These pictures are of an aging warrior (cop) who is posing with his 'first' .357 Revolver. A six-gun purchased with money earned from part-time security jobs. In the early 70's, Mr. Bill Ruger brought out the .357 Security-Six for law enforcement and citizens alike. A double-action revolver, affordable to young cops on a tight budget, and able to compete, and beat, the competition. I purchased mine at a time when the .357 was "the" six-gun to have for aspiring lawmen. Little did I know that this 150-series Security-Six would still be with me, and serving, 42+years after the purchase (April 1973)! Ruger built these to last with good thick steel in all of the right areas and a simple, easy, modular take-down feature that didn't require a gunsmith. As Security-Six fans know, the profile of a 4-inch standard barrel SS is compact, just a smidgen smaller than the S&W Model 19 and a little more with the Colt Trooper MK III, both chief competitors in 1973. I would be the only cop in my Department to carry a SS, as most of my brothers were packing the Model 19, with two lucky fellas packing the Python. I was as proud of my SS as they were their respective .357 choices. Back then, as long as you qualified at the range, you could carry your .357 on duty. This Ruger lived up to the Ruger reputation of durability to the max! My only concession was the Herrett Shooting Star Grips, seen in this photo. These are courtesy of my pal, Mr. PTBlanks of this forum. The first set of walnut Shooting Stars were killed in combat many years ago. I had not been able to acquire a new set of Herrett Grips because of the different frame design that the 150-series had. Hard to locate grips for early SS Models, to the point. The rough and tumble work, that cop-world brings, can be hard on equipment. I would sand out the dents and dings on the right panel and refinish both and finally one dark cold night, the right grip chipped badly during a very heated
confrontation with a couple of bridge trolls. Off came the grips and back on went the service grips. This Ruger was working along side a Colt Official Police and a S&W Model 10-5. All three had been approved/qualified for duty and all three would serve for many years.
I want the members here to know that this old Security-Six would not be appreciated by 'most' law enforcement today. Most have never fired a revolver, much less carried or competed with one. It galls a couple when an old man is able to spank them at the firing range on qualification day. Really galls them! But with frequent visits to the range, I'm still able to shoot and pass the dreaded d-day yearly mandate that is a challenge. With any of these three six-guns mentioned here, with lots of practice, my scores will excel the majority of my younger brothers, packing Crocks, er, Glocks I mean. Thank you my friends. I hope the post & pics find favor with you.
David