of my all time favorites. One of the best Ruger designs ever.

Cold Steel · August 29, 2009, 10:18 PM

The only way to detect swapped parts is to look for out of spec tolerances. Make sure the B/C gap is right and all those other things. I'm always naturally suspicious when anyone wants to sell a Security-Six. Those guns are so good that most people want to hang on to them. If worse comes to worst, I'm sure Ruger will make it good.

Bench resting is a must! You have to do it to eliminate all doubt.

They're outstanding guns.

GeauxTide · August 29, 2009, 10:26 PM

+1 on leading, forcing cone, and cylinder gap. My 6" SS was, indeed, excellent in every way. It could also take loads that would lock up my M19.

madmag · August 29, 2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

They're outstanding guns.

Don't get me started. I know we should stay on subject. BTW, I also have a GP100. Now I admit if I needed to use a pistol as a hammer or pry bar I would grab my GP100, but my Speed Six is exactly the right size for a .357 mag. Not too big..not too small. Yes the GP100 is a little stronger but that's like saying a bank vault is a little more like a bank vault.

Jay1958 · August 30, 2009, 09:41 PM

My 6-inch blued Security Six gets 5- or 6-inch groups at 50 yards, from a rest, with the stock adjustable sights.

Cold Steel · August 31, 2009, 01:18 AM

I agree that the Ruger "Sixes" were the perfect size. Anything smaller is less than the perfect size; anything bigger is bigger than the perfect size. If I'm going out in the wilderness areas, I want the 6-inch Security-Six. I think Ruger just decided to follow S&W's lead in making their guns bigger and heavier, but they didn't need to do anything. They were just following and not leading.

That said, I have to admit that I saw one gun writer say that guns like the S&W 66 and Ruger Security-Sixes couldn't handle full throttle rounds, and I knew then he was just mouthing off. Skeeter Skelton said he knew of three Security-Sixes, each of which had more than 30,000 full magnum rounds throug them. One was spitting a little, but the other two were still going strong.

Thirty-thousand magnum rounds would make any 66/19 inoperable well before a quarter of that could be shot.

Russ5924 · August 31, 2009, 11:22 AM

Just what are you using for ammo I don't think you ever said. Do you reload??

Nero45 · August 31, 2009, 11:27 PM

I think Ruger did what S&W failed to do with the Security Six. It took the 13/66 and took it one step farther making a harder beefer gun.

Carolina Au · September 8, 2009, 09:49 PM

I have one in 6" barrel. It used to shoot 2 inch groups at 50 yards from a rest with Remington or Winchester 158 gr. JHP's. That as until the barrel became unscrewed from the frame. I sent it back to Ruger in sometime about 1993 when there was a massive nor'easter snow storm that dumped about 3 feet of snow in many places along the east coast. The storm disrupted everyone's work and evidently caused some confusion pertaining to repairing the gun. After some delays, it was returned to me with with the barrel reattached. The gun had been reblued also. All was free of charge.

However, the group sizes increased to 5 to 8 inches using ammo from the same boxs that had previously shot a 2 inch group. The cylinder/forcing cone gap was less than original. The crane also appears bent with the cylinder open.

I never sent it back but may do so in the future, as it had very good accuracy potential.

I have also shot similar sized GP100's in .357 that also hit 2 inch groups at fifty yards.

I have never heard of another instance of a barrel coming loose from the frame. The gun wasn't abused or banged around, just shot a fair amount.

roaddog28 · September 8, 2009, 11:52 PM

I have never heard of a Security Six with accurancy problems. I have a Police Service Six 4 in barrel that was a carry revolver for law enforcement. It is as accurate as my S&W model 10 4 in barrel also a carry revolver. Have you had a gunsmith look at the revolver? Security Sixes have a very reliable record and also have been one of the most accurate 357s built. Afterall, Bill Ruger started making them to compete with the S&W Model 19/66. Security Sixes were stronger and in my opinion just as accurate. I have a model 66 and believe the Service Six will out shoot the model 66 on the range. The only thing the Security Sixes had that the Smith have is a smoother trigger. But a gunsmith can tune the Security Six to have just a good a trigger. My Service Six has just as good a trigger as my model 66 Smith.

What ever you do, don't sell the revolver until you have a gunsmith check the entire revolver.

