CCW: S&W Model 13 or Ruger Security Six?

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Geister

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I am planning on picking up a small-frame .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel for a CCW piece.

Here is what I've narrowed it down to:

Smith & Wesson Model 13 -- LOVE the smooth DA trigger that's possible on the Smith. That's a huge plus for me. I'd prefer adjustable sights but this may not matter on a CCW piece. I haven't decided on the Model 13 yet because I am worried about the durability. I shoot a lot of hot loads so I'm worried that I will crack the forcing cone. However, I'm starting to shoot more 158s than 125s. I'm also a little hesitant about the fixed sights; I'm worried that a used K-frame with fixed sights might be way off.

Ruger Security Six -- The adjustable sights are a plus. I also like the durability of the Ruger and probably won't worry about damaging the forcing cone like I would on the Smith. Not sure about the DA trigger on a Ruger; never tried one. If I can get the trigger to function as smooth as the Smith without any stacking I'll get the Ruger.

What do you all think? Any insight or suggestions? I don't want to get anything else like the Model 19 since that one's going for investment prices right now.
 
for what it's worth. . . . .

I own colt, S&W and Ruger revolvers and shoot them all. In my experience you will have a hard time duplicating the trigger feel of the S&W Mod 13 in a Ruger Security Six. Both are plenty rugged for everyday service. I believe the sights on the S&W are regulated for factory 158 gr ammo and in my experience that is the load that hits closest to my point of aim. The Ruger Security Six is an excellent weapon but it is no longer in production so at some point parts availability may become an issue. Good luck.
 
I've owned both SS's and 13's and like them both. I prefer the Six overall because it's easier to field strip and has a frame design that suits my hand somewhat better. But it's a close thing--both are excellent sidearms. Though most folks opt for the 2" to 3" range for CCW. Remember the Speed Six is the same as the Security but with fixed sights.
 
Geister,
Like Cosmoline said, a 2"-3" would be better as a carry since a 4" barrel is a little long. I have a Ruger Service-Six (like the Speed-Six but with a Square Butt) with a 2.75" barrel and it is small enough to conceal and is a comfortable carry.

The trigger on my Ruger is as smooth as glass but I can't compare it to a M13 because I have never shot one. You should shoot only 158 gr Magnum rounds through a S&W K frames because it's the 125 gr screamers that do the damage. Also, don't worry about the fixed sights since S&W tunes their PIA/POI to 158 gr rounds.
 
Actually, the barrels on the 13/65 differed substantially from those on the 66: the 13/65 models had thicker (heavier) barrels and, except for the "Ladysmith" variant, they were not made with the enclosed underlug that is found on the 66. Finally, though a few were made, you are not likely to locate a 66 with the 3" barrel that is common to 13s and 65s.

I carried and qualified for several years with a 13 and, later, a 65 before my department authorized semi-autos. The original 13 that I used had a wonderful trigger (in both s/a and d/a modes), far nicer than any Ruger I've personally shot. If I carried a revolver concealed again, it would no doubt be a 13 or a 65 with the 3" barrel- it's the best compromise I know of in terms of size/weight/power for ccw use.
 
What stocks/grips fit your hand?

Both S&W and the Ruger actions can be worked on to smooth them up.
Start looking at what holsters and stocks are available and work for you.
Why not a SP101? if you feel the need for a .357 to carry.
 
Either would be a good choice and for me personally, I like the 4" barrel better in a carry gun. I love the S&W triggers but the Rugers can be slicked up easily. The width of the cylinder is the main problem in concealing one and to me the 4" is just as easy to carry as the shorter barrels plus just a tad more velocity and bit longer sighting plane.
 
If you wanna practice A LOT with what you shoot, especially with heavy mag loads, I'd go for the Ruger.
Otherwise, whatever feels best to you.
 
I've owned both SS's and 13's and like them both. I prefer the Six overall because it's easier to field strip and has a frame design that suits my hand somewhat better. But it's a close thing--both are excellent sidearms. Though most folks opt for the 2" to 3" range for CCW. Remember the Speed Six is the same as the Security but with fixed sights.
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This pretty much mirrors my thinking. My bedside gun is a Ruger Police Service Six.

The Service Six is the same as the Security Six but with fixed sights instead of the adjustable sights on the Security Six. The Speed Six is the round butt version, though.

The Rugers can have very good triggers once broken in via shooting or dry firing.
 
The Ruger Security Six is an excellent weapon but it is no longer in production so at some point parts availability may become an issue.
Click to expand...

