SP, GP, Security Six...help!

[awp101]

Went to a gunshow for the first time in a couple of years today, fell in like with the 4" SP101 in .357 and .327. Handled a 4" Security Six for the first time today as well and that also felt really nice.

Now to let you in on a little secret. I can fumble my way through and around the Ruger single actions but I know diddly squat about their DAs beyond a few basics. Built like a tank, the SP is a 5 holer (except for the .327 which is a 6 holer) and the GP is a 6, etc.

I didn't handle a GP so the first question is, how does the grip compare to the SP? Slightly larger? Significantly larger?

For the extra weight of the GP (almost half as much again IIRC), is there anything gained besides 1 more round and some recoil reduction?

The Security Six (at least I think that's what it was) was something of a revelation to me. It felt much more svelte and balanced than it appeared. Felt more like a K Frame than a Ruger to me.

Any thoughts and help are appreciated, thanks!

[ezekiel38]

AWP101 your instincts are correct when it comes to the Security Six. K frame size and many say more durable.it is a keeper. The five shot SP101 in the 4" 357 is a great carry gun for field and general use. The GP is tougher than a boot and will last a lifetime of 357s. The GP was made to compete with the concept to compete with the L frame Smith.

The grips won't interchange and the SSes with a 150 series serial number has a humpback grip frame and finding grips for it is a headache. All three are strong and will shoot 357s for thousands of rounds. I've owned all three types and different models within the gun type. My favorite in a Ruger is a GP Match Champion with adjustable sights. The 4" SP with adjustable sights would make a great trail gun. They all are accurate, strong and a little polishing and spring work by Wolff, they are a "prideful" weapon to own.

[ezekiel38]

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[Deleted]

The 357 SP is a hard-recoiling uh, son of a gun, at least with full power loads. The grip stud is the same size on the SP & GP frames, and some guys use the SP grip on the GP frame, but you also need to transfer over the grip stud from the SP as well. Not a big deal, as long as you can find the part, I don't believe you can simply screw on an SP grip without the correct grip stud.

The "Six" series guns are treasures, they're closer to K frame size, but wear about as well as an L frame. I had one and regret selling it. Unfortunately, Ruger no longer offers factory parts for the Sixes. Aftermarket support has dwindled to grips and speedloaders. The bright side is that they are really, really durable.

[awp101]

Thanks for the help so far!

The SS/K Frame and GP/L Frame analogy makes sense and is a great help as I've been a S&W guy for years.

358, are all the SPs a handful with full house loads or just the 2.25" model? The youngest boy (aka The Boy) has the 2.25" but I haven't fired it. Until I looked the specs up, I would have sworn the 4" was lighter. Something about the way it balances makes it feel lighter to me. I think I'll take his with me next range trip and give it a whirl.

I knew the Six series was out of production but I didn't realize it had been over 25 years. I'm familiar with the joys of sourcing parts for obsolete firearms but the lack of WTB parts posts is a good sign I think.

[warhawk]

I have owned all of these, except the GP-100. For some reason the GP just doesn't appeal to me.

I don't really care for the SP-101 either, it's just too heavy for what it is, which is competition for a J frame.

The only one I still own, is this 2 3/4 inch Speed Six. And I have no intention of ever selling it. To me, it's the equivalent of a three inch model 65.

[awp101]

warhawk, nice one!

Has Ruger fixed the .327 SP to keep the pin in the crane from falling out? That seems to be the biggest issue I've seen after reading up on them.

[ezekiel38]

I really like the SP and see it as a replacement to the Colt DS with 357 power. The idea of owning a Police Positive Special / Colt Detective Special size and weight with 357 power that just keeps me buying more. If you want to order a holster for a Colt DS just order a holster for a Ruger SP. The SP will stand up long after a 357 J Frame has shot itself loose. Ruger SP is it's own concept.

[awp101]

.38+P is all I want out of a J Frame.

Local shop has a new regular GP and a .357 SP, both 4", that I handled this afternoon. The finger groove Goodyears on the GP were certainly hand filling and the whole package felt OK but it didn't have that certain, indefinable something that I felt when I handled the 4" SP each time.

I thinking I'll end up with both the 4" .327 and .357 SPs before a GP. I can certainly see making a case to myself for the GP but probably in a 6" and adding a Weigand no d&t mount to play with. The past couple of months I've been wanting a 6"-ish .357 BH to scope for fun so I guess we'll see which comes up when the funds and desire are more plentiful. Same for the Security Six...

[nolongcolt]

Here is my SS Liberty Model Security Six with 2.75 inch bbl. Its an excellent gun.

[James]

I still regret getting rid of a 4 inch Security six as she shot cast bullets with the best of them.... The gun writer Leroy Thompson said if limited to one handgun he would choose his four inch SS.....

[dmize]

I have a SP 101,I think with a 3" tube as well 2 GP100's.
I put a different grip (Uncle Mikes I believe) on the SP and I shoot full throttle 180 cast with H110 without much issues.
Warhawk hit the nail on the head. There is a LOT of weight for what your carrying.

[awp101]

Thanks, I'll keep the different aftermarket grips in mind as well.

[awp101]

Took the short SP out yesterday. With regular .38 Special, it was rather nice and 158g +P loads certainly woke it up. The only .357 loads I had were Rem 125g and they turned it into a handful for sure! I wouldn't call it unpleasant but I would call it uncomfortable.

I think when I jump, it will be for a 4" .327 SP and the .357 will be a BH...

[dmize]

I was incorrect,they are Hogues. But they work very well.