The Ruger Police Service Six, particularly the 4-inch barrel .357 Magnum variant, holds a revered position among revolver enthusiasts. Its robust construction, reliable performance, and history make it a highly sought-after firearm. This in-depth look will explore its features, history, performance, and why it remains a popular choice for collectors and shooters alike.
The History of the Ruger Service Six
The Ruger Police Service Six emerged in the late 1970s, a response to the increasing demand for durable, reliable revolvers for law enforcement agencies. Ruger, known for its rugged and dependable firearms, met this need head-on. The Service Six, with its distinct features, quickly established itself as a capable and dependable sidearm. This model, and the closely related Security-Six, were some of the most successful revolvers ever produced by Ruger. Its popularity stemmed from its durability and accuracy.
Key Differences Between the Service Six and Security-Six
While often confused, the Service Six and Security-Six are distinct. The main difference lies in their construction:
- Service Six: Features a fully adjustable rear sight. This allows for precise sighting adjustments.
- Security-Six: Features a fixed rear sight. This sight is simpler and easier to produce.
The 4-inch barrel was a popular choice, offering a balance between concealability and accuracy. The .357 Magnum cartridge provided potent stopping power, making it suitable for both law enforcement and self-defense.
Features of the Ruger Police Service Six 357 Magnum 4 Inch
The Ruger Police Service Six 357 Magnum 4 inch boasts several features contributing to its legendary status:
- Rugged Construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel, it is built to withstand demanding conditions. Its solid frame can handle the recoil of the .357 Magnum.
- Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) Operation: This allows for quick double-action shooting or precise single-action shooting, offering versatility depending on the shooting situation.
- Adjustable Sights: This, a feature of the Service Six (but not the Security-Six), is crucial for accurate shooting at various ranges.
- 6-Shot Cylinder: Offers a respectable capacity for a revolver, increasing the ability to engage multiple targets before needing to reload.
- Smooth Action: The action is generally very smooth, making it easy to operate quickly and accurately.
Performance and Accuracy
The Ruger Police Service Six 4-inch .357 Magnum is known for its accuracy and reliability. The robust construction minimizes recoil, contributing to follow-up shots. The adjustable sights allow for precise zeroing at various distances. While subjective, many users report excellent accuracy with this revolver, making it suitable for both target shooting and self-defense. Many police departments reported high rates of accuracy and reliability in this revolver.
Ammunition Considerations
The .357 Magnum chambering allows for versatility in ammunition choices. Shooters can use .38 Special cartridges, which offer reduced recoil, or full-powered .357 Magnum cartridges for maximum stopping power. However, consistent practice is essential to master the recoil management associated with the full-powered .357 Magnum rounds.
Collecting and Value
The Ruger Police Service Six 357 Magnum 4 inch is a highly sought-after collectible firearm. Its historical significance, combined with its durability and reliability, makes it a valuable addition to any collection. The value varies depending on condition, but generally, well-preserved examples command a premium price in the collector's market.
Factors Affecting Value:
- Condition: Excellent condition significantly increases value. Minor wear reduces it. Rust and significant damage drastically lowers the value.
- Rarity: Certain variations or features might make a specific revolver more rare and valuable.
- Box and Papers: Original box, papers, and accessories significantly boost the value.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Reliability
The Ruger Police Service Six 357 Magnum 4 inch represents a classic in revolver design. Its robust build, accurate performance, and rich history have cemented its place as a favorite among shooters and collectors. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a collector, the Service Six remains a compelling choice for its reliability and enduring legacy. Its versatility and dependable performance make it suitable for various purposes, from target practice to self-defense. The value of the Police Service Six as a collectible is likely to only continue to increase.