Security-six conversion questions

9ballbilly · September 2, 2015, 08:17 AM

I have a Ruger security six (not a service six) chambered in .38spl for a law enforcement contract.

Is there any reason I couldn't install a .357 cylinder in this gun?

To my knowledge the security six frames were designed for .357 so frame strength shouldn't be an issue.

Does anyone know of other safety or mechanical issues that might cause problems in converting it?

Thanks.

g.willikers · September 2, 2015, 09:21 AM

Assuming the revolver is indeed capable of handling the higher pressures of the .357, (which it probably is), you might check if the existing cylinder is already long enough.
If so, maybe all that will be required is to lengthen the chambers to accommodate the slightly longer .357 cartridge.
Unless you reload and just use the 38-44 data with .38 cases to accomplish about the same thing.
(Not to be confused with 38-40 and other similar sounding cartridges).

9x18_Walther · September 2, 2015, 09:28 AM

From what I have been told, all frame components are identical to the 357 version sans the cylinder.

It might just be easier to have the old cylinder re-bored by a quality gunsmith.

I've heard this guy has worked on guns for Massad Ayoob and will do such a service for $85.

http://www.tarnhelm.com/services/services.html

September 2, 2015, 08:17 AM	#1
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 611	Security-six conversion questions I have a Ruger security six (not a service six) chambered in .38spl for a law enforcement contract. Is there any reason I couldn't install a .357 cylinder in this gun? To my knowledge the security six frames were designed for .357 so frame strength shouldn't be an issue. Does anyone know of other safety or mechanical issues that might cause problems in converting it? Thanks. __________________ may God eternally bless the American Rifleman--- as long as one stands, resolute, liberty shall not perish.

September 2, 2015, 09:21 AM	#2
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Assuming the revolver is indeed capable of handling the higher pressures of the .357, (which it probably is), you might check if the existing cylinder is already long enough. If so, maybe all that will be required is to lengthen the chambers to accommodate the slightly longer .357 cartridge. Unless you reload and just use the 38-44 data with .38 cases to accomplish about the same thing. (Not to be confused with 38-40 and other similar sounding cartridges). __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

September 2, 2015, 09:28 AM	#3
9x18_Walther Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2015 Posts: 500	From what I have been told, all frame components are identical to the 357 version sans the cylinder. It might just be easier to have the old cylinder re-bored by a quality gunsmith. I've heard this guy has worked on guns for Massad Ayoob and will do such a service for $85. http://www.tarnhelm.com/services/services.html