Early Security Six: SA Trigger Pull Too Light? Grip Source?

[MoscowMike]

I just bought an early 4" blued Security Six, serial number starts with 150. It's mechanically in good shape, and seems to shoot well. The previous owner said the single action trigger pull had been worked on, and it is really light and crisp.

But, after shooting it a bit I'm wondering if it's too light. Using the weight and string method, my digital scale says it trips at 2 lb 5 oz. That's low enough that I really have to keep my finger very light on the trigger or it will go off. A lot of that is getting used to the piece, I know.

I can't make it go off by banging the butt on a table, so it's not stupidly light, and it depends on what I will do with it, but . . .

The double action is reasonably smooth, and 12 lb 3 oz isn't bad. If I get in a hurry that's likely what I would be using, but if I go to single action I will really have to be careful not to apply pressure.

Any thoughts?

It's wearing what look like the original factory grips. With the little bit of firing I have done with it they seem to be OK, but with full-house 357 I would probably prefer something a bit more hand filling.

But - I discovered that the early models have a slightly different grip frame than later Security Sixes, and most aftermarket grips say they will not fit. Does anyone have a drawing of the differences, or suggestions for grips that would fit? I can always make a wooden set from scratch, but it would be nice to know what the options are.

Thanks!

 

[788Ham]

I'm not a gun smith, so I can't answer all of your questions. However, if the trigger is that light, I'd see about getting it replaced, pronto! I have an Ruger SP 101 .357 that I had an action job done on it, my DA is 3.5 lbs., only way I shoot this revolver, not interested in SA! Not safe to shoot yours SA this way, again, my opinion only. If you have a good smith close by, I'd go chat with him and let him know whats up, maybe won't be too expensive to have the trigger worked on, replacing the parts. Good luck!

 

[shiftyer1]

I also have an early security-six. It's not easy to find replacement grips for it, but it can be done. Mine came with an aftermarket wood set that are ugly as sin but they work well and really fill my hand.

I can't speak to trigger pull in lbs but I did the home mod to my blackhawk but removing one spring. It had a very light trigger pull which I really enjoyed once I got used to it. I did have a couple early discharges while quickly aquireing a target. I changed it back after missing a couple nice does. Real light doesn't work for me in a workin gun.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A 10lb difference between the 2 trigger pulls sounds like a lot to me. You might want to have a qualified Gunsmith check it out to be sure the work was done by a professional instead of a home-grown trigger job where someone shortened or cut a spring to lighten the SA trigger pull. (but that's all just a guess on my part)

As for replacement grips, Badger Custom makes great grips and has several for the Security-Six. I really like the Rosewood grips and have them on several of my S&W revolvers.

 

[MoscowMike]

Thanks for the information. Slick6 sent me a link to some walnut grips on EBay which look like a pretty good deal.

Still have to do some thinking about the SA pull. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has had theirs worked on. If the hammer fell when I banged the butt on the table, I would know it's a defect. It doesn't, so I will probably do more shooting and make up my mind.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

IIRC, the 150-prefix has a different grip frame shape than later models (151-prefix). Check with the grip maker before ordering.

 

[slick6]

IIRC, the 150-prefix has a different grip frame shape than later models (151-prefix). Check with the grip maker before ordering.

The grips that I had referred to MoscowMike were specifically made for the older 150-prefix Security-Sixes.

 

[RugRev]

The gun most definitely has been worked on. The single action contact surfaces more than likely were honed, polished, trigger return spring lightened or replaced with a reduced weight one, had the creep removed and maybe the sear angle changed to reduce pull. Someone long time ago once recommended a single action pull no lighter than the weight of the gun. A 4" Security Six weighs approx. 36 oz. I have had a K frame with a 2 1/4 lb pull SA and this was done by a top notch known Smith & Wesson specialist. I much preferred around 3 lbs on this speciman. I would expect the double action to be around 10-12 lbs if nothing was done to reduce it. You might be able to increase the SA pull slightly if you can find a stock trigger return spring from Ruger or Numrich.

 

[Confederate]

There's always the Tyler-T grip adaptor. It keeps the gun's classic looks and greatly improves the gun's ability to handle magnum loads. As for the light SA, you might try buying a new hammer from Ruger. To get a light SA pull, the gunsmith most likely removed a bit too much metal on the hammer's let-off. There's no way to fix it except to replace the notch.



As you can see, the hammer should be easy to replace. The trigger has a place on it that moves against the notch until the metal runs out, then it snaps. By removing metal on the notch, the trigger has less room before it lets off -- thus, it stands to reason that a new hammer would start you out with a fresh let-off. I don't know if you can see it here, but it shows how the guns fits together.

 

[kludge]

What will it be used for?

A 2.5# trigger in single action is very nice, and is about what my Model 19 is. 12# whatever is pretty heavy IMO for double action - even for a defesive revolver.

If there is good sear engagement, don't worry about the light trigger pull. Just don't ever use single action in a defensive situation, train to use double action.

If you worry about the sear engagement, send it back to Ruger, any they can put factory parts in it.

My Service Six has a overly heavy double action pull, similar you yours, too heavy IMO. I've been toying with having some trigger work done, but I'd just rather trade it for a Speed Six with a short barrel.

 

[MoscowMike]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think I will put a factory trigger return spring in to see if that makes a difference in the SA weight.