August 29, 2009, 12:47 PM	#1
Brad01 Member Join Date: April 3, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 32	Ruger Security Six Accuracy Problems I purchased the pistol (6" barrel, 357 caliber, adjustable sights) used so I do not know its prior life but it visually appears in good shap. I've tried multiple handloads and factory loads. Even a different shooter. Trying different sets of loads at 20 yards, I'm consistantly getting 8-10 inch groups. The best are 6-8 inches. The only pattern is the group is a little oval, as opposed to round, in a horizontal pattern. I notice about 1/3 of the holes seem to be torn implying the rounds were not flying in a clear spiral. Any ideas or known issues? Thanks in advance.

August 29, 2009, 03:09 PM	#3
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,529	Try using target wacuuter loads,... over a rest @ 10 yds. This will give good indication of remaining accuracy. Havw you detailed the SS6 prior to using, maybe a good cleaning/soaking of barrel overnight be helpful. What type grips and what glove size you use, maybe not keeping a firm relaxed grip? (I'm a D5 glove size 5) and use the Pachmyar gripper, its a slightly long length with narrow width, give me great grip using Federal's 158gr JSP's. Normally used Hornady's 140gr XTP.)

August 29, 2009, 04:59 PM	#5
Brad01 Member Join Date: April 3, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 32	Both the other shooter and I are both experienced shooters (but more so with automatics) so I don't think it's the shooter. With my 1911 or XD45, my groups would be a third the size I'm getting with the Ruger. I think the elongated holes would indicate a non-shooter problem. While I have not tried 148gr wadcutters, I have tried numerous loads, some of which were 148 gr. After trying several factory and handloads, I think it's the pistol. We both tried some of the Hornady self defese ammo, wanting the highest quality I had on hand. Still same shotgun pattern with about 1/3 elongated holes. I just tried and careful and thorough cleaning. I'll get back to the range in the next few days. After that, it's time for a gunsmith or Ruger. Thanks for the ideas. I wish it was me, that's easier to fix. Well, at least cheaper. Last edited by Brad01; August 29, 2009 at 09:31 PM.

August 29, 2009, 05:07 PM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	I'd also submit a vote to look for a severely leaded up barrel. If that's not it, I'd contact Ruger. The have quite a reputation for taking care of things like this in a very pleasing fashion. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 8, 2009, 09:49 PM	#18
Carolina Au Junior Member Join Date: September 8, 2009 Location: Lexington, NC Posts: 2	Ruger Security Six Accuracy Problems I have one in 6" barrel. It used to shoot 2 inch groups at 50 yards from a rest with Remington or Winchester 158 gr. JHP's. That as until the barrel became unscrewed from the frame. I sent it back to Ruger in sometime about 1993 when there was a massive nor'easter snow storm that dumped about 3 feet of snow in many places along the east coast. The storm disrupted everyone's work and evidently caused some confusion pertaining to repairing the gun. After some delays, it was returned to me with with the barrel reattached. The gun had been reblued also. All was free of charge. However, the group sizes increased to 5 to 8 inches using ammo from the same boxs that had previously shot a 2 inch group. The cylinder/forcing cone gap was less than original. The crane also appears bent with the cylinder open. I never sent it back but may do so in the future, as it had very good accuracy potential. I have also shot similar sized GP100's in .357 that also hit 2 inch groups at fifty yards. I have never heard of another instance of a barrel coming loose from the frame. The gun wasn't abused or banged around, just shot a fair amount. Last edited by Carolina Au; September 8, 2009 at 09:50 PM. Reason: spelling corrections

August 29, 2009, 02:21 PM	#2
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	Mine isn't exactly guilt-edged accurate, but it's accurate enough. Have you tried some 148 gn wadcutters? I'd probably start with having someone else who I know hacn shoot bulleye shoot the gun, then I'd look at the sights. My front sight had become a bit loose over the years so I used a bit of blue loctite to keep it from rocking. For comparisons sake- what's your best accuracy at these ranges on your favorite gun?

August 29, 2009, 04:21 PM	#4
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	Check and make sure the barrel isn't leaded up from the previous owner. That gun with a 6 inch barrel at 20 yards should be shooting dead on Or it's you

August 29, 2009, 05:36 PM	#7
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,712	My 6" Stainless Security Six is one of my most consistently accurate revolvers. As the other have said, try giving the barrel a good cleaning.

