chaco

what is the real difference between a speed six and a gp 100. I have a speed six with a 2 1/4" and am thinking of getting a gp100 witha 3" barrel. Do you have any trouble finding holsters for the gp100 with a 3" barrel? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Amishman44

I think the biggest difference you will find, initially, is the trigger...you will probably like the GP100's trigger a bit better!

XS Sight Systems - Home makes a very nice tritium front night sight that will fit the fixed-sight 3" GP100.

Try looking at DeSantis, Bianchi, Galco, Triple-K Leather, etc...for holsters!

gwnorth

The lockup is significantly different. The Six series still uses a forward detent on the ejector. While the GP100's ejector does nothing but eject. The GP 100 locks up the front of the cylinder crane with a tabbed detent indexed into the frame. The trigger groups are also different.

My GP100's are in 4" and 6", but I do have a Service Six in 3" - in a 3" or shorter barrel I'd prefer the Six just because it looks better, to my eye, with the short lug profile. But it's not like either one would be a bad choice

TNWNGR

The Gp100 is a tad bit more over built to better stand up to long term use of .357 Magnum rounds. It also has a better fixed sight set up and nicer feeling factory grips. I's also a DA/SA revolver, not a DAO. I'd be pleased to have either a Speed Six or 3" GP100 and one of these days hope to have both.

Ashlander

The cylinder is slightly bigger in diameter (you will need a bigger speed loader -- basically going from the S&W K-frame size to one for the L-frames). The trigger group is similar, but the cylinder latch in the Six Series free floats above the trigger group, while in the GP100 the cylinder latch is attached to the trigger group.

As noted above the Six Series guns and the GP100s have different lockup mechanisms, but that doesn't seem to make a lot of practical difference at the range.

My Speed Six (1978) has the best double action trigger I have ever pulled -- but it is well broken in. My GP100 has a very good double action trigger. I like them both, but the availablility of spare parts would incline me toward the GP100 if I could have only one.

Lost Sheep

Worlds of difference.

The Six has a grip frame, but the GP has a post.

The Six is closer to the size of a SP101 than the size of the GP, making your speed six MUCH more carryable and concealable. I can slip a Sec. Six with 2.75" barrel into some of my trouser pockets. None of my trouser pockets will accomodate my GP (I tried it with my 4", but I allowed for the barrel. The trigger guard to top of frame is the limiting factor.)

Field stripping is similar, but the lockwork is totally different.

GPs have interchangeable front sights. If I want colors on my Sixes, I paint them.

Just my opinion: If I was going to carry a revolver all day, no way would I go for a GP when there is a Six available. They shoot equally well. The GP is more comfortable during long range sessions, but the Six carries MUCH easier.

Good luck. Thanks for asking our advice.

Lost Sheep

huntrick64

I had the same option and went with the GP100, but originally because the GP100 was owned by someone needing money worse than the guy who had the Six. My buddy had the Six and it is a fine gun, easy to shoot.

If I had to do it again, i would still go with the Gp-100. It is a tank and I like to shoot full house loads. IMO, The GP-100 has a much more comfortable and forgiving grip than the Six.

If you get the GP100, get ahold of IOWEGAN and buy his gun guide for this gun. My GP-100 had only been fired less than 50 times when I bought it. I got the guide from IOWEGAN and performed all of the polishing and changed the factory mainspring for a 12 lb replacement and the factory trigger spring for a 10 lb replacement (around $10). Before the work; SA trigger pull was 5 lbs and DA pull was almost 14. After the work, SA trigger pull is 3 lbs on the dot and DA is around 10 lbs.

My 17 year old son can shoot this thing beyond my belief. He killed two really nice whitetails last year with it and handloads. The biggest one grossed 147" (8-point) and dressed 252 lbs. 35 yard shot. This is really why I am partial to GP100.

ExArmy11b

Both will last 5 lifetimes, but if you're going with heavy .357's the GP100 has the slight edge, due to the crane lockup vs. the ejector rod lockup of the Six.

I want to meet someone who has worn out a Six series from shooting it, so I can shake their hand............because I've never heard of it happening.

West Texan

I shot heavy loads and my security six went out of time and ruger no longer carries parts for them. I sold it. I wish I would have just shot .38's from it. My GP is more robust, and I truly don't think it will wear out. I like the look and feel of the security six alot more than the GP. (like the GP also, just not as much) The GP is stronger and Ruger still provides support for it if there is a problem.

Whirlwind06

I have speed six a security six and GP with the 3 inch barrel. Both the sixes are 2 3/4. I just picked up the security six.
I have found that at least on the speed six the front sight is the same as the front factory sight of my GP. It will be cool to fit a hi-viz sight onmy speed six.

exlogger

Some valuble information. Let us know how it fits.

ExArmy11b

A Security Six that went out of time? Did the crane or ejector rod get bent?

I do believe the GP100 is a little more stout, due to the crane lock assembly.

I shoot mostly .38's through my Sixes, with some factory .357 once in a while.

chaco

Thanks everybody for your replies! I was out today and shot a couple hundred rounds through my speed six, it's been awhile and I forgot how much I like the gun.