From the Vault: Ruger® Service-Six™

Published on May 10, 2019
Duration: 4:08

This expert-level review from Brownells, Inc. delves into the Ruger Service-Six, a .357 Magnum service revolver often overlooked in favor of Colt and Smith & Wesson. The video highlights its design intent for law enforcement, comparing it to the S&W Model 10 and 13, and discusses its variants (Security-Six, Speed-Six). It also touches on the market shift to semi-automatics and the enduring value of these robust revolvers for civilian and overseas markets.

Quick Summary

The Ruger Service-Six is a robust .357 Magnum service revolver from the 1960s, designed to compete with Colt and S&W. While sharing a potential weakness with S&W K-frames regarding constant .357 Magnum use, it remains a reliable and accurate firearm valued by collectors and some law enforcement.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introducing the Ruger Service-Six
  2. 00:27Historical Context & Competition
  3. 00:56Design and Features of the Service-Six
  4. 01:18Comparison to Smith & Wesson Models
  5. 01:55Ruger's Solutions and Variants
  6. 02:19Service-Six, Security-Six, Speed-Six Explained
  7. 02:41Market Shift to Semi-Automatics
  8. 03:03Modern Relevance and Value of Service Revolvers
  9. 03:42Viewer Suggestions & Closing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ruger Service-Six?

The Ruger Service-Six is a six-shot, .357 Magnum service revolver developed by Bill Ruger in the 1960s to compete with Colt and Smith & Wesson in the law enforcement market. It's known for its rugged design and reliability.

How does the Ruger Service-Six compare to Smith & Wesson revolvers?

The Ruger Service-Six was designed to compete with models like the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and Model 13. It's often described as a bit 'beefier' and heavier. Both can experience loosening with constant .357 Magnum use, though Ruger later developed the GP100 for heavier loads.

What are the different variants of the Ruger Service-Six?

The Ruger Service-Six family included three main versions: the Security-Six with adjustable sights, the Service-Six (similar to the S&W Model 10), and the Speed-Six with a rounded butt and a shorter barrel.

Why are Ruger Service-Six revolvers still relevant today?

Despite the market shift to semi-automatics, Ruger Service-Six revolvers remain valuable for their accuracy, reliability, and durability. They are still used by some law enforcement agencies and are popular with civilian collectors and overseas forces.

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