As for the double action pull, I might do some polishing of wear points and see if that smooths it a bit. While poking around on the web I ran into this link for Ruger Double Action Shim Kits -

http://www.triggershims.com/ruger_double_action.html

They claim to smooth up and lighten the double action pull. Worth trying?

I'm looking forward to getting the new Jay Scott grips that Slick6 recommended. They look really nice. Here's the link -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jay-Scott-Walnut-Grips-Ruger-Security-Six-357-38-Special-150-Serial-/120887142223?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c256f674f

Turns out this is Sarco, using a different ebay name. And now that Spring is here, I might get out to the range more!

 

[RugRev]

Over at either rugerforum.com or rugerforum.net someone offered an online tutorial with pictures on polishing the innards and where. At one time there were the IBOKs written by a retired gunsmith available by email for free and later a book (now sold out) on the subject. While they were devoted to the GP and SP series many of the techniques also are appliable to the Six Series. Also, at one time there were Bullseye spring kits with reduced power main and trigger springs available but these are no longer made. The double action can be brought down to 7.5 to 8.5 lb range if desired.

 

[MoscowMike]

Thought I would post an update. I talked to Ruger and they shipped me a new factory trigger spring for free.

Installing the spring is a real bugger. If I have to do it again I'm going to figure out a jig, or get someone with really strong hands to do it! Once installed, it did raise the SA pull, but only a bit, from 2lb 5oz to 2lb 11oz. It is a noticeable difference, though, and I think worth it. No noticable change to the DA pull. Still needs to be smoothed a bit.

The Jay Scot NOS grips I got are quite large.

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Here's a comparison with the factory grips -

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There's lots of wood on the aftermarket grips, but that's OK. I'm going to re-shape them to fit my hands better, thin them down, perhaps cut them shorter and round the butt. It's easier to make smaller than larger!

When I talked to Ruger they said that there are very few parts still available for these revolvers, so if you need something significant done and ship it to Ruger, they may not be able to repair it and could only offer you a discount on a newer Ruger. I gather if they don't feel it's safe, they won't ship it back to you so you would be stuck with either the discounted new one or nothing.

 

[jhco50]

At one time, when shooters were considered smarter and better, a normal target trigger was about 3lbs. Even hunters would keep their trigger pulls at about 4lbs, and sometimes less.

Then lawyers got involved and all of the manufacturers started raising the trigger pulls, some were atrocious. Now if a shooter gets a 5lb pull they think they are getting a light trigger.

Shoot your gun for awhile and concentrate to get the best sight picture and I think you will find you start making more bullseyes.

 

[BCRider]

Most of us shooting for fun would love a trigger that light. Especially if it has little to no movement. And here's you trying to "fix" it....

If you're using the gun for defense I'd say that you may want to concentrate on using it in the DA mode anyway. Cocking the hammer even on the two stock or only slightly breathed on DA revolvers is still pretty light. I would not want to have a nervous moment with a cocked hammer during a confrontational situation. I'd rather rely on the far more deliberate act of a DA pull. Save the light SA operation for those longer range fun shots at the range.

 

[Old Fuff]

One of the few weaknesses in the Ruger Security/Service/Speed-Six design is the trigger spring, that is a mousetrap sort of thing. Changing it for a stock one will have very little affect on the trigger pull, single or double action. The later GP and 101 series revolvers use a heavier coil spring, and that offers some options. Hopefully everyone will understand that techniques and methods used to action tune one particular model (or models) will not necessarily translate to another.

 

[Steve C]

A 2.5lb single action trigger is just a nice trigger weight. Bullseye rules allow for as light as 2lbs for centerfire in calibers less than .45 acp. With a revolver you will not rip off multiple rounds due to the light trigger that could happen with the heavier recoiling semi auto.

I bought a used law enforcement trade in S&W 67 that has a single action trigger around 2 lbs, perfectly safe. One of my favorite guns to shoot.

Thing to remember is the rule: keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. If using it for SD this rule is even more important. finger outside the trigger guard until you want the gun to go off. You should never rely on the trigger weight to stop the firearm from going off when keeping your finger on the trigger. How many times do you read "the gun just went off" as an excuse for unintentional discharge regardless of how heavy the trigger was.

 

[MoscowMike]

Lots of interesting advice. I agree about keeping your finger off the trigger, and the danger of a cocked pistol in a stressful situation.

I do feel that the current SA pull weight works better for me. It's funny what a few ounces can do. Sme of that may just be getting used to it, but before the trigger spring change it seemed to go off too easily. Now I feel more in control.

Next I can start re-shaping those grips a bit, and spend some time at the range.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Remllez]

If you like the gun and want work done, find the parts yourself and take it to a Trusted gunsmith for repair/replacement. Ruger has warned you that a discounted new model may be all you get back if you send them your Security Six.

I'd pop over to a Ruger chat room or two and pose your question to the members there before jumping in with both feet. No sense taking undue risks with your revolver.

 

[CraigC]

Nothing at all wrong with a 2lb SA trigger. Most of my sixguns are in this range.

 

[Elmer]

If you like the gun and want work done, find the parts yourself and take it to a Trusted gunsmith for repair/replacement. Ruger has warned you that a discounted new model may be all you get back if you send them your Security Six.

I'd pop over to a Ruger chat room or two and pose your question to the members there before jumping in with both feet. No sense taking undue risks with your revolver.

Yup. Ruger is out of many of the Sec Six series parts.