Ruger Forum

Bvd1 · August 7th, 2012, 04:59 AM

Does anyone know of a six series model# list and description of each model? Is there a book that lists them? I think it would make a good permanent post here, other forums call them stickys.

LAGun · August 7th, 2012, 05:31 AM

You realize the Six series hasn't been made for 20+ years now. There is the Security-Six that came with adjustable rear sights,The Speed-six and the Service-Six that had a milled rear sight.There were various differences between year models but the frames were pretty much the same. A sticky on a older discontinued model would not be warranted because we then would get requests for a number of other old discontinued models...

Iowegan · August 7th, 2012, 09:05 AM

Bvd1, As LA Gun stated, the "Security-Six" family of revolvers were discontinued in 1988. There were more variations of this family of guns than any other in Ruger's history .... 78 in all. Each variation had a model number but it is very nondescript so most collectors use the catalog number. Example: a model 301 doesn't say much ... could be a rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver.

Ruger's catalog numbers are more meaningful but don't always make much sense. Each different chambering (caliber), barrel length, blued/stainless, round butt/square butt, fixed sights/adjustable sights, heavy barrel, standard barrel, and grip configuration has a different "code". Here's the breakdown:

RDA= Blue w/adj sights and square butt Security-Six
GA= Stainless w/adj sights and square butt Security-Six
SDA= Service-Six
GF=Stainless Service-Six
SS=Blue Speed-Six
GS=Stainless Speed-Six

There is also a code for caliber and barrel length:

32=357 Mag, 2 3/4" barrel
33=357 Mag, 3" barrel
34=357 Mag, 4" barrel
35=357 Mag, 5" barrel
36=357 Mag, 6" barrel
384= 380 Rim (38 S&W), 4" barrel
82=38 Special 2 3/4" barrel
83=38 Special 3" barrel
84=38 Special 4" barrel
85=38 Special 5" barrel
86=38 Special 6" barrel
92=9mm, 2 3/4" barrel
94=9mm, 4" barrel

The other variations were:
RB=Round butt
MB=machined heavy barrel
B=Blued stainless
H=heavy barrel
T=Target grips
P=Pachmayer grips
PS=Postal Service

Here's what a typical catalog number would look like:
RDA-36T (blued Security-Six, 357 Mag, 6" barrel, with target grips)

All Security-Six, Speed-Six, and Service-Six revolvers were in the same block of serial numbers so there's no way to determine a model by serial number. The assigned prefixes were from 150 to 162. Prefixes moved to the next sequential number when the serial number hit 99999.

Hope this helps

Bvd1 · August 7th, 2012, 09:41 AM

lowegan, I guess I should have said catalog number. I realize they have been out of production for a long time. I have recently become interested in these and that's why I asked, I am still learning. Thanks so much for the codes, it's exactly what I was looking for.You have helped me alot.

ExArmy11b · August 7th, 2012, 10:29 AM

You can also call Ruger Records with the serial number of the Six and they will give you the catalog number. I don't have the number off hand, but call the main number on Ruger.com and ask for "records" and they will re-direct you.

I did this and found out some of my later production .38 Special Service Sixes are somewhat rare in the configuration they are in.

My question is, I have 5 .38 Special Service Sixes that have the "P" for Pachmayr grips, but the grips are in fact made by Sile........could it be Ruger planned to contract with Pachmayr but went with Sile instead?

ALL of the rubber grips that came factory on the Six series are Sile, I have never seen Pachmayr grips with the Ruger medallion. I have seen them on Colts but not Rugers.

Iowegan · August 7th, 2012, 02:38 PM

ExArmy11b, There are two words you should not use when you talk about Ruger production .... "always" and "never". According to the Red Eagle News Express (RENE) listings for Security-Sixes, "P" meant Pachmayer but it could have been something totally different. Example: in nearly all current production Rugers, "K" means stainless steel. What's the connection? With Security-Sixes, "T" means target grips, however with SP-101s, "T" means Talo Group, and with 10/22s "T" means target model etc. The point is ... there is not always a direct connection with the model designator plus there are often mulitple meanings.

Xringshooter · August 9th, 2012, 06:57 PM

If you want the complete Reference of Ruger Firearms, which lists ALL Ruger firearms, join the Red Eagle News Exchange (RENE). Chad Hiddleson is the editor/publisher. Here is the info.

Red Eagle News Exchange
c/o Chad Hiddleson
1945 Clover Road
Perry, IA 50220

His email is: CHRugers@aol.com

This is the most comprehensive listing of ALL the Ruger models and is constantly being updated as people find not before listed Rugers. I was fortunate enough to find one of the highest serial number low back stainless steel Security Sixes. This info was passed on and will be included in the next edition. He is always looking for new info on the different Ruger models and members of the RCA (Ruger Collectors Association - I am a member there also) are always on the lookout for unreported models, no matter how old or new they are.

If you want to know more about your Rugers, collectible or not, RENE and RCA are the groups to join.

Bvd1 · October 30th, 2012, 06:11 AM

Xringshooter, I just received my RENE reference book and it is very informative. I did see a service six at a gunshow with an "S" stamped on the side of the cylinder near the front. Didn't know anything at the time so I thought nothing of it. I see no mention of this in the RENE reference, so I imagine it is rare. Wish I came across it now.

LAGun · October 30th, 2012, 07:07 AM

The S on the cylinder just means it has been proofed.All my sixes have the S on the cylinder...

Bvd1 · October 30th, 2012, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAGun

The S on the cylinder just means it has been proofed.All my sixes have the S on the cylinder...

This was on the side of the cylinder, not the rear. I did not look at the rear to see if there was an "S" there.

ExArmy11b · October 30th, 2012, 08:22 AM

Just call Ruger records, they will give you the catalog number for your gun for free. It can be useful, if for nothing else to tell you what grips the gun had when it left the factory.

Bvd1 · October 30th, 2012, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExArmy11b

Just call Ruger records, they will give you the catalog number for your gun for free. It can be useful, if for nothing else to tell you what grips the gun had when it left the factory.

Exarmy, the question is about the "S" on the SIDE of the cylinder, Post #8.

Bvd1 · October 30th, 2012, 08:58 AM

Asked about this in another thread but thought I would start a new thread about this. I saw a blued 4" service six with the letter S stamped on the side of the cylinder at a show. I did not know much about the six series and thought nothing about it then. It was near the front of the cylinder. I did not look at the rear of the cylinder. Have not seen any other six series with the cylinder stamped on the side. I see nothing in the RENE reference about this.