Changing a barrel in a Ruger security six.

steve45

I've had a 4 inch Ruger security six lying around for several years. I received it from a relative that could not pay a debt. I dont use it as I have another 4 inch 357, it has worn bluing and would'nt be worth much to sell. I bought a 2 3/4 inch barrel for it used. How hard is it to change out a barrel in this. Is it gunsmith only or can it be done at home. Thanks, Steve G

charliemeyer007

I don't think it's a DIY project for most folks without the correct tools if it needs adjusting to get the correct gap or the sight to be in the right position.

competentone

It wouldn't be a do-it-yourself job for most people.

I'd also question your conclusion that it "would'nt be worth much to sell" -- it's hard to say without seeing it, but I've seen Ruger Security-Sixes with a lot of worn bluing still bring $300+ on the auction side.

chris8X57

Wouldn't do it yourself.

Rugers shanks are 24 TPI, and they are much tighter than say, a S & W with the 36 TPI.
Pulled a bunch of Security Six barrels in the 1980s, and can attest to them being pretty tight.

ruger41

That gun unless it's a rust bucket would bring $300-$350 easy. A gunsmith should be able to swap barrels for you for +-$100. You could of course have it reblued or even cerakoted if you want it looking fresh again. Or just swap barrels and shoot the heck out of it. You could sell the longer barrel to help offset some of the cost.

beantownshootah

quote:Originally posted by steve45
I've had a 4 inch Ruger security six lying around for several years. I received it from a relative that could not pay a debt. I dont use it as I have another 4 inch 357, it has worn bluing and would'nt be worth much to sell. I bought a 2 3/4 inch barrel for it used. How hard is it to change out a barrel in this. Is it gunsmith only or can it be done at home. Thanks, Steve G

Repeating what's already been said a used 4" 357 magnum Security Six with badly worn finish is still a $300 gun (at least). If its got more or less "normal" finish/holster wear at the muzzle and high spots, then you're talking a $350 (or more) gun. That may or may not be "worth much" but its still a relatively desirable gun from a utility standpoint.

In terms of swapping barrels, while it "can" be done at home, realistically, you probably don't want to.

Its easy to distort the frame on a barrel trying to remove it if you don't know what you're doing and/or don't have the right tooling. Buying the tools to do it right won't be cost effective if you're only going to do this once. Then after you get the old barrel off installing the new one requires "timing" it so that the sight is facing upwards, and then adjusting the cylinder gap. Not sure what the value of your time is, but I think when all is said and done, you're better off having a gunsmith do this for you.

Also, if you've never fired a short-barrelled .357 magnum before, just be aware that muzzle flash and noise can be "high".

Here is a somewhat well known picture of expert Massad Ayoob firing a .357 magnum at night. I suspect this is somewhat of a "posed" picture using a deliberately high flash/fire round for dramatic effect, but its still pretty impressive nonetheless:



If you "Google" 357 magnum muzzle flash, you'll get an assortment of these sorts of ring of fire type images.