I found a very well used Ruger Security Six for $259 but it seems to have some play in the cylinder which has me a little concerned. It doesn’t move front to back but it does rotate a little when the cylinder is locked in place. I don’t know if that is normal or if the movement is excessive. The trigger feels pretty good and I’d like to pick it up to use for my CHL Inctructor qualification next week but im concerned about the cylinder lining up with the barrel since it has some play to it. Should I be concerned? My other option is a new Rossi .357 with a 4” barrel at Academy. Its priced the same and that’s all I really have to spend right now. I cant afford a new Ruger/S&W.

Personally any kind of movement in the cylinder is a no go in my book. There is way too much to risk with that.

no way to measure but to me, it seems like its too much and considering the condition of the finish, id say its pretty old and probably very well used.

I'd walk away.

While the Security Six is a well made and reliable gun -they don't make them anymore and while it might be an easy fix there are just too many "ifs" about this situation to take a gamble.

I have see some pretty nice Rossis over the past several years so take the advice already given above and pass on the Ruger.

Mine has ZERO play in the cylinder, and it's an old one. Walk away from that. Any drag marks on the cylinder or anything?

Same with mine, lots of shots through it.

Is the cylinder movement present when you pull the hammer back ? How about when you lower the hammer by holding it firmly with your thumb and squeezing the trigger to lower BUT do not release the trigger after lowering the hammer...then is there any play/wiggle in the cylinder ?? Doing this should firmly lock the cylinder in place...of course do this while UNLOADED...I have seen many revolvers with some play (not fore and aft) but side to side that locked up like a vault after the trigger is pulled and held down as described...

rick

I haven't tried that test yet. It's at the local Cabela's and I've only seen It once. iI might go back again tomorrow and check it out.

If it has end shake (fore and aft movement) there should be excess clearance between the forcing cone and the cylinder face. A feeler gage will give you an idea of the amount...this can usually be corrected with a spacer (shim) that reduces the clearance...I don't remember the proper clearance but .004-.005" sticks in my mind...a good pistol smith will be familiar with all of this...I personally would prefer a used S&W, Colt or Ruger to a new Rossi or Taurus...good luck...

rick

If its at cabelas,ask them if its been checked by their gunsmith. I would think, they should have somebody that inspects the trade-ins..... The last time I was there, they had some S&W model 64 police trade-ins for @ $300.

ill ask about the gunsmith. unfortunately, they only have a bunch of Glocks and Sigs as police trade ins. The revolver cabinet for both used and new is small and mostly single action in the used counter. I do like the Ruger SP101 they have but i cant afford the $599 price tag on it. and they dont price match on firearms. Bullet Trap of all places has it for $499 but again, not in the budget right now. And i really would like to use my $134 store credit towards the purchase.

picked it up tonight. ugly on the outside but very sound mechanically. id post pics but i dont know how. Any idea what it cost to have Ruger re-blue it?

You might want to give it a really good cleaning then shoot the heck out of it...keep it clean with a little RemOil on the outside...refinishing almost never gets your money back and the patina always give a revolver character...did it lock up tight for you sir ? Have fun and enjoy your new purchase...

rick

it did. very little play when locked up and i mean very little. It seems mechanically sound so im taking it out on Saturday and will report back. It definitely needs a major cleaning. And character is one trait it has plenty of. as long as it shoots straight, im ok with how it looks. Would make an awesome truck gun or hiking/backpacking companion.

I put photos here since i have no idea how to post them to the thread.

http://s1215.photobucket.com/user/tpharr007/media/Ruger/DSC01881_zps07fd0e8f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

Use the IMG code when posting a pic

Nice looking little piece. That same model was my first revolver bigger than my Peacemaker .22, and I like the way they handle. Good luck to you. Oh and check your local area for someone to re-blue it for you. Keep your local businesses in business every chance you get.

Look forward to hearing a range report. That revolver definitely has character, and if it could talk it'd sure have stories to tell.

I'd leave it as is. Congrat's on the purchase.

Looks good to me...was it a LEO or security company trade in ? That was a really good price IMHO...have fun...

rick

FWIW I have several brand new revolvers from Smith, Taurus and Ruger that have at least 1/1000 end play and lateral movement. The forcing cone is big enough to handle in spec movement.

I have no idea who owned it and Cabelas could tell me nothing about it at all. I'm taking it out tomorrow morning and running 100 rounds of 38 through it and will give a range report when i get back. im hoping it shoots better than it looks.

I took it out yesterday and ran a 125 rounds through it, mostly .38's but a few .357's and it shot great. The front sight is loose as is the rear sight but i had a blast shooting it and feel confident i can pass the instructor qualification test with it. I did add some Hogue grips that have finger groves. The grip it came with was a little large for my hands and the Hogue has alot more texture. It seems to have good rifling and the only rust I have found was on the backstrap under the old grip. I cleaned it off and reoiled it really well. Thats part of the reason i want to have it reblued. Anyways, i had a blast shooting it, especially the .357's here is on of the targets and a pic of it with the new grip. This was 50 rounds at 3, 7, and 15 yards. Once its reblued, if i do that, I think it will be a keeper for along time.

Play in the cylinder is ok, unless it's at full lock, then it's not ok. With the gun unloaded, [censored] it. Is there any play? Then fire it, and keep the trigger held. Is there any play?

Edit: Just re-read, and saw where you already tested it at full lock. Sounds like it's good to go.

I have a Security Six that I have had for about 25 years. Probably in excess of
4000 rounds and it still shoots great. A little play is not a big problem. Enjoy your new gun.