As far as that goes, parts breakage is very rare and sending it back to Ruger always an option. That said, Security Six parts are up on ebay all the time and you can get aftermarket spring packs from Midway and elsewhere. Both the Six and the 13 should be very easy for a smith to work on, in the unlikely event something goes wrong with either one.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I already decided that I want a 4" barrel and six shots.

The big issue with me is the trigger. I want a smooth DA trigger with no stacking. If I can work a Ruger's trigger to be almost as good as a S&W trigger without spending a lot of money, I might go that route. I kind of prefer adjustable sights.

But I am leaning towards the Model 13. If I shoot hot 158 loads (instead of 125s), do I really have to worry about the durability of the gun, i.e. the forcing cone? Or will the gun last pretty long?
 
I carried 4" Sixes--initially a fixed sighted service Six, later a Security Six--concealed for most of my LEO career. I would still give the Ruger the nod for durability, but hot 125s are rough on forcing cones. Both guns went back for new barrels but that was also after a lot of rounds through them. I still have and carry these guns. They will probably be the last guns I part with.

These days I do not feel the need to pour thousands of hot rounds through my guns. You can get plenty of good practice with a standard .38 spl. load and finish up with .357s. Go to the "ball and dummy" mode for the best practice, least expenditure of ammo, and least wear on the gun.

I am also fond of S&Ws but the Rugers are well nigh indestructible. Probably the best gun they ever made; IMHO and in that of many others, they should never have dropped them. The GP-100 is even tougher but a whole lot heavier and not CCW-friendly for most of us.
 
L-Frame
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Join Date: 12-01-03
Posts: 140

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Colubrid,

Nice guns! That S&W 13 is pretty, and sure looks familiar.
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Ya I still can't believe someone let this beauty go.:) ..

..some people:rolleyes:
 
Thanks for all the replies. I already decided that I want a 4" barrel and six shots.
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Have you tried concealed carry with a 4" barrel before? You may be in for a bit of a surprise. I found that the 3" barrel on the S&W M-13 or the M-65 are a heck of a lot easier to carry concealed than a 4" barreled gun.

With a 4" barrel your restricted to either a shoulder holster or strong-side behind-the-hip carry. You'll also need a decent sized cover garmet. With a 3" gun, you can also do appendix carry. I carry in a Alessi Talon IWB in the appendix carry position and can hide a 3" K-frame under a T-shirt. It's also very comfortable. I can't do that with a 4" inch. The extra inch of barrel gets in the way.

Right now I carry a 3" M-65. I also have a 3" M-13, but went for the stainless gun for carry. You really have to watch for rust on the blued guns with CCW.

It's up to you. Just trying to help you out if I can by sharing my experiences. Whatever you do decide, just make sure it works well enough that you actually *do* carry and don't get in the habit of leaving the gun at because it's not comfortable.
 
Yes, I have and I'm still only interested in a 4" barrel. Otherwise I can get a 9mm +P that's smaller, which I probably will eventually as a BUG. I won't do appendix carry if I can carry IWB. Model 13s with the 3" barrel are too hard to find anyway.

I'll look into "ball and dummy" training, thanks Dienekes.

Edit: Oh wait, that's how I learned to begin with and continue to do so, haha.
 
With a 4" barrel your restricted to either a shoulder holster or strong-side behind-the-hip carry.
Click to expand...
Chan eil. I carry my 4" SecSix in a Bianchi owb holster just in front of the side belt loop on my jeans. This holster is a "high ride" so the barrel length isn't that much of an issue. The Pachmayr grip is much more of a problem to keep from showing through an untucked shirt.

Buy your shirts loose and long ;)
 
M13 all the way. Better trigger, faster handling, fixed sights that won't snag and can't get knocked around.

The Sec'y Six is a good gun, but nothing beats a M13 with three-inch tube for carry. The four-incher isn't bad either.
 
I don't agree. The triggers on the Security-Sixes can be made slick as glass over a single weekend of dry firing. The Ruger also is far more durable and handles every bit as fast as a 13, plus it has an ejector rod housing. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Smith 13s, a lot, but the stainless Security- or Speed-Sixes are really the way to go on this.

The Rugers are built like a brick outhouse. Cylinders, topstraps, pawls/hands, ejector rods, hammers and triggers — all are more massive.

Even so, I'd love to have a beautiful, pristine 13, but then, I've got a few Rugers kicking around.
 
Croyance: And if we add adjustable sites and an underluged barrel to a 13 what do we get?...


(I'm talking useage/feel here man)
 
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