August 29, 2009, 07:52 PM	#8
Cold Steel Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Posts: 100	A problem I saw back when the Ruger Security-Six was in production was people swapping out parts from other Security-Sixes, keeping the best parts for one and then selling the other. (I had one fellow try to sell me one with a B/C gap of .014! The way the trigger loaded up, it was apparent that someone had switched out parts.) Check you B/C gap and make sure it's between .004-.009 (spec). Also, with a clean gun, drop a JHP/JSP bullet into each chamber. If they fall through on all each chamber, try semi-wadcutter bullets (which are a bit larger). If they fall through, your problem is with the chamber size. (Make sure you don't push the bullets through if they stick or you'll resize them.) Also check headspace (space between the case and the recoil shield). If it's more than about .009, that can cause problems, but not so much with accuracy. Finally, check for forcing cone fouling and barrel leading (as has been mentioned). I've got several Security-Sixes and they're all very accurate. BTW, is yours stainless or blued?

August 29, 2009, 09:34 PM	#9
Brad01 Member Join Date: April 3, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 32	Thanks for the additional ideas. The barrel looked pretty clean before I started and I brushed it carefully. Visually tried to inspect the barrel and other parts. Cold Steel, thanks for your input. I'll try those checks as well. I'm not sure how to check for swapped out parts. It looks right but I'm certainly no expert. I expected this to be an above average quality revolver and looked for it specifically. Also, mine is stainless. Again, thanks to all.

August 29, 2009, 10:18 PM	#11
Cold Steel Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Posts: 100	The only way to detect swapped parts is to look for out of spec tolerances. Make sure the B/C gap is right and all those other things. I'm always naturally suspicious when anyone wants to sell a Security-Six. Those guns are so good that most people want to hang on to them. If worse comes to worst, I'm sure Ruger will make it good. Bench resting is a must! You have to do it to eliminate all doubt. They're outstanding guns.

August 29, 2009, 10:26 PM	#12
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	+1 on leading, forcing cone, and cylinder gap. My 6" SS was, indeed, excellent in every way. It could also take loads that would lock up my M19.

August 30, 2009, 09:41 PM	#14
Jay1958 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 274	My 6-inch blued Security Six gets 5- or 6-inch groups at 50 yards, from a rest, with the stock adjustable sights.

August 31, 2009, 01:18 AM	#15
Cold Steel Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Posts: 100	I agree that the Ruger "Sixes" were the perfect size. Anything smaller is less than the perfect size; anything bigger is bigger than the perfect size. If I'm going out in the wilderness areas, I want the 6-inch Security-Six. I think Ruger just decided to follow S&W's lead in making their guns bigger and heavier, but they didn't need to do anything. They were just following and not leading. That said, I have to admit that I saw one gun writer say that guns like the S&W 66 and Ruger Security-Sixes couldn't handle full throttle rounds, and I knew then he was just mouthing off. Skeeter Skelton said he knew of three Security-Sixes, each of which had more than 30,000 full magnum rounds throug them. One was spitting a little, but the other two were still going strong. Thirty-thousand magnum rounds would make any 66/19 inoperable well before a quarter of that could be shot.

August 31, 2009, 11:22 AM	#16
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	Just what are you using for ammo I don't think you ever said. Do you reload??

August 31, 2009, 11:27 PM	#17
Nero45 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Posts: 265	I think Ruger did what S&W failed to do with the Security Six. It took the 13/66 and took it one step farther making a harder beefer gun.

September 8, 2009, 11:52 PM	#19
roaddog28 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 961	I have never heard of a Security Six with accurancy problems. I have a Police Service Six 4 in barrel that was a carry revolver for law enforcement. It is as accurate as my S&W model 10 4 in barrel also a carry revolver. Have you had a gunsmith look at the revolver? Security Sixes have a very reliable record and also have been one of the most accurate 357s built. Afterall, Bill Ruger started making them to compete with the S&W Model 19/66. Security Sixes were stronger and in my opinion just as accurate. I have a model 66 and believe the Service Six will out shoot the model 66 on the range. The only thing the Security Sixes had that the Smith have is a smoother trigger. But a gunsmith can tune the Security Six to have just a good a trigger. My Service Six has just as good a trigger as my model 66 Smith. What ever you do, don't sell the revolver until you have a gunsmith check the entire revolver.